YWCA Metropolitan Chicago aims to build a community of women and men who donate their time, talents and resources in support of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. By sponsoring and/or hosting a YWCA event, you will be making a difference in your community by raising awareness of available YWCA services and by introducing the agency to potential corporate and individual donors. Sponsor and host benefits and responsibilities vary depending on the type of event. Here is a list of events for which the YWCA is seeking sponsors and hosts:
Leader Luncheon
Leader Luncheon, held in October, is the YWCA’s largest annual fundraiser. The luncheon draws over 1,000 professionals from corporate, private and social service sectors and offers a great chance to salute the achievements of the YWCA’s Outstanding Leader honorees while supporting the critical work of the YWCA.
Empowerment Evenings
Empowerment Evenings are monthly networking events, which bring a community of professionals together to share resources and ideas and learn from experts about how to empower ourselves. Empowerment Evenings often feature a guest speaker, panel discussion or topical presentation.
These events can be held at a corporate, retail or private venue or at a YWCA center. Event sponsors are responsible for identifing and securing a venue to accommodate a networking event for a minimum of 50 people. Sponsors will also be responsible for the catering for the event. Typical catering includes wine, soda, water, cheese, crackers and sweets. Sponsor will be acknowledged in name and logo on all marketing materials related to the event. A dedicated email for the event will be sent to the YWCA’s database of over 20,000 individuals. Sponsors will have the opportunity to connect with event guests through welcome remarks and giveaways. Past host sponsors include: McDonald’s Corporation, AAR, Zano Salon in Naperville, Office Max, Deloitte, Crowe Horwath, Grady’s Grill and Whole Foods Market.
“Fortify Our Future” Events
Fortify Our Future events are intimate YWCA fundraising breakfasts and luncheons designed to cultivate individual donors. The YWCA is seeking sponsors to underwrite all the costs associated with these events, maximizing guests’ contributions and allowing event proceeds to fully impact the women and families served by the YWCA.
At these one-hour events, guests will have the opportunity to network with other Chicago professionals while learning about YWCA programs. A short video will share the stories and program successes of YWCA clients. Event sponsors will be part of the program and will have the opportunity to promote their own business and highlight their support of the YWCA.
Private Marketing or Fundraising Events
Hosting an event in your home, office or other private space can be a terrific way to introduce your personal and professional contacts to the work of the YWCA. Consider honoring a special woman in your life by hosting a luncheon for friends and family. For example, you may hold a happy hour networking event in your office or arrange a breakfast with a featured speaker on an interesting topic. Regardless of the type of event, YWCA staff can work with you to develop creative and engaging programming and maximize the benefit to both you and the YWCA. For more information on sponsoring or hosting an event, please contact us at events@ywcachicago.org or 312-762-2743.