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New! 2023 PILLAR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM - CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Apply for $10,000 in Sponsorship for your Impactful Initiative! - NOW CLOSED

See the New 2024 application

The Pillar Sponsorship program invests annually in alumni and student initiatives. We are pleased to invite you to submit your sponsorship proposal up to the extended deadline of November 8, 2022.

This year, sponsorship applicants are asked to “Tell Us Your Story”. We want to hear about how your club, event or program impacts the U of T community and the world – whether that be through meaningful connections, inspiring the next generation, or encouraging Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on our campuses and beyond.

Apply now and ‘Tell Us Your Story’ about the tangible, emotive, inspiring impact of your planned initiative! Share with us how you'll get the word out about your story.

Our Sponsors: U of T Affinity Partners
The University of Toronto has long-standing affinity relationships with Manulife and TD Insurance. Our affinity partners offer U of T alumni preferred rates on competitive insurance packages and give a portion of proceeds from these services to support a range of diverse and valuable initiatives each year. See all affinity products.

Program Proposals & COVID-19
This year we are welcoming virtual and in-person initiatives while remaining aware of the potential for public health restrictions on in-person gatherings. For those considering in-person initiatives, a high-level contingency plan for a virtual program must be included should public health restrictions prevent such in-person gatherings in the year ahead.

Who can apply? 
Open to U of T alumni, students, and staff, who develop projects, events or initiatives which add value to alumni and students in the University community and embody the sponsor values laid out by our affinity partners (see Sponsor Specific Criteria below)
Be non-academic in nature, with program focus in Canada, and take place between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

What are the benefits of being sponsored?

Beyond the direct sponsorship funding (New! $10,000 flat funding per initiative in 2023), the Pillar Sponsorship Program provides many supporting benefits:

  • ongoing, individual support from Alumni Relations throughout the program 
  • opportunities for broad exposure for your initiative and work across the U of T community  
  • sponsor branded swag / prizes (as available) 
  • stand-up ‘thank you’ banners for events 
  • support with best practices in social media and branding to simplify your work and final reporting processes, including info sessions, peer support and templates 
How are proposals assessed?

We want to hear about how your club, event or program impacts the U of T community and the world. Our affinity partner sponsors, Manulife and TD Insurance, have strong community values and are keen to sponsor broadly-impactful initiatives. ‘Tell Us Your Story’ about the tangible, emotive, inspiring impact of your planned initiative! Share with us how you'll get the word out about your story while thanking the sponsors who helped make it happen. Assessment criteria of project proposals:

  • Compelling Story Represents a compelling storytelling opportunity for the U of T community broadly.
  • Community Impact – Effect on U of T alumni, students, and the greater University community.
  • Shared Values – Alignment with the sponsor values (at least one). And, any support for EDI at U of T.
  • Marketing Plan – Extent of marketing opportunities provided for the sponsors. Providing measurable marketing visibility for the sponsors, such as placing their logo on your event posters, in social media, and on your website.
    • For returning applicants, report on previous year which summarizes your sponsorship marketing and how it could improve.

Please note: Approximately 20 projects will be approved for 2023. Historically, the number of applications submitted greatly exceeds those that are approved. Past project approval is not a guarantee of future approval.

How to apply
  1. Read all information provided on this web page.
  2. Carefully select the sponsor values that most align with your project.
  3. Apply online by the extended deadline: November 8, 2022. APPLICATION CLOSED.
  4. Retain a copy of your online application for your records (PDF is provided).
  5. All applicants will be notified of results in December 2022.
  6. Approved applicants will attend an info session in January 2023.

A 'How To Apply' webinar was held on October 18, for all interested applicants. This online session was optional and aimed to cover the basics of applying. Webinar recording is available upon request.

Sponsor specific criteria
Please review the information below and identify the sponsor values that are well aligned with your project.
Sponsor
Values
Healthy Active Living,
Financial well-being,
Innovation,
Sustainable Future
Financial Security,
Vibrant Planet,
Connected Communities,
Better Health
Sponsor
Values
Description
Building strong, resilient communities together Manulife makes decisions easier and lives better. One of the ways we do that is by investing in programs that motivate and empower people to make informed choices that help them live longer, healthier, more financially secure lives. More information: Manulife Community Investment TD's purpose is to enrich the lives of our customers, colleagues and communities. With a focus on financial security, vibrant planet, connected communities and better health, we’re taking action by supporting opportunities that help people feel more confident about the future. Giving in these four areas supports change, nurtures progress and contributes to making the world a better, more inclusive place. More information: TD Ready Commitment
Sponsor's
U of T
Affinity
Product
Manulife offers U of T alumni affordable rates on term life, disability, personal accident, health and dental insurance. The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program provides savings through preferred insurance rates for home and auto.
Sponsor
Target
Audience
Alumni: Ages 25-45 Alumni, Students, Staff & Faculty: Ages 25-49

If you have any questions about the Program or the suitability of your project, please feel free to contact Benjamin Goss, Manager, Alumni Services and Affinity Products, at pillar.sponsorship@utoronto.ca.

Please note: Approximately 20 projects will be approved for 2023. Historically, the number of applications submitted greatly exceeds those that are approved. Past project approval is not a guarantee of future approval.

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