2024 Pillar Sponsorship program - call for proposals

Apply for $10,000 in sponsorship for your impactful initiative! - NOW CLOSED

The Pillar Sponsorship program invests annually in alumni and student initiatives. We are pleased to invite you to submit your sponsorship proposal this fall during the application period of October 2 - 19, 2023 - now closed.

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.

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, 2024.

What are the benefits of being sponsored?

Beyond the direct sponsorship funding ($10,000 funding per initiative in 2024), 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 ideas for improvement.

Please note: The Program seeks a balance of funding across the U of T divisions represented. Approximately 20 projects will be approved for 2024. 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

Read all information provided on this web page.
Carefully select the sponsor values that most align with your project.
Apply online by the deadline: October 19, 2023, at 5:00pm ET. APPLICATION CLOSED.
Retain a copy of your online application for your records (PDF is provided).
All applicants will be notified of results in December 2023.
Approved applicants to attend an info session in January 2024.

See FAQs covering the basics of applying (PDF).

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 rates for home, car, and travel insurance.
Sponsor Target Audience	Alumni	Alumni, Students, Faculty & Staff

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 .