DECI SPONSORSHIP REQUEST

EFFECTIVE 02/04/2025

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Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI)

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) is a 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to fostering community growth by supporting and promoting downtown Eau Claire. Our mission is to enhance the vitality and vibrancy of downtown through collaborative initiatives, community engagement, and a strong commitment to supporting local businesses.

 

MISSION
Our primary mission is to grow the downtown community by providing resources, support, and opportunities for businesses and residents. DECI plays a vital role in promoting the economic, cultural, and social life of downtown Eau Claire. Through our efforts, we aim to attract new businesses, enhance the experiences of residents and visitors, and celebrate the unique spirit of the downtown area.

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DECI DONATION REQUEST SUPPORT

In an effort to support initiatives that encourage individuals within and outside the greater Eau Claire community to come downtown or establish businesses in downtown Eau Claire, DECI has established guidelines to define thresholds for sponsorships and donation requests. 

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During the annual budgeting process, DECI will allocate funds for sponsorships, based on previous year’s earnings and available funds.  Funds will first be allocated to the Jump Start and Downtown Enhancement Grants.  Remaining funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis until the funds are depleted.The Grants Sponsorships, and Fundraising Committee is encouraged to maintain a minimum of $1000 in the sponsorship budget until June 1 of every year.

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Requestors will be required to complete an application at least 6 weeks prior to event / promotion.

DECI’s Grants, Sponsorships, and Fundraising Committee will review all applications and hold the right to approve or deny any application.  This committee may award sponsorships in any amount up to the requested amount for each application so long as there are available funds in the budget.

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DONATION FUNDING ELIGIBILITY

DECI’s goals are to fund events that encourage businesses and people to come to downtown Eau Claire and/or enhance the downtown experience.  As such, DECI will prioritize events, initiatives or requests that occur within the limits of Downtown Eau Claire boundaries and present a new or novel approach or expand upon an existing offering.  In addition to any funds allocated, DECI will promote the event on social media.  

 

SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. The applicant must have an active DECI membership in order to apply for a sponsorship.  

2. DECI Membership information and registration can be found here: 

3.  The applicant must clearly identify the downtown community impact including:

   1. how the event will improve the experience of downtown

   2. financial impact

   3. social impact

   4. anticipated number of attendees

   5. details on how funds will be utilized 

   6. overall program costs

4. If the applicant receives funds from DECI, they will be required to acknowledge DECI’s sponsorship on all press releases, print, radio, online, social media or other marketing materials related to the event or project. 

5. The applicant will be expected to “share” DECI posts as a means to spread support of the event. 

6. The applicant will be required to complete a post event survey describing if their goals were achieved and any barriers or challenges they faced.  By doing so, the applicant will help our community understand how DECI supports outstanding downtown stakeholders.  Failure to complete the post event report could result in the requestor being denied future funding requests. This survey must be completed and submitted to DECI no later than one month following the event date.

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FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Only current DECI members are eligible to apply for sponsorships

2. Expected attendance at the event should meet or exceed 100 persons.

3. Maximum requested amount is $500 / event or submission. 

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SPONSORSHIP INELIGIBILITY:

1. Incomplete applications or applications that have not been submitted at least one month prior to the event start date will not be considered.

2. Organizations that discriminate against individuals based on race, color, creed, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation.

3. Political or government organizations

4. Religious groups are eligible to apply, however the use of sponsorship funds may be not use proselytizing.