Become A Community Champion
Corporate sponsors are critical to our work of ensuring equitable food access to seniors and people with disabilities in Chicago.
Sponsorship at a Glance
FUND MEALS AND NECESSITIES >
Ensure homebound seniors are never forgotten during city-wide emergencies, holidays or other times throughout the year. Corporate funding allows us to provide seniors and people with disabilities with meals and wellness necessities during times of greatest need.
SPONSOR EVENTS TO RAISE AWARENESS >
These events serve as the lifeblood of our fundraising efforts and are vital in raising awareness for our cause. By becoming a sponsor, you not only align your brand with an important purpose but also make a tangible difference in the lives of people in need. Join us today and become a critical part of Meals on Wheels Chicago.
NEW! Culinary Champions of Chicago Unite
As part of an initiative to promote health and well-being among seniors, Meals on Wheels Chicago is thrilled to announce a new series of cooking demonstrations that will add an educational component to the monthly Nourish Chicago Pantry. Launching in February 2024 in the city of big shoulders and even bigger hearts, these engaging sessions will feature renowned local chefs such as Lawrence Letrero (Bayan Ko), David Wang (Asadito Taco), David Oland (Mercat a la Planxa), William Laur (Le Sud), and Austin Fausett (LG). They will be guiding seniors through the creation of healthy signature dishes. The goal is to empower seniors with culinary skills, promote nutrition, and foster a sense of community through the joy of cooking.
Contact us to learn about sponsoring a cooking demonstration. Your support will help pay for the free bags of groceries distributed at these events so seniors can make the recipes at home!
Sponsor the Nourish Chicago Pantry
Meals on Wheels Chicago puts health on the pantry shelf for seniors who need it. The cost of food is soaring, and seniors throughout the city are facing tough decisions. Meals on Wheels Chicago believes that no one should have to choose between food, medicine, and housing. In response, we launched the Nourish Chicago Pantry to bring fresh produce, healthy protein options, and shelf-stable goods to all seniors every month.
The pantry is only possible with the support of corporate sponsors, donors and grantmakers. Contact us to learn about sponsoring a pantry or a series of pantries.
Third-Party Fundraisers
Businesses can support Meals on Wheels Chicago by taking donations at check-out, offering special items for sale with proceeds benefitting our mission, donating a portion of sales, hosting special ticketed events, and so much more! The sky is the limit! You’ll see these businesses featured on our social media with the hashtag #SupportOurSupporters. Contact us to learn more.
Some of our past partners:
Buona Beef
Chicago Fire
Hop Butcher
Farrand Hall
Le Sud Chicago
Taqueria Chingon
The Ivy Room
Sponsor Meals and Activities at Senior Centers
Corporations can sponsor lunch, a social activity for seniors (such as Bingo), a take-home meal, or a cooking demonstration at one of the City of Chicago’s six main senior centers. There is no budget for this program; it is only offered ad hoc when corporations and organizations support it. Sponsors also invite individuals or corporate groups to volunteer to help facilitate the social activity and distribute meals.
Your company receives:
A sponsorship announcement in an upcoming email newsletter
A dedicated social media post on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
These monetary donations are fully tax deductible.
Spread the Word to Fundraise for Items We Offer Seniors
Coordinate a Virtual Pantry Drive with coworkers, friends and family.
With the Virtual Pantry Drive, circulate an online campaign where participants can cover the cost of items offered at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, including protein packages, produce boxes, kitchen supplies and more. Items are available at a variety of donation price points.
Corporate recognition packages are available. These monetary donations are fully tax deductible.
Cover the Costs of Pet Care
Pets offer companionship to aging seniors. We never want our senior clients to face a choice between feeding their pets and feeding themselves. We distribute packs with food, toys, and even medicine for dogs and cats, but we can’t do it without financial support.
We will work with you to determine a sponsorship amount and works with your budget and provides Pet Packs for as many seniors as possible.
Your company receives:
A sponsorship announcement in an upcoming email newsletter
A dedicated social media post on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
These monetary donations are fully tax deductible.
Cover the Cost of a Holiday Meal for Homebound Seniors
For homebound seniors without family members nearby, the holidays can be especially lonely. Your company can do something about it by sponsoring a special holiday meal delivery. In this way, you would provide nourishment and care to homebound seniors during what can be a difficult time.
In return, your company will receive the following:
Naming opportunity (ex: The 2026 Example Company Labor Day Meal)
Dedicated press release sent to local media
Mention on Meals on Wheels Chicago news section and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
The holidays available for sponsorship are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, and Christmas.
Sponsor All Three of Our Annual Events
Become a corporate sponsor of our signature events, and enjoy special advertising opportunities throughout the year at each of our three major fundraising events. See below for information about each event and contact our team to get started today!
“Foodie Paradise”
— CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Sponsor Celebrity Chef Ball
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024 | THE GERAGHTY
Chicago’s top Chefs, culinary enthusiasts, and corporate partners will come together for a celebration of food and philanthropy to help Chicago’s homebound seniors and people with disabilities flourish.
More than 360 guests are expected to attend, representing Chicago’s most socially astute consumers, philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and business leaders. 60% Urban, 40% Suburban | 55% Female, 45% Male | Avg Age: 40 yrs
Critical Acclaim for Celebrity Chef Ball!
“There are a lot of chef-driven charity events in Chicago, but the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball is always one of the most spectacular.” – Chicagoist
“The culinary roster is epic” – Check, Please!
“One of Chicago’s premier culinary events.” – ABC 7
Customized sponsorship packages available upon request.
Sponsor Chicago On Tap
APRIL 25, 2024 | THEATER ON THE LAKE
Join Meals on Wheels Chicago at this FUNdraising event that celebrates the culinary and brewing arts. The Associate Board‘s signature event Chicago on Tap features more than 60 beer samplings from over a dozen craft breweries, a beer-inspired menu from top Chicago restaurants, raffle prizes, and live music.
More than 400 guests and volunteers and 40 participating establishments attend, representing Chicago’s professionals and most socially astute foodie and craft beer fans. 44% Male, 56% Female | 29% Single, 71% Married | 54% Have Children in Household | Avg. Age: 35 yrs
For a customized sponsorship package, please contact us.
Sponsor Annual Golf Classic
JUNE 3, 2024 | HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB
Hit the links for a good cause at the Meals on Wheels Chicago Golf Classic! Players participate in 18 holes of golf, and enjoy breakfast and a Bloody Mary bar, lunch served on the course, followed by cocktails, dinner, and raffle!
There are more than 150 golfers and dozens of corporate volunteers who attend the golf outing, representing a wide range of Chicago’s corporate sponsors, business leaders, vendor company owners, and philanthropic individuals. Attendees are 77% Male, 23% Female | Avg Age: 48
For a customized sponsorship package, please contact us.