Hopecoming 2026 — Sponsorship Opportunities
About Hopecoming

Hopecoming is Hope Chicago's signature annual event, bringing together civic and business leaders, supporters, and friends to invest in thousands of Hope Scholars and their parents pursuing postsecondary education, training, and great jobs across Illinois.

As we embark on our 5th year, we gather to mark something that couldn't have been celebrated before: the first wave of Hope Scholars crossing the finish line. The students who joined us at the very beginning are graduating this spring — from college, debt-free, with their families beside them. Hopecoming 2026 is our chance to honor what that means, and to invest in every scholar still on their way.

We'll celebrate at the Obama Presidential Center — a fitting home for an evening about what becomes possible when a community decides that the next generation deserves better.

This year's packages include a new Year-Round Presenting Partnership — the only way to hold Presenting-level recognition across both Hopecoming and the GoalGetters Conference. Individual event tiers are available below, with Visionary as the top standalone Hopecoming sponsorship.

Levels of support
Special Offering · 5th Year · GoalGetters Conference + Hopecoming
Year-Round Presenting Partner
Hope Chicago's two flagship events · Summer & Fall 2026
$100,000
We're offering this partnership for the first time in our 5th year — because this year is different. The first wave of Hope Scholars just graduated, and we want a presenting partner who is with us for the full arc of that story: the GoalGetters Conference, where the next class prepares for what's ahead, and Hopecoming, where Chicago gathers to celebrate what's already been accomplished.
Naming & visibility
Presenting name across all materials for both events
Logo on all GGC venue materials
Stage, invitation & website at Hopecoming
Annual impact report recognition
Welcome remarks or video at Hopecoming
Engagement & access
VIP table for 10 + pre-event reception at Hopecoming
Host Committee recognition
Up to 20 employee volunteers in a structured role at GGC
Named presenting sponsor of GGC Career Exposure Day
Program site visit
Impact & stewardship
First right of refusal for C.O.R.E. industry day or Scholar intern cohort
Custom co-branded impact report covering both events
Shareable with board, stakeholders, or CSR report
Visionary
$50,000
Provides vital support for an individual Hope Scholar for the full duration of their postsecondary education — tuition, room and board, fees, and meal plans from first semester through completion.
Recognition & access
VIP table for 10
Logo on invitation and website
Host Committee recognition
Digital recognition from stage
Exclusive pre-event reception with Hope Chicago leadership
Annual impact report recognition
Impact & stewardship
Named impact report
Year-end outcomes data, shareable with your board or CSR stakeholders
Hope Chicago program site visit
Champion
$25,000
Supports the work of a Student Success Coach — embedded in one of Hope Chicago's five partner high schools, guiding students and families from senior year through postsecondary enrollment.
Benefits
Table for 10
Name on invitation & website
Host Committee recognition
Digital recognition from stage
Program site visit
Annual impact report recognition
Advocate
$15,000
Contributes to Hope Chicago's Scholar Emergency Fund — critical support that keeps an unexpected bill or disruption from becoming the reason a Scholar leaves school.
Benefits
Table for 10
Name on invitation & website*
Digital recognition from stage
Program site visit
Post-event impact summary
Annual impact report recognition
Friend
$7,500
Adds to the Scholar Essentials Fund — a shared resource covering the costs financial aid doesn't: textbooks, dorm supplies, and the everyday expenses that can quietly derail a postsecondary path.
Benefits
Table for 10
Name on event website
Digital recognition at event
Post-event impact summary
Annual impact report recognition

*Print inclusion on invitation dependent on commitment by August 15, 2026.