Conferences are first to pledge sponsorships for ‘special edition’ Synod

The United Church of Christ’s first-ever virtual General Synod is attracting financial sponsors.

The first to get on board are Conferences of the UCC. More than half of them have already made pledges, totaling $51,500.

All kinds of organizations — UCC-related ministries as well as businesses, nonprofits and more — can buy sponsorships through June 30.

In return, they will receive several kinds of thank-you’s during the online event July 11-18.

“It is a one-time ‘special edition’ Synod,” said Jacqueline Owen, UCC development strategist. “The opportunities for engaging with the delegates and visitors will also be unique. We have created sponsorship packages that we hope will attract many UCC organizations.”

Sponsors keep Synod affordable

Exposure is certainly one reason to be a sponsor, said the Rev. Kent Siladi, UCC director of philanthropy. Sponsors can tell delegates and visitors the stories of their organizations and inform them about their work.

But it is not the only reason.

“Sponsors are an important part of General Synod,” he said. “They provide welcome revenue so that we can keep registration costs at a reasonable price.”

Sponsorships join two other forms of income — registration fees and a portion of Our Church’s Wider Mission National Basic Support — in making the meeting possible. Sponsorships brought in $220,000 for the 2019 Synod, Owen said.

Many levels

Standard sponsorship levels range from $5,000 to $20,000+. Benefits vary with those levels. Examples include name, logo and other recognition:

• During Zoom sessions of the Synod itself
• In related materials that go to people who register for Synod
• At the UCC website and on its social media channels

Sponsors receive exposure — and “provide welcome revenue so we can keep registration costs reasonable.”

The Rev. Kent Siladi, Director of Philanthropy

Conferences — whose key roles include supplying most of the Synod’s delegates — have a special sponsorship rate sheet: $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000.

Siladi said he is grateful for the sponsorships they continue to send in. Some, he said, have used dollars originally set aside for delegate travel and housing — expenses that don’t exist with this online Synod.

These Conferences have made pledges so far:

• Central Atlantic
• Central Pacific
• Florida
• Heartland
• Indiana-Kentucky
• Kansas-Oklahoma
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• Pacific Northwest
• Penn Central
• Penn Northeast
• South Central
• Southeast
• Southern
• Southern New England
• Tri-Conference Ministry (Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota)
• Wisconsin

Where to learn more

Any organization that wants to book a sponsorship or get details about benefits can contact Jacqueline Owen at owenj@ucc.org or (216) 736-2169.

All sponsors play an important role in keeping Synod affordable, Siladi said. “They are our partners in carrying out our vision, ‘United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.'”