Event Sponsorships
MMDC works to make the Medical District a more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable place to live, work, learn, and play. One way we aim to achieve this mission is through support of events that will activate our public spaces, places, and businesses throughout the neighborhoods of the Medical District – the Edge, Victorian Village, the Pinch District, Uptown, Madison Heights, and Peabody Vance. See the map here. We hope our sponsorship will provide additional support to make your event happen in 2023. Read more about the types of sponsorships we offer below.
Are you planning a public event in 2023? Consider hosting your event in one of the Medical District’s public spaces and be a part of the momentum in this vibrant, centrally-located area of Memphis. MMDC’s Event Sponsorship is open to any individual, association, business, or organization interested in bringing people together in the Medical District community.
This program supports events such as:
Neighborhood events
Festivals
Institutional events
Grand opening celebrations
Holiday markets
Creative marketing events supporting the District
More!
Funding opportunity range: $500-$1,500. Applicants may only receive one grant per calendar year.
Before completing an application, please read the Event Sponsorship FAQ and full application instructions at the bottom of this page.
*If approved, payment will be disbursed to applicant in two payments - half when the agreement is complete and half after the event is completed and event survey is submitted.
The Event Sponsorship Program is closed and will reopen in early 2024.
FAQ + Application Instructions
What type of events do you support?
MMDC is looking to support events that build on the positive momentum in the Medical District, activate and connect people to places within the District, and build community in these spaces.
For example:
Neighborhood Events: Events within parks, greenspaces, plazas in your neighborhood
Festivals: Large events that typically draw 1,000+ attendees
Institutional Events: Events organized by students, employees, and professional development groups. Events can also be held on institutional campuses.
Business events: Including grand openings, product launches, holiday markets, more!
How much do you offer?
MMDC offers neighborhood event sponsorships between $500 and $1,500 depending on the need. Applicants may only receive one grant per calendar year.
What else does your sponsorship include?
In addition to the financial benefits, MMDC will help promote the event by sharing it on our website calendar and our social media platforms. Frequency/format of social media sharing will be at the discretion of MMDC.
When should I apply?
MMDC’s sponsorship applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. We recommend a 2-3 month lead time prior to the event but you can apply at any time as long as the event will take place in 2023. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Can I apply for a series of events?
If you are planning a series of events, please provide one application; funding limits, as outlined above, apply to the entire series.
How do you determine who receives funding?
Our MMDC grants and sponsorship committee reviews applications monthly and awards sponsorship funding based on an impact assessment rubric. This rubric is based on our three key mission goals: vibrancy, equity, prosperity, and collaboration – as well as the applicant's ability to collaborate and clearly articulate their event plan.
District Promotion – Does the event attract new people to the District or provide a new way to experience the Medical District’s assets?
Place Activation – Does the event activate places within the District and connect people to spaces in the District?
Diversity – Does the event target a wide variety of stakeholder groups across the District?
Business Promotion - Does the event help promote or partner with (for example, use as a vendor) a new or existing business(es) in the District?
Anchor or Community Partner – Is the organizer an MMDC anchor or community partner?
Clarity + Accuracy – Is the application clear and complete? Is the budget accurate and realistic?
My application was approved, what do you need from me?
Add our logo to your promotional materials
Share marketing materials with us 7-14 days prior to the event with info@mdcollaborative.org
Tag us on social media when promoting your event
How do I apply for the Event Sponsorship?
Organize details about your event. Consider hosting your event in one of these public spaces:
Parks / Green Space (i.e. Edge Triangle, Health Sciences Park, Linden Park, Morris Park)
Plazas (i.e. Marshall and Monroe Plaza)
Public Spaces (i.e. Alleyways, streets)
Campuses (Medical District institutions)
Examples include: Music in the park, festivals, and volunteer events. Need more inspiration? Check out some great resources at https://www.pps.org/article/what-is-placemaking
Confirm your event’s budget and sponsorship needed - you will need to provide an event budget in your application, we fund up to $1,500.
Fill out our simple Event Grant Application detailing your event, including a total project budget
If awarded, you will receive half of your funding upfront.
Include the MMDC logo on your promotional materials and tag us in social media when promoting your event: @mmdc901
Host your event and have fun!
Complete our post-event survey, providing an event recap, including photos, to MMDC within 2 weeks of event completion
Receive the second and final grant installment.
Start planning for your next event in the Medical District next year!
Don’t Wait to Apply! The Event sponsorship committee reviews each application at the end of every cycle. You will be contacted with a decision on the notification dates that coordinate to your application cycle. Contact info@mdcollaborative.org for technical assistance or clarification of the application process.