1,000 Acres. 20 Parks. One Cit y.
Portage Parks & Recreation (269) 329-4522
mypark.portagemi.gov
CITY OF PORTAGE SPONSORSHIP
The City of Portage values its collaboration with organizations in the community and strives to provide an environment where they can grow and thrive. Sponsorships are a significant way to enhance awareness for organizations by helping to provide fun family experiences to the community and customers. Portage Parks & Recreation depends on sponsorships to provide a wide range of programming. Together, we make Portage a great place to live, work, and play.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN US AS A SPONSOR FOR THE 2025 SEASON!
Please take a moment to read through the descriptions of each partnership opportunity and their details to determine which opportunities will work best for your organization. There is always a way to be involved, whether it be monetarily, with in-kind donations, or through volunteered time. Whatever your organization’s mission and goals, there is a place for you! We appreciate your support of the Portage Parks & Recreation programs and we strive to provide value to our organizational partners.
2025 SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
Enhance your community marketing efforts by building community support and brand recognition.
• The city newsletter, The Portager, is mailed monthly to more than 24,000 households in Portage.
• The City of Portage social media pages have more than 14,841 combined followers on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
• Event Facebook LIVE views over 136,000 (est) in 2024.
• Portage Parks & Recreation 2024 web page views of 21,644 (est) and page actions of 72,456 (est).
PORTAGE COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS
• Total growing population of ~50,000 people.
• Households 24,000 (85% are families).
• Median Household Income of $107,224.
• Median age of 37.2.
• 48.4% of residents are college-educated.
SCALIN' UP FOR SUMMER
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Expected Attendance: 1200+
We are kicking off the summer with Scalin' Up for Summer! Where else can you get an up-close look (and touch) of different types of reptiles, explore the world of fishing and boating, participate in aquatic conservation, and learn lure making, knot tying and fly casting? Plus, you will also learn cool reptile facts, characteristics and habitats from fun presentations. This event will be one the biggest of the season, so get ready to be wowed by scaly friends.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts
• 10' x 10' space
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households
summer Scalin’ Up For
• All previous plus:
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area FISHING POLE SPONSOR
• A minimum of at least 35 fishing poles with company logo to distribute to children attending the event.
• Listed on social media posts
• Logo on banner at event
FRIDAY AT THE FLATS
Fridays, 2025 – May 23 ■ June 27 ■ July 25 ■ August 22
Expected Attendance: 900+/event; Season Total 3,800+
Come join the fun at Celery Flats on the fourth Friday of every month, May through August, for a rousing evening of food, music, and community! Gather your crew and savor the mouthwatering offers from this season's food truck lineup while dining alfresco and listening as local musicians set the mood. This year we are adding community vendor booths at the June, July, and August FATFs where you can engage with local businesses, service providers, non-profits, entertainers, crafters, and more. Friday at the Flats - where great food, music, and community come together.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts
• 10' x 10' space
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households
• All previous plus:
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area
Movies in the Park
Fridays, 2025 – June 27 ■ July 25 ■ August 22
Expected Attendance: 300+/movie; Series Total 900+
Friday nights in Portage, during summertime, feature some of the best movie hits under the stars. All movies start at sunset at Celery Flats after Friday at the Flats, June through August. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy!
SPONSOR BENEFITS
BRONZE LEVEL. . . . .$500 PER MOVIE
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts
Movie at the Beach
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Put your feet in the sand and relax under the stars. The film begins at dusk. Bring a blanket or chair for comfortable beach seating. Stop by the Beach Bonfire before the movie for s'mores to complete the evening.
• 10' x 10' space SILVER LEVEL. .
PER MOVIE
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households GOLD
• All previous plus:
.$3,500 ALL MOVIES
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area
MOVIES:
• SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 (June 27)
• CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD (July 25)
• A MINECRAFT MOVIE (August 22)
• FINDING NEMO (August 23) Movie at the Beach
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Thursdays, 2025 – June 5 ■ July 10 ■ July 31 ■ August 7
Expected Attendance: 500 - 1,200/concert; Season Total 4,000
Enjoy a music filled summer! The concert series will feature various genres of music that will be fun for all ages as we return to the Overlander Bandshell at Central Park.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
• Listed in news releases
• 10' x 10' space
PER CONCERT
• Mentioned in social media posts
CONCERTS:
• The Insiders: Tom Petty Tribute (June 5)
• Old Days - A Chicago Tribute (July 10)
• Eliminator: ZZ Top Tribute (July 31)
• The Windbreakers (August 7) BRONZE LEVEL
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households
• All previous plus:
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Expected Attendance: 2500+
Step back in time at the Celery Flats Historical Area with tours of the historic buildings and demonstrations of blacksmithing, basket weaving, and other historic skills. Take a tractor ride to the Farmers Market at City Hall.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts
• 10' x 10' space
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo in Recreation Program*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households
* Fall/Winter Guide Deadline: July 15
• All previous plus:
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area
MONSTER MASH - GHOSTBUSTERS
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Expected Attendance: 6,000+ Jump in your "Ectomobile" and stop by the Portage Monster Mash! Hayrides through a haunted forest, treat stations along Trick-or-Treat Lane, pumpkin carving demonstrations, creature feature children’s shows, and more highlight this family friendly event for all ages. Finish out the night with a drive-in movie featuring the 1984 movie, Ghostbusters. Want to give back to the community? Visit mypark.portagemi.gov to fill out an application and become a candy vendor for $50.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
BRONZE LEVEL . . . . .$1,000
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts
• 10' x 10' space
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo in Recreation Program*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households
* Fall/Winter Guide Deadline: July 15
• All previous plus:
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area
TRICK-OR-TREAT BAG SPONSOR
• Up to 8 spots available
• Each spot measures 1 3/4"h x 3"w
• Can purchase multiple spots
• Must sell a minimum of 6 spots - gets 2,300 bags
• Goal of 8 spots - gets 3,000 bags
TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Expected Attendance: 3,000+
Be part of the holiday spirit this season for the annual tree lighting ceremony at the City Centre then head to the North Pole Village with family and friends. Stroll through the North Pole Trail; discover the Holiday Tree and Card Walk; find treats in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen; stop by the Elf Workshop for kids crafts, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Stuart Manor, drop letters in the North Pole mailbox, and then complete the night at Santa’s Lighted Sleigh for family photos.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
BRONZE LEVEL . . . . .$500
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts
• 10' x 10' space
$1,500
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo in Recreation Program*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households
* Fall/Winter Guide Deadline: July 15
• All previous plus:
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• 20' x 20' display/activity area
IN KIND COOKIE SPONSOR
• Provide cookies, donuts, etc. to give out in Mrs. Claus' Kitchen.
• Listed on social media posts
• Logo on sponsor banner at event
PORTAGE CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
The Cultural Arts Committee is a subcommittee of the Portage Park Board focused on expanding the arts in Portage. Members of the committee have opportunities to be part of public art concept reviews and participate in art exhibitions, events, workshops, and festivals, as well as meet and collaborate with other area artists. Interested individuals can get involved by visiting portagemi.gov/416 for more information.
SPONSOR LEVELS
ARTS SUPPORTER. . . . . $250
ARTS BENEFACTOR. . . .$500
GEO MYSTERY TOURS
May – September 2025
Expected Attendance: 300+
MYSTERY TOUR:
Follow the clues to solve the three biggest mysteries this summer. This is Geocaching with a twist. Hunt for adventure in the Portage Parks system. Each month reveals a different mystery and it’s up to you to uncover the answers. Join the story and complete the adventure by the last day of the month.
SPONSOR BENEFITS
BRONZE LEVEL. . . . .$500 EACH
• Listed in news releases
• Mentioned in social media posts SILVER LEVEL. . . . .$1,000 EACH
• All previous plus:
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo on all promotional literature and banner
*Mailed to 24,000 households GOLD LEVEL. .
• All previous plus:
• Weeks of Beaks (May)
• History Hunt (July)
• Oak Oddities (September)
. $2,500 ALL THREE
• Listed as Event Presenter on all materials, news releases, city website, and social media posts
• Bonus: Your organization location as a mystery tour stop
YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Portage Parks & Recreation is looking for a community partner to help give the gift of parks and recreation programming to area youth in need. With this partnership, we can award scholarships to Portage youth, ages 18 years and younger, living in a household that meets the established income guidelines for financial assistance through the Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund. Your sponsorship will provide eligible youth financial assistance with the programs listed below.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• SCHOOL OF FISH CAMPS
• KID'S TRY IT! SPORTS
• CREATIVE CORNERS
• KINGPINS DRUMLINE
• ARCHERY PROGRAMS
BIKING SPONSORSHIPS
• TENNIS CAMP
• SPORTS SAMPLERS
• WINTER BREAK INTO ACTION
• EQUIPMENT FOR PLANNED PROGRAMMING
• SURVIVAL CAMP
Sponsor a child or adult with a scholarship to learn how to fix a bike and take it home with them. Other options include supporting our area-wide bicycle community goals through trainings hosted by the city throughout the year.
PORTAGE PARKS FOUNDATION
The Portage Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that provides opportunities for individuals, volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, and businesses to take an active role in the maintenance, improvement and beautification of local parks, trails, and green spaces for all to enjoy. The goal of the Portage Parks Foundation is to promote, create awareness, and develop funding for City of Portage Parks & Recreation projects and programs.
OKTOBERFEST FUNDRAISER
OKTOBERFEST FUNDRAISER
Portage Parks Foundation Oktoberfest returns in 2025. Grab dinner, a German beer, and enjoy LIVE music on September 13 from 2 to 7 PM at South Westnedge Park. Activities will include LIVE music, dancing, food & refreshments for purchase, cornhole, and more.
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
Fourth Level Sponsor.....$1,000
• Listed in social media posts
• Listed on event program
• Sponsorship certificate
Third Level Sponsor........$2,500
• Logo in Portager newsletter*
• Logo on banner
• Logo on event poster & program
• Listed in news release and social media posts
• Sponsorship plaque
• 10' x 10' space
*Mailed to 24,000 households
For more information about the Portage Parks Foundation and funding opportunities, visit portageparksfoundation.org, email contact@portageparksfoundation.org or scan the QR code. Gifts can be made by check payable to Portage Parks Foundation, or online by credit card at PortageParksFoundation.org/fundraisers. Donations by check can be mailed to: Portage Parks Foundation c/o Portage Parks & Recreation, 320 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002.
Second Level Sponsor.....$5,000
• All previous plus:
• 10' x 20' space
First Level Sponsor.........$10,000
• All previous plus:
• Logo as Event Sponsor on banner
• Listed as Event Sponsor on news release and social media posts
• 10' x 20' space in prime location
PROJECTS IN NEED OF FUNDING
• TRAIL ENDOWMENT
• GIFT TO PARKS
• ADA ACCESSIBLE, We-Go-Swing™
• BIKE REPAIR STATIONS
• PARKS & RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
• LEAF-A-LEGACY
SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION
Contact information (Please print)
Organization
Contact Name
Address
Print your organization/name as it should be listed on the marketing materials/signage:
Signature:
Date:
Please mail this form to: City of Portage Parks & Recreation Attention: Recreation Program Manager - Events 320 Library Lane Portage, MI 49002
Or email to: mypark@portagemi.gov
For more information call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522.
Full payment is due 30 days prior to your sponsored event, unless otherwise contracted and agreed upon by the City of Portage.
Make checks payable to "City of Portage".
1,000 Acres. 20 Parks. One Cit y.
Portage Parks & Recreation (269) 329-4522
mypark.portagemi.gov
