Sponsorship Program
For more than 50 years, TriMet has provided public transit service in the Portland metro area. Our transportation options connect people with their community while easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution — making our region a better place to live.
TriMet contributes to the vitality of our region by sponsoring community events as an integral part of the communities we serve. We support events that encourage transit ridership, benefit the public, engage a diversity of residents and businesses, address inequities and inspire inclusivity and innovation. Additionally, marketing trade partnership arrangements may be negotiated separately with the TriMet Marketing Department.
How we select sponsorships
Sponsorship requests will be evaluated according to their alignment with TriMet’s Vision, Mission and Values and Business Plan Goals. Key criteria include:
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Must actively demonstrate a direct link to boosting transit ridership. TriMet actively seeks sponsorships that promote “taking TriMet” via the organization’s communication channels and event-related marketing, including site presence utilizing statements provided by TriMet. Not meeting this criteria will disqualify sponsorship submission.
- Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion
- Providing multi-pronged engagement between TriMet and the communities we serve
- Public acknowledgement of TriMet’s support, to an extent commensurate with the level of the sponsorship. TriMet may negotiate in consideration of the sponsorship level and benefits offered
- Requests supporting fundraising events such as breakfasts, dinners, auctions or similar are strongly discouraged and likely not considered.
Special consideration will be given to:
- Organizations and activities led by culturally-specific community-based organizations and historically underserved communities
- Emerging organizations and new events
Eligibility
Organizations requesting sponsorships must:
- Provide documentation of tax-exempt status
- Operate in service of businesses and residents in Clackamas, Washington and/or Multnomah counties
Sponsorship funds can’t be used to support political campaigns, committees or lobbying groups.
Sponsored events must be open to the public, with expected attendance of 1,000 or more. Events not meeting this criteria will likely not be considered.
Sponsorship amounts
TriMet endeavors to spread limited sponsorship dollars across many deserving organizations and the communities they serve.
Recipients will receive no more than one sponsorship per fiscal year (July to June). Recipients should not construe an award in one year as a promise for subsequent sponsorships.
Maximum sponsorship awards are typically $5,000 with the majority awarded within the range of $500–$1,000.
Application and selection
Organizations may submit their sponsorship application up to 12 months in advance of the start date of their event, but no later than 60 days before the start date of their event. Sponsorship requests later than 60 days prior to the event date will be disqualified.
TriMet’s cross-departmental committee reviews sponsorship applications on a bi-monthly basis.
Please complete the Event Sponsorship Request Form below, and please ensure all questions and materials are answered and submitted. Incomplete submissions are subject to disqualification. We’ll respond to you within 14-21 business days. Please attach any additional sponsorship request materials with your submission.
