Sponsor the Prize
Sponsor the Prize

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The Indianapolis Prize is an initiative undertaken by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. to share the importance of animal conservation by recognizing individual conservationists who are saving animal species from extinction. What initially began as a simple quest, a mission driven idea more than a decade ago, the Prize is now internationally renowned and recognized as the world’s largest award for animal conservation. With your support we are enabled to continue the important work that can reverse the path to extinction for thousands of species in the next decade. The generosity of our partners, sponsors and the Indianapolis community is the driving force behind the success of this award. With your sponsorship we strive to offer a unique opportunity to focus the public’s attention on the conservation of animals and their natural environments. By sponsoring the Indianapolis Prize you and your organization are supporting the global cause, and mission of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc., to advance animal conservation. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help support the Indianapolis Prize, please call 317-630-2004 or contact us.

View our Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities Brochure!
Sponsorship Opportunities

The Indianapolis Prize team appreciates your consideration of sponsorship as we continue to bring national and international recognition to the scientific research, community collaboration and awareness that has impacted animals threatened with extinction. We are happy to work with you and your organization to customize a sponsorship for your needs.

  • Gold Sponsorship
  • Silver Sponsorship
  • VIP Reception
  • Welcome Reception
  • Volunteer Sponsor

Support from community-based organizations and individuals has guided the Indianapolis Prize to bring great attention and awareness to animal conservation.

Making a gift to the Indianapolis Prize as a Gold Sponsor is a significant way to share your organization’s commitment to the planet and build relationships with an influential and environmentally minded audience.

Benefits and Recognition:

  • One (1) table with seating for eight (8) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize Gala.
  • Invitation for eight (8) guests to attend the VIP Reception. This invitation-only event takes place prior to the Gala and is held in honor of the Indianapolis Prize Winner, DeHaan Finalists and Emerging Conservationist.
  • Prominent logo or name recognition on Gala signage.
  • Logo or name recognition in the printed program.
  • Logo or name recognition on the program screens while dinner is served.
  • Logo or name listing on IndianapolisPrize.org, with an enclosed link to sponsor’s website.
  • Recognition on the donor board located on-grounds at the Indianapolis Zoo.
  • Recognition in the “Indianapolis Zoo Annual Report.”
  • Recognition in all relevant Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo news releases, publications, signage and promoted campaigns.

Indianapolis Prize Gala Gold Sponsors are those who donate gifts of $10,000.

Click here to sponsor.

Support from community-based organizations and individuals has guided the Indianapolis Prize to bring great attention and awareness to animal conservation.

Making a gift the Indianapolis Prize as a Silver Sponsor is a powerful way to share your organization’s commitment to the planet and gain attention with an influential and environmentally minded audience.

Benefits and Recognition:

  • One (1) table with seating for eight (8) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize Gala and Welcome Reception.
  • Recognition in the printed program.
  • Recognition on the program screens while dinner is served.
  • Name displayed on Gala signage.
  • Website name recognition on IndianapolisPrize.org.
  • Recognition on the donor board located on-grounds at the Indianapolis Zoo.
  • Recognition in the “Indianapolis Zoo Annual Report.”
  • Recognition in all relevant Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo news releases, publications, signage and promoted campaigns.

Indianapolis Prize Gala Silver Sponsors are those who donate gifts of $6,000.

Click here to sponsor.

The VIP Reception presented by Polly H. Hix is an exclusive, invitation only, reception held for the Indianapolis Prize Winner, DeHaan Finalists, Emerging Conservationist and Winner of the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award. This event provides VIP guests with the opportunity to personally meet these world leading conservationists and celebrity ambassadors. Guests will also be provided with special experiences and photo opportunities.

Benefits and Recognition:

  • Two tables with seating for sixteen (16) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins Inc.
  • Invitation for sixteen (16) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize VIP Reception. This invitation-only event takes place prior to the Gala and is held in honor of the Indianapolis Prize Winner, DeHaan Finalists and Emerging Conservationist.
  • Prominent recognition on the Gala and VIP Reception signage.
  • Logo or name recognition on printed Gala materials.
  • Logo or name recognition on the program screens while dinner is served.
  • Recognition on the print and electronic Gala invitations.
  • Logo or name recognition on the Indianapolis Prize Gala web page with a link to sponsor’s website.
  • Recognition on the on-grounds Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s donor board.
  • Recognition in the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s Annual Report.
  • Recognition in all relevant news releases, Zoo publications, Zoo signage and promoted campaigns.

The Indianapolis Prize Gala VIP Reception Sponsorship is a $25,000 commitment.

Download our Pledge Form or email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org.

The Indianapolis Prize Welcome Reception presented by PNC Bank is a gathering held for all 1,200 guests of the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins Inc. Upon arrival, guests are personally welcomed by an event Volunteer and invited to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the evening’s festivities commence.

The Welcome Reception is scheduled to begin at 6pm on Saturday, September 30, 2023 on the third floor of the JW Marriott. Immediately following the reception guests will be invited into the JW Grand Ballroom for the Indianapolis Prize Gala.

Benefits and Recognition:

  • Two (2) tables with seating for sixteen (16) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize Gala and Indianapolis Prize Welcome Reception.
  • Recognition on Gala and Welcome Reception signage.
  • Logo or name will be recognized in the Indianapolis Prize program.
  • Logo or name will be recognized on the program screens while dinner is served.
  • Logo or name will be recognized on the Indianapolis Prize web page with a link to Sponsor’s website.
  • Recognition on the print and electronic Gala invitations.
  • Recognition on the on-grounds Indianapolis Zoo donor board.
  • Recognition in the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s Annual Report.
  • Recognition in all relevant news releases, Zoo publications, Zoo signage and promoted campaigns.

The Indianapolis Prize Welcome Reception Sponsorship is a $15,000 commitment.

Download our Pledge Form or email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org.

Volunteering empowers individuals, fosters active citizenship and helps build flourishing communities. There may be many benefits for the individuals who volunteer, but what they contribute to a person, organization or cause cannot be measured.

It takes nearly one hundred talented, passionate and dedicated Volunteers to host the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins Inc. Through their advocacy, Indianapolis Prize Volunteers fulfill a critical role in the set-up, execution and overall experience of the event.

Devoted to the cause, Indianapolis Prize Volunteers advance the global conservation goals of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc., give back to something that matters all while having a true and direct impact on our guests. The Indianapolis Prize Planning Team is grateful for their advocacy to make the Indianapolis Prize initiative and Gala a success.

Benefits and Recognition:

  • One table with seating for eight (8) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize Gala.
  • Invitation for eight (8) guests to attend the Indianapolis Prize VIP Reception. This invitation-only event takes place prior to the Gala and is held in honor of the Indianapolis Prize Winner, DeHaan Finalists and Emerging Conservationist.
  • Opportunities for sponsors employees to volunteer at Prize events.
  • Logo or name recognition in the Indianapolis Prize program.
  • Logo or name recognition on the Indianapolis Prize Gala event signage for event guests.
  • Logo or name recognition on the event signage for Volunteers.
  • Logo or name recognition on the program screens while dinner is served.
  • Logo or name recognition on the Indianapolis Prize Gala web page with link to sponsor’s website.
  • Logo or name recognition on the Volunteer Handbooks distributed at the Volunteer Orientation.
  • Recognition during the Volunteer Orientation opening announcements.
  • Recognition in all Prize Volunteer communications including the Indianapolis Zoo Volunteer newsletter and recruitment documentation.
  • Recognition on the on-grounds Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. donor board.
  • Recognition in the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s Annual Report.

The Indianapolis Prize Volunteer Sponsorship is a $15,000 commitment.

Download our Pledge Form or email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org.

Other Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Michael I. Crowther Indianapolis Prize Leadership Forum

    While you may not often find them in a suit, the Winners of the Indianapolis Prize share the same leadership qualities needed for success in the boardroom. Whether it’s motivating others, problem-solving, managing deal negotiations or facing a group of armed poachers, these men and women are succeeding in demonstrable ways that blaze a path for others to follow.

    The Leadership Event provides business professionals and emerging leaders with the unique opportunity to hear how the Prize Winner successfully implemented leadership in an uncommon and challenging environment.

    Participants of this program will hear firsthand, how mission-driven, collaborative leadership can shape businesses, politics, policy and communities on a local and international scale. No matter the situation or environment, great leaders see change before it happens.

    Benefits and Recognition:

    • Recognition on the Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo’s event home pages.
    • Logo recognition on the Leadership Event web page, hosted on the Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo websites. The logo will link guests to sponsor’s website.
    • Recognition from the moderator at the start of the program.
    • Recognition in relevant news releases, Zoo publications, Zoo signage and promoted campaigns.
    • Ten (10) complimentary tickets to the Leadership Event.
    • Recognition on the on-grounds Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. donor board.
    • Recognition in the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s Annual Report.
    • Gold Sponsorship for the Indianapolis Prize Gala as outlined above.

    The Michael I. Crowther Indianapolis Prize Leadership Forum Sponsor is at $15,000 commitment and includes Gold Sponsorship to the Indianapolis Prize Gala.

    Download our Pledge Form or email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org.

  • Meet a Hero, sponsored by Chris and Christa Adkins

    Following the Zoo’s mission to inspire conservation in the local Indianapolis community, Meet a Hero, sponsored by Chris and Christa Adkins, is a special event where Zoo visitors have the opportunity to meet the Prize heroes, who traveled from across the globe, to discover their amazing and inspiring stories.

    At the event children and adults can interact with world-renowned scientists and researchers who are helping save wild things and wild places. Designed for families and the young at heart, guests can also participate in fun activities created to teach the importance of protecting endangered species that everyone can help save. As part of the experience the first 2,000 guests will receive a pack of limited-edition conservation collector cards featuring the Prize Winner, DeHaan Finalists, Emerging Conservationist and celebrities in attendance.

    Benefits and Recognition:

    • Recognition on the Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo’s event home pages.
    • Logo or name recognition on the Meet a Hero event web page, hosted on the Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo websites. The logo will link guests to sponsor’s website.
    • Logo or name recognition on Meet a Hero event signage.
    • Logo or name recognition on 2,000 printed packs of conservation hero trading cards distributed at Meet a Hero.
    • Five (5) complimentary Indianapolis Zoo tickets and parking vouchers for sponsors guests to attend Meet a Hero.
    • Recognition in relevant news releases, Zoo publications, Zoo signage and promoted campaigns.
    • Recognition on the on-grounds Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. donor board.
    • Recognition in the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s Annual Report.
    • Gold Sponsorship to the Indianapolis Prize Gala as outlined above.

    The Indianapolis Prize Meet a Hero Sponsor is at $15,000 commitment and includes Gold Sponsorship to the Indianapolis Prize Gala.

    Download our Pledge Form or email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org.

  • Indianapolis Prize Lecture Series

    The Indianapolis Prize Winner is someone who has found hope and success in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles such as poachers, poverty and issues that come with a growing population.

    Each Prize cycle the Winner of the Indianapolis Prize takes part in a Lecture Series that is held at several colleges located throughout Central Indiana. The Lecture Series provides an inspirational and educational platform for young inquisitive minds, the public and professionals in our community to help them understand the work and determination it takes to save a species. Participants will learn what inspired the Winner of the Indianapolis Prize and the Emerging Conservationist to become a scientist and bring awareness to the impact animal species have on our planet.

    The Prize Winner and Emerging Conservationist are people who has found hope and success in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles. The Lecture Series gives them the opportunity to share their story and answer questions about the challenges, struggles and successes they have faced.

    Benefits and Recognition:

    Sponsorship covers recognition at local Indianapolis Prize lectures.

    • Recognition on the Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo’s event home pages.
    • Logo recognition on the Lecture Series web page, hosted on the Indianapolis Prize and Indianapolis Zoo websites. The logo will link guests to sponsor’s website.
    • Recognition during the events opening remarks.
    • Logo or name recognition on event signage.
    • Recognition in relevant news releases, Zoo publications, Zoo signage and promoted campaigns.
    • Recognition on the on-grounds Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. donor board.
    • Recognition in the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.’s Annual Report.
    • Gold Sponsorship to the Indianapolis Prize Gala as outlined above.

    The Indianapolis Prize Lecture Series is at $15,000 commitment and includes Gold Sponsorship to the Indianapolis Prize Gala.

    Download our Pledge Form or email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org.

  • Custom Sponsorship

    To assist in meeting your philanthropic goals, the Indianapolis Prize team will work with you to create a custom sponsorship.

    Email cfoye@indianapolisprize.org to get started.

    Contact Us

    1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222

    317-630-2004

    The Indianapolis Prize is a significant conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. The Zoological Society is accredited as a zoo, an aquarium and a botanical garden. The Zoo is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums.