Scholarship Gala

This year's event will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025 at The Geraghty, and support programs and students of Chicago State University (CSU), the only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois, bridging the gap of racial inequity. See photos from last year's event here.

A special part of the evening will be our annual Cougar Servant Leadership awards, presented to leaders with tremendous dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding leadership that have helped transform Chicago and Illinois in the categories of Public Service, Education Equity, Alumni Acheivement.

2024 gala room

Sponsors

Click here to see the current list of our generous sponsors. To become a sponsor for this year's gala, contact the Chicago State Foundation Executive Director, Melanie Sillas at msillas@csu.edu. or sign up here.

Pre/Post Reception Sponsor - $35,000

Two (2) tables of ten (10) at the gala
Opportunity to provide a 60-second corporate promotional video to air during gala program
Social media post highlighting company’s support of gala (10K+ distribution)
Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor on website page promoting gala
Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor in post-event social media promotion
Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor via the print photo booth
Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor on reception bars as well as the napkins
Verbal acknowledgement in remarks from stage

LIVE Challenge Sponsor - $30,000

Two (2) tables of ten (10) at the gala
Opportunity to provide a 60-second corporate promotional video to air during gala program
Social media post highlighting company’s support of gala (10K+ distribution)
Recognition (logo) as LIVE Challenge Sponsor on website page promoting gala
Recognition (logo) as LIVE Challenge Sponsor on invitation (pring and digital)
Recognition (logo) as LIVE Challenge Sponsor on the Live Challenge Paddles
Recognition as LIVE Challenge Sponsor in all press releases, media alerts and PSAs
Corporate representative to serve as Honorary Gala Co-Chair
The LIVE Challenge Sponsor will serve as a matching gift for donations up to $30,000.

Platinum Sponsor - $25,000

One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
Opportunity to provide a 30-second corporate promotional video to air during gala program
Verbal acknowledgement in remarks from stage
Social media post highlighting company’s support of gala (10K+ distribution)
Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on website page promoting gala
Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on invitation (print and digital)
Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on event signage
Recognition as Platinum Sponsor in all press releases, media alerts and PSAs
Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor in post-event social media promotion

Gold Sponsor - $15,000

One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on website page promoting gala
Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on gala invitation (print and digital)
Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on event signage
Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor in post-event social media promotion

Silver Sponsor - $7,500

One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on website page promoting the gala
Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on gala signage
Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on gala invitations (print and digital)

Individual Ticket - $500

One individual dinner ticket