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One in eight babies is born before he is ready, putting him at risk for health problems.
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Partners and Sponsors
- Partner with a nonprofit that moms and women know and trust.
- Choose opportunities that complement your business vision.
- Sponsor events that help families have healthier babies
Strategic partnerships, promotions and sponsorships
National March of Dimes partnerships and most multi-market partnerships have a minimum investment of $100,000. The exact donation amount will be determined based upon the nature of the promotion, reach, benefits and expectations of both partners and other factors. Event sponsorships or partnerships have a different pricing structure.
We sometimes find that a proposal is better suited for a local program or constitutes a small fundraiser rather than a strategic partnership. The March of Dimes has 51 chapters and more than 200 offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. If your proposal is considered to be more appropriate for a local partnership, we will refer it to the chapter nearest you for consideration, and you will be contacted by a local representative. Any promotion that covers more than one of our chapters or is web based is considered a national partnership.
Requirements
Any company seeking a partnership with the March of Dimes must have been in business for a minimum of a year.
All companies are required to sign a contract that governs all programs, promotions, sponsorships and other strategic partnerships. Contracts protect both parties and clarify expectations.
Promotions
A minimum contribution of 10 percent of the retail price for a product or service is necessary for a program or promotion that features the March of Dimes name or other licensed marks. Additionally, a minimum guaranteed donation of at least $100,000 is required.
If your proposal involves a product, you must provide a sample. If your product is still in development, you also may provide drawings or photos.
We will not approach current partners for distribution or sale of products or services.
Education and awareness
One of the primary objectives with all marketing and cause-related marketing programs is to ensure that consumers are provided with the best maternal and infant health information and a way to contact the March of Dimes for more information. You must agree to include the March of Dimes website (marchofdimes.com) and additional agreed-upon messaging on all promotion, event and program materials to educate the public and raise awareness of our mission.
Public service announcements
If the partnership includes plans for a public service announcement (PSA), the PSA may be distributed only during a mutually agreed-upon time frame, usually from June 15 to February 15. Television PSAs must include the March of Dimes logo and verbal mention of the March of Dimes.
Spokesperson
If the partnership includes plans for an official spokesperson, the March of Dimes will need to review the plans and provide input on the selection. This is to ensure that messaging and information is accurate and consistently communicated with our guidelines.
Endorsements
The March of Dimes does not endorse specific products or brands. This must be disclosed on all packaging, advertising and promotional materials.
Guidelines
The March of Dimes operates under the Better Business Bureau guidelines for charitable giving. These guidelines require full disclosure to the consumer. In compliance with these guidelines and with applicable state laws, we require full disclosure regarding the benefit to the organization when funds are raised through a consumer purchase or promotion (e.g. $10 from the sale of each item) on all packaging, advertising and promotional materials in clear and unambiguous terms. Exact wording will be included in the contract.
Legal registration
A company that conducts a national or multi-location program or promotion with the March of Dimes may be required to register in certain states as a “commercial co-venturer.” A commercial co-venture is a relationship where a company (you) promotes a product or service and represents to the public that a portion of the proceeds will benefit a cause. If the product or service is being promoted in a state that requires commercial co-venture registration, you must file certain documents with the state’s Attorney General’s office (or other state-designated entity). The documents that must be filed vary from state to state, but will generally include registration statement and copy of the executed contract.
The March of Dimes cannot give legal advice to companies that conduct programs or promotions with us; we do advise them to seek legal counsel to ensure that they comply with these registration requirements. We also may request a proof of registration.
A healthy idea
The March of Dimes can help you establish a maternal and infant health education program for your employees. Or we can help complement your existing worksite wellness program. Our no-charge, dynamic program, Healthy Babies Healthy Business can be customized to any setting.
See also: Become a partner, Partnership Questionnaire (PDF, 301kb)
