Purpose

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County (FIRST 5) may participate in and/or sponsor community events either at the request of FIRST 5 or the agency/entity organizing the event. FIRST 5 promotes organizations that further the goals identified in the strategic plan and that address key issues concerning children prenatal through age five and their families, and the Core Values and Principles on Equity adopted by the Commission.

Preference to sponsorship requests will be given to non-profit/public corporations that demonstrate community support and involvement, and organizations working for the benefit of a wide range of Commission stakeholders, in particular children prenatal through age five and their families in Santa Clara County.

Criteria for Participation

• The event must be inclusive of all or a subset of the following: pregnant women, children prenatal through age five, and their families
• The event must be consistent with one of FIRST 5’s two major strategies of Community Engagement and Education (universal) and/or High Risk (targeted).
• If applicable, the event must have a designated area for children’s activities that is separate from areas where alcohol may be served.

Limitations to Sponsorship

In general, FIRST 5 will not sponsor:

• Individuals
• Fraternal organizations, unless sponsoring a specific program open to the entire community
• Fundraising events such as walk-a-thons, tournaments, fashion shows that are designed to support on-going expenses in an organization (not including support for direct services for children)
• Organizations with religious affiliations unless the program seeks to address the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs
• Organizations and programs designed to elect candidates to public office or regarding any ballot measures
• Organizations located outside of Santa Clara County unless for a specific program benefiting residents of—and conducted within—FIRST 5’s jurisdiction

Review Process

Organizations must submit a completed Community Events Application request form (application available at www.first5kids.org electronically or by mail to the Community Engagement Manager. FIRST 5’s Community Engagement Manager will review all requests for FIRST 5 to participate in Community Sponsored Events and Activities. Recommendations to support the request will be referred to the Executive Director for final decision and determination of the sponsorship amount. The maximum amount that may be allocated for an event is $5,000. The decision to sponsor an event and/or award financial assistance will be primarily based on the benefits the event will bring to FIRST 5 and the children and families it serves. Applicants will be notified by mail as to the status of their request.

Community Engagement Strategies

Community Sponsored Events and Activities
Organizations can request support, sponsorship and participation from FIRST 5 in community events that benefit FIRST 5, young children and their families. A sponsorship provides FIRST 5 the opportunity to endorse a particular event or project that promotes FIRST 5’s mission and furthers FIRST 5’s Strategic Plan goals. Sponsorship requests from organizations may include permission to use FIRST 5’s name and/or monetary support.

Community Events

FIRST 5 is committed to participating in community events that are consistent with its Strategic Plan. Community events are county, city or neighborhood activities/events such as, but not limited to, health fairs, cultural festivals, or summits/conferences. FIRST 5 may participate in a scheduled community event by having a resource booth (table) and possibly an age-appropriate activity for children, depending on the theme/focus. Resource booths provide an opportunity for Service Corps members and staff to connect with families and provide individualized referrals and resource information.

*These Guidelines replace the Sponsorship Policy
Adopted April 12, 2006