Sponsorship Opportunities
There are a number of opportunities to become a sponsor. All sponsors can receive recognition with their logo on our website in addition to other benefits listed below.
You can download the attached application to sign up as a sponsor.
500 Block of Gay Street Design Center Event
This summer event includes tours of lofts throughout downtown, a silent auction, food, beverages, music and tremendous networking. This year’s 500 Block event is scheduled for June 17. The event attracts over 400 people each year.
| Bronze | $250 | 2 tickets |
| Silver | $500 | 4 tickets |
| Gold | $750 | 6 tickets |
| Platinum | $1000 | 8 tickets |
| Presenting sponsor | $2500 | 20 tickets |
Photos from 2009’s 500 Block Event
View the gallery here. Thanks to Tinah Utsman for photographing the event.
Annual Membership Celebration
This event is a celebration of the work of the design center and the people who make it possible. Sponsors will receive recognition at the event. This event attracts over 100 people from the design and construction community.
| Bronze | $250 | 2 tickets |
| Silver | $500 | 4 tickets |
| Gold | $750 | 6 tickets |
| Platinum | $1000 | 8 tickets |
| Presenting sponsor | $2500 | 20 tickets |
Public Events
Sponsors receive a display table with seating for two persons where they are able to exhibit their products or services.
First Friday $125
The First Friday of each month is a celebration in downtown Knoxville where all local businesses host open houses. We exhibit current projects “on the boards” in the downtown studio at 500 Gay St. and work of local practicing professionals as our participation in this event.
Presentation Day $125
On the second Tuesday of every month the Design Center hosts a brown bag Presentation Day during lunch at the downtown studio at 500 Gay Street. People involved in subjects of public interest are available to share this information and respond to questions from the public. Recent presentations have included The Knoxville Transit Center, HonorAir, and Knoxville Solar America City participation.
Student Internship
Students from the University of Tennessee intern at the Design Center and have a rich “hands on” experience on real community projects while being mentored by seasoned design professionals. Students meet with clients, develop programs and conceptual designs, and make public presentations while acquiring critical experience that they can take into the profession. A sponsor has the opportunity to sponsor a time period or a specific student.
| Semester | $3500 |
| Summer | $7500 |
| Full Year | $14,500 |
| Program donation | (open) |
Project Sponsor
You can sponsor a design project and receive acknowledgement on all project documents. The costs of these sponsorships can vary depending upon the size of the project.
Endowment
The Design Center has an endowment account held by the East Tennessee Foundation. Funds in this account are raised and donated by friends of the Design Center, but once deposited are not accessible to the Center. Endowments are an excellent way to assure sustainability of an organization. Dividends, or return on investment, are available for use, but not the principal. Please consider this option if you have an IRA you would like to contribute, or possibly some real estate.
For questions or additional information on upcoming projects, contact Kathy Proctor at 865-599-7783 or Kathy@etcdc.org.