“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Nelson Mandela
The ECIC Foundation is hosting its inaugural First Steps, Bright Futures fundraiser to expand the impact of ECIC’s work in the early childhood space and unlock new opportunities for innovation and advocacy on behalf of young children. The evening will bring together leaders from business, philanthropy, government, and early childhood to celebrate progress, share a vision for the future, and raise money to strengthen early childhood efforts across Michigan. We invite you to join us for the event, as well as consider sponsoring, to be a part of what promises to be a nostalgic, magical evening.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Grewal Hall at 224, 224 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
Investing in early childhood is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen communities and grow Michigan’s future. Yet families with young children across the state continue to face significant challenges to having their needs met, and the early childhood industry remains under-resourced.
Your support of the ECIC Foundation will help address these challenges by unlocking new funding, supporting innovation, advocating for families and strengthening partnerships. As a sponsor, your organization can play a foundational role in launching the ECIC Foundation while demonstrating a strong commitment to Michigan families, young children, and the workforce of tomorrow.
2026 Sponsorship Packages
Bright Futures Visionary – $30,000
Sponsor Benefits:
- Introductory keynote remarks
- Featured sponsor and signage at the “First Steps” event entryway
- Verbal recognition and premier logo placement at event and in printed program
- Admission for eight attendees and three paid parking spots
- Full page back cover program ad with logo
- Featured sponsor spotlight in press and marketing materials, including a social media highlight and website logo acknowledgment
Early Impact Leader – $20,000
Sponsor Benefits:
- Featured sponsor and signage at an interactive station
- Verbal recognition and premier logo placement at event and in printed program
- Admission for eight attendees and two paid parking spots
- Full page inside cover program ad with logo
- Featured sponsor spotlight in press and marketing materials, including a social media highlight and website logo acknowledgment
Strong Start Builder – $15,000
Sponsor Benefits:
- Featured sponsor and signage at an event food or cocktail station
- Admission for six attendees and one paid parking spot
- Half-page program ad with logo
- Featured sponsor spotlight in press and marketing materials, including a social media highlight and website logo acknowledgment
Milestone Champion – $10,000
Sponsor Benefits:
- Admission for six attendees
- Quarter-page program ad with logo
- Featured sponsor spotlight in social and digital marketing materials, and website logo acknowledgment
First Steps Partner – $5,000
Sponsor Benefits:
- Admission for four attendees
- Logo in program and on the website
- Prominent event signage
Rising Star Supporter – $2,500
Sponsor Benefits:
- Admission for three attendees
- Logo in program and on the website
- Prominent event signage
Little Steps Supporter – $1,500
Sponsor Benefits:
- Admission for two attendees
- Name recognition in program and on the website
- Prominent event signage
Custom Sponsorship
We welcome tailored partnerships aligned to your organization’s objectives. Fill out the form to the right to begin the conversation for setting up your custom sponsorship!