2026 UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala – Chicago
Join us for the 26th Annual UNCF Chicago A Mind is… Gala: Continuing the Legacy: An Evening of Illuminating the Promise of HBCUs
The UNCF Gala brings together community leaders, donors, and partners for an inspiring evening dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Chicagoland students. Your support directly funds scholarships, supports HBCUs, and helps create pathways to college and career success. Celebrate achievements, hear powerful student stories, and make an impact that lasts far beyond the event.
The Blue Carpet Experience: Through our partnership with CAN TV, our media sponsor will provide exclusive coverage of the “Blue Carpet,” interviewing guests and capturing the rich stories of their HBCU experiences.
A “You Don’t Know Chi” Moment: Chicago’s premier urban historian, Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, will join us for a special segment uncovering the deep-rooted connections between our city, Black excellence, and education.
The Geraghty
2520 South Hoyne Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
Presenting Sponsor – $100,000
- Company CEO or designee listed as Presenting Sponsor on event collateral and
press materials - Full-page prominent digital sponsor advertisement placement during the program
- Presenting sponsor remarks during program
- Two premium tables (10 guests at each table)
- Company logo on all Gala collaterals
- Company logo presentation during the Gala
- CEO and company acknowledgment during dinner program
- Company logo on UNCF Chicago’s “A Mind Is…”® Gala webpage
- Option to host a UNCF scholar at your table
- Opportunity to provide 1:00 company highlight welcome video during program
Chancellor Sponsor – $50,000
- Company featured as an “A Mind Is…”® Chancellor Sponsor on event collaterals and
press materials - Half-page premium digital sponsor advertisement displayed during program
- One premium table (10 guests)
- Company logo presentation during the Gala
- Company acknowledgement during dinner program
- Company logo on UNCF Chicago’s “A Mind Is…”® Gala webpage
- Option to host a UNCF scholar at your table
President Sponsor – $25,000
- Company featured as an “A Mind Is…”® Gala President sponsor on event collaterals
and press materials - Quarter-page digital sponsor advertisement displayed during program
- One reserved table (10 guests)
- Company logo presentation during the Gala
- Company listed on UNCF Chicago’s “A Mind Is…”® Gala webpage
- Option to host a UNCF scholar at your table
Trustee Sponsor – $15,000
- One reserved table (10 guests)
- Company recognized during sponsor presentation during the Gala
- Company name listing on day of event collaterals
Professor Sponsor – $10,000
- Five (5) reserved seats