For the past several years, IOA has engaged in a regular association best practice of soliciting “non-dues revenue” in the form of sponsorship dollars. This helps defray the rising costs of activities and events.
Sponsorship Solicitation Process:
In 2025, over 50 entities were approached for sponsorship through time-intensive outreach conducted by members of our Strategic Finance Advisory Committee (SFAC). Six entities responded. Three of the six had sponsored with IOA before, and three were new to sponsorship with IOA. This number may seem small for the extent of the outreach. IOA has historically had limited opportunities to engage sponsors compared to other associations. This is due to the impartiality and independence of the ombuds role, and the few benefits we are able to offer.
In 2026, entities will again be approached to help defray the costs of our activities and events. This is particularly important as professional development budgets shrink.
Sponsorship Benefits Explained:
Each year, a sponsorship prospectus is prepared that details the benefits of sponsorship and those benefits differ based on the level of sponsorship. Sponsorship benefits typically include logos on materials, recognition at events and on our website, complimentary registrations and exhibit tables.
Benefits at IOA never include sponsored content, preferential acceptance of program proposals, or any other “pay to play” type of benefit where sponsorship funds are exchanged for some kind of advantage. In addition, sponsors are never endorsed by the IOA as a benefit of their sponsorship.
So why do entities sponsor association activities? Entities may sponsor with an association for any of these reasons:
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For marketing purposes, or visibility of their product or service;
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To demonstrate leadership in an area;
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To support the cause, regardless of interest; or
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To highlight their linkage to the association (usually an employee is a volunteer).
These reasons are similar for IOA sponsors.
We understand some members of the community worry that by accepting sponsorship dollars, the Association and/or the Board of Directors have endorsed or created the appearance of an endorsement of their work. This is not the case. We remain appreciative of all sponsor support and are very clear regarding the limitation of the benefits that are offered in exchange for the support. At no time does the IOA endorse sponsors, or their products or services.
We hope this additional information provides more transparency about this process and the benefits of sponsorship. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to IOA Treasurer Amarah Khan or IOA Executive Director Ellen Miller.