Ebertfest Film Festival 2026 — The Last Dance
A fiscally sponsored project of Givinga Foundation (EIN: 47-4172718)
We are pleased to acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their sponsorship of the 27th Anniversary of Roger Ebert’s Film Festival. Without their generous support, the festival would not be possible.
April 17–18, 2026 • Virginia Theatre, Champaign, Illinois
Farewell Brunch: April 19, 2026
One final year of cinema, conversation, and community. Eight exceptional films, special guests, and the iconic Q&As; that define Ebertfest.
FILM CIRCLE — $15,000+
- 12 VIP Passes to All Screenings
- All VIP Benefits (listed below)
- Full Page Ad in Festival Program
- Social Media Partnership
★ FILM CIRCLE EXCLUSIVE
A piece of retro Roger Ebert memorabilia from Chaz Ebert's private collection
(available only at the Film
Circle level).
*Memorabilia selected by Chaz Ebert.*
Tax-deductible amount: $12,600
| Level | Price | Benefits | Tax-deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald | $8,500+ | 8 VIP Passes • All VIP Benefits • plus exclusive VIP gift bag | $6,900 |
| Platinum | $5,000+ | 6 VIP Passes • All VIP Benefits • plus exclusive VIP gift bag | $3,800 |
| Gold | $3,500+ | 4 VIP Passes • All VIP Benefits | $2,700 |
| Silver | $1,800+ | 2 VIP Passes • All VIP Benefits | $1,400 |
| Bronze | $1,000+ | 2 Festival Passes • Program & Website Listing | $600 |
VIP Benefits (Silver & Above)
VIP Seating & Entry • Mid-Fest Party • Reserved VIP area at Wrap Brunch • Lunch & Dinner with Filmmakers • Name in Festival Program & on Festival Website
Advertising & Sponsorship
For program Advertising Only ( without sponsorship )Contact • Jake Williams • 217-337-8323
For all other sponsorship
Contact • Sonia Evans
Ebertfest Sponsor Response Form
Limited sponsorship availability at each level.
2026 Sponsors
Film Circle — $15,000+
- Chaz Ebert
- Alliance for Inclusion and Respect
- Betsy Hendrick
Platinum — $5,000+
- Joe Bennett & Diane Kennedy
Gold — $3,500+
- Jim Johnson & Colleen Quinn
- Patty and Jon McNussen
- Robeson Family Benefit Fund
- Brand Fortner
Silver — $1,800+
- Ann Benefiel & Joseph Kunkel
- Lou & Ellie Gross
- Darrel & Jane Gumm
- Sanford & Elizabeth Hess
- Linda Johnston
- Nell Minow & David Apatoff
- Eric Pierson
- Brian Russell
- Elle Scholwin
- Sharon Shavitt & Steve Zimmerman
- Dave and Marie Volkers
Bronze — $1,000+
- Jie Chen & Wilfred van der Donk
- W. Todd Salen
Gifts In-Kind
- Surface 51
- Carter's Furniture
- Illini Media/The Daily Illini
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Champaign
- Best Western Plus Champaign/Urbana Inn
- Hotel Royer Urbana Champaign, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- The Inman by Royse + Brinkmeyer