Roger Ebert's Film Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Your gifts make up approximately fifty percent of the Ebertfest budget and allow us to continue providing excellent programming year after year. We welcome and appreciate gifts at any level.

2025

Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Be part of a beloved festival that has hosted such guests as Guillermo del Toro, Oliver Stone, Richard Linklater, Tilda Swinton, Andy Davis, Shailene Woodley, Ava DuVernay, Frank Oz, Jason Segel, Malcolm D. Lee, Brie Larsen, Nancy Allen, Virginia Madsen, and many more!

 

April 17–18, 2026
Virginia Theatre, Downtown Champaign

 

"[Ebertfest] feels intimate. It feels personal. There is an excitement when Chaz stands up to introduce a film and it's like she's speaking to friends and family. I feel included, not just a face in the crowd...I can't forget how I've gone from a secret stranger in the crowd to now having friends I'm priviledged to know and see each year."
- Diane, Northern California

 

 

"One of the main reasons that I keep coming back for each new Ebertfest adventure is the connection to people who have become important to me over these years...I often tell people: there's a unique gravitational pull to this festival; once you've been a part of it, you'll probably be back."
- Joe, Chicago

 

 

"Through our relationship with the festival, sponsored films, discussions, and concurrent art events, we have been able to elevate the conversation about the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders and developmental disabilities, to foster a more inclusive community.”
- Lynn, Alliance for Inclusion and Respect

 

 

 

Sponsorship Levels

	2 Festival Passes to All Screenings, Name in Festival Program, Name on Festival Website  Click to donate at Bronze level (Tax-deductible amount: $600)
	2 VIP Passes to All Screenings, VIP Benefits  Click to donate at Silver level (Tax-deductible amount: $1,400)
	4 VIP Passes to All Screenings, VIP Benefits  Click to donate at Gold level (Tax-deductible amount: $2,700)
	6 VIP Passes to All Screenings, VIP Benefits  Click to donate at Platinum level (Tax-deductible amount: $3,800)
	8 VIP Passes to All Screenings, VIP Benefits  Click to donate at Emerald level (Tax-deductible amount: $6,900)
	12 VIP Passes to All Screenings, VIP Benefits, Social Media Partnership, 1 Full-Page Ad in Festival Program Click to donate at Film Circle level (Tax deductible amount: $12,150)
	Exclusive Ad Prices for Ebertfest Sponsors $500+: 1/4 Page (3.5x4.75") - $150  1/2 Page (7.25x4.75")  - $250  Full-Page (7.25x9.75") - $450 Click ad size to purchase (For Advertising without Sponsorship, contact advertise@illinimedia.com)
	VIP Seating in Virginia Theatre, Invitation to Opening Night Gala, Inviataion to Mid-Fest Party, Invitation to Wrap Party, VIP Lunch and Dinner, Name in Festival Program, Name on Festival Website

 

*Non-tax-deductible amount of each sponsorship equvilent to $200 x the number of passes

Please contact Sonia Evans at sonia@ebertdigital.com or 217-333-1590 for any sponsorship or festival questions.

Download Sponsorship Pamphlet Here: Ebertfest 2025 Sponsorship Pamphlet

 

Give to Roger Ebert’s Film Festival

For tax-deductible donations to Ebertfest without Sponsorship benefits, please visit our Donations page.

Donations can be made online by clicking above at the corresponding sponsorship level, or through the College of Media's Giving Portal:

-Click "One Time"
-Enter Gift Amount
-In the Gift Designation drop down menu choose "Champion Innovation in Media Research & Collaborations"
-Choose "Roger Ebert's Film Festival Fund"
-Enter your personal information
-Click on preferred payment method or "Go To Checkout"
-Enter payment information
-Click "Donate NOW!"

Or by Mail:

Make check payable to UIF/Ebertfest and send to:
Gregory Hall
c/o: Ebertfest/Molly Cornyn
810 S. Wright Street
Urbana, IL 61801

Roger Ebert's Film Festival is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) event of the University of Illinois College of Media. Your gift may be tax-deductible.