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The Hamilton Spectator is an active business participant in Hamilton and area activities, including its Spec Summer Camp Fund, Classroom Connection and Community Partnership program. The Hamilton Spectator’s focus for Community Partnerships is youth and kids, poverty reduction and literacy development.

Community Partnerships Program

2 min to read

Thank you for your interest in The Hamilton Spectator and its Community Partnerships Program. Our goal is to support our readership community through thoughtful and targeted collaborations.

The Hamilton Spectator regularly receives many requests for support from a multitude of people and organizations. Community Partnerships is the process through which we review requests for in-kind advertising, donations, auditorium bookings and Summer Camp Fund to support or strengthen community initiatives. As much as we would love to sustain every event within the community, we are simply unable to and therefore we request that all interested parties take the time to complete the on-line application process as a way to determine if your initiative fits with our overall corporate goals and objectives. While we continue to support our community and be socially responsible, we are actively pursing more integration and opportunities with our partners so we can leverage circulation gains.

Application for Community Partner Sponsorship

Overall Guidelines

The Hamilton Spectator’s focus for Community Partnerships is oriented around the themes of youth and kids, poverty reduction and literacy development. We appreciate the opportunity to review event sponsorship, marketing and partnership opportunities available in the Hamilton, Burlington, Flamborough, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek and surrounding communities. Our activities are planned far in advance and we do ask potential partners to approach us with requests for sponsorships at least three months prior to the event.

PARTNERSHIPS

The majority of our partnerships are for in-kind support, usually in the form of in-paper promotion. When using the application tool, you will be asked to indicate what you would like to request: ads or donations. Give some thought to what would benefit your organization or event so that you may communicate your hopes clearly.

SPONSORSHIPS

Within the context of Community Partnerships, partners falling outside of normal criteria may qualify for support for events taking place in The Spectator readership area. The Hamilton Spectator will consider organizations which have events in the following categories.

Summer Camp Fund Partnership Opportunities

Local underprivileged children and youth are supported in various ways. Through the Summer Camp Fund, kids and youth are given the opportunity to attend a fun-filled week at summer camp and overcome some of the daily challenges they face in their lives. By providing these youth opportunities, our community will flourish and be stronger for it. Each year, this fund assists children in Hamilton and Burlington who are living at risk and close to or below the poverty line.

We are always looking for new corporate or charitable partners to help us raise funds through your special event. The Hamilton Spectator will consider donating the ad space to promote your event should it be approved for partnership.

Public Events

Which contribute to the betterment of the community and are affordable for and accessible to the majority of local residents will be considered for sponsorship. Examples include festivals and major community events.

Commercial Sponsorships

Trade shows, exhibits and promotional events will be considered when the events are believed to support the marketing efforts of The Hamilton Spectator, our other publications and/or our advertisers.

News Coverage of your Event or Program

Editorial coverage is not part of any corporate partnership agreement offered by The Hamilton Spectator. We encourage you to send press releases to our editorial department through City and Business Editor Cheryl Stepan at cstepan@thespec.com, GO Section and Photo Editor Aviva Boxer at aboxer@thespec.com and the assignment desk Jennifer Moore at jmoore@thespec.com.

WHAT WE CAN’T SUPPORT

With our focus and priorities on kids and youth, poverty and literacy, The Hamilton Spectator regrettably will not ordinarily support:

  • Individuals (or requests that directly benefit only one person).
  • Programs or initiatives that take place outside of the readership area of The Hamilton Spectator.
  • Golf tournaments.
  • Amateur sports teams or leagues.
  • Organizations that are not open to any member of the community.
  • Political organizations or entities.
  • Specific medical conditions.