Sponsorship Tiers: A Practical Guide for Farmers Markets

Sponsorship tiers help markets clearly communicate value, set expectations, and scale fundraising over time. They don’t need to be complicated—or perfect—to be effective.

Think of tiers as frameworks, not fixed rules. Your offerings can (and should) evolve as your marketing grows.

Before building tiers, keep these principles in mind:

• You don’t need every perk fully built to get started
• Consistency matters more than quantity
• Growth is part of the value you’re offering
• It’s okay if tiers look different year to year

Your goal is clarity—for both you and your sponsors.

Markets should adjust names, pricing, and perks based on size, capacity, and goals.

🌱 Community Supporter

Best for: Small businesses, first-time sponsors
Typical Investment: $250–$500

Suggested Perks:

• Sponsor name or logo listed on website sponsor page
• Click-through logo in email newsletter sponsor section
• Mention in at least one social media post during the season
• Name listed on on-site sponsor board

This tier is designed to be accessible while still providing meaningful recognition.

🌿 Market Partner

Best for: Local businesses seeking ongoing visibility
Typical Investment: $750–$1,500

Suggested Perks:

• Click-through logo in newsletters (season-long)
• Click-through logo in website sponsor banner
• Dedicated sponsor profile or spotlight on website
• Mentions in weekly “This Week at the Market” social posts
• Logo on printed materials (brochures, rack cards, etc.)
• On-site signage recognition

This tier balances strong visibility with manageable delivery.

🌳 Presenting Sponsor

Best for: Anchor sponsors, regional or institutional partners
Typical Investment: $2,000+

Suggested Perks:

• Top-tier logo placement across website and newsletters
• Regular tagged mentions on social media
• Featured sponsor spotlight post or blog feature
• Mentions in press releases when relevant
• Verbal recognition at special events
• Prominent on-site signage or banner placement
• Priority renewal and early access to future opportunities

This tier is about partnership, leadership, and shared growth.

Building Tiers Over Time

It’s okay to start simple.

As your market grows, you can:

• Add more social or email visibility
• Introduce sponsor spotlights or blog features
• Increase pricing as reach increases
• Offer exclusive opportunities to top-tier sponsors

Sponsors value transparency—tell them what you offer now and what you’re working toward.

A working tool for building sponsorships that grow with your market

This worksheet is designed to help farmers markets clearly define sponsorship tiers based on current capacity, while leaving room to grow. You do not need to fill out every line to get started.

Progress beats perfection.

Market Name: _______________________________
Season(s): _______________________________
Primary Contact: _______________________________
Website: _______________________________
Social Platforms Used: ☐ Facebook ☐ Instagram ☐ Email ☐ Website ☐ Other: __________

Tier Name #1

Tier Name: _______________________________
(Examples: Community Supporter, Friend of the Market, Local Ally)

Sponsorship Amount: $__________
Duration: ☐ Full Season ☐ Annual ☐ Single Event ☐ Other: __________

Included Benefits (check what applies)

Digital Visibility
☐ Website sponsor listing
☐ Click-through logo on website
☐ Newsletter mention
☐ Newsletter logo with link
☐ Social media mention (number): ______

Print & On-Site
☐ On-site sponsor board listing
☐ Printed materials (flyers, brochures, etc.)
☐ Verbal thank-you at market

Notes / Limits

Tier Name #2

Tier Name: _______________________________
(Examples: Market Partner, Community Champion)

Sponsorship Amount: $__________
Duration: ☐ Full Season ☐ Annual ☐ Multi-Event

Included Benefits

Digital Visibility
☐ Website sponsor banner
☐ Click-through logo in newsletters
☐ Dedicated sponsor profile or spotlight on website
☐ Weekly social media mentions
☐ Tagged mentions on Facebook/Instagram

Media & PR
☐ Mention in event listings
☐ Mention in press releases (when relevant)

Print & On-Site
☐ Logo on printed materials
☐ On-site signage
☐ Verbal recognition at special events

Notes / Limits

Tier Name #3 (Top Tier / Presenting Sponsor)

Tier Name: _______________________________
(Examples: Presenting Sponsor, Season Sponsor)

Sponsorship Amount: $__________+
Duration: ☐ Full Season ☐ Annual

Included Benefits

Premium Visibility
☐ Top-tier logo placement on website
☐ Priority logo placement in newsletters
☐ Regular tagged social media mentions
☐ Featured sponsor spotlight post or blog

Media & Recognition
☐ Mention in press releases
☐ Verbal recognition at events
☐ Prominent on-site signage or banner

Relationship Perks
☐ Priority renewal
☐ Early access to future opportunities
☐ Invitation to special events or milestones

Notes / Limits

Growth Planning (Highly Encouraged)

These questions help markets turn future plans into part of the value.

Marketing channels we are actively growing or improving:
☐ Email newsletter
☐ Website
☐ Social media reach
☐ Blog or storytelling
☐ Press & media outreach
☐ On-site signage
☐ Other: ________________________

How we will communicate growth to sponsors:

Consistency Check

Before finalizing tiers, ask:

☐ Can we reliably deliver everything listed?
☐ Are expectations clear and realistic?
☐ Do higher tiers clearly offer more value?
☐ Are we comfortable explaining growth plans honestly?

If yes → you’re ready to seek sponsors.

Optional Language Markets Can Use

Sponsorship benefits may evolve as our marketing grows. Our commitment to recognizing and supporting our sponsors remains consistent.

This worksheet aligns with best practices promoted by Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, encouraging transparency, sustainability, and long-term partnerships over short-term wins.

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