Nature Foundation announces Centennial Celebration sponsorship opportunities
The Forest Preserve District will mark its 100th anniversary in 2027, and businesses and organizations are invited to be part of the celebration by becoming Centennial Celebration sponsors.
The Nature Foundation of Will County, the Forest Preserve’s nonprofit fundraising partner, is offering sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, with benefits to sponsors extending throughout the centennial year.
“Now is the time to show your support for the Forest Preserve District’s past and future preservation, conservation, education and recreation programs and activities,” said Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff. “It’s a way to align yourself with the Forest Preserve’s mission and show that you care about and support Will County’s natural and cultural resources.”
A full list of sponsorship levels and benefits is available on the Foundation’s website. Sponsorships will be accepted throughout the Centennial year; however, to ensure you receive all benefits listed in your sponsorship level, we must receive your sponsorship commitment by Oct. 31, 2026.
“If you are looking to become a top partner with the Forest Preserve District, we would need that commitment by the fall of this year to ensure your name and logo appear on all sponsorship-level benefits,” Neff said.
Sponsorship levels are:
- Bald Eagle Partner: $100,000
- Osprey Sponsor: $50,000
- Swainson's Hawk Sponsor: $25,000
- Northern Harrier Sponsor: $10,000
- American Kestrel Sponsor: $5,000
- Party Supporter: $1,000
Businesses and organizations can to choose the level that best fits their goals.
“We have a variety of options, from the highest level with yearlong benefits to sponsoring one event, the Cheers to 100 Years party in July,” Neff said. “The most important thing is the visibility sponsors will get from partnering with us.”
For example, $100,000 sponsors will receive 21 benefits, including logo placement on Forest Preserve information boards, centennial-related signs and printed event promotions; recognition in the Forest Preserve’s weekly Compass digital newsletter; and inclusion in a centennial timeline exhibit at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet.
Other benefits available at various levels include recognition at the Cheers to 100 Years party and recognition at the Forest Preserve’s visitor centers throughout the year.
That July 24 celebration at Hickory Creek Preserve will be one highlight of a year filled with special events, giveaways, exhibits, stories and videos marking the Forest Preserve’s first century.
“Some of the events will be new, and some will be our tried-and-true offerings, including the Be a Trailblazer scavenger hunt, Eagle Watch, Maple Syrup Magic and more,” Neff said. “It’s the things you already love about the preserves with a little extra oomph.”
The yearlong celebration will give sponsors broad exposure to Forest Preserve visitors and followers. The District’s website receives more than 1 million visits annually, while its social media platforms generate 40 million views each year and have a combined 510,000 followers. The Forest Preserve also operates six visitor centers and 40 preserves throughout Will County.
“The Forest Preserve’s reach extends far beyond Will County’s borders; it is huge,” Neff said. “It’s a chance to get a big return on your investment by partnering with us.
"This is a big deal — 100 years of preserving and restoring our natural areas and cultural resources and creating places and programs for people to learn about and enjoy them; the community benefits from everything that’s happened in the past and will continue into the future.”
