The BIGGEST event is here. Let’s make it unforgettable!
Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards is a nonprofit organization (501c3) based in Des Moines, IA, USA. It is one of the biggest annual African Youth festival events that takes place in the United States of America. The purpose of this event is to promote the talent of African arts of music, fashion, sport, and many more. The event comes with many interesting performances from different African artists, dancers, stylists, and many more.
DAFESTA event attracts guests from various cities throughout the United States, as well as guests and honorees from various African countries. As per need, the goal is to celebrate all the African culture, foods, and talent across the United States. The outcome of this event is to bring together all the talented African youth around the United States, as well as around the world. The festival will feature high-caliber international artists, along with vibrant local musical communities, bringing the wider world of African music worldwide to the doorstep of thousands of adults, young people, and families throughout the nation.
Dear Valuable Sponsors:
Thank you for allowing us to present a genuine and unique opportunity to support and change the lives of talented African youths in the United States and worldwide. We are proud to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors can choose from 5 different levels, all of which allow you or your organization the freedom to choose how you’ll sponsor the Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards.
Dafesta sponsorship provides ongoing visibility to our members and guests throughout the year. As our membership continues to grow, so does the reach and benefits of your sponsorship. The earlier your sponsorship is finalized, the more recognition and exposure you or your organization can receive throughout the year.
The following are the sponsorship packages that we offer to our valuable sponsors:
Why do we need sponsors
As an organization that is interested in promoting African culture and heritage, we do this to meet the world standard and enable Africans in the United States to take pride in their culture. Therefore, at all times, we are faced with making the best of every festival to suit the taste of the world and in the same quality as how it is done on African soil. To achieve these, certain ingredients are essential; these include appropriate costumes, sound system, performing artists, lighting effects, and many others.
The Annual Des Moines African Youth Festival award, which started in the year 2020, is dependent on the availability of adequate resources to enable the organization to cater to the needs listed above. But in the last three editions of the festival, insufficient resources have been used to achieve these needs. However, with financial aid from different organizations, the organization will have just sufficient resources to carry out its objectives and also be able to make the future edition of the festival a world-class standard like its counterparts.
These funds will be used to build/rent a hall/auditorium that will be used for the event annually; we will also purchase essential costumes for the use of artists during the festival. As in our tradition, the funds will also enable us to be able to pay local and invited artists who perform during the festival. Why is this important? Putting all of these factors and expenses in place will ensure a subsidized or free entrance fee for the audience, especially African youths who might be interested in attending the festival but are restricted financially.
Please take a moment and watch the video below to learn more about us:
Why Sponsor This Event?
People, organization, or company that sponsor the Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards will not only be showing their support as advocates for Dafesta’s mission, but we will make sure they get the following benefits along with their sponsorship;
1. Sponsors will achieve the desired return on investment and develop their brands
3. Sponsors will get the opportunity to build and develop a strong network that can increase the company’s sales.
4. We will offer Brand exposure, one-off mass marketing opportunities, sales leads, or even increase perceived corporate social responsibility.
5. We will help your business increase its credibility, improve its public image, and build prestige.
Sponsorship packages
The Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards is a federally recognized 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. As such, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
We are proud to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors can choose from 5 different levels, all of which allow you or your organization the freedom to decide how you’ll sponsor the Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards.
Dafesta sponsorship provides ongoing visibility to our members and guests throughout the sponsorship year. As our membership continues to grow, so does the reach and benefits of your sponsorship. The earlier your sponsorship is finalized, the more recognition and exposure you or your organization can receive throughout the year.
DAFESTA 2026 Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
🏆 1. Platinum Sponsor — $10,000+
The highest level of partnership for organizations committed to creating lasting community impact.
Premium Benefits
- Top-Tier Recognition:
Prominent logo placement on all event promotional materials, including:- Website homepage
- Flyers & posters
- Event banners
- Social media campaigns
- Event shirts (if applicable)
- Exclusive VIP Access:
Front-row VIP seating for 10 guests, including early entry and priority check-in. - Stage Acknowledgment:
Special verbal recognition throughout the event as a Platinum Partner. - Speaking Opportunity:
Ability to address attendees on stage and showcase your company’s mission, products, or services. - Media Exposure:
Featured in press releases, TV/media interviews (when available), and all post-event media recap publications. - Brand Activation Opportunity:
Option to host a booth or activation zone to engage with attendees directly.
Why Choose Platinum?
Your organization becomes a central pillar of the festival’s success—maximizing visibility, impact, and community influence.
🥇 2. Gold Sponsor — $5,000
Ideal for organizations that want high visibility and a strong community connection.
Valuable Benefits
- Recognition:
Logo placement on event website, select promotional materials, and social media announcements. - VIP Access:
VIP seating for 6 guests with early entry. - Stage Acknowledgment:
Special verbal recognition during the event as a Gold Sponsor. - Professional Networking:
Opportunity to connect with event speakers, organizers, community leaders, and influencers. - Media Mention:
Inclusion in press releases and media mentions.
Why Choose Gold?
Gold sponsors receive strong branding and premium exposure while helping elevate the event’s quality and reach.
🥈 3. Silver Sponsor — $2,500
A great option for businesses seeking brand visibility and participation in community celebrations.
Key Benefits
- Digital Recognition:
Logo displayed on event website and selected digital materials. - VIP Access:
VIP seating for 4 guests. - Event Acknowledgment:
Verbal recognition during the event as a Silver Sponsor. - Networking:
Opportunity to connect with attendees, performers, vendors, and partner organizations. - Media Inclusion:
Mention in event press releases.
Why Choose Silver?
Silver sponsors receive meaningful exposure while supporting the cultural and youth-focused mission of DAFESTA.
🥉 4. Bronze Sponsor — $1,000
Perfect for small businesses and individuals who want to support the event and gain entry-level visibility.
Included Benefits
- Website Recognition:
Name or business listed on the event website. - Event Acknowledgment:
Verbal appreciation during the event. - Community Networking:
Access to engage with attendees and participants. - Program Recognition:
Acknowledgment in the official event program.
Why Choose Bronze?
A cost-effective way for smaller organizations to demonstrate community support and gain visibility.
🤝 5. Supporting Sponsor — Any Amount
For individuals, families, and small businesses who simply want to give back.
Included Benefits
- Recognition:
Name listed on the event website and event program. - Appreciation Email:
Personalized thank-you message for supporting DAFESTA’s mission.
Why Choose Supporting?
Every contribution, big or small, helps strengthen youth empowerment, cultural awareness, and community unity.
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Sponsorship of DAFESTA provides valuable exposure to a diverse audience while supporting cultural enrichment and community unity in Polk County. Each level offers unique benefits tailored to enhance visibility, networking opportunities, and community engagement for sponsors.
Please take a moment and fill out this form if interested in being on our event sponsor’s list
Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us at: sponsorship@dafesta.org. We’re here to help.