As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dsmHack relies on the generous support of our incredible sponsors to fulfill our mission. Sponsorship funds power our annual hackathons and technology workshops, which benefit nonprofit organizations throughout the year. These contributions provide a stable foundation, enabling dsmHack to thrive and continue its impactful work year after year.

Our mission at dsmHack is to ensure that technology is never a barrier to doing good. We achieve this by equipping local nonprofit organizations with the tools, talent, and digital infrastructure they need to serve their communities more effectively.

Through our hackathons, design sprints, and year round support, we bring together technologists, creatives, and nonprofit leaders to solve real problems with practical, lasting solutions. From modernizing donor systems and improving data workflows to removing tech barriers and strengthening online presence, every project we support is designed to remove friction, increase capacity, and expand impact.

Your investment makes this possible. Sponsorships allow us to create safe, well-resourced environments where volunteers can give their best work and nonprofits can receive support they could not otherwise afford. Together, we are building a more connected, more capable nonprofit ecosystem where good ideas are not limited by outdated tools or lack of access.

Short answer: it fuels the people, tools, and environments that make dsmHack possible before, during, and after every event. Below are some examples of how we use funding…

1. Event Experience and Safety
Sponsorships cover the core costs of running safe, high-quality events for our volunteer workforce and nonprofit partners, including:

• Event space and facilities

• Snacks, meals, and beverages

• Event insurance and general liability coverage

• AV, printing, and onsite logistics

These investments ensure every participant can focus on doing their best work.

2. Volunteer Appreciation
We invest in meaningful keepsakes so volunteers can remember the experience and feel valued, including:

• Participant t-shirts

• Swag and thank you items

• Special surprises throughout the event

Our volunteers are the heart of dsmHack. This helps us retain and grow that community.

3. Prizes for New Events
While the Des Moines Charity Hackathon does not offer prizes due to its collaborative structure, our new events are designed to reward exceptional work. Sponsorships allow us to offer:

• Cash and/or physical prizes

• Recognition for outstanding effort

• Incentives that encourage teams to go above and beyond

These prizes help attract top talent and raise the quality of outcomes for nonprofits.

4. Nonprofit Technology Grants and Post-Event Support
Leftover funds help remove financial barriers for nonprofits after the event through:

• Software subscriptions and licenses

• Hosting, domains, and digital tools

• Tech grants for participating organizations

• Post hack consulting and implementation support

Some projects require follow-up work after the hackathon ends to ensure the solution is fully implemented. In those cases, nonprofits may apply for a support grant to help compensate the consultants for additional work.

5. Ongoing Education and Board Development
We invest in continuous learning, so our leadership stays ahead of changes that impact nonprofits, including:

• Technology and AI policy updates

• New fundraising and grant platforms

• Digital security and compliance tools

• Professional development and networking

This ensures dsmHack remains a knowledgeable, trusted partner for the sector.

6. Marketing and Outreach
Sponsorships also allow us to reach more volunteers and nonprofits throughout the year through:

• Social media and digital advertising

• Conference booths at events such as the Iowa Nonprofit Summit

• Annual membership with organizations like the Technology Association of Iowa

• Print and digital placements in publications like the Business Record

• Direct mail to local businesses inviting them to participate

This helps us find organizations that need support and bring them into the dsmHack community.

7. Technology infrastructure
Finally, sponsorships support the digital backbone of our work, including:

• Software licenses

• Domain names and hosting

• Cloud services and APIs

• Security, backups, and data protection

These tools ensure projects are built, delivered, and maintained responsibly.

In most cases, 100% of your sponsorship is tax-deductible and may be treated as fair market value of $0, since you are not receiving goods or services in return. However, if your sponsorship includes benefits with a measurable value (such as event tickets or participant registrations through a discount code), that portion may reduce the tax-deductible amount. After the hackathon, we will provide a final acknowledgement letter reflecting the fair market value and your total tax-deductible contribution.

Sponsorships are generally unrestricted and are used where they’re needed most to ensure our events and year-round support are successful. If your organization has specific requirements or preferences, please email info@dsmhack.org, and we’ll work with you to find the best fit.