In 2023, at the suggestion of our exhibitors and sponsors, NASFAA introduced a 5K charity walk/run event as part of our National Conference. With a simple goal to re-engage those just returning to in-person events, this event seemed to fill a need we didn’t know existed: our NASFAA attendees wanted to build community through physical activity, and to do good in the process.

What began with one simple suggestion has now become an annual tradition of multiple charity events during conference week, with the tremendous impact of over $24,000 raised for Students Without Limits and All-In Milwaukee. And you can be part of it, too!

Become a Charity Sponsor

To continue giving back, we need help from sponsors. From race management, to race shirts, to a trivia DJ and location, we rely on our sponsors to offset our costs, allowing us to present 100% of remaining proceeds to charity. Your participation makes our donations possible! 

2025 Charity Events included in sponsorship

• 5K Walk/Run
  • This year’s Tuesday monring race loops around the Anaheim Convention Center.
• Trivia Night
  • Our onsite Wednesday night event will have teams competing to be crowned trivia masters.
• Silent Disco
  • For those who would rather dance than be quizzed, our Wednesday night event will also feature a silent dance party.  

Sponsorship Cost & Benefits

For just $1,000, your organization is in the spotlight with:

• Your logo on the race shirts and website
• Your own sponsor table at the 5K to meet and mingle with 5K participants
• Special recognition during the Team Trivia event and an opportunity to captain your own teams
• Sponsor slide/recognition during the opening session
• Sponsor recognition in Today's News, the NASFAA Community Slack channel, and related media releases
• Sponsor recognition during the National Conference Webinar
• Inclusion in the 5K Pre-Race Social

Our 2025 Partner Charity

Our charity proceeds this year will benefit Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, a non-profit founded in 2013 to provide wrap-around services, family support, and community resources to youth and families in Orange County, CA.

Do Well By Doing Good

Our former and current charity sponsors have found that participating in these events provides rewards far beyond our list of perks:

To us, it’s all about connecting with passionate professionals in higher education who are dedicated to student success. This sponsorship not only supports a great cause but also provides a meaningful way to engage with attendees, build relationships, and make a lasting impact. - MOHELA

Being a charity sponsor brings all vendors together with a common goal and purpose. It unifies us as part of a greater good, giving back to those that may be less fortunate with a “hand-up”. Everyone is excited to be there, get their NASFAA charity  t-shirt, stop by the tables and visit the sponsor vendors. It’s such a feel-good event! - College Ave

The charity events are great for networking opportunities to engage with financial aid professionals in a more relaxed, informal setting beyond the conference floor. Also, it’s a great way to establish positive brand association by aligning your company with a good cause, reinforcing a socially responsible brand image. - Earnest

College Aid Services is proud to sponsor NASFAA’s charity events as part of our commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the community where the annual conferences are held. While promoting health, team building, and camaraderie are added benefits, our primary motivation is to contribute to initiatives that align with our values of service and social responsibility. - College Aid Services

We believe in creating meaningful connections not just with our customers, but within the communities we serve. These charity sponsorships offer a chance to support a great cause while fostering deeper relationships with attendees. Plus, they add an extra layer of purpose to our event participation by providing us with an opportunity to make a real difference. - Gravyty (formerly Ocelot)

Since the beginning, we have proudly sponsored the NASFAA 5K Walk/Run, supporting a cause that makes a meaningful impact in our community. Giving back through a charity is important, and we are grateful for the opportunity that NASFAA gives us to come together, enjoy the city, and walk for a greater purpose. - Sallie Mae

Ready to Sponsor?

Join us in giving back to local nonprofits as part of the National Conference experience! Contact Carissa Uhlman-Campana for more information or to become a sponsor.