Corporate Sponsors
Corporate Sponsorship Program: Investing in The Jiu-Jitsu Project
​
This proposal outlines engagement opportunities for organizations seeking to align with The Jiu-Jitsu Project's mission of community building, discipline, and empowerment, driven by the strategic vision of Director Caroline Portugal.
​
Our Values Alignment
​
Your sponsorship directly supports:
-
Community Scholarships: Providing martial arts training to underserved youth and families.
-
Wellness Programs: Funding initiatives in personal safety and mental resilience within the academy.
Tiered Sponsorship Opportunities
IS
Impact Supporter
Annual Investment: $10,000 - $24,999
​
Enhanced Visibility & Wellness
All Community Partner benefits.
Medium logo placement on academy banner/signage.
One (1) Exclusive Corporate Empowerment Workshop (e.g., stress reduction, basic self-defense, or team nutrition seminar) led by staff at your location.
Featured as an official event sponsor for one minor tournament or local drive.
CS
Championship Sponsor
Annual Investment: $25,000 +
​
Premier Alignment & Executive Access
All Impact Supporter benefits.
Prominent logo placement in JJP’s Kid’s Tournament & School Academy
Access to Custom Program Development Empowerment Workshops
​
Premier recognition on all social media platforms
​
Quarterly strategy meeting with Corporate Sponsor Director Caroline Portugal
Custom Program Offerings: Bespoke Partnership
We recognize that the most effective partnerships are tailored to meet a corporation's specific CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) or employee wellness goals. We also offer custom-built initiatives.
Detailed Custom Programs Include:
​
-
Executive Safety & Resilience Seminar:
-
Focus: A high-intensity, high-value workshop focused on applying martial arts principles to corporate pressure.
-
Topics include maintaining composure under stress, verbal de-escalation, and developing "performance mindsets" derived from elite competition (MMA, Jiu-Jitsu).
-
It includes practical, non-aggressive personal safety drills tailored for professional environments.
-
-
Therapy for Wellness:
-
Focus: An innovative program designed to combat employee burnout and foster mental health.
-
The program blends gentle movement and mindfulness derived from BJJ/Judo warm-ups with creative, therapeutic expression (e.g., guided art activities).
-
The goal is to provide a structured outlet for stress reduction and mental reset.
-
-
Team Building & Discipline Retreats:
- Focus: Full-day or multi-day offsite experiences centered on the core values of martial arts: commitment, perseverance, and collaboration.
- Activities emphasize breaking down seemingly insurmountable goals (like achieving a Black Belt) into manageable steps, building trust through physically and mentally challenging group tasks, and fostering a disciplined, goal-oriented company culture.
Tax Benefits for Sponsorship:
A Financially Responsible Investment
The Jiu-Jitsu Project operates as a qualified non-profit organization (501(c)(3) status implied) dedicated to community welfare. Therefore, your sponsorship is not just a philanthropic gesture but a financially strategic business decision, potentially qualifying for significant tax benefits.
​
How Your Payment is Deductible:
-
Charitable Contribution Deduction (IRC Section 170): If your sponsorship is primarily altruistic and you receive no substantial return benefit (i.e., benefits that are token or have a fair market value less than 2% of the payment), the full amount may be deductible as a charitable contribution, subject to standard corporate limits (typically 10% of taxable income).
-
Ordinary and Necessary Business Expense (IRC Section 162/513(i)): When the sponsorship provides a marketing, advertising, or goodwill benefit (such as logo placement, visibility, or the Custom Programs listed above), the payment is often deductible as an "ordinary and necessary business expense."
-
-
Qualified Sponsorship Payments (QSP): The IRS typically exempts "qualified sponsorship payments" from Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) for the non-profit. The sponsor can deduct these payments as business expenses. This includes acknowledging your name, logo, or product lines neutrally.
-
Workshop Value: The value of return benefits, such as the Corporate Empowerment Workshops included in the Impact and Championship tiers, is generally minimal compared to the overall sponsorship payment, allowing the majority of the payment to be deductible under this classification.
-
Recommendation: We advise all sponsors to consult with their tax advisors to determine the most advantageous classification (Charitable Contribution or Business Expense) based on their specific financial structure and the details of their chosen partnership tier.
​
To design a custom package that aligns perfectly with your brand's philanthropic objectives and employee needs, please connect with Caroline Portugal directly at empoweredcaroline@icloud.com and or call/text her at 727 470 5705.
Corporate Sponsor Director:
Caroline Portugal
Caroline Portugal serves as the Corporate Sponsor Director for The Jiu-Jitsu Project, bringing a unique blend of elite athletic discipline, strategic leadership, and deep community commitment to the organization. Her dedication is rooted in a lifelong connection to the project, having been a friend and student of Co-founder Mike Geery for over 20 years, where she has witnessed the academy's profound, positive impact on the community.
​
​A former Professional MMA Fighter, Caroline’s career is defined by relentless competition and mastery across a wide spectrum of disciplines. She has spent years competing in international and national tournaments, earning numerous Gold and Silver medals in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Japanese Jujitsu, XME Weapons, Obstacle Course, and National Fitness Competitions. This competitive background instills a framework of excellence and goal-oriented focus she now applies to corporate engagement. Beyond the competition mat, Caroline is the Head Director of the Lawmen Black Belt Academy (LBBA) This specialized, unique program is led by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts who are also active sworn Law Enforcement officers, providing crucial training in single-officer ground tactics that enhance officer safety and effectiveness.
