SanMar Sponsorship Signals Growing Corporate Investment in T1D Research
Event summary
- Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) launched its 2026 Walks to raise funds and awareness for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research.
- SanMar Corporation, led by CEO Jeremy Lott, is a National Series sponsor, building on a $2.7 million contribution in 2025.
- Over 120 Walks are planned across the U.S., engaging individuals, families, and corporate sponsors.
- T1D affects 9.5 million people globally, with nearly 50% of diagnoses occurring in adulthood.
The big picture
The continued reliance on corporate sponsorships like SanMar's underscores the challenges in securing consistent funding for non-profit research organizations. While the Walks generate significant revenue, the organization's long-term sustainability depends on cultivating and expanding these partnerships. The personal connection of leadership, like Jeremy Lott's, highlights the power of emotional investment in driving philanthropic support.
What we're watching
- Sponsorship Trends
- The level of corporate commitment from SanMar, and potentially Ford, suggests a growing willingness to invest in T1D research, which could influence future fundraising strategies for Breakthrough T1D and similar organizations.
- Employee Engagement
- SanMar's employee participation, highlighted by Nick Anderson's involvement, indicates a potential for leveraging employee engagement programs to drive fundraising and brand awareness, a model other companies may emulate.
- Research Funding
- The success of the Walks will directly impact Breakthrough T1D's ability to fund research initiatives, and the organization's progress towards a cure will be inextricably linked to continued fundraising success.
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