Community Event Vendor Guidelines

Central Illinois Resource Center Inc. (CIRC)

Central Illinois Resource Center Inc. (CIRC) welcomes community partners, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and service providers to participate as vendors at our community and mental health–focused events. These guidelines exist to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive, and mission-aligned experience for all attendees, vendors, and volunteers.

1. Vendor Eligibility & Mission Alignment

All vendors must align with CIRC’s mission of promoting mental health awareness, community wellness, education, equity, and access to resources.

CIRC reserves the right to approve or deny vendor participation based on mission alignment, space availability, community impact, or safety considerations.

Eligible vendors may include:

• Nonprofit organizations

• Community service providers

• Advocacy organizations

• Health and wellness providers (non-clinical)

• Small businesses offering community-appropriate goods or services

2. Prohibited Activities & Materials

To maintain a safe and inclusive environment, the following are strictly prohibited at CIRC events:

• Political campaigning or partisan advocacy

• Religious proselytizing or coercive messaging

• Hate speech, discriminatory, or exclusionary materials

• Firearms, weapons, or hazardous materials

• Alcohol, cannabis, vaping products, or controlled substances

• Raffles, gambling, or fundraising not pre-approved by CIRC

Vendors engaging in prohibited conduct may be asked to leave the event immediately.

3. Sales, Donations & Fundraising

Vendors must disclose in advance if they intend to sell items or accept donations.

All fundraising activities must receive prior approval from CIRC.

Vendors may not represent themselves as fundraising on behalf of CIRC unless explicitly authorized in writing.

Vendors are responsible for their own sales tax compliance.

4. Setup, Breakdown & Space Use

Vendors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, signage, and display materials unless otherwise stated.

Setup and breakdown times will be communicated in advance and must be followed.

Vendors must remain set up for the full duration of the event unless approved otherwise.

Vendor spaces must remain clean, organized, and within assigned boundaries.

5. Conduct & Professionalism

All vendors, staff, and representatives are expected to:

Treat attendees, volunteers, and fellow vendors with respect

Maintain a trauma-informed, inclusive, and non-judgmental approach

Avoid aggressive sales tactics or solicitation

Follow all instructions provided by CIRC staff or event coordinators

Many CIRC events serve vulnerable populations, including youth, seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, and individuals impacted by mental health challenges. Professionalism and sensitivity are mandatory.

6. Marketing, Branding & Representation

• Vendors may distribute their own approved marketing materials.

• Use of the CIRC name, logo, or branding requires prior written approval.

• Vendors may not imply endorsement by CIRC unless explicitly authorized.

• Photography or video recording of attendees requires consent.

7. Liability & Insurance

Vendors participate at their own risk.
CIRC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless Central Illinois Resource Center Inc., including its board members, staff, and volunteers, from any claims arising from vendor participation.

Proof of insurance may be required for certain vendors or activities.


8. Accessibility & Inclusion

CIRC is committed to accessibility and inclusion.

Vendor spaces must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Discriminatory behavior or refusal of service based on protected characteristics will not be tolerated.

9. Compliance With Laws & Policies

Vendors must comply with all applicable:

Local, state, and federal laws
Venue rules and regulations
Public health and safety guidelines

Failure to comply may result in removal from the event.

10. Agreement & Acknowledgment

By registering and participating as a vendor, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with these Vendor Guidelines and any additional event-specific instructions provided by CIRC.