diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5b7f52c500..af24561c7e 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -101,12 +101,8 @@ once the others are drained.
 
 ### Sponsors
 
-Sponsors keep the proxy maintained across every upstream protocol change. Two tiers, one
-[rule set](./SPONSORS.md): **Main** is reserved for model developers and takes the banner
-below; **Standard** is for relays and gateways and takes a table row plus a built-in preset near
-the top of the provider picker. Pricing is by inquiry and rises after 20,000 stars — early
-sponsors keep their rate. Ask on [X](https://x.com/claudeebum),
-[Discord](https://discord.gg/JEaPEtkHwh) (`#sponsors`), or jun@lidgeai.com.
+Sponsors keep opencodex maintained across every upstream protocol change — see
+[Sponsorship](#sponsorship) at the bottom of this page.
 
 <!-- sponsors:main — one banner, model developers only; empty until a Main sponsor signs -->
 
@@ -395,6 +391,17 @@ opencodex is an independent, community-maintained project and is **not affiliate
 
 Some providers — notably Anthropic (Claude) — may suspend or restrict accounts that route API traffic through third-party proxies. **Use at your own risk (UAYOR).** Before connecting a provider, review its Terms of Service to confirm that proxy-based access is permitted. The opencodex maintainers are not responsible for any account actions taken by upstream providers.
 
+## Sponsorship
+
+Two tiers, one [rule set](./SPONSORS.md): **Main** is reserved for model developers and takes
+the banner above the sponsor table; **Standard** is for relays and gateways and takes a table
+row plus a built-in preset near the top of the provider picker. Pricing is by inquiry and rises
+after 20,000 stars — early sponsors keep their rate. Sponsors never influence routing, defaults,
+or security review.
+
+To sponsor, ask on [X](https://x.com/claudeebum), [Discord](https://discord.gg/JEaPEtkHwh)
+(`#sponsors`), or jun@lidgeai.com, and read [SPONSORS.md](./SPONSORS.md) first.
+
 ## License
 
 MIT
diff --git a/SPONSORS.md b/SPONSORS.md
index 3523ef819a..9e259a78ff 100644
--- a/SPONSORS.md
+++ b/SPONSORS.md
@@ -57,11 +57,15 @@ sponsor receives:
 ## Placement
 
 The README sponsor section sits directly under **Quick start**, before the Docker Compose
-details, so it is on screen before a first-time visitor scrolls. Inside the section:
+details, so it is on screen before a first-time visitor scrolls. It carries one line of context
+and the placements themselves:
 
 1. One Main banner (empty until a Main sponsor signs).
 2. The Standard table, one row per sponsor, in order of signing date.
 
+The tier summary and the contact channels live in a **Sponsorship** section at the bottom of the
+README, just above the license, and point here for the full rule set.
+
 The translated READMEs under [`readme/`](./readme) carry one linking line right after their
 own quick-start block instead of duplicating the section, so a sponsor change is one edit in
 English.