Corporate Partnerships Fundraising Strategy: Best Practices for Nonprofits
Why Corporate Partnerships Deserve a Spot in Your Fundraising Mix
Nonprofits often pour their energy into individual donors, grants, and even events. However, they often don’t think about corporations as part of their fundraising strategy. This is unfortunate as corporations are sitting on a goldmine of resources, and can be eager to align with causes that give their brand purpose and impact. According to Giving USA 2025: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2024, corporate giving totaled $44.4 billion, representing a 9.1% increase from the prior year. Additionally, corporate giving can help diversify your nonprofit’s fundraising revenue, thereby increasing the sustainability of your organization.
For nonprofits, this isn’t just about having a wealthy company write you a check; it’s about building partnerships that amplify impact, visibility, and long-term sustainability. If your organization doesn’t have a corporate partnerships gift strategy yet, consider this your nudge to get started.
What is Corporate Giving?
Before we dive into strategies, let’s define what corporate giving is. Corporate giving (sometimes called corporate philanthropy) includes a variety of ways companies support nonprofits.
Common Types of Corporate Giving
Direct donations: The classic “here’s a check” support.
Employee matching gifts: When employees donate to a nonprofit, their company matches the gift amount.
In-kind donations: Products, services, or expertise donated instead of cash.
Event sponsorships: Logo placement, speaking slots, and “presented by” perks.
Cause marketing campaigns: Co-branded promotions where a portion of the sales of a corporation’s goods or services benefit your nonprofit.
Customer donation programs: When businesses use their cash registers to ask customers to donate or “round up” to the next dollar.
Employee volunteer programs: Paid time off for staff to volunteer with you.
Corporate giving is multifaceted, flexible, and often underutilized by nonprofits.
Why Corporate Giving is a Win-Win
Corporate partnerships aren’t charity, they’re collaborations. When done correctly, both sides benefit significantly.
Benefits for Nonprofits
New revenue streams: Diversify funding and strengthen your sustainability.
Expanded reach: Companies can spread your mission to thousands of employees or customers.
Access to expertise: From donations of supplies to technology solutions, in-kind donations can fill critical gaps.
Increased credibility: A recognizable brand endorsement builds trust with donors and the public.
Benefits for Corporations
Reputation boost: Customers prefer brands that genuinely demonstrate social responsibility.
Employee engagement: Giving back increases employee morale and retention.
Community impact: Partnerships help companies achieve their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
Feel-good factor: Being a corporate do-gooder feels good.
Strategies to Engage Corporate Partners
Here are some strategies for how nonprofits can actually land and nurture these partnerships.
1. Do Your Homework
Before approaching a company, make sure that you do your homework first.
Look into their giving priorities and past giving. They will oftentimes list this on their website.
Identify connections (board members, volunteers, donors who work there).
Determine the different ways that they give (e.g., cash donations, employee matching, in-kind, customer donation program, etc.)
2. Lead With Mission, Not Money
Corporations don’t just want to give; they want to give with purpose. Frame your pitch around impact and alignment:
How does your mission connect to their business goals?
What measurable outcomes can you promise? Corporations want to understand how their donation will be used.
How will their employees or customers see the difference?
3. Offer a Menu of Options
Present a range of ways corporations can provide support:
Sponsorship levels with clear benefits (logo placement, social shoutouts).
Volunteer opportunities tailored to their employees’ skills.
Partnership packages that blend cash and in-kind contributions.
You want to make it easy for them to say yes.
4. Build Relationships
Think long-term. A one-time donation is nice, but repeat partnerships are the ultimate goal.
Maintain consistent communication (not just when you need money). For example, send them a custom stewardship report that informs them how the funds they provided are being used.
Invite them to events or site visits.
Share impact stories with their employees and customers.
5. Measure, Share, Repeat
Corporations love data and understanding the results of their giving.
Track the outcomes of their support (funds raised, people served, communities impacted).
Create simple, visual reports that they can share internally.
Celebrate wins together—on social media, in newsletters, even in the press.
Pro Tips to Level Up Your Corporate Partnerships Strategy
Think local first. Businesses in your home state are often more accessible and eager to support causes in their backyard.
Leverage your board. Board members often have corporate connections they can introduce.
Be ready with materials. A polished one-pager or sponsorship deck makes you look professional and saves everyone time.
Don’t forget the thank-you. A creative thank-you (video, handwritten note, social post) goes a long way in building loyalty.
Final Thoughts: Corporate Partnerships Are More Than Checks
Corporate giving isn’t just about funding. It’s about forming partnerships that strengthen your mission, expand your reach, and attract new supporters to your community.
The next time you’re updating or developing your fundraising strategy, don’t just think about your next gala or Giving Tuesday campaign. Think about the companies – those in your backyard and the national ones - that would be thrilled to join your mission.
At Market Me Consulting, we’ve helped nonprofits secure a variety of corporate gifts, including six-figure financial donations, in-kind support, event sponsorships, and more. If you’re seeking expert guidance on developing a corporate gift or nonprofit fundraising strategy, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Check out our other blog articles for marketing and fundraising best practices and tips.