How to approach corporate fundraising

December 30, 2013 Sarah M. Jackson

Corporations are an important source of charitable dollars in the US. In 2018, American companies gave $20.05B to charity--a gain of 5.4 percent over the previous year.

Corporations are most likely to seek quid pro quo, or certain benefits, in exchange for giving to your nonprofit organization.

When trying your hand at corporate fundraising, remember that c ompanies want marketing and visibility. Give them ways to show the greater community that they are giving back, and that they're genuinely connected to the needs and neighborhoods around them.

To that end, it's critical to let companies know what's in it for them by offering tangible benefits such as:

Event sponsorships
"Naming" a certain program or space at your facility
Inviting their employees to volunteer at your site
Early access to data your nonprofit may generate
Developing cause marketing opportunities
Co-creating programs or workshops

Be sure to explain how each benefit will help the company to raise awareness and visibility of both their brand and their employees' involvement in the community. Learn the business' goals for philanthropic engagement and let that shape your partnership.