Corporate Giving: 7 Ways Companies Support Nonprofits

Event sponsorship is only one way companies support nonprofits. Many businesses give in other ways too, and some of the most valuable cost them little and are easy to ask for. Here are seven ways companies give, and how to ask for each one.

1. Sponsorships

A company pays to be associated with your event or program and receives recognition in return. Sponsorships usually come from a marketing or community relations budget. Here's how to create a sponsorship package and how to get corporate sponsors.

2. Corporate foundation grants

Many larger companies give through a corporate foundation, with guidelines, application forms and deadlines. Find out whether the company has one, read the guidelines carefully and apply well ahead of when you need the money.

3. Matching gifts

Many employers match their employees' charitable gifts, often dollar for dollar, but much of that money is never requested because donors don't know or forget. To raise more from matching gifts:

• Ask on your donation form whether the donor's employer matches gifts.
• Mention matching gifts in your thank-you message and receipt, with a simple next step.
• Remind donors at year end, when many matching deadlines approach.
• Thank donors again when the match arrives, and tell them what the doubled gift did.

4. Volunteer grants

Some companies give a grant to organizations where their employees volunteer a certain number of hours. Ask your regular volunteers whether their employer offers volunteer grants, and help them submit their hours.

5. In-kind gifts

Products and services can be worth as much as cash: food for an event, printing, office space, professional services, equipment. Ask for what you'd otherwise have to buy, and thank in-kind donors as warmly as cash donors.

6. Employee giving campaigns

Some companies run workplace giving campaigns, with payroll deductions for causes their employees choose. Ask your supporters whether their workplace runs one, and how your organization can be included.

7. Cause marketing

A company donates part of its sales to your cause for a period of time, such as a percentage of a product's sales or a dollar from every purchase. These partnerships can raise money and awareness, but make sure the terms are clear and the company fits your values.

Where to start

You don't need all seven at once. This month, add a matching gift question to your donation form and your thank-you emails. Then ask your board and volunteers which companies they work for. Those two steps alone will show you where your best corporate opportunities are.