Nonprofits know that corporate sponsorships can make a big difference in the success of their organization. Corporations can offer large monetary gifts, give nonprofits exposure to new audiences, boost their partners’ brand equity, and supply a pool of volunteers and individual donors.
How can your nonprofit secure a corporate partner? We’ve got some tips and ideas below.
Why Do Corporations Give to Nonprofits?
Corporations will give to those organizations with whom they align. The most successful nonprofit-corporation partnerships are between those organizations and companies that have shared values, common goals, and/or the same target audience.
Securing a corporate donor requires authentic relationship. It’s best to find a personal contact who can make the introduction and then keep nurturing the relationship for the long haul.
Types of Corporate Gifts
Corporate sponsorship can be so much more than just cashing a check. Think outside the box when approaching companies about partnership. Some companies may not readily offer a cash gift, but they may be willing to donate products to your cause.
Corporations support nonprofits in many ways including:
- In-kind donations – gifts of goods, services, products
- Employee giving – volunteers, payroll deductions, peer-to-peer fundraising and “drives”
- Marketing – contributions in exchange for advertising
- Financial support – large monetary donations and dollar-matching campaigns
How to Ask for Corporate Sponsorship
Once you’re ready to ask for the corporate sponsorship, make sure you have a plan in place. Your pitch should be prepared, confident, and enthusiastic — not stiff, memorized, or apologetic.
Connect with the corporation’s decision-makers on a personal level, highlighting your common values, goals, and audiences and offering tangible examples of benefits for the company in the partnership. Point out how aligning with your nonprofit will help the company reach their goals.
Present a concrete plan with specific action items and a way to measure success. Follow up with a thank you note.
Asking for corporate sponsorships shouldn’t be intimidating or fearful, especially if you approach the companies from the perspective of “what’s in it for them” and follow these steps.
