How to Get Donations From Companies

Nonprofit organizations thrive on support from their communities. While individual donors are a key part of funding, companies can offer significant financial and non-financial support that takes your organization to the next level.

But how do you approach a company, and why would they want to donate?

In this guide, we’ll explain why you should seek company donations, how to identify the right businesses and practical steps to take to make effective requests. Plus, we’ll show you how to maintain strong relationships with corporate donors, leading to sustained support over time that will benefit both your nonprofit and the business!

Why You Should Ask for Company Donations

Companies are often willing to donate to causes that align with their values. This can benefit nonprofits in many ways — beyond just financial support. Below are some main reasons why company donations should be part of your nonprofit’s strategy.

Diversify Your Revenue Streams

Relying exclusively on individual donors can leave your nonprofit vulnerable during economic downturns. By learning how to get donations from companies, you diversify your revenue streams, providing more stability. Businesses can contribute through direct donations, in-kind support or employee volunteer programs. Each of these can fill gaps in funding or resources. Diversification also gives your nonprofit the flexibility to plan and grow, reducing dependence on a single source of income.

Build Long-Term Partnerships

A successful partnership with a company can evolve into a steady, long-term relationship. Many businesses like to support nonprofits regularly, especially when they share similar values. This steady support makes future planning easier for your nonprofit organization. For example, a company might sponsor a yearly event or offer ongoing grant funding. Building relationships with companies doesn’t just result in repeated donations — it can lead to collaborative opportunities like co-branded campaigns or community programs that benefit both parties.

Increase Your Visibility and Reach

When a company partners with your nonprofit, its audience becomes part of your potential support base. Companies often promote their charitable partnerships through newsletters, social media or press releases. This exposure helps your nonprofit reach more people, including potential donors, volunteers and advocates. Local businesses, in particular, can amplify your nonprofit’s visibility in the community. Increased awareness makes it easier to gain additional support while building credibility. Partnerships with well-known brands can improve your reputation and attract other companies to collaborate with you.

Drive Social Good

Companies are increasingly looking for ways to positively impact society, and supporting nonprofits helps them achieve this goal. By donating to your organization, companies contribute to social good while increasing their corporate social responsibility efforts. This is especially important as consumers and employees increasingly favor businesses that prioritize giving back. When you show how their support leads to real change, it becomes a win-win situation: your nonprofit gains resources and the company builds goodwill and a stronger connection with its community.

Deciding Which Companies To Ask

Not every business aligns with your nonprofit’s goals. Focusing on the right ones boosts your chances of getting donations and building strong, lasting partnerships. Keep these factors in mind when selecting companies to contact.

Alignment With Your Mission

Look for companies that share your nonprofit’s values. A shared purpose makes it easier to build a connection and convince them to support your cause. For example, a health nonprofit could approach a wellness company, or an environmental nonprofit might contact a local solar energy provider. Shared goals create partnerships that feel genuine and work well for both sides. Companies are also more likely to donate when they see how your work fits with their goals. This makes alignment a vital part of finding the right donors.

Local Businesses

Local businesses can be some of the best partners for nonprofits. They often look for ways to give back to their community and make a tangible impact close to home. Approach businesses in your area by highlighting how your work benefits the local community. A neighborhood bakery might sponsor a fundraising event, or a nearby office might donate funds for a school program. These partnerships often have a personal touch, making them more engaging and meaningful for everyone involved.

Read more: How to Write a Sponsorship Letter (+ 7 Templates)

Leverage Your Network

Your network is one of your most valuable tools when identifying potential donors. Board members, volunteers and current donors likely have connections to businesses that they can introduce to your nonprofit. Ask your supporters to recommend companies they’ve worked with or to make introductions on your behalf. A volunteer might work for a company with a matching gift program, or a board member might know a local business owner willing to sponsor an event. Relationships are key to opening doors to corporate donations.

How To Request Donations from Companies

Once you’ve identified the right companies, crafting a compelling request is the next step. Reaching out strategically and tailoring your approach to what company or person you’re approaching can significantly improve your chances of success.

Determine Your Channel

Pick the best way to contact companies based on their preferences and the nature of your request.

Email

Emails are a convenient way to make first contact. Keep your emails short and clear. Explain your nonprofit’s goals, the donation request and how it connects to your company’s values. Be professional but approachable.

Direct Mail

Sending a formal letter adds a personal touch. It’s great for businesses with a traditional style or for high-value donation requests. Use direct mail to share details about your nonprofit’s mission and how the company can help. Keep the tone professional and polished.

Phone Call

Phone calls feel more personal. Use them to introduce yourself, explain your goals and discuss how their company can contribute. Phone calls are also great for follow-ups after sending an email or a letter, allowing you to answer questions quickly and directly.

In Person

Face-to-face meetings are ideal for high-priority requests. They help you build trust and make a strong case. Bring materials like brochures or a presentation to show the company exactly how their support will make an impact.

Highlight Your “Why”

Companies need to clearly understand why they should support your nonprofit’s cause. Explain the impact of their donation in terms of the change it can create. Use specific examples to make your case compelling. For instance, “Your support will help provide meals for 500 families this month” paints a clear picture of their contribution’s value. Companies are more likely to give when they see tangible outcomes tied to their support, so make your “why” as direct and relatable as possible.

Personalize Your Request

A generic request is far less effective than one specifically tailored to the company you’re addressing. Research the business you’re approaching and mention specific details that connect their work to your nonprofit’s mission. If you’re writing to an eco-friendly company, highlight how their donation would help fund an environmental cleanup initiative. Personalization shows that you’ve done your homework and aren’t sending a blanket request, which increases the likelihood of a positive response.

Provide Different Ways to Give

Offering a variety of donation options makes it easier for companies to contribute in a way that suits them. Here are some examples:

Monetary Donations

These are the most straightforward kinds of financial contributions, either as one-time gifts or ongoing support. You can also ask for grants, requiring a more formal application but often result in significant funding. Clearly explain how the money will be used to create impact.

In-Kind Donations

Many companies prefer to donate goods or services instead of money. Examples include food for events, printing services or technology equipment. In-kind contributions can be just as valuable as financial donations, especially for specific projects or operational needs.

Gift Matching

Some companies match their employees’ donations to nonprofits. Encourage your supporters to check if their employers offer gift-matching programs to double their contributions.

Sponsorships

Companies often sponsor events or campaigns in exchange for public recognition. This arrangement benefits both parties by combining financial support with increased visibility for the business.

Read more: Corporate Sponsorships 101: Everything You Need to Know

Volunteering Hours

Many businesses organize employee volunteer programs. Ask companies if their staff can help with activities like event setup, tutoring or administrative tasks.

Cause Marketing

Collaborate on a campaign where a percentage of the company’s sales goes to your nonprofit. This approach combines fundraising with increased brand exposure for both parties.

Read more: How to Get Started with Cause Marketing + Examples and FAQs

Using Company Resources

Companies can provide resources like office space, event venues or employee training sessions. These contributions reduce your costs and help you focus on your mission.

Share What You’re Offering

While you’re asking for support, it’s important to highlight how the partnership will benefit the company. Businesses are more likely to donate when they see value in the collaboration.

Promoting the Business

Offer to promote the company’s support through your nonprofit’s communication channels, like your website, social media or newsletters. You could put the donating company’s logo on event materials or publicly thank them during a fundraiser. Demonstrating how the partnership boosts their visibility encourages businesses to contribute.

Tax Benefits

Donations to nonprofits are often tax-deductible, which can strongly incentivize companies to give. Make sure you clearly outline how their contribution qualifies for tax benefits and provide the necessary documentation after the donation. This practical advantage can be (and often will be!) a deciding factor for many businesses.

Read more: Nonprofit Tax Compliance: Three Things You Need to Know

Improve Company Image

By supporting your nonprofit, businesses (aim to) improve their public reputation. Customers and employees are more likely to support companies that prioritize social responsibility. Highlight how their donation will position them as a socially conscious brand and how this will strengthen their connection with their community.

Don’t Forget to Follow Up

Following up is a crucial part of the donation process. If you don’t receive a response after your initial request, send the company a polite reminder. If you emailed a company, follow up with a phone call or a second email after a week or two. Follow-ups show your commitment and provide another opportunity to discuss their potential contribution. Be respectful and professional so that the tone of your follow-up feels like a genuine continuation of the conversation.

Say “Thank You”

Saying thank you is key to building — and maintaining — strong relationships with companies. After receiving a donation, send a thank-you note quickly. Share how their support impacted your mission; for example, “Your help provided clean water to 1,000 families.” Publicly acknowledge their contribution on social media or at events to show appreciation. A sincere thank-you makes businesses feel valued and increases the likelihood of them giving again.

Example Donation Request to a Company

Subject: Partner With [your nonprofit’s name] to Make a Difference

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [your name], and I’m the [your title] at [your nonprofit’s name], an organization dedicated to [briefly state your mission]. I’m reaching out to explore a potential partnership with [company name] that can create meaningful change.

[Your nonprofit’s name] has been working tirelessly to [specific achievement or goal relevant to your mission], and with your help, we can do even more. Your support could help [specific impact tied to their donation, such as “provide educational resources to 500 children in underserved communities”].

Here are some ways [company name] can support our work:

• Monetary donations: Help fund ongoing programs and expand our reach
• In-kind donations: Provide resources or services like [specific example relevant to their business]
• Sponsorships: Partner with us for our upcoming [event name] to increase awareness and drive impact

We would also love to recognize your generosity through [specific examples: social media shoutouts, logo placement at events or mentions in newsletters].

I’d be happy to discuss this partnership further, provide more information about our organization, and explain how your support can make a difference. Please feel free to contact me directly at .

Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us and drive positive change. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your full name]

[Your title]

[Nonprofit name]

[Contact information]

Building Lasting Relationships with Companies

Securing a donation is just the beginning. Building a strong relationship with the company can mean continued support and open the door to collaboration.

Provide Updates on Their Donation’s Impact

Companies love to hear how their contributions are making a difference. Share updates through reports, emails or newsletters. If they sponsored an event, let them know how many people attended or how much money was raised. Provide photos or stories that demonstrate their impact. Regular updates build trust and show businesses that their investment is being put to good use. When they see tangible results, they’re more likely to continue supporting your nonprofit.

Invite Them to Your Events

Invite companies to participate in your events to strengthen their connection with your organization. Whether it’s a fundraising gala, a volunteer day or a community outreach program, their involvement helps them see your mission in action. For example, you could invite them to speak at an event or present them with an award for their contributions. This engagement makes the partnership more personal and gives companies a first look at the impact of their support.

Show Recognition and Appreciation

Publicly thanking a company helps build a stronger relationship. Add their name or logo to your website, social media or event materials. A thank-you post or mention in your newsletter can make a big impact. You might also recognize them at events with a plaque or certificate. This kind of public acknowledgment builds goodwill but also shows their support for the community and boosts the company’s image.

Provide Opportunities To Get Involved

Offer businesses meaningful ways to deepen their connection to your nonprofit. Invite them to volunteer, take part in campaigns or co-host an event. Hosting a corporate volunteer day or collaborating on a cause-marketing project can also strengthen your partnership. By providing chances for direct involvement, you show that their role extends beyond just financial help. This approach builds a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to your nonprofit’s success.

Moving Forward With Corporate Support

Focusing on the right companies, tailoring your outreach and nurturing relationships can secure valuable support from businesses. Corporate donations do more than provide funding. They amplify your impact and create partnerships that benefit both your nonprofit and the companies involved. By using the strategies in this guide, you can open new doors to advance your mission and make a lasting impact!

Looking for tools to manage your nonprofit’s donors and corporate partnerships more effectively? WildApricot offers easy-to-use software to streamline your efforts and grow your impact. Start your free 60-day trial today!