5 Tips for Small Nonprofits to Find Corporate Support

Is your nonprofit considering a corporate partnership?

Small organizations often face challenges gaining corporate donations, but it is not impossible. Corporate partnerships can be quite beneficial for small nonprofit organizations. In addition to helping diversify an organization’s revenue sources, these partnerships can help spread awareness of a nonprofit’s cause, and lead to new audiences and supporters such as a new source of volunteers. Furthermore, many corporations believe that donating is good business, and are very motivated to partner with community organizations. 

However, for many organizations, the idea of cold calling businesses doesn’t sound like a wonderful prospect. But luckily, that’s not the only option. Here are some tips to find corporate prospects that are more likely to respond to your organization favourably, and consider your request for support.

Seek Small Local Businesses

It may be tempting to start with the big corporations that have the ability to provide large monetary donations or have a large reach; however, small businesses may be a great source of in-kind donations and often have a closer knit relationship with their audience. A quick google search can show many local businesses that are in your surrounding area. The advantage of looking for companies that are in close proximity to your organization is that they may already be aware of the work that you do. Or, you may already have an existing relationship with the staff, as you may be using their services. 

Find companies that share the same values as your nonprofit

Corporations will likely have specific priorities they want to fund, and your organization must align with their funding priorities for a successful partnership. It doesn’t matter how great your mission is, if it doesn’t align with their funding initiatives. Your organization may have to do some research to confirm an organization’s values; however, it is time well spent. Also, from your own organization’s perspective, partnering with a business with similar values is important for your reputation with the public.

Focus on businesses that share a similar audience

Another way to find businesses that are relevant to your organization are to find ones that share a similar base of clients or work in the same sector. In this case it may be highly beneficial to both parties to form a partnership. For example, a food bank working together with the local grocery stores would be a natural partnership, or an organization that builds homes partnering with a local hardware store.

Ask your personal connections

It may be tempting to look externally to find corporate support; however, try looking first at those already connected to you and your organization. Consider your personal networks such as friends and family, or former colleagues. If you have a great relationship with them, you can also consider volunteers.

Leverage your board members relationships

One of the most important responsibilities of your nonprofit board is to support your organization’s fundraising efforts. The board can help achieve this by connecting your nonprofit to people that they know. Board members often have connections to the local business community, and can help to make introductions to decision makers. Even if your board members are retired, they may keep in touch with former colleagues, or have relationships with businesses they frequent, so don’t discount your board relationships.

Whether you are looking to add new sources of revenue, broaden your audience, or increase the awareness of your cause there are many potential positives to a corporate partnership. Finding corporate support can be a challenge, but by following these basic tips, your organization may be well on the way to securing valuable corporate support. 

Finding donors is challenging, however there are always opportunities. Your organization can find new donors and build lifelong supporters. If your organization is interested in learning more about finding donors, including corporate donors, to support your cause we can help. In our four-part series, Fundraising 101: How to Find Donors, we dive into how to find a wide variety of new donors to contribute to the wonderful work that you do.