Corporate giving can be a game-changer for nonprofits and businesses alike. Whether you’re seeking grants, sponsorships, or matching gifts, tracking and pursuing corporate giving opportunities requires strategy, persistence, and organization.

With companies increasingly prioritizing social impact, there are more chances than ever to secure funding and build long-term partnerships. In this post, we’ll share key tips to help you effectively identify, track, and pursue corporate giving programs within your network, ensuring your organization maximizes its fundraising potential.

Specifically, we’ll cover the following practices:

1. Form a consolidated corporate giving team.
2. Stay informed about corporate philanthropy.
3. Enlist a comprehensive CRM system.
4. Consider a corporate giving tool like Double the Donation.
5. Leverage supporter employment information.
6. Encourage workplace giving participation among supporters.
7. Rally employees as corporate giving ambassadors.
8. Segment and personalize corporate giving outreach.
9. Develop corporate sponsorship proposals.
10. Network with corporate partners.
11. Track program deadlines and requirements.
12. Analyze corporate giving data.

Ready to make the most of corporate giving for your cause? Let’s dive in with our first expert tip.

1. Form a consolidated corporate giving team.

When it comes to corporate giving, a major problem that many causes face centers on who’s in charge of managing this funding stream. Many nonprofits ultimately find that no one is handling it, while others struggle with a splintered approach across the departments of marketing, annual giving, volunteering, and more.

To overcome this challenge and pursue corporate giving opportunities more effectively, each organization should establish a dedicated team (or have a plan for sharing insights across teams). Having a consolidated corporate giving team—whether it’s a small group of dedicated staff members or a cross-functional committee—helps streamline communication and coordination. This group can be responsible for researching and communicating about workplace giving programs, building relationships with potential corporate partners, and managing application processes for grants and sponsorships.

By centralizing these efforts, nonprofits can avoid duplication, stay organized, and ensure consistency in outreach and external messaging.

Get started! Building a team is the first step in developing a workplace giving roadmap. Access the free guide to kick off your efforts.

2. Stay informed about corporate philanthropy.

The corporate giving landscape is constantly evolving, with companies adjusting their philanthropic priorities, launching new giving programs, and shifting focus based on social, economic, and industry trends. Nonprofits that stay informed about these changes are better positioned to identify and seize corporate giving opportunities.

To remain current, nonprofits should regularly research corporate giving programs, review annual CSR reports, and subscribe to industry newsletters (like Double the Donation’s!) or philanthropy-focused publications. By staying informed and proactive, nonprofits can align their fundraising strategies with corporate giving trends, ensuring they don’t miss out on valuable funding and partnership opportunities.

📚 Recommended Reading: Top Trends in Corporate Philanthropy: How to Tap In

3. Enlist a comprehensive CRM system.

Managing corporate giving opportunities requires organization, follow-up, and strategic relationship-building. A constituent relationship management (or CRM) system can help nonprofits track interactions, manage donor data, and streamline corporate fundraising efforts.

After all, a robust CRM system allows nonprofits to store detailed information about corporate partners, including past donations, grant application statuses, key contacts, and communication history. By centralizing this data, organizations can maintain consistency in outreach, ensure timely follow-ups, and build stronger, long-term relationships with corporate donors.

Additionally, many CRM platforms offer automation tools that can send reminders for application deadlines, generate reports on fundraising progress, and segment corporate donors based on giving patterns. This helps nonprofits personalize engagement strategies and identify which companies are most likely to renew or increase their contributions. Plus, Double the Donation integrates with most leading CRMs to streamline workplace giving outreach and raise more through programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants! This means donation records from your CRM can flow over into your Double the Donation account so you can automate workplace giving emails and more.

Check out our recommended partner platforms to find the right solution for your team!

4. Consider a corporate giving tool like Double the Donation.

Managing corporate giving programs on your own can be complex and time-consuming. That’s where specialized solutions like Double the Donation come in, helping nonprofits maximize corporate giving contributions with little to no added effort.

Double the Donation provides tools that allow nonprofits to easily identify and track corporate giving opportunities like matching gifts, volunteer incentives, corporate sponsorships (in-kind gifts and corporate grants), and more.

Many employees are eligible for these company-sponsored giving programs, but they often don’t realize it. With a tool like Double the Donation, organizations can automate the process by identifying donors who work for companies with the programs, guiding them through the engagement process, and increasing the likelihood of receiving additional corporate funds.

💡 See how other organizations are benefitting from Double the Donation. Check out our free case study compilation!

5. Leverage donor employment information.

One of the most effective yet often overlooked ways to maximize corporate giving is by leveraging your supporters’ employment information. Many companies offer matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other workplace giving initiatives⁠—not to mention broader partnership opportunities⁠—but nonprofits can only take advantage of these programs if they know where their donors work.

Therefore, start by collecting employment details during the engagement process. It can be as simple as adding an optional field to donation or registration forms asking for the name of the individual’s employer. Once employment data is gathered, nonprofits can identify corporate giving opportunities that they (or their donors) may be eligible for.

By proactively tracking and utilizing donor employment information, nonprofits can unlock additional funding, strengthen corporate relationships, and encourage donors to maximize their impact through workplace giving programs.

📚 Recommended Reading: Driving Value with Employer Data Throughout the Supporter Lifecycle

6. Encourage workplace giving participation among supporters.

The #1 reason why workplace giving programs go unutilized is that eligible employees have never been made aware of the opportunities. The solution? Strategic marketing. After all, nonprofits can maximize corporate giving by actively educating and encouraging their supporters to participate in the programs.

Start by raising awareness through email campaigns, social media posts, and website resources that explain workplace giving options. Highlight the impact of these programs—such as how a single matching gift can double a donor’s contribution or how a volunteer grant can turn hours of service into financial support for your cause.

By actively promoting and simplifying workplace giving participation, nonprofits can unlock additional funding while deepening engagement with their donor community.

Ready to supercharge your efforts? Download the free guide to Developing a Workplace Giving Plan.

7. Rally employees as corporate giving ambassadors.

One of the most effective ways to strengthen corporate partnerships and maximize giving opportunities is by empowering employees to act as ambassadors for your nonprofit within their workplaces. After all, supporters who are passionate about your cause can be key advocates, helping introduce and promote corporate giving programs from within their companies.

Here’s how:

• Employees can advocate to leadership for new giving programs. A staff member proposes new corporate giving programs by highlighting their benefits. For example, enhancing the company’s reputation, boosting employee engagement, and supporting community needs. The individual can present research, share success stories, and build a case for why leadership should invest in a new charitable initiative, such as a one-off matching gift program.
• Employees can raise staff awareness of existing programs. Employees can spread the word through internal communication channels, host informational sessions, and encourage colleagues to participate in available workplace giving programs.
• Employees can connect your team with the appropriate contacts. Employees who are passionate about a cause can act as a bridge between their company and a nonprofit they support. The individual can introduce nonprofit representatives to key decision-makers, such as corporate social responsibility teams or HR managers, to facilitate potential partnerships. Plus, supporters may even be in leadership positions where they help guide some of those giving decisions and could help you secure in-kind gifts, grants, and more!

In order to support corporate ambassadors as best you can, be sure to provide them with resources such as email templates, informational materials, and essential talking points.

By rallying employees as corporate giving ambassadors, nonprofits can build stronger relationships with businesses, expand their network of corporate donors, and increase overall fundraising success.

Find out how your supporters can advocate for corporate giving programs with this guide. Then, forward the link to a donor ready to rally for philanthropy on your behalf!

8. Segment and personalize corporate giving outreach.

A one-size-fits-all approach to corporate giving rarely yields the best results. To maximize corporate fundraising success, nonprofits should segment their outreach and personalize communications based on the type of corporate prospect, past engagement, and giving potential.

Start by categorizing corporate partners into different segments, such as:

• Existing corporate donors – Companies that have previously contributed through sponsorships, grants, or matching gifts.
• Potential corporate partners – Businesses that align with your mission but have not yet engaged.
• Employee-supported companies – Organizations where your donors or volunteers work, making them strong prospects for workplace giving.

Once segmented, tailor your outreach to each group. For existing donors, express gratitude and highlight the impact of their previous support while introducing new opportunities for continued engagement. On the other hand, for new prospects, focus on aligning their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals with your nonprofit’s mission and demonstrating potential impact. Meanwhile, for employee-supported companies, encourage supporters to advocate for your cause internally, whether by requesting matching gifts or nominating your nonprofit for corporate giving programs.

Using personalized messaging, such as addressing key decision-makers by name and referencing their company’s past philanthropic efforts, can also make a significant difference in response rates. CRM systems and corporate giving tools can help automate segmentation and personalization, ensuring outreach is both strategic and impactful.

Kick off your outreach efforts with these Templates for Requesting Corporate Sponsorships.

9. Develop corporate sponsorship proposals.

A well-crafted corporate sponsorship proposal is a powerful tool for securing corporate support. Nonprofits that develop clear, compelling, and tailored proposals are better positioned to attract sponsorships from companies that align with their mission and values.

When creating a corporate sponsorship proposal, start by clearly outlining the benefits for the company. Highlight the visibility and marketing opportunities they’ll receive in exchange for their support, such as branding on materials, social media mentions, and recognition at key events. Make it clear how the sponsorship will help the company meet its own corporate social responsibility goals and connect with its target audience.

Next, be specific about how the sponsorship funds will be used. Show the company exactly what their investment will support, whether it’s funding a specific program, event, or initiative. Provide data and examples to demonstrate the potential impact of their contribution, helping them see the value of being associated with your nonprofit’s work.

From there, you’ll want to personalize the proposal based on the company’s values, past giving history, and any known interests. For example, if a company has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, highlight how your programs support green initiatives. Demonstrating that you’ve done your research will show companies that you understand their priorities and are offering a mutually beneficial partnership.

📚 Recommended Reading: How to Write a Statement of Need for Grants [With Template]

10. Network with corporate partners.

Building and nurturing relationships with corporate partners goes beyond just securing funding—it’s about creating long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. Networking with corporate partners can open the door to new opportunities, including sponsorships, employee engagement programs, and collaborative events.

Start by attending industry events, conferences, and local business networking meetings. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities to connect with decision-makers and CSR representatives from companies that could be potential corporate partners. Be prepared with an elevator pitch that succinctly explains your nonprofit’s mission, impact, and how corporate partnerships can enhance their own CSR goals.

In addition to in-person events, leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with corporate leaders and CSR professionals. Engage with their content, share updates about your nonprofit’s achievements, and build rapport before directly reaching out to propose specific partnership opportunities.

Once a connection is established, it’s important to nurture the relationship over time. Keep potential corporate partners informed about your nonprofit’s latest projects, successes, and opportunities for collaboration. Regular communication, whether through email newsletters or informal check-ins, helps keep your nonprofit top of mind for future giving opportunities.

Double the Donation can help uncover top corporate partnership opportunities. Find out how with this guide!

11. Track program deadlines and requirements.

One of the most crucial steps in successfully securing corporate giving opportunities is staying on top of deadlines and application requirements for various corporate giving programs, grants, and sponsorships. Missing a deadline or submitting incomplete applications can result in missed opportunities and a potential loss of funding.

To effectively manage these timelines, create a centralized tracking system to monitor the specific deadlines for each corporate program. This could be a simple spreadsheet, a shared Google calendar, or a dedicated section in your nonprofit’s CRM system. Make sure to include important dates such as application submission deadlines, reporting deadlines for past grants, and the announcement of new funding cycles.

In addition to tracking deadlines, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the requirements for each program. Corporate giving programs often have unique guidelines—such as eligibility criteria, specific documentation, or preferred formats for proposals and reports. Keep a detailed record of these requirements and ensure that your team is aligned and prepared to meet them.

💡 Learn how Double the Donation’s corporate giving database can help!

12. Analyze corporate giving data.

To truly maximize corporate giving opportunities, nonprofits must go beyond simply tracking donations—they need to analyze corporate giving data to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of their strategies, and make data-driven decisions moving forward. Understanding which corporate partners are most engaged, which types of giving programs yield the highest returns, and where there is room for improvement can help optimize future fundraising efforts.

Start by regularly reviewing your donor database and CRM system to track key metrics such as the total amount of corporate donations, the frequency of contributions, and the impact of matching gifts or volunteer grants. Pay attention to patterns such as which industries or company sizes tend to give more or which types of programs (matching gifts, event sponsorships, etc.) are more successful for your nonprofit.

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your outreach strategies by analyzing response rates to proposals, engagement levels with corporate partners, and the return on investment (ROI) for specific campaigns or programs. If certain strategies aren’t yielding results, use this data to adjust your approach—whether that’s revising your proposals, refining your messaging, or targeting different types of companies.

By consistently analyzing corporate giving data, nonprofits can fine-tune their fundraising strategies, build stronger relationships with corporate partners, and ensure that their time and resources are being used as effectively as possible. Data-driven decisions enable nonprofits to be more strategic and proactive, increasing the likelihood of securing corporate support and maximizing the impact of each partnership.

Start by tracking and analyzing matching gift data! This guide is here to help: Matching Gift Reporting | Actionable Metrics & Reports

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Wrapping up, next steps & additional resources

Successfully navigating corporate giving opportunities takes effort, but with the right approach, it can yield significant rewards. By incorporating the above strategies in your corporate giving efforts, you can increase your chances of securing companies’ support.

Remember, building strong relationships and demonstrating impact are key to long-term success. Start implementing these practices today and open new doors for funding and collaboration that can drive your mission forward.

Looking to learn more about corporate giving opportunities for your organization? Check out these additional resources:

• Corporate Giving Programs [The Ultimate Fundraising Guide]. This guide breaks down the different types of corporate giving programs, from matching gifts to volunteer grants. Plus, access actionable tips to maximize corporate support.
• Free Download: Guide to Developing a Workplace Giving Plan. Learn how to create an effective workplace giving strategy with this free guide. It covers best practices for engaging supporters, partnering with companies, and increasing fundraising success.
• How to Identify Corporate Partnerships (With Double the Donation). Discover how to secure corporate partnerships that align with your mission. This resource offers expert insights on leveraging corporate philanthropy for greater impact with the right tools.