Corporate Grants FAQ

Answers to the most-asked questions by organizations like yours

UNDERSTANDING, FINDING & IDENTIFYING CORPORATE GRANTS

What is the purpose of a corporate grant?

A corporate grant is a financial award given by a company to a nonprofit to support programs or community initiatives that align with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. These grants help companies make a measurable impact in the community while allowing nonprofits to expand services, pilot new projects, or cover operational costs.

Companies often invest in causes that matter to their employees or customers, and in return, they may request outcome reporting to track the impact. For nonprofits, corporate grants provide essential funding, enhance credibility, and foster long-term relationships with corporate supporters, leading to greater visibility and trust with other potential donors.

What is the difference between a corporate grant and corporate funding?

A corporate grant is a financial award that companies give to nonprofits for specific projects, usually related to social, environmental, or community issues. Grants are non-repayable and often require an application and reporting on outcomes. On the other hand, corporate funding is a broader term that includes all financial support a company can provide, such as gifts, grants, sponsorships, and even loans.

The key difference is that corporate grants are typically gifts with specific guidelines, while corporate funding might involve investments or loans that are expected to be repaid or yield profits. Corporate grants usually come with set budgets and expected outcomes, while corporate funding can be more flexible.

What’s the difference between corporate grants and sponsorships?

Corporate grants are financial awards focused on program or mission outcomes, while sponsorships are typically marketing-driven partnerships where companies provide cash or in-kind support in exchange for visibility (like event title sponsorships, logo placements, or advertising).

Corporate grants usually come from a company’s CSR or foundation budget and require impact reporting, whereas sponsorships are more focused on brand exposure and often have a more transactional nature.

Many platforms, such as Double the Donation’s expanded sponsorship directory, now list both in-kind donations and corporate grants so nonprofits can pursue the best opportunities strategically.

Do small or local businesses offer grants, or only large corporations?

Yes, small businesses and local companies sometimes offer grants or in-kind donations, though most formal corporate grant programs are run by larger companies or their corporate foundations.

Smaller businesses are more likely to offer sponsorships, volunteer support, or occasional grants. Larger corporations tend to have more structured grant programs with recurring opportunities and formal application processes.

While smaller businesses may be quicker to engage, large corporations can often provide larger, more recurring grants, giving your nonprofit a steady source of funding.

What companies offer corporate grants?

Many companies and corporate foundations offer corporate grants to nonprofits across various sectors. Notable companies that offer grants include Apple, Coca-Cola, Google, Johnson & Johnson, and Target, among others. These companies have structured grant programs to fund causes that align with their CSR goals. With Double the Donation’s corporate giving database, nonprofits can quickly find the specific details of these companies’ grant programs (including funding priorities, application processes, and deadlines) to help them target outreach.

What types of programs or initiatives do corporations usually fund?

Corporations typically fund programs aligned with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities. These can include areas like education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and youth services. Some companies also support arts and culture, disaster relief, or local community events based on their strategic focus. By using a tool like Double the Donation, your nonprofit can match your program themes to the funding priorities of companies and improve your proposal fit.

PROMOTING & LEVERAGING CORPORATE GRANTS

What are the best strategies for writing a successful corporate grant proposal?

To write a successful corporate grant proposal, you can do the following:

Start by aligning your project with the company’s CSR goals or areas of interest.
Highlight measurable outcomes, a realistic budget, and a clear recognition plan for the company.
Use data and impact metrics to show the ROI of their investment, and include a timeline for implementation.
Personalize each proposal by mentioning opportunities for employee engagement (like volunteer time off or matching gifts) and emphasize the long-term partnership value.

When writing your corporate grant proposal, make it easy for the company to see the benefits beyond just funding.

How can we improve our chances of getting a corporate grant?

To improve your chances of securing a corporate grant, build relationships first. Start by identifying employee champions within your donor base using tools like Double the Donation. Many corporate grants are the result of ongoing partnerships, not one-off applications, so ask board members or staff with relevant connections for introductions. Then, target companies whose CSR priorities match your nonprofit’s mission, and use DTD’s tools to prioritize likely funders. Lastly, strengthen your proposal by including clear metrics, a realistic budget, and opportunities for employee engagement.

How do we build relationships with corporate grant makers?

Treat corporate grant makers as partners. Invite them to site visits, share volunteer opportunities that involve their employees, and provide impact stories that showcase their support.

You can also use the employer data from your donor database. Tools like Double the Donation allow you to track employee supporters within target companies, so you can tailor your communications and build internal relationships.

Regularly report on the outcomes of their grants to keep them engaged and show the difference they’re making.

Consistent engagement and clear recognition are key to earning their trust and securing future support.

How do we incorporate corporate grants into our fundraising strategy?

Incorporate corporate grants as one pillar in your nonprofit’s diversified fundraising strategy. Align corporate grant cycles with other giving streams like major gifts, individual donations, and workplace giving.

Set measurable goals for corporate grant revenue, and assign ownership for research, relationship-building, and proposal writing.

Use corporate insights from tools like Double the Donation to identify the best companies to target. Track results and share outcomes in your fundraising communications to show the impact of corporate support.

CORPORATE GRANT WORKFLOWS

How do we find corporate grant opportunities relevant to our mission?

To find corporate grant opportunities that align with your mission, use a corporate giving database like Double the Donation’s directory. These tools allow you to search for companies that fund causes similar to yours, based on cause area, geography, or program type. You can also leverage employer data to identify existing supporters who may be able to introduce you to decision-makers in their company’s CSR or philanthropy department, making outreach more targeted and personal.

Are there directories or platforms where we can search for corporate grants?

Yes, platforms like Double the Donation’s corporate giving database provide comprehensive listings of corporate grant programs, sponsorship opportunities, and in-kind donations. These directories include important details about each company’s eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and next steps. This employer data can help you efficiently match your nonprofit’s needs with potential funders.

How do I apply for a corporate grant?

To apply for a corporate grant, start by reviewing the company’s grant guidelines in a corporate giving directory or their website. You can use tools like Double the Donation’s database to help you find companies and their application processes.

Second, prepare necessary documents like a project summary, budget, and IRS status.

Third, tailor your proposal to the company’s mission, clearly outline measurable outcomes, and include a stewardship plan.

Lastly, follow submission guidelines carefully, keep a copy of your application, and follow up professionally if needed.

Can we apply to multiple corporate grants at once?

Yes, nonprofits can apply for multiple corporate grants simultaneously. However, it’s important to customize each application for the specific company and avoid using generic proposals.

You can keep track of deadlines, eligibility requirements, and application details using a grant tracker. Tools like Double the Donation provide a grants tracker and exportable company reports to help you manage outreach and status updates across multiple funders.

How do we follow up with corporate grant makers after receiving a grant?

After receiving a corporate grant, you can do the following:

Send a timely thank-you note along with an initial report or implementation timeline to show how their funds are being used.
Maintain engagement by inviting corporate grant makers to site visits or volunteer events, and keep them updated with progress reports that highlight milestones and impact.
Share visibility opportunities like social media mentions, and compelling impact stories to foster a deeper relationship and encourage continued support.

With Double the Donation, you can also show company-specific impact and tie engagement back to employee participation when relevant.

How do we report on the outcomes of corporate grants for accountability?

To report on corporate grant outcomes, create a reporting template that links grant funds to specific KPIs (key performance indicators), such as program outputs, program outcomes, and beneficiaries served. Include anecdotes or testimonials that show the real-life impact of the grant. Be transparent about any challenges or adjustments, and deliver reports on schedule. Consider incorporating data on employee engagement (such as volunteer hours or matching gift participation) using tools like Double the Donation to connect workplace giving programs to the impact of the grant.

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