Securing funding is a top priority for charitable organizations, and corporate grants for nonprofits can be a game-changer. From powering community programs to supporting innovative solutions for societal challenges, these funds provide critical resources to help nonprofits achieve their missions. But what exactly are corporate grants, and how can nonprofits tap into this valuable funding source?
In this guide, we’ll break down what corporate grants are, how they work, and the different types available. We’ll also share examples of successful corporate grant programs and actionable tips for nonprofits to enhance their grant application strategies.
And we’ll do so by answering the following frequently asked questions:
Whether you’re new to the grant-seeking process or are simply looking to refine your approach, this resource is designed to help your organization secure impactful partnerships with corporate funders. Let’s begin!
What are corporate grants for nonprofits?
Corporate grants for nonprofits are financial contributions made by companies to support charitable organizations, initiatives, or projects that align with the company’s philanthropic goals or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. These grants can be one-time donations or part of an ongoing partnership and typically aim to address specific social issues or community needs.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all structure, it’s essential to recognize that corporate grants can be provided in various forms. These include:
- Direct Grants: Cash or funding provided to nonprofit organizations to support a particular program or project.
- Matching Grants: Companies match donations made by employees to qualified nonprofits, often on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
- In-kind Grants: Non-cash support, such as product donations, services, or resources, which can assist nonprofits in their operations or programs.
- Challenge Grants: A type of grant where the company pledges to contribute funds only if the nonprofit can raise a certain amount from other sources.
All in all, corporate grants offer nonprofits a significant source of funding and can also strengthen relationships between businesses and the communities they serve.
Why do companies provide corporate grants for nonprofits?
There are a number of reasons why a company might offer a grant to a nonprofit. While altruism may play a role in things, other corporate benefits offered by grant-making include:
Increased Social Responsibility
Many companies provide grants to support social causes and give back to their communities. Through corporate grants, businesses can contribute to addressing societal challenges, such as education, health, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. Doing so helps them align with their CSR strategies and demonstrate their commitment to social good, which is often important to consumers and employees alike.
Enhanced Corporate Image and Reputation
Supporting nonprofits through grants can enhance a company’s public image and reputation. Companies that contribute to community well-being are often viewed more positively by customers, investors, and employees. As a result, philanthropy can build trust, loyalty, and goodwill, ultimately benefiting the company’s brand.
Growth in Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
Companies often provide grants as part of broader employee engagement strategies. This funding, especially matching gifts or volunteer grants, can encourage employees to donate to causes they care about, fostering a sense of pride in the company. Offering grants can improve employee morale and loyalty while fostering a culture of giving within the workplace.
Deepened Community Relations
By supporting nonprofits, companies can deepen their ties to the communities in which they operate. Doing so can improve relationships with local stakeholders, including government entities, customers, and community leaders. It can also help companies better understand and respond to community needs.
Annual Tax Benefits
Corporate grants to nonprofits can offer tax advantages for companies. In many regions, businesses can deduct charitable contributions from their taxable income, which reduces their overall tax liability. These benefits can make corporate giving a financially beneficial strategy, in addition to being socially responsible.
Strengthened Partnerships and Collaborations
Through grants, companies can build long-term relationships with nonprofit organizations that align with their business values. These partnerships can lead to co-branded initiatives, marketing opportunities, or collaboration on community-based projects, further benefiting both parties.
Overall, corporate grants serve both as a tool for enhancing a company’s reputation and as a means to create a meaningful, lasting impact within society.
How do nonprofits benefit from corporate grants?
Corporate grants provide fundraising organizations with additional, often much-needed revenue. But the advantages don’t stop there!
Check out the following benefits offered by corporate grants for nonprofits:
Financial Support for Programs and Operations
Corporate grants provide nonprofits with the funding they need to support their programs, operations, or special projects. This financial support allows nonprofits to execute their missions, expand their initiatives, and create a more significant impact in the communities they serve.
Increased Visibility and Credibility
Often, receiving a corporate grant elevates a nonprofit’s visibility and credibility. Being associated with well-known, reputable companies can build trust with donors, volunteers, and the general public. It signals that the nonprofit is trustworthy and capable of managing significant funding.
Access to New Resources
Beyond financial support, corporate grants sometimes include in-kind donations of goods or services. In-kind grants can include technology, office supplies, expertise, or even employee volunteers. These additional resources can help nonprofits reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance their capacity to serve their beneficiaries.
Opportunities for Long-Term Partnerships
Corporate grants can lead to long-term relationships and partnerships with businesses. These partnerships may evolve to include joint campaigns, co-branded initiatives, or additional financial support in the long run.
Employee Engagement and Support
Some companies encourage their employees to become more engaged with nonprofits by offering matching gift programs or volunteer incentives. These initiatives can help nonprofits build stronger relationships with individual donors and increase their supporter base, as employees of the company may be more likely to contribute to causes supported by their employers.
Strengthening Community Relationships
Receiving support from a local or national company can help a nonprofit strengthen its ties to the community. Corporate grants help nonprofits expand their reach and impact, fostering deeper community engagement, which can, in turn, lead to more donors, volunteers, and advocates.
Increased Credibility with Other Funders
When a nonprofit receives funding from a reputable company, it may enhance its ability to attract additional funding from other sources, such as foundations or individual donors. Corporations often have rigorous vetting processes, so their endorsement can serve as a seal of approval for other funders.
Opportunities for Marketing and Publicity
Corporate grants can provide nonprofits with opportunities for joint marketing campaigns, events, or publicity efforts that raise awareness of their cause. Companies often help nonprofits with public relations and media outreach, which can help generate visibility for the nonprofit’s work.
In summary, corporate grants provide nonprofits with the financial support and resources necessary to grow their programs, increase their visibility, and build long-term, beneficial relationships with businesses. These grants help strengthen the nonprofit’s overall impact and sustainability.
How can organizations obtain corporate grants?
Now that you better understand the corporate grant opportunity, how can you solicit and secure the best grants for your nonprofit? It doesn’t have to be complicated!
Obtaining corporate grants is a dedicated process that includes the following steps:
1. Identifying Potential Corporate Grant Makers
To begin locating grant opportunities, research companies that offer grants or support the work your organization prioritizes. Doing so can involve:
- Browsing company websites: Many companies have dedicated CSR or philanthropy pages that outline their grant programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
- Leveraging grant databases: Platforms like Foundation Center, GrantStation, Guidestar, or Double the Donation provide searchable databases that include corporate giving opportunities.
- Implementing networking and outreach: Attend corporate philanthropy events, industry conferences, or other professional groups to learn about potential corporate grant opportunities.
- Utilizing donor employment information: See if your donors’ employing companies offer grants for nonprofits. You already have an opportunity to get your foot in the door—employee interest!
2. Aligning Your Mission with Corporate Priorities
Corporate grants are often aligned with a company’s values, mission, or CSR focus areas. In order to ensure available grants fit well with their own organization’s efforts, nonprofits should start by researching the company’s CSR strategy. Identify if their giving aligns with the nonprofit’s work (e.g., education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability).
You may also want to take a look at corporate giving patterns. For example, some companies prefer supporting local causes, employee-driven initiatives, or specific social issues, while others may have a broader national or international scope.
3. Researching Corporate Grant Criteria
Corporate grants often have specific application processes, guidelines, and deadlines. For the best results, it’s a good idea for your team to:
- Review eligibility criteria: Ensure your nonprofit meets the company’s qualifications (e.g., tax-exempt status, geographic location, type of project).
- Understand the funding process: Companies may request proposals, impact reports, or specific documentation. Be prepared to meet the requirements.
- Track deadlines: Many companies have annual grant cycles, so it’s integral that you stay on top of when applications are due.
4. Building Relationships with Corporate Partners
Establishing connections with companies can increase the likelihood of securing grants. In order to do so effectively, nonprofits should…
- Leverage existing connections: Engage with companies that have employees or leadership who are already involved with or passionate about the nonprofit’s mission.
- Attend networking events and conferences: Companies often attend events to connect with nonprofits, so it’s a good idea to participate and build relationships with corporate representatives.
- Reach out directly: Contact the company’s CSR or community relations department to inquire about available funding opportunities and to introduce the nonprofit’s work.
5. Crafting a Compelling Grant Proposal
A strong, clear, and well-structured grant proposal is essential for securing corporate funding. As you begin crafting your grant proposals, you’ll want to::
- Clearly outline your nonprofit’s mission: Explain the organization’s mission, values, and the work being done in the community or with specific populations.
- Detail the specific project or program: Provide a clear description of the project or program that will benefit from the grant. This section should include goals, target outcomes, and how it aligns with the company’s CSR objectives.
- Show measurable impact: Include metrics that demonstrate how the grant will contribute to tangible results and how success will be measured.
- Provide a budget: Include a detailed budget that explains how the funds will be spent and how they will support the project’s goals.
- Include a sustainability plan: Highlight how the nonprofit plans to sustain the project after the corporate grant has been used.
6. Submitting the Grant Application
It’s vital that you properly submit your grant application in order to ensure it makes its way to corporate leadership for decision-making. After submitting a corporate grant proposal, it’s critical that you:
- Follow the submission guidelines: Pay close attention to the company’s preferred method of submission, such as online portals, email, or mail.
- Submit required documentation: Ensure all requested materials (e.g., tax-exempt status, financial statements, board of directors list) are included with the application.
7. Following Up and Staying Engaged
Don’t forget about a grant once you’ve completed your application! Instead, the art of following up well is essential.
After submitting a corporate grant proposal, it’s important to:
- Send a thank-you note: Acknowledge the company’s consideration of the grant request, expressing appreciation for their time and attention.
- Keep in touch: Even if the nonprofit isn’t selected for a grant, maintaining communication with corporate grantmakers can build a relationship for future funding opportunities.
- Stay engaged with the company’s initiatives: Participate in corporate social responsibility events or initiatives the company hosts, which can further deepen the nonprofit’s relationship with the company.
8. Reporting on Grant Impact
Finally, many corporate grantmakers require progress or impact reports to track how their contributions are being used. In order to maintain compliance with the funder, organizations should:
- Keep detailed records: Track how the grant is spent and document the outcomes.
- Provide regular updates: Share reports, photos, or stories about the progress and impact of the funded project.
- Acknowledge the company: Highlight the company’s support on social media, in newsletters, or during events, recognizing their contribution and further fostering the relationship.
By following these steps, nonprofits can increase their chances of successfully obtaining corporate grants and building long-term partnerships with businesses that align with their mission.
What companies offer corporate grants for nonprofits?
Many companies offer corporate grants for nonprofits, especially those with robust Corporate Social Responsibility (or CSR) programs. Below are some examples we’ve compiled of 25 companies known for providing generous grants.
Note: These companies often have specific criteria and application processes, so nonprofits should research each company’s giving priorities and guidelines to determine if they are eligible for funding. Additionally, many of these companies offer employee giving programs, which can be a valuable way for nonprofits to receive additional funding.
Bank of America
Bank of America offers grants through its Charitable Foundation, primarily focusing on economic mobility, workforce development, education, and health.
In order to support nonprofits in their communities, the company provides cash grants and resources aimed at fostering long-term social and economic progress, with an emphasis on creating equitable opportunities in underrepresented communities.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Google
Google for Nonprofits is a program that offers grants and in-kind support to eligible nonprofits. The program focuses on empowering organizations through technology, education, and sustainability initiatives, and nonprofits benefit from free access to Google tools, including Google Ads, Google Workspace, and other cloud resources.
Google also offers financial grants to organizations leveraging technology to address social challenges, enabling them to amplify their impact and reach broader audiences.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Target
The Target Foundation focuses its grants on education, arts and culture, social services, and environmental sustainability. The company’s community giving efforts are dedicated to supporting youth education programs, arts initiatives, and nonprofit organizations that contribute to environmental conservation and social equity.
Target provides grants to nonprofits working to improve communities and create opportunities for underserved populations, with particular emphasis on initiatives that promote educational access and community engagement.
Other giving programs include: Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Microsoft
Microsoft Philanthropies supports nonprofits that focus on education, technology access, and economic development. The company’s grant programs are designed to promote digital literacy, provide educational opportunities, and improve community well-being through technology.
All in all, Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts are aimed at reducing the digital divide by supporting nonprofits that enhance technology access and build skills in underserved populations, ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s corporate giving focuses on community-based programs related to youth, education, and workforce development. The company offers grants to nonprofits that align with its commitment to providing opportunities for young people and helping them gain essential life skills.
Nordstrom also supports organizations that promote career readiness and leadership development, particularly in the areas of fashion, retail, and business.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Clif Bar
The Clif Bar Family Foundation offers grants to nonprofits working in the areas of environmental sustainability, food systems, and outdoor recreation. Clif Bar supports initiatives that align with their values of promoting sustainability, health, and environmental stewardship.
Their grants focus on projects that address issues like climate change, biodiversity, healthy food systems, and the promotion of outdoor activities, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on communities and the environment.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Foundation provides grants that focus on water access, community development, education, and healthy living. The company supports nonprofits that address critical global issues, particularly in water conservation, sustainability, and improving access to clean water.
Coca-Cola also funds initiatives that promote education, community empowerment, and health, with an emphasis on enhancing the well-being of underserved populations.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation offers grants to nonprofits focused on youth sports, education, and community development. Their programs aim to inspire and enable young people to participate in sports and develop leadership skills.
The foundation’s grants are designed to provide funding for organizations that increase access to sports programs, promote physical fitness, and support the development of young athletes in underserved communities.
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Geico
Geico offers corporate grants through its philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on education, health, and community development. The company supports nonprofit organizations that improve access to education, promote wellness, and strengthen local communities.
Geico’s grants are often directed toward initiatives that address specific community needs, including youth development, disaster relief, and supporting military families.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Kroger
The Kroger Foundation focuses on hunger relief, health, and sustainability. The company’s grants are dedicated to reducing food insecurity, supporting sustainable agriculture, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Kroger provides funding to nonprofits that work to address the root causes of hunger and nutrition disparities, especially in underserved communities. Their philanthropic efforts also extend to environmental sustainability and education initiatives.
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
State Farm Insurance
State Farm Insurance offers grants through the State Farm Foundation, focusing on community development, education, and safety initiatives. The foundation supports nonprofits that enhance public safety, promote financial literacy, and provide educational opportunities to underserved populations.
State Farm’s grants are aimed at improving community resilience, safety, and accessibility to essential resources for individuals and families in need.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Walmart
The Walmart Foundation provides grants that support hunger relief, education, workforce development, and sustainability. Walmart’s philanthropic efforts focus on tackling food insecurity, improving educational opportunities, and supporting initiatives that promote economic development in local communities.
The foundation also funds environmental sustainability programs, helping nonprofits that address issues like climate change and resource conservation.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo’s philanthropic focus is on community development, education, and environmental sustainability. The Wells Fargo Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that foster financial literacy, improve housing and workforce development, and promote educational access.
The company also funds environmental initiatives that aim to address climate change, resource management, and sustainable practices within communities.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Costco
Costco’s charitable giving is focused on education, health, and community support. The company provides grants to nonprofits that promote access to education, improve health outcomes, and contribute to community development.
Costco’s support is often directed toward programs that help low-income and underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on youth services and health initiatives.
Other giving programs include: Executive matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Best Buy
The Best Buy Foundation supports nonprofits that focus on youth, education, and technology access. The company offers grants to organizations that provide tech-related education, mentorship, and skills-building programs for young people, particularly those in underserved communities.
Best Buy’s grants help increase access to technology and digital literacy, empowering the next generation of innovators.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers grants through its Lowe’s Foundation, focusing on community improvement, homebuilding, and disaster relief. The foundation supports nonprofits that are improving the quality of life in local communities, particularly those engaged in building and renovating homes for low-income families.
Lowe’s also funds disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, especially in communities affected by natural disasters.
Other giving programs include: VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
General Motors
General Motors (also known as GM) offers grants through the GM Foundation, supporting education, community development, and sustainability. GM’s philanthropic initiatives focus on STEM education, workforce development, and environmental sustainability.
The GM Foundation provides funding for programs that enhance educational access, improve career readiness, and support environmental projects that help communities thrive.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Verizon
Verizon offers corporate grants through the Verizon Foundation, with a focus on education, healthcare, and community empowerment. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations that leverage technology to promote digital literacy, improve access to healthcare, and enhance education opportunities.
Verizon’s grants are designed to help organizations address social issues through technology-driven solutions.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Ford
The Ford Motor Company Fund offers grants to nonprofits focused on community development, education, and environmental sustainability. The fund supports organizations that address critical social issues, such as mobility, workforce development, and reducing carbon footprints.
Ford’s philanthropic efforts aim to improve lives by fostering educational opportunities, enhancing environmental sustainability, and driving innovation.
Other giving programs include: VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank provides grants through its Citizens Bank Foundation, with an emphasis on financial literacy, education, and community development. The foundation supports nonprofits that promote economic empowerment, improve access to education, and strengthen local communities.
Citizens Bank’s grants focus on providing opportunities for underserved individuals and families, helping them achieve long-term financial stability.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Home Depot
The Home Depot Foundation focuses on housing, veterans’ services, and community development. The foundation supports nonprofits that are working to improve access to affordable housing and assist military veterans.
Home Depot’s philanthropic efforts also extend to community rebuilding initiatives and programs that improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
American Express
The American Express Foundation provides grants focused on historic preservation, arts, culture, and community development. The foundation supports nonprofits working to preserve cultural heritage, increase access to the arts, and revitalize underserved communities.
American Express also funds projects that improve local economies and encourage inclusive development in both urban and rural areas.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Cigna Group
Cigna Group’s philanthropic initiatives focus on health, well-being, and community resilience. The company’s grants support nonprofits working to improve health outcomes, promote mental well-being, and enhance access to healthcare services.
Cigna is particularly interested in initiatives that address health disparities and work to create healthier communities.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s corporate giving focuses on environmental conservation, climate change, and social activism. The company’s Patagonia Action Works program provides grants to nonprofits working to protect the environment, promote sustainability, and advocate for climate action.
Patagonia supports grassroots organizations that are leading efforts to protect natural resources and combat environmental challenges.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers grants through the U.S. Bank Foundation, focusing on economic development, financial literacy, and community health. The foundation supports nonprofits that foster financial education, create affordable housing, and strengthen community health initiatives.
U.S. Bank’s philanthropic efforts aim to increase economic opportunity and financial security for underserved populations.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Wrapping up & additional resources
Corporate grants offer nonprofits a unique opportunity to gain financial support while building meaningful relationships with companies that share their vision. By understanding the types of grants available and crafting strong, strategic proposals, nonprofits can position themselves as valuable partners in corporate philanthropy initiatives.
As you pursue this type of grant, remember that the process is not just about funding—it’s about creating a long-term partnership with a company that believes in your mission. Start exploring corporate grant opportunities today and unlock new possibilities for your organization’s growth and success.
Ready to learn more about corporate giving opportunities for your organization? Check out the following resources to keep reading:
How to Write a Statement of Need for Grants [With Template]
/in Corporate Sponsorships, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerWhen applying for a grant, your Statement of Need is one of the most critical sections of your proposal. It explains why your project is necessary, who it will benefit, and how it addresses a pressing issue. But whether you’re applying for grants for the first time or you’re simply looking to refresh your current grant-seeking strategy, learning how to write a statement of need for grants can be an overwhelming task.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements of writing a compelling Statement of Need, provide tips for making your case persuasive, and even offer a ready-to-use template to streamline the process. Specifically, we’ll cover:
All in all, a well-crafted Statement of Need can make your application stand out by clearly demonstrating the urgency and significance of your cause. Dive in to explore our best practices and a step-by-step walkthrough of the process.
Let’s begin!
What is a Statement of Need?
A Statement of Need is a crucial component of a grant proposal that explains why your project or program is necessary. It provides a clear, evidence-based argument that highlights the problem your organization aims to address and demonstrates the urgency of the issue.
Essentially, a Statement of Need answers the question: Why is this funding needed?
For the best results, a well-written Statement of Need should include:
This section sets the stage for the rest of your proposal, helping funders understand the significance of your work and why they should invest in your cause.
A compelling Statement of Need can make the difference between securing funding or being overlooked, so it’s essential to craft it with clarity and persuasion.
How does a Statement of Need help secure grants?
A Statement of Need plays a crucial role in securing grants. Why? it persuades funders that your project is both necessary and impactful. Grantmakers generally receive a wide array of applications, so your proposal must clearly communicate why your initiative deserves funding over others.
A strong Statement of Need helps in the following ways:
Ultimately, a persuasive Statement of Need convinces funders that your project is a worthwhile investment. When written effectively, it not only justifies your request for funding but also inspires confidence in your organization’s ability to create meaningful change.
Steps for writing a Statement of Need
Crafting a compelling Statement of Need requires careful planning, thorough research, and a clear structure.
Here are the essential steps that your team can follow to secure more grant funding.
1. Identify the Problem
Start by clearly defining the issue your project aims to solve. Describe who is affected, how they are impacted, and why the problem is urgent.
For the best results, use precise language to paint a compelling picture of the needs your organization and its constituents are facing.
2. Support with Data and Evidence
Grantmakers want to see factual proof that your issue is significant. Incorporate relevant statistics, research studies, community assessments, or real-world examples to validate your claims.
Remember: reliable data strengthens your credibility and makes your case more persuasive.
3. Explain the Root Causes
Beyond stating the problem, explain why it exists. Identify contributing factors and systemic issues that your project will address. This demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenge and a strategic approach to solving it.
4. Connect to the Funder’s Mission
Every funder has specific goals and priorities. Research their funding guidelines and tailor your Statement of Need to align with their mission. Show how your project fits within their focus areas and contributes to their overall impact.
5. Highlight the Consequences of Inaction
Emphasize what will happen if the problem is not addressed. Will the issue worsen? Will more people be affected? Creating a sense of urgency can make your request more compelling and motivate funders to take action.
6. Present Your Solution
While the Statement of Need focuses on the problem, briefly introduce your project as the solution. Explain why your organization is uniquely positioned to address the issue and how your approach is the most effective.
7. Keep It Clear and Concise
Avoid jargon or overly technical language. Keep your writing clear, structured, and to the point. Funders review many proposals, so a well-organized and easy-to-read Statement of Need will make a stronger impression.
By following these steps, you can craft a persuasive and well-supported Statement of Need that effectively communicates the urgency and significance of your project, increasing your chances of securing grant funding.
Free template: Statement of Need for grants
The following template provides a structured approach to writing a Statement of Need that is clear, data-driven, and compelling. Feel free to customize it to fit your own specific mission and project goals while ensuring alignment with the intended grantmaker’s priorities!
Wrapping up & additional resources
A strong Statement of Need is the foundation of a successful grant proposal. By clearly outlining the problem, providing data-driven evidence, and connecting your project’s goals to the funding organization’s mission, you can make a compelling case for support.
Just remember to keep your writing clear, concise, and impactful. With the right approach—and the template we provided—you’ll be well on your way to securing the funding needed to bring your next project to life.
Interested in learning more about corporate giving strategies and beyond? Check out these additional resources:
Double the Donation and Springboard Partnership Now Supports Greater Matching Gift Functionality
/in Press Releases, Company Updates /by Adam WeingerDouble the Donation and Springboard are excited to announce an improved integration experience for Double the Donation Matching users on Springboard donation forms. This enhanced integration supports organizations in identifying more matching gift eligible donors and driving more matching gifts to completion.
With this enhanced integration, donors can identify their employer as they give and be met with actionable next steps to submit their matching gift request immediately after their gift. Supported by Double the Donation’s database, organizations can provide donors with timely, relevant information to raise more from workplace giving programs and simplify the process for their donors and their team.
“As workplace giving programs expand and evolve, we are always looking for ways to help organizations take advantage of these programs and do more with their fundraising programs”, says Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Integrating with Springboard donation forms makes it that much easier for organizations to identify matching gift opportunities and drive those matches to completion.”
The Double the Donation Matching and Springboard integration is available now for organizations looking to raise more from matching gifts. Follow our integration guide for more information on activating the Springboard integration.
Ready to add matching gift automation to your Springboard donation forms? Request a demo with Double the Donation today and be sure to share that you’re using Springboard. Want additional resources to help you take your matching gifts strategy to the next level? Enroll today in our Matching Gift Academy for in-depth content about growing your matching gift revenue.
About Springboard: Springboard by Jackson River is a digital fundraising and engagement platform designed to empower nonprofits to amplify their impact. With tools for sustainers, peer-to-peer fundraising, advocacy, and customizable donation forms, Springboard provides nonprofits with the flexibility and innovation they need to connect with supporters and achieve their mission. Seamlessly integrating with CRMs, email platforms, and other essential nonprofit technology, Springboard streamlines fundraising processes while offering actionable insights to drive growth. By leveraging Springboard by Jackson River, organizations can build stronger relationships, inspire generosity, and achieve lasting results.
About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits and educational institutions with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. Double the Donation Matching integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions, and even partners with select CSR platforms to further streamline matching gifts for donors. Through Double the Donation, the matching gift process has never been simpler.
Double the Donation + MissionTracker Unlock Corporate Volunteer Opportunities
/in Press Releases, Company Updates, About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerDouble the Donation is thrilled to announce its newest partnership with MissionTracker, bringing corporate social responsibility technology to the forefront of volunteerism. Through this collaboration, Double the Donation Volunteering is now seamlessly integrated with MissionTracker’s volunteer management platform, VolunteerTracker, equipping organizations (including a focus on faith-based causes!) with cutting-edge tools to streamline their corporate volunteer initiatives and deepen engagement with supporters.
Not to mention, the integration now includes automated email functionality as part of the Double the Donation Volunteering platform. This feature streamlines the process of following up with volunteers about their incentive programs, making it more effective and easier than ever.
The MissionTracker and Double the Donation integration is now available to mutual clients.
Ready to elevate your volunteer engagement with corporate incentives? Contact the Double the Donation team today to schedule a personalized demo and see how our platform can work for your organization. Make sure to mention you use MissionTracker!
About MissionTracker:
MissionTracker is a suite of software tools built by faith-based organizations to benefit nonprofits of all shapes and sizes. Its VolunteerTracker application is designed to manage volunteer initiatives, empowering organizations to track, report, and maximize their community impact. With intuitive tools and robust features, MissionTracker simplifies volunteer scheduling, hours tracking, and impact reporting, making it easy for nonprofits to engage volunteers and serve their communities effectively. For more information, visit the MissionTracker website.
About Double the Donation:
Automate your matching gift fundraising and corporate volunteering with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify individuals who qualify for corporate philanthropy initiatives, drive increased participation, and gain actionable insights from the programs. Double the Donation integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, volunteer management platforms, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up with donors accordingly. To learn more, visit Double the Donation.
Uncommon Giving and Double the Donation Unveil Matching Gift Auto-Submission Partnership
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerDouble the Donation and Uncommon Giving have partnered to release a new integration that improves the matching gift process for employee donors, nonprofits, and corporations. The integration now introduces matching gift auto-submission, a revolutionary program to speed up the matching gift submission process.
With matching gift auto-submission, donors who give to nonprofits using Double the Donation can not only discover their match eligibility in real time as they give, but can also immediately submit their matching gift request – no redirect required.
“We have spent years improving matching gift automation efforts for nonprofits. Now, we’re ready to take the next step via a partnership with Uncommon Giving,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Our auto-submission integration allows nonprofits to receive more in matching gifts, and gain more insight into the process. It’s a major win for fundraisers everywhere.”
Read on to learn more about how auto-submission between Double the Donation and Uncommon Giving works.
The Matching Process Made Easy for Donors, Companies, and Nonprofits
With auto-submission, donors can immediately submit their matching gift request directly from the nonprofit’s donation confirmation page after making a gift. Uncommon Giving processes the requests as offline matching gift requests for companies to complete their approval and disbursement process.
As the matching gift request goes through that process, the nonprofit receives real-time updates for when a matching gift request is approved and when funds are ready to go back to the nonprofit. Long hours reconciling matches will be a thing of the past with automatic status updates in Double the Donation.
Making Corporate Philanthropy Better, One Match at a Time
Uncommon Giving and Double the Donation’s partnership brings donors, companies, and nonprofits closer together by streamlining the workplace giving process and connecting donation spaces with corporate giving interfaces. If you want to learn more about our matching gift auto-submission initiative, read more here–and if you’re just getting started with matching gifts as a nonprofit or higher education institution, request a demo from Double the Donation today!
About Uncommon Giving: Uncommon Giving is a corporate social responsibility platform that helps businesses improve employee engagement, inspire brand loyalty and boost revenues – all while doing more good in the world. The Uncommon Giving platform enables corporate giving, employee giving, volunteering and other corporate social responsibility programs with less overhead than traditional solutions. The intuitive platform and fun-to-use, full-function mobile app enable companies of all sizes to quickly deploy a social impact program, engage employees, measure results, and evolve the program for sustainable success. Visit uncommongiving.com.
About Double the Donation: Double the Donation helps nonprofits and schools raise more from matching gift and workplace giving programs. We believe it should be easy for fundraisers to grow mission support by offering supporters actionable next steps for harnessing workplace giving programs. That’s why our robust database of workplace giving programs and our native platform integrations enable fundraisers to pursue matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other workplace giving programs with less effort and more confidence.
What Are Corporate Grants for Nonprofits? Guide + Examples
/in Corporate Sponsorships, Nonprofit Basics, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam WeingerSecuring funding is a top priority for charitable organizations, and corporate grants for nonprofits can be a game-changer. From powering community programs to supporting innovative solutions for societal challenges, these funds provide critical resources to help nonprofits achieve their missions. But what exactly are corporate grants, and how can nonprofits tap into this valuable funding source?
In this guide, we’ll break down what corporate grants are, how they work, and the different types available. We’ll also share examples of successful corporate grant programs and actionable tips for nonprofits to enhance their grant application strategies.
And we’ll do so by answering the following frequently asked questions:
Whether you’re new to the grant-seeking process or are simply looking to refine your approach, this resource is designed to help your organization secure impactful partnerships with corporate funders. Let’s begin!
What are corporate grants for nonprofits?
Corporate grants for nonprofits are financial contributions made by companies to support charitable organizations, initiatives, or projects that align with the company’s philanthropic goals or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. These grants can be one-time donations or part of an ongoing partnership and typically aim to address specific social issues or community needs.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all structure, it’s essential to recognize that corporate grants can be provided in various forms. These include:
All in all, corporate grants offer nonprofits a significant source of funding and can also strengthen relationships between businesses and the communities they serve.
Why do companies provide corporate grants for nonprofits?
There are a number of reasons why a company might offer a grant to a nonprofit. While altruism may play a role in things, other corporate benefits offered by grant-making include:
Increased Social Responsibility
Many companies provide grants to support social causes and give back to their communities. Through corporate grants, businesses can contribute to addressing societal challenges, such as education, health, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. Doing so helps them align with their CSR strategies and demonstrate their commitment to social good, which is often important to consumers and employees alike.
Enhanced Corporate Image and Reputation
Supporting nonprofits through grants can enhance a company’s public image and reputation. Companies that contribute to community well-being are often viewed more positively by customers, investors, and employees. As a result, philanthropy can build trust, loyalty, and goodwill, ultimately benefiting the company’s brand.
Growth in Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
Companies often provide grants as part of broader employee engagement strategies. This funding, especially matching gifts or volunteer grants, can encourage employees to donate to causes they care about, fostering a sense of pride in the company. Offering grants can improve employee morale and loyalty while fostering a culture of giving within the workplace.
Deepened Community Relations
By supporting nonprofits, companies can deepen their ties to the communities in which they operate. Doing so can improve relationships with local stakeholders, including government entities, customers, and community leaders. It can also help companies better understand and respond to community needs.
Annual Tax Benefits
Corporate grants to nonprofits can offer tax advantages for companies. In many regions, businesses can deduct charitable contributions from their taxable income, which reduces their overall tax liability. These benefits can make corporate giving a financially beneficial strategy, in addition to being socially responsible.
Strengthened Partnerships and Collaborations
Through grants, companies can build long-term relationships with nonprofit organizations that align with their business values. These partnerships can lead to co-branded initiatives, marketing opportunities, or collaboration on community-based projects, further benefiting both parties.
Overall, corporate grants serve both as a tool for enhancing a company’s reputation and as a means to create a meaningful, lasting impact within society.
How do nonprofits benefit from corporate grants?
Corporate grants provide fundraising organizations with additional, often much-needed revenue. But the advantages don’t stop there!
Check out the following benefits offered by corporate grants for nonprofits:
Financial Support for Programs and Operations
Corporate grants provide nonprofits with the funding they need to support their programs, operations, or special projects. This financial support allows nonprofits to execute their missions, expand their initiatives, and create a more significant impact in the communities they serve.
Increased Visibility and Credibility
Often, receiving a corporate grant elevates a nonprofit’s visibility and credibility. Being associated with well-known, reputable companies can build trust with donors, volunteers, and the general public. It signals that the nonprofit is trustworthy and capable of managing significant funding.
Access to New Resources
Beyond financial support, corporate grants sometimes include in-kind donations of goods or services. In-kind grants can include technology, office supplies, expertise, or even employee volunteers. These additional resources can help nonprofits reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance their capacity to serve their beneficiaries.
Opportunities for Long-Term Partnerships
Corporate grants can lead to long-term relationships and partnerships with businesses. These partnerships may evolve to include joint campaigns, co-branded initiatives, or additional financial support in the long run.
Employee Engagement and Support
Some companies encourage their employees to become more engaged with nonprofits by offering matching gift programs or volunteer incentives. These initiatives can help nonprofits build stronger relationships with individual donors and increase their supporter base, as employees of the company may be more likely to contribute to causes supported by their employers.
Strengthening Community Relationships
Receiving support from a local or national company can help a nonprofit strengthen its ties to the community. Corporate grants help nonprofits expand their reach and impact, fostering deeper community engagement, which can, in turn, lead to more donors, volunteers, and advocates.
Increased Credibility with Other Funders
When a nonprofit receives funding from a reputable company, it may enhance its ability to attract additional funding from other sources, such as foundations or individual donors. Corporations often have rigorous vetting processes, so their endorsement can serve as a seal of approval for other funders.
Opportunities for Marketing and Publicity
Corporate grants can provide nonprofits with opportunities for joint marketing campaigns, events, or publicity efforts that raise awareness of their cause. Companies often help nonprofits with public relations and media outreach, which can help generate visibility for the nonprofit’s work.
In summary, corporate grants provide nonprofits with the financial support and resources necessary to grow their programs, increase their visibility, and build long-term, beneficial relationships with businesses. These grants help strengthen the nonprofit’s overall impact and sustainability.
How can organizations obtain corporate grants?
Now that you better understand the corporate grant opportunity, how can you solicit and secure the best grants for your nonprofit? It doesn’t have to be complicated!
Obtaining corporate grants is a dedicated process that includes the following steps:
1. Identifying Potential Corporate Grant Makers
To begin locating grant opportunities, research companies that offer grants or support the work your organization prioritizes. Doing so can involve:
2. Aligning Your Mission with Corporate Priorities
Corporate grants are often aligned with a company’s values, mission, or CSR focus areas. In order to ensure available grants fit well with their own organization’s efforts, nonprofits should start by researching the company’s CSR strategy. Identify if their giving aligns with the nonprofit’s work (e.g., education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability).
You may also want to take a look at corporate giving patterns. For example, some companies prefer supporting local causes, employee-driven initiatives, or specific social issues, while others may have a broader national or international scope.
3. Researching Corporate Grant Criteria
Corporate grants often have specific application processes, guidelines, and deadlines. For the best results, it’s a good idea for your team to:
4. Building Relationships with Corporate Partners
Establishing connections with companies can increase the likelihood of securing grants. In order to do so effectively, nonprofits should…
5. Crafting a Compelling Grant Proposal
A strong, clear, and well-structured grant proposal is essential for securing corporate funding. As you begin crafting your grant proposals, you’ll want to::
6. Submitting the Grant Application
It’s vital that you properly submit your grant application in order to ensure it makes its way to corporate leadership for decision-making. After submitting a corporate grant proposal, it’s critical that you:
7. Following Up and Staying Engaged
Don’t forget about a grant once you’ve completed your application! Instead, the art of following up well is essential.
After submitting a corporate grant proposal, it’s important to:
8. Reporting on Grant Impact
Finally, many corporate grantmakers require progress or impact reports to track how their contributions are being used. In order to maintain compliance with the funder, organizations should:
By following these steps, nonprofits can increase their chances of successfully obtaining corporate grants and building long-term partnerships with businesses that align with their mission.
What companies offer corporate grants for nonprofits?
Many companies offer corporate grants for nonprofits, especially those with robust Corporate Social Responsibility (or CSR) programs. Below are some examples we’ve compiled of 25 companies known for providing generous grants.
Note: These companies often have specific criteria and application processes, so nonprofits should research each company’s giving priorities and guidelines to determine if they are eligible for funding. Additionally, many of these companies offer employee giving programs, which can be a valuable way for nonprofits to receive additional funding.
Bank of America
Bank of America offers grants through its Charitable Foundation, primarily focusing on economic mobility, workforce development, education, and health.
In order to support nonprofits in their communities, the company provides cash grants and resources aimed at fostering long-term social and economic progress, with an emphasis on creating equitable opportunities in underrepresented communities.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Google
Google for Nonprofits is a program that offers grants and in-kind support to eligible nonprofits. The program focuses on empowering organizations through technology, education, and sustainability initiatives, and nonprofits benefit from free access to Google tools, including Google Ads, Google Workspace, and other cloud resources.
Google also offers financial grants to organizations leveraging technology to address social challenges, enabling them to amplify their impact and reach broader audiences.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Target
The Target Foundation focuses its grants on education, arts and culture, social services, and environmental sustainability. The company’s community giving efforts are dedicated to supporting youth education programs, arts initiatives, and nonprofit organizations that contribute to environmental conservation and social equity.
Target provides grants to nonprofits working to improve communities and create opportunities for underserved populations, with particular emphasis on initiatives that promote educational access and community engagement.
Other giving programs include: Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Microsoft
Microsoft Philanthropies supports nonprofits that focus on education, technology access, and economic development. The company’s grant programs are designed to promote digital literacy, provide educational opportunities, and improve community well-being through technology.
All in all, Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts are aimed at reducing the digital divide by supporting nonprofits that enhance technology access and build skills in underserved populations, ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s corporate giving focuses on community-based programs related to youth, education, and workforce development. The company offers grants to nonprofits that align with its commitment to providing opportunities for young people and helping them gain essential life skills.
Nordstrom also supports organizations that promote career readiness and leadership development, particularly in the areas of fashion, retail, and business.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Clif Bar
The Clif Bar Family Foundation offers grants to nonprofits working in the areas of environmental sustainability, food systems, and outdoor recreation. Clif Bar supports initiatives that align with their values of promoting sustainability, health, and environmental stewardship.
Their grants focus on projects that address issues like climate change, biodiversity, healthy food systems, and the promotion of outdoor activities, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on communities and the environment.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Foundation provides grants that focus on water access, community development, education, and healthy living. The company supports nonprofits that address critical global issues, particularly in water conservation, sustainability, and improving access to clean water.
Coca-Cola also funds initiatives that promote education, community empowerment, and health, with an emphasis on enhancing the well-being of underserved populations.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation offers grants to nonprofits focused on youth sports, education, and community development. Their programs aim to inspire and enable young people to participate in sports and develop leadership skills.
The foundation’s grants are designed to provide funding for organizations that increase access to sports programs, promote physical fitness, and support the development of young athletes in underserved communities.
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Geico
Geico offers corporate grants through its philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on education, health, and community development. The company supports nonprofit organizations that improve access to education, promote wellness, and strengthen local communities.
Geico’s grants are often directed toward initiatives that address specific community needs, including youth development, disaster relief, and supporting military families.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Kroger
The Kroger Foundation focuses on hunger relief, health, and sustainability. The company’s grants are dedicated to reducing food insecurity, supporting sustainable agriculture, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Kroger provides funding to nonprofits that work to address the root causes of hunger and nutrition disparities, especially in underserved communities. Their philanthropic efforts also extend to environmental sustainability and education initiatives.
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
State Farm Insurance
State Farm Insurance offers grants through the State Farm Foundation, focusing on community development, education, and safety initiatives. The foundation supports nonprofits that enhance public safety, promote financial literacy, and provide educational opportunities to underserved populations.
State Farm’s grants are aimed at improving community resilience, safety, and accessibility to essential resources for individuals and families in need.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Walmart
The Walmart Foundation provides grants that support hunger relief, education, workforce development, and sustainability. Walmart’s philanthropic efforts focus on tackling food insecurity, improving educational opportunities, and supporting initiatives that promote economic development in local communities.
The foundation also funds environmental sustainability programs, helping nonprofits that address issues like climate change and resource conservation.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo’s philanthropic focus is on community development, education, and environmental sustainability. The Wells Fargo Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that foster financial literacy, improve housing and workforce development, and promote educational access.
The company also funds environmental initiatives that aim to address climate change, resource management, and sustainable practices within communities.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Costco
Costco’s charitable giving is focused on education, health, and community support. The company provides grants to nonprofits that promote access to education, improve health outcomes, and contribute to community development.
Costco’s support is often directed toward programs that help low-income and underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on youth services and health initiatives.
Other giving programs include: Executive matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Best Buy
The Best Buy Foundation supports nonprofits that focus on youth, education, and technology access. The company offers grants to organizations that provide tech-related education, mentorship, and skills-building programs for young people, particularly those in underserved communities.
Best Buy’s grants help increase access to technology and digital literacy, empowering the next generation of innovators.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers grants through its Lowe’s Foundation, focusing on community improvement, homebuilding, and disaster relief. The foundation supports nonprofits that are improving the quality of life in local communities, particularly those engaged in building and renovating homes for low-income families.
Lowe’s also funds disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, especially in communities affected by natural disasters.
Other giving programs include: VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
General Motors
General Motors (also known as GM) offers grants through the GM Foundation, supporting education, community development, and sustainability. GM’s philanthropic initiatives focus on STEM education, workforce development, and environmental sustainability.
The GM Foundation provides funding for programs that enhance educational access, improve career readiness, and support environmental projects that help communities thrive.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Verizon
Verizon offers corporate grants through the Verizon Foundation, with a focus on education, healthcare, and community empowerment. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations that leverage technology to promote digital literacy, improve access to healthcare, and enhance education opportunities.
Verizon’s grants are designed to help organizations address social issues through technology-driven solutions.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Ford
The Ford Motor Company Fund offers grants to nonprofits focused on community development, education, and environmental sustainability. The fund supports organizations that address critical social issues, such as mobility, workforce development, and reducing carbon footprints.
Ford’s philanthropic efforts aim to improve lives by fostering educational opportunities, enhancing environmental sustainability, and driving innovation.
Other giving programs include: VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank provides grants through its Citizens Bank Foundation, with an emphasis on financial literacy, education, and community development. The foundation supports nonprofits that promote economic empowerment, improve access to education, and strengthen local communities.
Citizens Bank’s grants focus on providing opportunities for underserved individuals and families, helping them achieve long-term financial stability.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Home Depot
The Home Depot Foundation focuses on housing, veterans’ services, and community development. The foundation supports nonprofits that are working to improve access to affordable housing and assist military veterans.
Home Depot’s philanthropic efforts also extend to community rebuilding initiatives and programs that improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
American Express
The American Express Foundation provides grants focused on historic preservation, arts, culture, and community development. The foundation supports nonprofits working to preserve cultural heritage, increase access to the arts, and revitalize underserved communities.
American Express also funds projects that improve local economies and encourage inclusive development in both urban and rural areas.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Cigna Group
Cigna Group’s philanthropic initiatives focus on health, well-being, and community resilience. The company’s grants support nonprofits working to improve health outcomes, promote mental well-being, and enhance access to healthcare services.
Cigna is particularly interested in initiatives that address health disparities and work to create healthier communities.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s corporate giving focuses on environmental conservation, climate change, and social activism. The company’s Patagonia Action Works program provides grants to nonprofits working to protect the environment, promote sustainability, and advocate for climate action.
Patagonia supports grassroots organizations that are leading efforts to protect natural resources and combat environmental challenges.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers grants through the U.S. Bank Foundation, focusing on economic development, financial literacy, and community health. The foundation supports nonprofits that foster financial education, create affordable housing, and strengthen community health initiatives.
U.S. Bank’s philanthropic efforts aim to increase economic opportunity and financial security for underserved populations.
Other giving programs include: Matching gifts ✔️ Volunteer grants & VTO ✔️
Learn more and apply for the grant here.
Wrapping up & additional resources
Corporate grants offer nonprofits a unique opportunity to gain financial support while building meaningful relationships with companies that share their vision. By understanding the types of grants available and crafting strong, strategic proposals, nonprofits can position themselves as valuable partners in corporate philanthropy initiatives.
As you pursue this type of grant, remember that the process is not just about funding—it’s about creating a long-term partnership with a company that believes in your mission. Start exploring corporate grant opportunities today and unlock new possibilities for your organization’s growth and success.
Ready to learn more about corporate giving opportunities for your organization? Check out the following resources to keep reading:
Board Member Fundraising: Matching Gifts, Volunteer Grants
/in Fundraising Ideas, Company Spotlights, Matching Gift Companies, Learning Center, Volunteer Grant Companies, Lists and Rankings /by Adam WeingerA well-established board of directors can play a critical role in the success of a nonprofit. Not only through governance and strategic leadership but also by actively contributing to revenue-generation efforts through dedicated board member fundraising.
One powerful yet often underutilized way board members can amplify their impact is by leveraging corporate philanthropy programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants—including specific programs designed to celebrate board membership. These initiatives allow key individuals to maximize their personal contributions and service, encouraging greater community support and engagement.
In this post, we’ll explore how board members can take advantage of these opportunities and more to drive additional funding for their organizations. Specifically, we’ll cover the following:
By understanding and leveraging corporate philanthropy programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants, board members can significantly enhance their nonprofit’s fundraising potential. As we dive into the specifics, you’ll discover practical strategies and actionable insights to help board members unlock new funding opportunities.
Read on to learn how you and your fellow board members can make the most of these powerful giving programs and beyond!
What is board member fundraising?
Board member fundraising refers to the role nonprofit board members play in generating financial support for their organization. As key leaders and ambassadors, board members are often expected to contribute personally and encourage others to give through their networks.
This can include direct donations, securing major gifts, organizing fundraising events, leveraging corporate giving programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants, and fostering relationships with potential donors.
All in all, effective board member fundraising strengthens the nonprofit’s financial sustainability and demonstrates a commitment to the organization’s mission.
5 board member fundraising strategies to consider
While board member fundraising can seem daunting, there are several effective and accessible ways for organizations to rally their board members to get involved. Below are five key fundraising strategies that can help board members maximize their impact and strengthen their nonprofit’s financial sustainability.
1) Organize fundraising events.
Hosting fundraising events is a powerful way for board members to engage their networks and generate revenue for the nonprofit. Whether it’s a formal gala, networking reception, or intimate donor gathering, these events provide opportunities to cultivate relationships and secure donations.
Board members can take the lead by organizing, sponsoring, or inviting key stakeholders to these events. By leveraging their connections and expertise, they can create meaningful experiences that inspire giving and strengthen donor relationships.
2) Encourage giving by example.
Board members set the tone for donor engagement, and one of the most effective ways to encourage giving is by leading with personal contributions. When board members donate at a meaningful level, it signals confidence in the organization’s mission and motivates others to contribute.
Organizations should establish a culture where board giving is an expectation and celebrate members who go above and beyond in their financial support.
3) Implement peer-to-peer fundraising.
Peer-to-peer fundraising allows board members to leverage their networks for greater impact. By creating personal fundraising pages and reaching out to friends, colleagues, and family, board members can rally additional supporters around the cause.
Whether tied to a specific campaign, event, or milestone, peer-to-peer efforts help expand an organization’s donor base and bring in new funding. Providing board members with the right tools and messaging to do so ensures their outreach is both effective and seamless.
4) Thank and steward board members.
Recognizing and appreciating board members for their fundraising efforts is essential to maintaining engagement and motivation. Organizations should implement consistent stewardship practices, such as personalized thank-you messages, public recognition, and exclusive impact updates.
Celebrating board contributions not only strengthens their commitment but also reinforces the importance of their role in the nonprofit’s success.
5) Explore corporate giving opportunities.
Many board members have access to corporate giving programs through their employers, including matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other opportunities. To ensure you’re making the most of their support, nonprofit teams should educate board members on these programs—and encourage them to take advantage of available funding.
Whether by submitting their own donations for a match or securing grants for volunteer hours, board members can unlock significant financial support through their employers with minimal extra effort.
Board member fundraising & matching gifts
Matching gifts are one of the most effective ways to amplify board member fundraising efforts. After all, many companies have established corporate matching gift programs, where they match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. Some even offer dedicated programs to match board members’ donations at an even higher rate or allowance!
As a result, board members can take advantage of these programs to significantly increase the impact of their personal contributions—and encourage others to do the same.
Check out these examples of companies with matching gift programs specifically for employees serving on nonprofit boards:
US Bancorp
US Bancorp is the parent company of the U.S. Bank National Association (based in Minneapolis, Minnesota), ranked the fifth largest bank in the U.S. based on assets ($670 billion), and the fifth largest based on total branches. The company currently employs over 70,000 people.
US Bank Matching Gift Policy
US Bank offers a 1:1 matching ratio of gifts with a generous limit each year. When a board member makes a donation, however, this limit is tripled. US Bank matches donations made by full-time and part-time employees to most nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about US Bank’s matching gift program.
WestRock
WestRock is an American packaging company based in Richmond, Virginia. It has approximately 56,000 employees.
WestRock Matching Gift Policy
WestRock matches all employee donations to educational institutions (K-12 included). However, it also matches donations from employees who serve on the board of directors (or other governing bodies) of the organization to which the contribution is being made.
Learn more about WestRock’s matching gift program.
Dominion Resources, Inc.
Dominion Resources, Inc. (aka Dominion) is a power and energy company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, which supplies electricity and natural gas across the nation. Today, the company employs an estimated 18,000 people.
Dominion Matching Gift Policy
When Dominion employees or retirees serve on the board of directors for a nonprofit organization, the company will make a 2:1 match (which is greater than its standard match offering of 1:1).
Learn more about Dominion’s matching gift program.
Schneider Electric & Subsidiaries
Schneider Electric is a France-based multinational corporation with nearly 10 U.S. business acquisitions. The company specializes in electricity distribution and automation management, and it currently employs more than 168,000 individuals.
Schneider Electric Matching Gift Policy
Schneider Electric, Square D NOAD & its subsidiaries provide a 1:1 match on all donations up to a lofty annual maximum. If an employee is also an active member of a nonprofit organization’s board of directors, the match ratio is increased to 1.5:1.
Learn more about Schneider Electric’s matching gift program.
Board member fundraising & volunteer grants
Additionally, volunteer grants are another often overlooked but powerful way for board members to support their nonprofit financially.
Many companies offer corporate volunteer grant programs, which provide monetary donations to nonprofits based on the volunteer hours their employees contribute. As highly engaged volunteers, board members may be eligible to secure these grants, turning their service into direct funding for your cause.
Check out these examples of companies with volunteer grant programs that nonprofit board members can leverage:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Takeda is the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and Asia, boasting 49,000 employees worldwide. It is focused on metabolic disorders, gastroenterology, neurology, and inflammation.
Takeda Volunteer Grant Program
When an employee of Takeda Pharmaceuticals serves on the board of directors for eligible nonprofit organizations, said employee can request a generous volunteer grant for the organization.
Learn more about Takeda’s volunteer grant program.
Novartis International AG
Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. Currently, it’s ranked number eight in sales in the worldwide pharmaceutical industry ($201 billion) and employs nearly 120,000 people.
Novartis Volunteer Grant Program
Novartis offers Board Service Grants, through which employees who serve on the board of directors of an eligible organization can request a volunteer grant after one year of board service. These grants are renewable annually for up to three years.
Learn more about Novartis’ volunteer grant program.
PNM Resources
PNM Resources, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across the southwest. Today, PNM is estimated to employ about 2,000 people.
PNM’s Volunteer Grant Program
PNM provides volunteer grants to the organizations its staff volunteer with. However, if an employee volunteers for a minimum number of hours and serves on the organization’s board of directors, the company provides an even larger grant amount!
Learn more about PNM’s volunteer grant program.
Blue Shield of California
With over 7,500 employees, Blue Shield of California is based in San Francisco, California. It is a nonprofit health plan provider that serves more than 3.4 million health plan members and almost 65,000 physicians across California.
BSOC Volunteer Grant Program
Blue Shield of California offers a few volunteer grant-giving programs.
For healthcare organizations, when a BSOC employee serves on the nonprofit’s governing board and makes a monetary donation, BSOC will match the donation at a 2:1 ratio. Meanwhile, for civic and community organizations. BSOC employee volunteers serving on the governing body can have their donations matched at a 1:1 ratio.
Learn more about BSOC’s volunteer grant program.
Wrapping up & additional resources
By tapping into corporate matching gift programs and volunteer grants, board members can significantly boost their nonprofit’s fundraising efforts with minimal extra effort. Whether by submitting their own donations for a corporate match or securing grants for their volunteer service, these initiatives can unlock substantial funding.
As key ambassadors of the organization, board members have a unique opportunity to set the tone for donor engagement and corporate partnerships. When fully utilized, these programs not only strengthen financial resources but also deepen the culture of giving within the nonprofit community. Talk about a win-win!
Interested in learning more about smart fundraising and workplace giving strategies? Check out these additional resources:
Top Strategies for Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website
/in Donor communications, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerYour website is likely the number one place where donors come to learn about your mission and, ultimately, make a contribution to the cause. Marketing matching gifts on your website is a great way to promote the opportunity while encouraging donors to give more—and make a matching gift request.
While many of your site’s visitors may start out as strangers, the goal is to impress every user—and to make sure that all parties leave feeling satisfied and looking forward to their next visit. Matching gifts are a great way to do that.
With donors going the online giving route more and more often, an organization’s website encompasses endless opportunities to educate supporters about matching gifts and drive them further down the donation-matching funnel.
Because a nonprofit’s website is such a multifaceted tool, there are a ton of ways to market matching gifts effectively within the online resource. In this guide, we’ll dive into a few of the most common and impactful methods for doing so:
As with any modern organization, your website is often the first impression someone has of your nonprofit. It’s essential that you make it count by sharing about matching gifts every chance you get. The more familiar donors are with gift-matching initiatives, the more likely they ultimately are to participate!
Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Matching Gift Page
One of the best ways to ensure each donor has access to a wide range of matching gift information (and knows how to locate more) is to host a dedicated corporate matching gift web page on your website. This way, donors will have easy access to a landing page where they can learn about matching gift programs and discover if their employers participate.
This page can communicate relevant facts, such as matching gift statistics or annual donation numbers, as well as allow donors to search for information with an embedded company search tool. It could even be as simple as stating what matching gifts are!
Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts on your dedicated match page:
The goal of your matching gift page is to provide donors with a place to both learn about matching gifts and be spurred into action on the spot. With Double the Donation’s matching gift services, for example, you can empower donors to participate with year-round access to the forms, guidelines, and instructions they need to submit matching gift requests in minutes.
Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With Blog Articles
Organizations often use online blogs to keep supporters updated on their efforts and tell the nonprofit’s story. Why not also utilize your blog to share ways for donors to double their donations, enabling your team to keep telling that story?
Blog articles are a great way to start the conversation about corporate philanthropy, specifically the role that individual donors can play. Consider telling in-depth stories about the importance of matching gifts while educating people on how to submit the necessary forms.
Best practices for marketing matching gifts with your prewritten articles include:
Many donors have never heard of matching gift and volunteer grant programs, so it’s important to inform your supporters about the opportunities. And in order to evoke emotion and drive more donors to participate, we recommend carefully demonstrating the increased impact that corporate giving can have.
Interested in getting a headstart on your blog content? Double the Donation offers free, prewritten articles your team can customize for your own needs here.
Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With Images and Buttons
Images and buttons are each highly effective ways to draw attention to matching gifts within your organization’s website. Well-crafted visuals are significantly more eye-catching than plain text links (which are often overlooked) and can be a great resource for driving website visitors to take an intended call to action.
Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts using images and buttons:
Once you have your images and buttons created and ready to go, consider incorporating one or more of these resources into your website, along with other digital communications—such as social media marketing and matching gift emails—as well.
P.S. Interested in even more matching gift graphics and customizable templates? Check out the resources Double the Donation offers for free for users on the platform.
Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Navigation Menu
A website’s navigation bar is used to provide visitors with an easily accessible resource with which they can travel throughout the site from page to page. For many nonprofits, this navigation bar (also known as a “navigation menu”) incorporates the most highly-trafficked pages.
Depending on the organization in question, this might include items related to the organization’s mission and vision, an “about us” page, contact information for users to get in touch with the team, and a number of ways to support the cause.
By including a link to your organization’s dedicated matching gift web page (described above) within your navigation bar, you can allow users to access that information from anywhere on your website.
Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts on your website navigation:
Incorporating a matching gifts link in your navigation bar allows donors to intuitively discover matching gifts. Once a user clicks the link or button, they are able to dive into all the nitty-gritty details about matching gift programs. But all it takes to spark that interest and get the user involved is typically just a few words within the navigation menu!
Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Ways to Give Page
A functional website is a necessity for every organization. Not only is it a valuable resource for sharing information about your cause and operations, but it also offers an invaluable source of real estate for promoting revenue opportunities—both matching gifts and otherwise.
For many organizations, that’s where their Ways to Give page comes in!
A “ways to give” page is an area on a nonprofit’s website where people learn about a wide range of support options for the organization. This often includes online giving, upcoming events, direct mail donations, peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities, volunteer initiatives, and, of course, workplace giving programs such as donation matches and volunteer grants.
Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts on your “ways to give” page:
There are typically a ton of ways for supporters to contribute to your organization, and you’ll want to advertise them all on your “ways to give” page. Then, as donors are looking for impactful opportunities to support your cause, remind them that having their employers double their donations is a simple way to make their gift go further.
Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Custom Match Page
Some companies may not yet have the resources or the bandwidth to launch a comprehensive matching gift program for their staff. One approach that’s becoming increasingly popular among such businesses is the establishment of custom matching gift programs as a way for employers to get a taste of the employee giving opportunity. In this scenario, a company would agree to match team members’ donations to a single nonprofit, often during a limited-time campaign.
And by marketing this unique (or “one-off”) matching gift opportunity, your nonprofit can pursue corporate partnerships more effectively. We recommend hosting a dedicated Custom Matching Gift Programs page on your website, keeping in mind that this resource will primarily target the companies themselves—rather than a company’s individual employees.
Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts using custom matching gift pages:
Custom matching gift programs provide nonprofits with an excellent opportunity to deepen their relationships with philanthropic-minded companies wanting to get involved in giving back. But they take a bit of a different marketing approach to pursue, so it’s a good idea to determine where these initiatives fit into your overall corporate fundraising strategy and go from there.
*While Double the Donation offers custom matching gift management functionality, this feature is designed specifically for fundraisers looking to manage custom matching gift initiatives—Double the Donation does not work directly with corporations. If you’re a company interested in creating a matching gift program, contact us, and we’ll share information about our corporate vendor partners.
Final Thoughts & Additional Matching Gift Marketing Resources
Implementing matching gift promotions across your website is a major step in boosting your revenue. Don’t overlook it!
Individuals looking to get involved in your giving in the first place will be more inclined to contribute, while existing donors will be able to easily locate the information they need to get their gifts matched by their employers.
As your organization’s #1 marketing tool, marketing matching gifts on your website is essential.
Interested in learning more about effective matching gift fundraising practices? Check out our other educational resources on the topic:
15 Companies That Offer Volunteer Grants for Retirees
/in Lists and Rankings, Volunteer Grant Companies /by Adam WeingerVolunteer grant programs offer invaluable support to nonprofits, providing corporate funding as a result of team members’ volunteer hours with the organization. While the programs are often associated with employee volunteerism, the truth is that many companies’ retirees are also welcome to participate. That’s why in this post, we’ll spotlight several companies that offer volunteer grants for retirees, helping nonprofits maximize the impact of their volunteers’ contributions.
These include:
Ready to make the most of your retirees’ support for your cause? Let’s get started with the basics.
Why target companies that offer volunteer grants for retirees?
Retirees are some of the most dedicated and experienced volunteers, bringing years of knowledge, leadership, and skills to nonprofits. But beyond their time and expertise, they can also help unlock financial resources through corporate volunteer grant programs.
Here’s why nonprofits should actively target individuals from companies that offer these grants for their retired employees:
By actively seeking out and engaging retirees from companies with volunteer grant programs, nonprofits can strengthen their impact while securing valuable financial resources that help sustain and expand their mission.
How can a volunteer grant database help?
A volunteer grant database is a powerful tool that can help nonprofits streamline the process of identifying corporate volunteer grant opportunities. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or manual research, organizations can use these databases to easily locate companies that support their volunteers with financial contributions.
Here’s how a volunteer grant database can be beneficial:
By leveraging a volunteer grant database, nonprofits can take a more strategic approach to securing funding through corporate programs. This ensures that both retirees and other eligible volunteers can make an even greater impact—both through their time and the financial support they help generate.
Bank of America’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Bank of America offers both a matching gift and a volunteer grant program. Through Bank of America’s Dollars for Doers program, the bank offers the following thresholds of volunteer grants for current employees and retirees alike:
Learn more about Bank of America’s Volunteer Grant Program.
ConocoPhillips’ Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Like many other energy providers, ConocoPhillips offers generous employee giving programs. In addition to ConocoPhillip’s matching gift initiative, the company also provides donations to nonprofits where employees volunteer on a regular basis.
Within this program, ConocoPhillips currently offers two different levels of volunteer grants:
Plus, when groups of four or more ConocoPhillips staff or retirees volunteer together, ConocoPhillips provides a team volunteer grant of $1,000.
Learn more about ConocoPhillips’ Volunteer Grant Program.
Prudential Financial’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
In addition to matching employee donations, Prudential also offers grants when employees volunteer on a regular basis.
Specific grant amounts vary between $250 and $1,000 and are based on the number of hours and type of volunteer work performed. Regardless, each employee (or retiree) must volunteer for a minimum of 40 hours before being eligible for a volunteer grant.
Learn more about Prudential’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Alliant Energy’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Through Alliant Energy’s Volunteer Program, the company recognizes personal volunteerism performed by employees and retirees by providing grants to nonprofits.
The company currently has four different volunteer grant thresholds:
Learn more about Alliant Energy’s Volunteer Grant Program.
ExxonMobil’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
In order to maximize its employees’ and volunteers’ community impact, ExxonMobil offers two types of volunteer grant programs:
ExxonMobil Individual Volunteer Grants
Spouses and dependent children (ages 12-25) of both employees and retirees are also eligible to participate and request volunteer grants for their volunteer hours.
ExxonMobil Team Volunteer Grants
A $500 grant is awarded to nonprofit organizations when a team of at least five ExxonMobil employees and retirees volunteer together for at least 20 combined hours.
Learn more about Exxon Mobil’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Verizon’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Verizon’s Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) rewards eligible employees and retirees for their volunteer efforts by offering up to two grants per team member per calendar year.
Employees can earn a grant for every 50 hours of volunteer service with an eligible charity. However, each grant request must be submitted separately, and volunteer hours must be verified by the nonprofit organization.
Learn more about Verizon’s Volunteer Grant Program.
McKesson Corporation’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
McKesson Corporation supports its retirees who give back to their communities by offering volunteer grants to eligible nonprofits. When an individual donates a minimum of ten hours to an organization, the company provides a generous volunteer grant to the cause!
Through this program, McKesson encourages continued engagement in charitable work, helping retirees amplify their impact on the causes they care about.
Learn more about McKesson’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Eli Lilly & Company’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Eli Lilly & Company values the contributions of its retirees and recognizes their dedication to volunteer service. The company offers grants to nonprofits where retirees dedicate their time, furthering its commitment to community support and social impact.
Learn more about Eli Lilly’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Procter & Gamble’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Procter & Gamble encourages its retirees to stay involved with charitable organizations by providing volunteer grants. This program enhances the support retirees provide to nonprofits, reinforcing P&G’s long-standing dedication to corporate social responsibility through volunteerism and beyond.
Learn more about Procter & Gamble’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Boeing’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Boeing recognizes the value of its retirees’ volunteer efforts and offers grants to eligible nonprofits where they serve. By providing this support, Boeing continues its tradition of investing in communities and encouraging civic engagement through programs like these:
Individual Volunteer Grants
Boeing offers volunteer grants to recognize employees who volunteer with nonprofit organizations. The company provides a generous grant for every 10 hours of volunteering, and employees must volunteer at least 10 hours to qualify for a volunteer grant.
Team Volunteer Grants
Boeing offers volunteer grants to recognize groups of employees who volunteer with nonprofit organizations. The gift is scaled by the number of employees who participate in the activity, meaning more volunteers = more funding!
Learn more about Boeing’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Johnson & Johnson’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Johnson & Johnson is committed to making a difference through volunteerism, including support for retirees who dedicate their time to charitable causes. In order to do so, the company offers volunteer grants to amplify the efforts of former employees and strengthen nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about Johnson & Johnson’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Intel Corporation’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Intel Corporation extends its commitment to community service by providing volunteer grants for employees and retirees who give their time to nonprofits.
This initiative helps retirees continue their philanthropic efforts while bringing additional resources to the organizations they support. And with an extremely low minimum hours threshold, it’s easy for Intel team members to get involved!
Learn more about Intel’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Caterpillar Inc.’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Caterpillar Inc. regularly encourages its retirees to stay engaged with their communities by offering generous volunteer grants. This program helps qualifying nonprofits benefit from both the time and financial support of current and former Caterpillar employees alike.
In order to participate, however, Caterpillar participants must record their volunteer hours and submit their match requests online by January 31 of the year following the one in which their volunteer service took place.
Learn more about Caterpillar’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Macy’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Macy’s supports the volunteer efforts of its retirees by providing grants to nonprofits where they serve. This program reinforces the company’s dedication to community involvement and charitable giving. Not to mention, it underscores the company’s commitment to the causes and organizations that matter to colleagues.
As a result, Macy’s, Inc. will contribute a generous financial grant to eligible 501(c)3 organizations that receive at least 100 hours of volunteering across Macy’s, Inc. over the course of a calendar year.
Learn more about Macy’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Sony Group Corporation’s Retiree-Friendly Volunteer Grant Program
Sony Group Corporation values the contributions of its retirees and offers volunteer grants to eligible nonprofits. This initiative allows retirees to further support the causes they care about, strengthening Sony’s commitment to social impact.
Learn more about Sony’s Volunteer Grant Program.
Wrapping Up & Additional Volunteer Grant Resources
Fortunately, your volunteer grant potential doesn’t diminish when an individual retires from a qualifying company. As you can see, many employers continue to extend their volunteer grant programs beyond a team member’s tenure at the business.
That said, retirees can make an incredible impact on your organization through their service and their volunteer grants. You just need to know who qualifies—and equip your team with the tools you need to follow up with companies that offer volunteer grants for retirees effectively.
Interested in learning more about powering your efforts with volunteer grants and other corporate programs? Check out these additional resources:
Submitting an In-Kind Donation Request: A Nonprofit’s Guide
/in Learning Center, Corporate Sponsorships /by Adam WeingerMatching Gift Software Vendors: The Comprehensive List
/in Corporate Consulting, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam WeingerWhether your company is managing a corporate giving program or your nonprofit is seeking matching gift revenue, corporate philanthropy can be tricky to master.
For businesses, creating an effective matching gift program entails substantial hard work that will ultimately pay off. For nonprofits, it takes ongoing research to acquire much-deserved matching gift revenue. Nonetheless, corporate social responsibility is a growing, impactful phenomenon.
Matching gift programs are naturally complex, but fortunately, there are several technology solutions on the market. To kick off your research, let’s go through each of these major areas:
If you’re not already familiar with these philanthropic programs, take a look at this comprehensive guide on corporate giving. Otherwise, let’s jump straight into the top matching gift software providers!
1. Top Matching Gift Software Providers for Nonprofits
Corporate giving represents a major revenue opportunity for nonprofits, but researching your donors’ employers can be fairly difficult and time-consuming. Plus, for nonprofits, this process never ends.
Once you initially gather information on local companies’ matching gift programs, your team has to stay up-to-date on the changes made within these programs. You also have to be constantly on the lookout for new employers each time a donor submits a gift.
This may be doable for very small nonprofits, but as their donor bases grow, staying updated without effective software is virtually impossible.
Why It’s Important for Nonprofits to Use Matching Gift Software
Many donors don’t know how to navigate their employer’s corporate giving process—and some are unaware that their employers even offer matching gift programs at all. For that reason, nonprofits tend to leave a substantial amount of revenue on the table every year.
In fact, an estimated $4-$7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed annually.
Matching gift software not only helps spread awareness around matching gift programs but also helps guide donors through the process in an easy and intuitive way. Any size nonprofit can benefit from a matching gift database—no matter how small or large. Without a comprehensive system, your nonprofit will inevitably overlook these major revenue opportunities.
So how do you choose the right matching gift software? Be sure to invest in a solution that’s frequently updated, comprehensive, and easy to use, such as the leading matching gift solution: Double the Donation.
Double the Donation
Double the Donation is the complete end-to-end matching gift solution that automates the majority of the process. The platform pulls directly from Double the Donation’s extensive matching gift database, giving you the most comprehensive coverage of matching gift programs.
Here’s how it works to simplify corporate giving for nonprofits:
Benefits of using Double the Donation include:
*As a note, this feature is designed specifically for fundraisers looking to manage custom matching gift initiatives—Double the Donation does not work directly with corporations. If you’re a company interested in creating a matching gift program, contact us, and we’ll share information about our corporate vendor partners.
Double the Donation will ensure your organization doesn’t leave large sums of matching gift revenue on the table. The platform essentially serves as your own matching gift team, automating the process so your staff can focus on the most important thing: serving your mission.
What to look for: Fundraising integrations
Unlike many matching gift software solutions for nonprofits, Double the Donation’s matching gift software integrates with more than 100 of the leading fundraising platforms. In other words, if your organization already leverages specific donation or CRM software, you won’t have to worry about transferring your donor data between platforms.
The system also has state-of-the-art security (as illustrated by its SOC 2 Type II Compliance) that will protect all of your donors’ data and help your team gain better insight into your revenue opportunities.
Double the Donation’s matching gift integrations include:
These integrations allow you to continue using the fundraising software you already leverage while also sending the data through Double the Donation’s platform so you can automatically identify new matching gift opportunities.
Double the Donation is the next evolution of advanced matching gift tools for nonprofits. If your organization isn’t using dedicated matching gift software, there’s no doubt that you’re missing out on major opportunities.
Interested in learning more about smart matching gift fundraising and best practices for leveraging Double the Donation to your greatest potential? Check out Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Academy here!
2. Matching Gift Software Vendors for Companies
If your company doesn’t already have a philanthropic program in place, there’s no time like the present to get started! After all, there are innumerable benefits to having these programs, including heightened employee engagement and a positive company reputation.
If you already have a match program in place, your company may be considering switching to an electronic matching gift system. Not only does that save valuable time, but it also ensures there aren’t any gaps in your guidelines.
Let’s go through each of the leading software vendors for companies:
These vendors deliver everything a company needs to outsource the employee matching gift administration process, volunteer grants, disaster relief, and broader workplace giving programs. And for your convenience, we’ve separated them out based on a key distinguishing factor—whether they offer auto-submission functionality.
What to look for: Is the matching gift software CLMA-certified?
For the best results, companies in the matching gift software buying process should prioritize CLMA-certified solutions in order to provide optimal encounters for their employees and the organizations they support. What does that mean?
Platforms with the official CLMA Certificate have been deemed Certified Leaders in Matching Automation, providing the most streamlined and intuitive matching gift experience for their users. This, in turn, encourages higher rates of employee participation and reduces the administrative burden for companies and nonprofits alike.
What to look for: Does the matching gift software offer auto-submission?
Traditionally, donors looking to participate in matching programs have been required to submit their donation to a nonprofit organization, then complete a separate request process with their employer to secure the corporate match. This separate request often asks for information about the receiving organization, specific donations, and even the employee themselves, and it’s often a critical roadblock keeping employee donors from completing their matches.
Today, many companies are rolling out matching gift auto-submission abilities, which allow donors to submit their match requests directly from their favorite organizations’ donation confirmation pages with a single click.
Let’s take a look at some of the breakthrough matching gift software providers that are empowering companies and their employees with this functionality;
Field Day
With Field Day, companies can:
Field Day’s platform empowers businesses to create a culture of giving while ensuring that employees are actively engaged in philanthropy. Additionally, their integration with Double the Donation’s matching gift software allows for seamless auto-submission of matching gifts, reducing administrative work and maximizing donations.
Learn more about Field Day!
Millie
Millie provides workplace giving tools for all by allowing companies to create simple and flexible social impact programs on a budget. Their platform brings the power of a giving wallet to everyday donors by providing financial tools that allow for easy, simple, and strategic giving.
Millie allows companies to:
Millie’s workplace giving platform is designed to provide a comprehensive and affordable solution for companies of all sizes so that reaching CSR goals is achievable for all. Plus, they integrate with Double the Donation’s matching gift solution to offer innovative auto-submission for their corporate clients.
Learn more about Millie on their website here or check out our case study to see their matching gift auto-submission in action!
POINT
As an innovative corporate giving provider, POINT enables businesses to:
Plus, when companies purchase a subscription to POINT, they can gift the nonprofit POINT platform to nonprofits for free. Companies can collaborate with nonprofits on the same platform and give nonprofits the tools they need to find and manage volunteers seamlessly, saving them up to 15 hours per week.
Not to mention, POINT now offers matching gift auto-submission to make matching gifts as simple as possible for companies, donors, and nonprofits alike.
Learn more about POINT!
Selflessly
Selflessly helps businesses:
If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable matching gift solution for your business, Selflessly is a great way to go. As an added bonus, they even partner with our matching gift automation tool to further streamline the giving and matching processes for employers and employees alike through matching gift auto-submission abilities!
Learn more about Selflessly on their website here or read our case study to see how this matching gift vendor is changing the game with auto-submission!
Uncommon Giving
Uncommon Giving offers:
By offering a holistic approach to workplace philanthropy, Uncommon Giving helps businesses align their giving initiatives with employee values while maximizing social impact. Meanwhile, their integration with Double the Donation’s matching gift software further enhances their corporate matching capabilities, ensuring a seamless and efficient donation-matching experience.
Learn more about Uncommon Giving!
Does Not Yet Offer Matching Gift Auto-Submission
These other CSR platforms can offer excellent features and functionality regarding matching gift program management for companies, though they have not yet built out auto-submission capabilities with Double the Donation. This means that employees will be required to complete separate request processes to participate in their companies’ giving initiatives.
However, matching gift auto-submission is the future of corporate gift-matching, so keep an eye out as more of these providers shift to automatic submissions as well.
America’s Charities
America’s Charities offers an entire suite of tools for companies. Their most comprehensive solution, Engage, is an end-to-end giving and corporate social responsibility (CSR) solution that offers a holistic view of your global impact.
The platform provides a comprehensive and flexible solution to help your company streamline community programs and maximize your social investment. Best of all? You can manage all of your corporate philanthropy and giving programs from one place.
Engage helps organize:
You can also track your goals easily and share eye-catching reports and dashboards using real-time data. Unfortunately, however, Engage does not currently offer matching gift auto-submission capabilities.
Learn more about America’s Charities!
Benevity
Originally founded in Canada in 2008, Benevity has rapidly developed a major presence with companies based in the United States as well.
This workplace giving platform strives to create compelling corporate giving programs that help companies attract, retain, and engage employees. In addition to a matching gift program, the vendor allows businesses to implement other philanthropic programs, such as volunteer grants and charitable gift cards to motivate employees to generously give.
Through Benevity, corporations can evaluate their success in making a positive impact on their communities. That way, they can adjust their efforts to create the best possible giving program. However, Benevity has yet to offer matching gift auto-submission functionality.
Learn more about Benevity!
Bright Funds
Bright Funds is a leading provider of corporate giving software as a service for workplace giving, volunteering, and grants management. With nearly a decade of experience, Bright Funds helps companies of all sizes multiply their impact through an intuitive, comprehensive corporate social responsibility platform.
Companies can build a culture of giving and grow their employees’ impact with a matching gifts program on Bright Funds. Matching rules can be set up with a single click from the admin dashboard. The platform automatically enforces matching rules and budget limits, while ensuring that employees can only donate to vetted, eligible organizations. That gives companies more time to focus on engaging employees to participate and give back to the causes they care about.
With Bright Funds, companies can scale their impact from a single, flexible platform that includes:
Empower today’s purpose-driven workforce to do good through Bright Funds’ all-in-one corporate responsibility platform. As of yet, however, Bright Funds has not established an auto-submission functionality.
Learn more about Bright Funds!
Charityvest
Charityvest simplifies the giving process for both donors and charities alike. By allowing users to create personal charitable giving funds, donors can securely and freely donate stock and cash to charities without losing a percentage to transaction fees.
Charityvest for Workplaces provides employees with tax-deductible giving accounts and unlocks automatic charitable matching, reporting, and administration for companies. Their workplace giving programs are trusted and utilized by companies nationwide.
With Charityvest for Workplaces, your company can implement fully automated, rules-based grant matching, provide employees with unlimited zero-fee giving to millions of charities, and view real-time reporting on charitable impact. In the future, Charityvest for Workplaces may develop auto-submission functionality, but for now, employees are resigned to partake in manual submission processes.
Learn more about Charityvest!
CyberGrants
For over 20 years, CyberGrants has been a leader in the online grantmaking space. Over time, the company has recorded many firsts through its initiatives, including:
A few years ago, CyberGrants merged with the JK Group, which owned the Consiva and Easymatch platforms. Today, it manages employee giving programs for many global companies.
As a flexible philanthropic software platform, CyberGrants provides numerous innovative ways for companies to develop their workplace giving programs. CyberGrants has yet to roll out auto-submission features, still relying on manual requests from employee donors through the system.
Learn more about CyberGrants!
Percent Pledge
Established in 2017, Percent Pledge offers a streamlined workplace giving solution designed to make social impact effortless for companies of all sizes. Through its customizable platform, companies can launch turnkey giving and volunteering programs tailored to their values and employee interests. The platform enables recurring donations, employer matching, volunteer tracking, and access to curated cause portfolios—bundles of vetted nonprofits focused on specific issues like mental health, climate, or racial equity.
One standout feature is Percent Pledge’s built-in impact reporting, which allows companies to track and share the real-world results of their giving initiatives. With dedicated support and personalized experiences, Percent Pledge makes it easy for businesses to boost employee engagement and build purpose-driven cultures—no need for a complicated setup or a large CSR team.
Learn more about PercentPledge!
SmartSimple
SmartSimple offers companies robust tools for grant management, employee giving, matching gifts, volunteer management, and more.
When companies use SmartSimple to manage their workplace giving strategies, they can:
SmartSimple streamlines nearly every aspect of your company’s workplace giving program, making it incredibly easy for employees to participate and boost your CSR impact in the greater community. However, they’ve yet to offer auto-submission functionality, which may be enabled in the future.
Learn more about SmartSimple!
YourCause
Through its dedicated corporate social responsibility platform, YourCause helps corporations of all sizes. This platform, called CSRconnect, is a customizable community tool that centralizes employee engagement.
When businesses invest in the CSRconnect platform, they can enable year-round matching gifts, annual pledge campaigns, and more. Additionally, the platform leverages peer-to-peer fundraising. In other words, employees will raise money on behalf of the nonprofits they care about, and companies can match those donations—though they’ve yet to establish a process for matching gift auto-submissions.
As a business professional, you’ve likely heard of the leading CRM platform Blackbaud. YourCause integrates with this major CRM software, meaning you won’t have to spend time transferring your employees’ data. If that’s not convincing enough, the customizable software allows companies and employees to access 300,000+ global nonprofits from 170 countries!
Learn more about YourCause!
For nonprofits and companies alike, corporate social responsibility is highly influential and catching on rapidly. From the nonprofit perspective, corporate philanthropy means boosting revenue. Not leveraging a matching gift database equates to not fulfilling your matching gift potential.
From the business perspective, corporate philanthropy means developing a brand, promoting a generous workplace, and giving back to the community. However, developing and maintaining a giving program is nearly impossible without the right software.
Now that you know more about specific software solutions, start leveraging this technology in your corporate giving strategy today!
Additional Resources for Nonprofits
Additional Resources for Corporations