How to Attract Corporate Sponsors
How to Attract Corporate Sponsors: 7 Strategies Every Nonprofit Should Know
Corporate sponsors offer more than just funding—they bring credibility, visibility, and partnerships that can support your mission long-term. With corporate giving expected to reach $21 billion in 2025 in the United States, an increase of 2.6%, and over 65% of Fortune 500 companies offering matching gift programs, now is the perfect time to focus on corporate partnerships.
Businesses and corporations often choose to sponsor nonprofits and give back to their communities because it aligns with their values, enhances their brand reputation, and strengthens customer loyalty. Consumers today increasingly expect companies to demonstrate social responsibility, and supporting a nonprofit signals that the business is invested in making a positive impact beyond profit. Corporate sponsorships also offer meaningful marketing opportunities—such as brand exposure at events, media mentions, and community goodwill—while encouraging employee engagement and pride through shared philanthropic goals. Ultimately, partnering with nonprofits allows businesses to contribute to causes that matter, build stronger local relationships, and differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
But, how can nonprofits compete effectively with so many worthy causes making asks for corporate sponsorships?
Here are 7 key strategies to help attract sponsors:
1. Align with Corporate Values & Goals
Research potential sponsors to understand their corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities. Target companies whose mission aligns with yours—this makes them more likely to invest and maintain long-term support.
2. Be Sponsor-Ready: Build a Sponsorship Kit
Create a compelling package that includes:
- Mission and impact stats
- Audience demographics
- Sponsorship tiers with clear benefits (e.g., logo placement, social mentions, event visibility)
- Past success stories or case studies
PROTIP: Include your sponsorship kit on your website, and regularly let your social media audience know that you are always looking for corporate sponsorships.
3. Leverage Matching Programs
Encourage employee giving by promoting matching gift programs. With billions in unclaimed corporate matches annually (doublethedonation.com) and 40% of Fortune 500 firms offering volunteer grants, this can double the impact of donations and deepen company engagement.
Benevity is another platform that helps facilitate corporate giving and donations so make sure your nonprofit is registered and your profile is current and correct.
4. Create Visibility Opportunities for Sponsors
Showcase sponsors’ impact through event presence, branded assets, press releases, website features, and social media. Companies appreciate tangible ROI on sponsorships.
The more active and engaged your social media presence is the better! This creates a platform where corporate sponsors are going to really appreciate getting recognition by making a donation to your organization.
5. Build In-Person Engagement
Invite corporate partners to volunteer, host site visits and tours, or speak at events. Firsthand experience with your mission builds strong emotional connections.
6. Provide Customizable Sponsorship Packages
Offer tiered or à la carte options—from sponsor logos and speaking roles to co-branded programs. Flexibility makes it easy for companies to find a perfect match. Having a professional PDF document ready to email or download can help companies understand more about your organization, your impact, your sponsor levels, and what benefits they will receive with their corporate sponsorship.
7. Recognize and Steward Sponsors
Celebrate your sponsors with personal thank-you letters, donor walls, digital shout-outs, and follow-up reports. Recognition shows appreciation and encourages renewals or upgrades.
💡 Bonus Tip: Ask for Smaller Sponsorships
Big-dollar corporate sponsorships can be competitive. Many nonprofits overlook smaller opportunities—such as sponsoring one program, event, or campaign. Even $500–$1,000 sponsorships can build trust and lead to larger contributions later.
Final Thought
Strong corporate partnerships can bring stability, resources, and brand recognition—but they require planning and follow-through. By aligning your mission with corporate goals, offering clear value, and treating sponsors like partners, you can build lasting relationships that benefit both your nonprofit and your community.
Ready to build and pitch corporate sponsorship packages that win?
We offer fundraising consulting and guidance if you need assistance with developing a corporate sponsorship strategy that provides results.
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