Need Sponsors for Your Next Fundraising Event? 10 Companies That Accept Online Sponsorship Requests

When nonprofits begin planning a fundraising event, one of the first questions is usually:

Who can we ask to sponsor it?

Most organizations immediately start making a list of local businesses. Banks, insurance agents, restaurants, real estate companies, law firms, and other businesses in your community can absolutely be wonderful partners.

But your sponsorship search doesn’t have to end there.

Many larger companies have established corporate sponsorship programs with online application processes. Depending on the company, nonprofits may be able to apply for financial sponsorship of fundraising events, community initiatives, walks and runs, educational activities, cultural events, and other opportunities.

At Impact Funding Solutions, one of the things we continually encourage nonprofits to do is diversify funding. Grants are incredibly important, but they should be one piece of a much larger fundraising strategy.

Corporate sponsorships can become another valuable piece of that puzzle, whether to support a fundraising event or to support your organization year round. This article is discussing event specific sponsorship.

What’s the Difference Between a Grant and a Corporate Sponsorship?

Although the terms sometimes overlap, corporate sponsorships and charitable grants aren’t necessarily the same thing.

A grant is generally philanthropic. The funder provides financial support because your program or organization aligns with its charitable priorities.

A sponsorship is usually more of a partnership.

The company may provide financial or in-kind support, while receiving benefits such as:

• Logo placement
• Recognition on your website
• Social media exposure
• Event signage
• Complimentary tickets
• Booth or exhibit space
• Recognition in your newsletter
• Inclusion in media or press releases
• Opportunities for employee engagement
• Access to an audience that aligns with the company’s market

This distinction matters. U.S. Bank, for example, specifically says it looks for mutually beneficial sponsorships that support its marketing objectives, and its application asks applicants to describe sponsorship benefits, geographic reach, audience, marketing opportunities, and proposed sponsorship fees. (U.S. Bank)

When applying for a sponsorship, don’t only tell a company why you need their money.

Tell them why partnering with your organization makes sense for them too.

10 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities for Nonprofit Events

The following companies currently provide online information for organizations interested in requesting sponsorship support.

Eligibility, geographic restrictions, timelines, and funding priorities vary considerably. Always review the current guidelines before applying.

1. Bank of America Sponsorships

Bank of America supports sponsorships across nearly 100 U.S. markets. The company describes these partnerships as opportunities that support the economic, social, and cultural life of the communities where it operates while also increasing visibility for the Bank of America brand.

Worth exploring for: Larger community events, cultural initiatives, economic mobility activities, and other highly visible opportunities in Bank of America markets.

Impact Tip: Bank of America separates charitable grants from sponsorships, so make sure you’re pursuing the right funding stream for your request AND you can apply for both a grant and an event sponsorship!

2. U.S. Bank Corporate Sponsorships

The bank supports artistic, athletic, and community sponsorships throughout the United States and accepts proposals through its online system. U.S. Bank says its ideal sponsorship has broad reach and provides multiple marketing benefits. 

Its online application asks about your event, geographic reach, sponsorship levels, audience, benefits offered to the bank, and how you’ll measure the results of the partnership.

Worth exploring for: Established events with meaningful attendance, strong community reach, and a well-developed sponsorship package with clear benefits to the sponsor.

3. M&T Bank Community Sponsorship Program

M&T Bank’s Community Sponsorship Program partners with nonprofit organizations to improve quality of life in the regions where the bank operates.

The company accepts requests for both programmatic grant support and event sponsorships, and recommends allowing at least eight weeks for a decision.

Worth exploring for: Nonprofit fundraising events and community initiatives located within M&T Bank’s footprint.

Impact Tip: Don’t wait until your event is a few weeks away. Build corporate sponsorship research into your event planning months in advance.

4. Citizens Trust Bank Sponsorship Requests

Citizens Trust Bank has an online sponsorship application specifically for community organizations.

The bank mentions sponsorship of events including dinners, runs and walks, financial literacy and empowerment initiatives, and program advertising. Requests should align with community well-being, business development, or financial empowerment. 

Importantly, the bank asks organizations to submit requests at least 12 weeks before the event. 

Worth exploring for: Community events, fundraising walks/runs, financial empowerment initiatives, and nonprofit events in the bank’s service area.

5. Community West Bank Donation & Sponsorship Application

Community West Bank accepts online donation and sponsorship applications from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations as well as certain civic and trade organizations.

Its priorities include activities and programs addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and improving economic well-being and quality of life. The application specifically asks for information about your event, amount requested, people served, purpose of the event, and how the funds will be used.

Event requests should generally be submitted at least 60 days in advance.

Worth exploring for: Human services, basic needs, economic well-being, and commu

6. Sprouts Farmers Market Donation & Sponsorship Requests

Sprouts Farmers Market accepts donation and sponsorship requests from local nonprofit organizations in communities where its stores operate.

Applicants must provide current proof of 501(c)(3) status, and organizations are generally eligible to receive support once per calendar year. 

Worth exploring for: Local nonprofit organizations with a Sprouts presence in their community, particularly when the event or initiative complements the company’s community priorities.

Impact Tip: Retailers can be valuable targets not only for cash sponsorships, but also for products, gift cards, food, raffle items, and other in-kind contributions.

7. CareFirst Community Sponsorship Application

CareFirst provides a dedicated online Sponsorship Application separate from its grant application.

The sponsorship process is specifically intended for organizations requesting support for a community event, fundraiser, or in-kind donation.

That’s exactly the type of corporate program many nonprofits don’t realize exists.

Worth exploring for: Community and health-related events, fundraisers, and organizations operating within CareFirst’s service area.

8. Highmark Grant & Sponsorship Requests

Highmark accepts both grant and corporate sponsorship requests through a web-based application process.

Its corporate giving program prioritizes programs and services connected to health and well-being. Highmark reviews grant and sponsorship requests throughout the year, and sponsorship requests should generally be submitted at least eight weeks before the decision is needed. 

Highmark also maintains specific regional sponsorship opportunities. For example, its Western New York program asks eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to apply online at least two months before the program or event. 

Worth exploring for: Health, wellness, community well-being, and related nonprofit initiatives in Highmark markets.

9. Peoples Health Sponsorship Requests

Peoples Health, part of UnitedHealthcare, maintains an online sponsorship request process supporting community and athletic organizations.

Requests should be submitted at least two months before the event. Applicants are asked to provide a request letter, sponsorship levels and benefits, an organizational description, and a W-9. 

Worth exploring for: Community and athletic organizations and events within the company’s market.

This is also a great example of why every nonprofit planning events should have a professional sponsorship package ready to go.

10. Evergy Community Grants & Sponsorships

Utility companies are another category nonprofits should be researching.

Evergy’s Community Impact Program allows eligible nonprofit organizations within its service area to request grants or sponsorships through an online funding form. Its priorities include environmental leadership, community vitality, workforce readiness, access to opportunity, and basic needs. 

The application specifically includes Event Sponsorship as one of the partnership types organizations can request. 

Worth exploring for: Community events and initiatives within Evergy’s service territory, particularly those connected with sustainability, workforce readiness, basic needs, or community vitality.

Don’t Stop at These 10 Companies

These are examples, not an exhaustive list.

When researching sponsors for a nonprofit client, our team also investigates:

Banks and credit unions. Search the major regional and community banks operating where your nonprofit serves.

Hospitals and health insurers. Particularly valuable for health, disability, senior, mental health, youth wellness, and community events.

Utility companies. Electric, natural gas, water, and energy companies frequently maintain community investment budgets.

Grocery stores and retailers. These can be excellent sources of both financial and in-kind sponsorship.

Telecommunications companies. Especially for education, technology, digital inclusion, and youth initiatives.

Insurance companies. Particularly when your audience aligns with the company’s target market.

And don’t forget your local businesses. Corporate online sponsorship applications should expand your event sponsorship strategy, not replace local relationship-building.

How to Make Your Corporate Sponsorship Request Stronger

A corporate sponsor is asking a different question than many grant funders.

They’re not simply asking:

“Is this a good cause?”

They’re also asking:

“Why should our company partner with this organization?”

Your sponsorship package should therefore clearly communicate your nonprofit’s value and the exposure value to the company as a sponsor of the event. Think of “What’s in it for us” from their perspective.

Include your anticipated attendance, audience demographics where appropriate, email list size, social media following, website traffic, media coverage, event history, community reach, and specific recognition opportunities.

This is where nonprofit visibility becomes incredibly valuable.

An organization with 10,000 email subscribers, strong social engagement, good website traffic, and a highly attended annual event has something meaningful to offer a corporate partner. Many sponsorship requests ask for your social media accounts with #of followers. Reach and impressions is important for sponsors.

Your visibility isn’t just helping donors find you. It can become a fundraising asset. 

Start Your Sponsorship Search Early

One pattern you’ll notice throughout this list is the amount of lead time companies require.

Some want requests eight weeks in advance. Others want 12 weeks. (M&T Bank)

That means if your major fundraising event is in October, you shouldn’t start looking for sponsors in September.

Ideally, sponsorship research should begin several months before the event.

For major annual events, we suggest taking it one step further. As soon as this year’s event ends, begin building the sponsorship strategy for next year.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR FUNDRAISING STRATEGY Including Corporate Sponsorships? Impact Funding Solutions can help! CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE DISCOVERY CALL.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Event Sponsorships

How do nonprofits find companies that sponsor events?

Start with businesses already connected to your organization, including vendors, donors, board member employers, local banks, retailers, hospitals, utilities, and companies serving your audience. Then expand your research to corporations offering formal online sponsorship applications.

Try searching Google for phrases such as “[Company Name] sponsorship request,” “[Company Name] community sponsorship,” or “[Company Name] charitable giving.”

How far in advance should a nonprofit apply for event sponsorship?

I generally recommend beginning sponsorship outreach three to six months before an event. Some companies on this list require requests at least eight to 12 weeks in advance, so earlier is better. 

What should be included in a nonprofit sponsorship package?

Your package should explain your mission, the event, anticipated attendance and audience, community impact, sponsorship levels, and exactly what each sponsor receives in return.

Include tangible benefits such as logo placement, social media recognition, website links, event signage, complimentary tickets, exhibitor space, email recognition, and media exposure where appropriate.

How much should a nonprofit ask a corporate sponsor for?

There isn’t one correct amount. Develop sponsorship levels appropriate to the size and reach of your event. A smaller community fundraiser might offer $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 levels, while a major regional event may justify significantly larger partnerships.

More important than the number is being able to clearly demonstrate the value associated with each sponsorship level.

Can a nonprofit ask a company for both a grant and an event sponsorship?

Sometimes. Corporate grants and sponsorship budgets are often managed differently. Bank of America and CareFirst, for example, distinguish between their grant and sponsorship opportunities. 

Always review the company’s guidelines before submitting multiple requests.

Do corporate sponsors only provide cash?

No. Sponsorship can include financial support, products, professional services, advertising, employee volunteers, technology, food, auction items, gift cards, venue support, and other in-kind contributions.

Are corporate sponsorships considered fundraising?

Yes. Corporate sponsorship can be an important part of a diversified nonprofit fundraising strategy alongside grants, individual donations, recurring giving, events, major gifts, legacy giving, and other revenue sources.

Does Impact Funding Solutions help nonprofits with sponsorship strategy?

Yes. At Impact Funding Solutions, our goal is funding. In addition to grant writing and grant management, we help nonprofit organizations develop fundraising strategies designed to diversify revenue, including corporate sponsorships, fundraising campaigns, visibility, and other opportunities for sustainable growth.

We proudly work with nonprofit organizations across the United States and registered charities in Canada.