6 Tips to Get Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations. In 2024 alone, corporations donated more than $44 billion to charitable organizations across the United States.

So how can your organization attract and secure corporate sponsorships?

How to Secure Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships are gifts of monetary value from a company that help a nonprofit organization further its mission. They are often associated with benefits such as logo placement, tickets, tailored activations, and more.

Sponsorships are a sign that the company is connected with and publicly supports the nonprofit’s mission, and sponsorships typically benefit both parties in some way. Here are six tips to help you get corporate sponsorships.

1. Do your research

Before approaching any company for sponsorship, it’s crucial to do your research on the company. Thorough research demonstrates your interest and knowledge in the company, which lets the company see that your nonprofit genuinely wants to partner with them, rather than just seeking monetary donations from anyone. Similar to how you want to be knowledgeable about a company you’re interviewing for, doing your research before asking for donations can impress a company. 

With information about the company in your back pocket, you’ll be able to better connect with its representatives. A strong initial connection can help your nonprofit establish a long-lasting professional relationship and secure sponsorship from a corporation.

In addition to impressing the company, doing preliminary research can help you determine whether a corporate sponsor will be a good fit for your organization. You should choose a corporate partner that aligns with your mission, goals, and values. For example, an environmental organization should seek sponsorship from companies that value and participate in sustainability and conservation efforts. Partnering with a company that causes harm to the environment could result in a loss of credibility for your organization. 

Start by researching companies online. You’ll likely be able to find a company’s philanthropic history, which will tell you whether they have an interest in charitable sponsorships. Keep in mind that companies with a philanthropic history are likely to be more interested in sponsorships than those without a history of making charitable donations. Look for lists of companies that are known to partner with nonprofits, and you might even find some you hadn’t considered before!

 

2. Ask the right people

After determining which companies will be the best options for your organization, make sure you’re reaching out to the right people within those companies. It’s common for nonprofit organizations to get in contact with a company’s marketing department, though you may want to consider reaching out to the human resources department instead. 

The human resources team will have in-depth knowledge about company-wide initiatives and values. They’ll likely have a good idea of the types of nonprofit work their employees would be interested in or feel passionately about. HR representatives will also be valuable in getting the company’s employees to volunteer or participate in your events.

You should also consider how you can leverage points of contact. If your organization’s donors or board members have connections at specific companies, consider having them ask their contacts directly about sponsorships. This is where networking and knowing the right people can be beneficial. Consider where you and your board know people and whether their companies may be receptive to a partnership with your organization. Having existing connections can help your team gain a foothold, while some supporters may even be willing to advocate for a partnership on your behalf!

3. Make your pitch relevant

When creating your corporate sponsorship proposal, ensure it is tailored to the company’s needs and interests. When an organization connects with a company’s employees and values, they’ll be more willing to contribute to your cause. This is your chance to show a company what work you’ve done, are planning on doing, and how their contribution will help you do that work. 

To help the company actually understand what the money will be used for, discuss specific projects you intend to complete under the sponsorship. Providing specifics can help a company see the direct impact they can have when they partner with you and support your cause. 

It’s also important to explain how their values and vision align with your mission. Spell it out for them instead of leaving it up to interpretation. Share how employees can be involved and how they and the company as a whole will benefit from the sponsorship, either professionally or personally. If you’ve done your research on the company beforehand, this step will be easy — as long as their values align with your mission.

4. Set the right sponsorship level

Setting the right sponsorship levels for your event is crucial to reaching your fundraising goal without over- or under-asking from sponsors.  You’ll want to consider the size of your fundraising event and what donors are being asked to sponsor your organization. When setting your sponsorship levels, aim to raise about half of your total goal through sponsorships. Keeping this in mind will help you set levels that will actually help you reach your goal. 

So, let’s say your fundraising goal is $100,000 and you want at least half of that to come from sponsors, which means you’ll need to split $50,000 up into different sponsorship levels. Your top level of sponsorship will likely be at least $15,000. Keep in mind, however, that you should consider who you’re asking to fill this spot. If a company usually only donates $2,000, they’ll be unlikely to fill that top slot. Remember to be ambitious with your asks, yet realistic about who you ask.

 

5. Consider in-kind donations

When seeking corporate sponsorship for nonprofits, many organizations may find that some companies are unable to provide monetary sponsorship.  If you come across this situation, consider asking for in-kind donations. These are non-monetary donations, such as goods or services. In-kind contributions are a great way to encourage smaller businesses or vendors to support your cause.

For example, a company could offer to provide their employees as volunteers to work your event. This type of contribution provides staff for an event without requiring a separate hire.

Companies could also contribute food or drinks for an event. Or, vendors could donate their services to you for the event. For example, a photographer could offer their services free of charge for your event. Many companies even have existing programs with open applications for in-kind gifts, making it easier than ever to get involved.

Consider how you can make in-kind donations a level of sponsorship as well.

6. Share information

When reaching out to potential donors, be sure to share relevant information and data that demonstrate why a partnership with you will be beneficial. For example, if your brand targets a specific demographic, share the percentage of your event participants who belong to that demographic. Or, if they’re looking for more publicity around their charitable acts, consider sharing that there will be press releases or social media updates highlighting the sponsors. 

Leverage your data and event information to help convince corporate sponsors to partner with you and show them there are benefits to doing so.

Securing corporate sponsorships is about more than just funding—it’s about creating mutually beneficial partnerships that help both your nonprofit and the sponsor succeed. By researching companies, tailoring your pitch, and setting realistic sponsorship levels, you show professionalism and increase the likelihood of lasting collaboration.

As you apply these six tips, focus on building relationships, clearly communicating your mission, and highlighting the impact sponsors can make. With the right approach, your nonprofit can secure strong sponsorships that advance your work and foster long-term corporate support.