1. Walmart Foundation
- Focus Areas: Hunger relief, health and wellness, community engagement.
- Why They Sponsor: Walmart supports local communities and global hunger relief programs.
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations; focus on community impact.
- How to Apply: corporate.walmart.com/foundation
- Pro Tip: Local grants through individual stores are often easier to secure than national grants.
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Start Your Auction for Free2. Google.org
- Focus Areas: Tech for good, education, climate, digital skills, AI for impact.
- Why They Sponsor: Google invests in scalable nonprofit solutions.
- Eligibility: Nonprofits with innovative or scalable programs.
- How to Apply: google.org
- Pro Tip: Strong alignment with technology, education, or innovation increases approval odds.
3. Bank of America Charitable Foundation
- Focus Areas: Workforce development, community revitalization, financial health.
- Why They Sponsor: BofA focuses on economic mobility and local impact.
- Eligibility: Nonprofits with measurable community programs.
- How to Apply: about.bankofamerica.com
- Pro Tip: Their local market grants often have faster timelines and more accessible requirements.
4. Whole Foods Market Community Giving
- Focus Areas: Food access, environmental stewardship, healthy communities.
- Why They Sponsor: They support organizations that improve food systems and community wellness.
- Eligibility: Local nonprofits with food-related missions.
- How to Apply: Through your local store or wholefoodsmarket.com
- Pro Tip: Store-level partnerships often include both cash and in-kind donations.
5. Target Corporation Community Engagement
- Focus Areas: Education, health, volunteerism, community wellness.
- Why They Sponsor: Target aims to strengthen communities where stores operate.
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools.
- How to Apply: corporate.target.com
- Pro Tip: Applying for event sponsorships and local grants can be faster than national programs.
6. The Home Depot Foundation
- Focus Areas: Veteran housing, disaster response, community development.
- Why They Sponsor: Supports veteran causes and rebuilding efforts.
- Eligibility: Nonprofits focused on housing and community improvement.
- How to Apply: homedepotfoundation.org
- Pro Tip: Their Team Depot program also provides volunteer support.
7. Microsoft Philanthropies
- Focus Areas: Technology access, education, humanitarian aid.
- Why They Sponsor: They aim to close the digital divide and support innovation.
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits and global NGOs.
- How to Apply: microsoft.com/nonprofits
- Pro Tip: Nonprofits often qualify for free or discounted software and cloud services.
8. Amazon Community Giving
- Focus Areas: STEM education, hunger relief, disaster relief, local impact.
- Why They Sponsor: Amazon supports innovation and local community resilience.
- Eligibility: Registered nonprofit organizations.
- How to Apply: aboutamazon.com
- Pro Tip: Look for Amazon’s regional programs and partnerships to increase your chances.
9. Starbucks Foundation
- Focus Areas: Youth empowerment, hunger relief, civic engagement.
- Why They Sponsor: They invest in communities where their partners (employees) live and work.
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) and international NGOs.
- How to Apply: starbucks.com/responsibility
- Pro Tip: Their “Neighborhood Grants” program is ideal for local nonprofits.
10. Coca-Cola Foundation
- Focus Areas: Water stewardship, recycling, women’s empowerment, community well-being.
- Why They Sponsor: Coca-Cola funds large-scale global impact programs.
- Eligibility: Established nonprofits with measurable programs.
- How to Apply: coca-colacompany.com
- Pro Tip: Strong data, measurable outcomes, and clear impact narratives help win grants.
How to Approach Corporate Sponsors Effectively
1. Align Your Mission With Theirs
Show how your work connects directly to their giving priorities.
2. Lead With Impact
Use data, stories, and visuals to demonstrate real outcomes.
3. Make It Easy to Say Yes
Provide clear sponsorship levels, visibility benefits, and impact reports.
4. Start Local
National brands often fund local projects through store or regional programs first.
5. Build Relationships, Not One Time Gifts
Sponsorship works best when it’s a long-term partnership.
Suggested Sponsorship Levels (Example)
| Tier | Amount Range | Sponsor Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $1,000–$5,000 | Logo on website, event signage |
| Silver | $5,000–$15,000 | Social media promotion, speaking opportunity |
| Gold | $15,000+ | Press release, headline sponsor, custom perks |
Glossary of Sponsorship Terms
- Corporate Sponsorship: A partnership where a company provides funding or resources in exchange for exposure and impact.
- In-Kind Donation: Non-cash gifts such as goods, services, or volunteer time.
- Matching Gift: When a company matches its employees’ charitable donations.
- Grant: A sum of money awarded for specific programs or initiatives.
- CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility — a company’s social impact strategy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do we identify the right corporate sponsors for our cause?
Start with companies whose customers, employees, or CSR pillars align with your mission and audience. Look at local employers, existing donors' workplaces, and brands already funding similar causes.
What do sponsors typically want in return for their support?
Clear visibility (logos, stage mentions), access to your audience (booths, emails), impact stories, and employee engagement opportunities. Be specific about deliverables and timelines.
How should we structure sponsorship levels and pricing tiers?
Create 3–5 tiers (e.g., $500, $1,500, $5,000, $10,000+) with escalating benefits. Offer a custom "presenting sponsor" option for exclusive placement and premium perks.
What belongs in a strong sponsor pitch deck or one-pager?
Mission and audience snapshot, event/program reach, sponsorship packages, past impact/results, deadlines, and contact info. Keep it visual, scannable, and 3–6 pages max.
How can we offer value beyond logos to stand out from other requests?
Add tailored benefits: staff volunteer days, speaking roles, lead capture at registration, branded content, scholarship naming, or matching-gift spotlights tied to their CSR goals.
What is the difference between cash sponsorship and in-kind support?
Cash funds your budget directly. In-kind provides goods or services (printing, venues, gift cards). Price both at fair market value and include them in tier benefits and recognition lists.
Should we offer category exclusivity to top sponsors, and how do we define it clearly?
Exclusivity can justify higher tiers. Define the category (e.g., "banking services") and scope (event page, signage, stage) in writing to avoid conflicts with existing or future partners.
How do we measure and report ROI to corporate sponsors after the event or campaign?
Deliver a recap within 10–14 days: attendance, impressions/clicks, leads captured, funds raised, photos, and impact stories. Note any make-goods and recommendations for a renewed or multi-year partnership.
What legal or compliance items should be in our sponsorship agreement?
Term dates, payment terms, benefit list, brand usage rules, exclusivity clauses, cancellation/force majeure, and disclosure of any benefits that may affect tax deductibility for the sponsor.
How do we turn one-time sponsors into multi-year partners on our "Top 10" list?
Schedule a debrief, share a renewal package with early-bird perks, propose a 2–3 year plan tied to shared impact goals, and maintain quarterly touchpoints with updates and co-branded stories.
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Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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