How to Get Corporate Sponsors for Your Small Nonprofit Organization (2025)

For small nonprofits juggling bake sales, raffles, and ticketed events just to keep the lights on, securing a corporate sponsor can feel out of reach. Yet the right sponsorship can cover an entire year’s programs or make your next gala completely free to run.

With corporate social responsibility, many businesses are actively looking to partner with and sponsor charities. Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your nonprofit or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, but it’s well worth the time.

This article will discuss the types, benefits, and steps to find and secure corporate sponsorships for nonprofits.

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How to Get Corporate Sponsors for Your Nonprofit

1. Research Aligned Companies: Target businesses already supporting similar causes. Check their giving history and values.

2. Build Sponsorship Packages: Create tiers showing business benefits: employee engagement, marketing reach, reputation. Include specific metrics.

3. Pitch Locally First: Start with neighborhood businesses who know your impact. They move faster than large corporations.

4. Send Focused Proposals: 2-page maximum. Lead with impact stories, clear next steps, consistent follow-up.

5. Nurture Relationships: Regular impact updates, site visits, deliver all promises. Strong relationships = renewed partnerships.

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Why Small Nonprofits Struggle (and How Sponsorships Help)

You're running programs on a shoestring budget while juggling five different roles, watching processing fees chip away at every donation, and losing sleep over next month's expenses. Sound familiar? Here's what's actually draining your resources:

• Staff burnout from wearing too many hats: You're the fundraiser, program coordinator, and social media manager all at once.

• Unpredictable funding gaps: Individual donations slow in summer, grants have rigid timelines, emergency expenses can't wait.

• Processing fees eating your budget: 3% here, $5 there adds up to hundreds monthly when every dollar counts.

• Constant fundraising pressure: You spend more time chasing money than actually running programs.

• Can't plan beyond next month:  Uncertainty makes it impossible to hire help or invest in growth.

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Corporate sponsorships flip this script entirely:

• Predictable income lets you actually plan: Multi-year agreements mean you can hire that coordinator or fix the roof without panic.

• Business expertise comes free: Sponsors often provide marketing help, volunteers, or professional services beyond just money

• Less time fundraising, more time on mission: Stable sponsorship income means your team can focus on the work they're passionate about

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When and Why Small Organizations Should Seek Corporate Sponsors 

Corporate sponsorships work best when you can offer clear value in return—whether that's brand visibility at community events or association with causes that matter to their customers. 

Event sponsorships are the most common starting point because they provide immediate, measurable exposure that busy executives can easily understand and approve, but there are others worth considering, too.

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Types of Corporate Sponsorships for Grassroots Nonprofits

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Corporate Sponsorship Packages & Levels for Small Nonprofits

When you're already stretched thin, the last thing you need is complicated sponsorship packages you can't deliver on. These simple tiers give companies clear options while keeping your workload manageable:

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8 Steps to Acquire Corporate Sponsorships

• Step 1: Conduct In-Depth Research 

• Step 2: Build a Relationship

• Step 3: Set Sponsorship Levels

• Step 4: Create and Promote the Sponsorship Page

• Step 5: Come Up With a Sponsorship Package 

• Step 6: Make a Compelling Proposal

• Step 7: Contact Sponsors

• Step 8: Show Gratitude and Nurture the Relationship

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Step 1: Conduct In-Depth Research 

Smart grassroots nonprofits do their homework first, targeting companies that already demonstrate genuine interest in causes like theirs. This focused approach means fewer rejections, less wasted time, and stronger partnerships from the start.

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To find the right sponsors, be sure to:

• Check their social media for community posts and causes they already support
  

• Look up local news articles mentioning their charitable activities
  

• Note which nonprofits they currently sponsor and why. For example, a sporting goods store that sponsors Little League teams is far more likely to support your youth soccer tournament than a random tech company with no sports connection.
  

• Focus on businesses whose customers overlap with your supporter base 

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Step 2: Build a Relationship

Cold sponsorship requests feel transactional and often get ignored. The most successful grassroots nonprofits build genuine community connections first, creating relationships where sponsorship becomes a natural next step rather than an awkward ask.

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To build a relationship, you’ll want to:

• Follow their social media and comment thoughtfully on community involvement posts 

• Thank them publicly when they support other local events or causes 

• Attend local networking events where you can meet face-to-face 

• Volunteer at events they're already sponsoring to show your community commitment 

• Invite them to your events as guests before asking for sponsorship

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While this can take 3-6 months, it can create partnerships that last for years.

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Step 3: Set Sponsorship Levels

Your sponsorship levels for nonprofits should feel like natural upgrades, not overwhelming commitments. Focus on benefits you're already doing—social media posts, newsletters, thank-you events—rather than creating entirely new work streams for your already stretched team.

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Here’s a sample tier structure for small nonprofits: 

• Friend Level ($250-500): Social media thank-you, newsletter mention 

• Supporter Level ($500-1,500): Website listing, program material recognition 

• Champion Level ($1,500-5,000): Event signage, speaking opportunity, impact report

• Partner Level ($5,000+): Title sponsorship, VIP event access, board meeting invite

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Step 4: Create and Promote the Sponsorship Page

‍A well-designed sponsorship page works 24/7 as your silent fundraiser, letting interested businesses explore partnership opportunities and even sponsor you directly without scheduling meetings. This is especially valuable for grassroots nonprofits where everyone wears multiple hats, and finding time for sponsor meetings feels impossible.

Platforms like Zeffy let you create sponsorship pages where companies can browse different levels and pay directly online—eliminating invoicing hassles and processing fees that eat into your sponsorship dollars. This means more of their investment goes directly to your programs instead of administrative costs.

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Essential page elements:

• Clear impact headline: "Helped 847 local families access fresh food in 2024"

• Sponsorship levels chart: Dollar amounts, benefits, and recognition details

• Organization credibility: Brief mission statement, key achievements, leadership info

• Case for support: 2-3 sentences explaining why sponsors are needed and what they'll accomplish

• Visual proof: Photos from actual programs, not stock images

• Easy contact: Phone, email, and direct online sponsorship options

• Social proof: Current sponsor logos or community testimonials

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Promotion strategy:

• Add the sponsorship page link to your donation forms and email signatures

• Share the link in monthly newsletters with a brief sponsorship highlight

• Post about sponsorship opportunities during major community events

• Include page URL in all event materials and volunteer communications

• Feature sponsor success stories on social media with a page link

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Step 5: Come Up With a Sponsorship Package

The biggest mistake grassroots nonprofits make is focusing on what they need instead of what sponsors get. Successful packages clearly articulate the business value—brand exposure, community goodwill, customer access—alongside the charitable impact.

Think like a business owner: they're not just donating money, they're making a marketing investment that needs to generate value for their company. Your job is to make that return on investment crystal clear and measurable.

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While they will be different for each nonprofit, here are the typical components of the sponsorship package:

• Nonprofit's mission: Companies have a clear understanding of what causes they want to support. By highlighting your mission, you can immediately draw attention from businesses supporting similar purposes.

• Event or campaign details: Be sure to include important details of your event, such as title, date, time, location, and how it aims to help the community.

• Target demographics: Break down details of your target demographics, such as age, gender, interests, and more, and share them with your potential sponsors. It will help them to decide how marketing at one of your events will help them reach more of their target audience.

• Sponsorship levels and benefits: Provide details about each level and inform them of what each amount offers. Offer them the choice to create a unique sponsorship package that addresses their needs while providing you with the required support.

• Deadline: Add a deadline to your sponsorship package to create a sense of urgency and ensure you decide within a specified timeline.

• Contact information: Provide contact information in the package to ensure businesses reach out to the right person. As primary contact, it's best to mention your nonprofit's board chairperson, executive director, leader contact name, email, and phone number.

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Step 6: Make a Compelling Proposal

Your proposal competes with dozens of others in busy executives' inboxes. The ones that get funded tell compelling stories quickly, demonstrate clear value, and make it effortless to say yes. Long-winded proposals about your organization's history get deleted before the second page.

The secret is leading with impact, not need. Sponsors want to be part of success stories, not just fix problems. Show them the positive change they'll help create, then quickly pivot to the partnership opportunity.

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To create a compelling proposal, focus on these elements:

• Introduce your nonprofit: Present your organization, its mission, programs, and the real-world outcomes it drives. Include case studies, data, and stats to emphasize the difference you’ve made in society, the problems you’ve addressed, and the people you’ve helped.
  Example: "Our animal rescue has found homes for 312 pets in the past year, with a 95% adoption success rate that's helped reduce local shelter overcrowding by 23%."

• Explain why you’re the ideal fit: Explain how the corporate partnership will help them. What will working with your nonprofit help the company earn in terms of its goal? Talk about the impact the business will be able to make in the community.
  Example: "Partnering with us connects your pet supply business directly with 400+ animal-loving families who trust our recommendations and actively seek quality pet products."

• Highlight the fundraising event: Explain the type of fundraiser you’re holding for which you need the corporate sponsorship support. Underline the event's goal, purpose, venue, attendees, and other essential details to help them make an informed decision.
  Example: "Our annual adoption fair brings together 500+ community members at Riverside Park on May 15th, creating a family-friendly atmosphere where your business can showcase products to engaged pet owners."

• Talk about incentives: Focus on the benefits businesses will secure with nonprofit sponsorships. These could include logo placements, mentions in promotional materials, or opportunities for employee engagement.
  Example: "Your logo will appear on all event materials reaching 500 attendees, plus social media recognition to our 3,200 followers, and your staff can volunteer at the event for team-building while supporting a cause they care about."

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Step 7: Contact Sponsors

Once your proposal is ready, it's time to start connecting with the sponsors. Ensure you tailor your pitch to every potential sponsor and be willing to negotiate. 

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Here are some best practices to follow when you’re pitching to businesses:

• Find the right timing: Your request for a corporate sponsorship is vital to secure a positive response. Many large companies mark a specific amount each year for charitable giving; you can learn about this on their company’s website. Be sure to ask when it's time for them to consider a sponsorship.
  

• Set clear expectations: Be specific about how the company can contribute to your fundraising efforts through direct financial support, media sponsorship, in-kind donations, or volunteer pro bono assistance. Establish what they will receive for their support of the nonprofit’s activities.
  

• Follow up: Securing corporate sponsorship takes time. Even if you don’t land a sponsor after your first pitch, it doesn't mean you should give up. The timing may be off, or their fundraising priorities may have changed. You should try to reach out again. Be persistent but respectful and ready to make another pitch or request.
  

• Develop a formal agreement: When the corporate sponsor agrees to offer support, finalize it with a formal sponsorship agreement. It should outline your goals, expectations, and other deliverables for your nonprofit and the company. 

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Step 8: Show Gratitude and Nurture the Relationship

This relationship maintenance doesn't require elaborate events or expensive gestures—it needs consistency, authenticity, and clear demonstration of impact. Small touches throughout the year keep your organization top-of-mind when sponsors plan their next year's giving.

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Here’s a three-phase relationship nurturing approach:

• Immediate follow-through (within 48 hours): Send personalized thank-you note mentioning specific impact, post social media recognition (with permission), add their logo to promised locations, provide receipts and tax documentation, and confirm delivery timeline for all promised benefits.
  

• Ongoing partnership maintenance: Send monthly impact updates with photos showing outcomes their support enabled, invite them to see programs in action, facilitate thank-you notes from program participants, refer their services to your network when appropriate, and regularly ask for feedback on what's working well.
  

• Annual relationship deepening: Schedule renewal discussions 3 months early, share comprehensive impact reports with metrics and stories, request honest feedback about their sponsorship experience, explore ways to increase mutual benefit, and invite their input on program development—leading to sponsors who increase giving without being asked and refer other businesses to support you.

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How Nonprofits Use Zeffy to Secure Corporate Sponsors

Zeffy's 0% fee platform helps nonprofits raise more from corporate sponsors by creating professional tiered sponsorship pages that let companies browse and purchase sponsorship levels directly online—no back-and-forth emails or processing fees eating into your funding.

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The bottom line: These organizations kept over $18,000 combined in their budgets by eliminating processing fees, while making it easier for corporate decision-makers to sponsor them directly online.

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Top 5 Big, National Companies with Excellent Corporate Sponsorship Programs (2025)

Many corporations understand the value of giving back to communities through sponsorships. These top 5 companies stand out for their strong corporate sponsorship programs that support several nonprofits, driving social impact while increasing brand goodwill.

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1. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is an American multinational financial brand that has collaborated with a wide range of nonprofit organizations supporting the needs of underprivileged communities. Some of the causes the Wells Fargo company and foundation support are:

• Housing affordability

• Small business growth

• Sustainability

• Championing quality and equity

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While it prefers to fund projects and programs, it has limited sponsorship for fundraising events. You must apply 90 days before the event to be considered. Sponsorship will be given to nonprofits supporting their primary focus areas. 

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2. Bank of America 

Bank of America has supported several nonprofits, improving financial lives and uplifting communities. It focuses on workforce development and education, basic needs like housing and food, and community development.

The financial institution offers an extensive program of sports and arts sponsorships to maintain healthy, vibrant communities. These include underwriting art events, exhibitions, and performances that demand private funding. 

Bank of America sports sponsorship investments include Major League Basketball, the Chicago Marathon, and the ROVAL 400. 

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3. PepsiCo 

PepsiCo foundation is focused on creating innovative and sustainable solutions to address and bridge the gap to three critical socio-economic concerns:

• Nutritious food

• Safe water

• Economic opportunity

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While they don't take unsolicited proposals for charitable funding, groups can request product donations and sponsorships online from local Pepsi distributors. You can secure in-kind donations from its many famous brands: Quaker, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, and Tropicana.

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4. State Farm 

State Farm Insurance is a group of mutual insurance companies headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois. 

Being a large national corporation with local affiliates, the company enables organizations of any kind, not just 501(c)(3), to apply directly for sponsorships for marketing or events. However, you may have to use three months in advance. 

The company supports education, safety, and community development ventures across the US. 

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5. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's is an American chain of grocery stores that primarily offers in-kind donations for community events. Whether you're looking for support for a silent auction or have organized a community fair, Trader Joe's is the place to secure food and beverage donations. 

Each store has a designated donation coordinator who manages community contributions. All donation requests must be made with your local Trader Joe's coordinator. 

The grocery chain contributes to only 501(c)(3) charitable organizations with a current and valid tax ID number. The brand limits its donations to one per year per tax-exempt charitable nonprofit.

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Promote and Process Sponsorship Transactions for Free

You know corporate sponsorships could transform your funding, but the reality feels overwhelming: researching companies, building relationships, creating professional proposals, and managing sponsor communications on top of everything else you're already doing.

The traditional sponsorship process is broken for grassroots nonprofits. You spend weeks crafting the perfect proposal, finally land a sponsor, then watch processing fees eat 3% of their investment. Meanwhile, busy executives want simple ways to support causes they care about, but most sponsorship processes require endless back-and-forth emails and complicated payment arrangements.

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Zeffy solves both problems: Create professional sponsorship pages where companies browse your tiers and commit instantly online—zero fees, zero administrative headaches, zero money lost to payment processors. 

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FAQs on Corporate Sponsorship for Nonprofits

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