How to Find Corporate Sponsors for Nonprofits: Proven Steps to Secure Long-Term Partnerships
- Sarah Murphy
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
Nonprofits often face the uphill challenge of sustaining their mission-driven programs without consistent funding. Corporate sponsorships offer a valuable opportunity to build strategic partnerships that benefit both the nonprofit and the business. At ERI Grants, we help organizations nationwide navigate how to find corporate sponsors for nonprofits with clarity, purpose, and measurable results.
Why Corporate Sponsorships Matter for Nonprofits
Corporate sponsorships go beyond one-time donations. They create ongoing relationships that align a company’s brand with a nonprofit’s mission. Unlike grants or individual contributions, sponsorships are often tied to marketing and visibility benefits. This creates a win-win: your organization gains funding and exposure, while the company gains goodwill, community engagement, and brand recognition.
For nonprofits, these sponsorships can fund:
Educational programs
Community outreach
Events and fundraisers
Social emotional learning initiatives
Safety and security upgrades
And for businesses, they demonstrate social responsibility, reach new audiences, and support equity-focused impact.
Steps on How to Find Corporate Sponsors for Nonprofits
Define Your Sponsorship Needs and Audience
Start by getting specific. What do you need funding for? Is it a youth mentorship program? A school safety initiative? A community event? Define the scope of the project and the demographics it serves. Use data to show reach and outcomes. Knowing exactly what you're funding and who benefits makes your sponsorship appeal stronger.
Build an Appealing Sponsorship Package
Businesses want to see a return on their support. That doesn’t always mean profit—it can mean visibility, community trust, or employee engagement. Include these elements:
Mission and program summary
Who your audience is (and how big it is)
Marketing or recognition opportunities
Sponsorship tiers (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Custom partnership options
Make the package easy to understand and visually appealing. Use infographics or simple charts to show value.
Research and Target Aligned Companies
Not every business is a good fit. Focus your efforts on companies that already align with your mission or values. Check CSR (corporate social responsibility) statements on their websites. Look for businesses that:
Serve your community or region
Have sponsored similar causes
Invest in education, healthcare, or public service
Platforms like LinkedIn, Guidestar, or local business networks are helpful starting points.
Craft a Strong, Personalized Outreach Message
Skip the generic email blast. Write a personal, thoughtful message that speaks directly to the company’s goals and values. Include:
A short intro about your nonprofit
Why you admire their brand or initiatives
How your missions align
The sponsorship opportunity
What they gain by participating
Follow up after a week if you don’t hear back. Stay professional, grateful, and persistent.
Leverage Existing Relationships
Start with who you know. Board members, volunteers, staff, and donors may already have connections to companies. Ask for warm introductions. It’s always more effective to have someone vouch for you internally.
Remind your network: "We're looking for partners who believe in education, equity, and community impact. Know anyone?"
Showcase Past Success or Social Proof
Demonstrate that you're a smart investment. Show potential sponsors how previous partnerships have worked. Include:
Media coverage or event turnout
Social media reach
Testimonials from past sponsors
Community feedback or impact reports
Even if your organization is new to sponsorships, highlight grant wins, donor retention, or successful events as indicators of trust and momentum.
How ERI Grants Supports Sponsorship Readiness
At ERI Grants, we know that a strong sponsorship strategy starts with a clear program plan and messaging. That’s why we help you:
Define your project goals and funding needs
Align sponsorship outreach with grant strategy
Write compelling sponsorship proposals
Develop presentation materials and outreach templates
Our services are designed for schools, nonprofits, healthcare agencies, and local governments looking to expand their funding mix.
We often help clients combine grants and sponsorships to create a sustainable, well-rounded funding model.
Building Long-Term Corporate Partnerships
Getting a yes is just the beginning. Long-term partnerships come from mutual respect and follow-through. After you receive sponsorship support:
Send a formal thank-you
Share results and updates regularly
Publicly recognize the sponsor in press releases, social media, and newsletters
Invite them to events
Ask for feedback and explore renewal early
Over time, sponsors can become strategic allies, recurring funders, or even co-creators of new initiatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can save time and improve your chances of success. Here’s what not to do:
Generic outreach: Tailor every message. Personalization shows effort and intent.
No ROI for the sponsor: Make sure your proposal includes visibility and value for the business.
Ignoring follow-up: Many sponsorships happen after multiple touchpoints.
Lack of clarity: Be specific about what you need, how funds will be used, and what success looks like.
Neglecting the relationship after funding: Sponsorships are partnerships, not transactions.
Real-World Impact: How ERI Clients Benefit from Diverse Funding
Over the past 24 years, ERI has secured over $650 million in funding for clients through both grant and sponsorship strategies. Whether it's helping a charter school secure technology funding or guiding a city agency through a youth violence prevention initiative, our support creates ripple effects.
Our contingency-based grant writing model means there’s no upfront cost—we only get paid if you win. That makes our services accessible to the underfunded organizations that need it most.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Finding Corporate Sponsors
Corporate sponsors are looking for meaningful ways to make an impact. Your nonprofit has the stories, the outcomes, and the passion to offer them that opportunity. With strategic outreach and strong messaging, you can secure funding that lasts.
At ERI Grants, we’re ready to help you take that first step. From program planning to proposal writing, our experts can guide you toward sponsorship success.
Reach out today to explore how we can help your organization grow.
FAQs About How to Find Corporate Sponsors for Nonprofits
Q: How to find corporate sponsors for nonprofits? A: Start by identifying aligned companies, crafting personalized sponsorship proposals, and leveraging your network for introductions.
Q: What should I include in a sponsorship package? A: Mission summary, audience reach, sponsorship benefits, tiers, and ways the sponsor will be recognized.
Q: What kinds of companies sponsor nonprofits? A: Companies with strong CSR values, local businesses, national brands with community branches, and businesses whose customers align with your cause.
Q: How do I make my nonprofit attractive to sponsors? A: Show measurable impact, audience reach, past success, and offer meaningful exposure for the company.
Q: Can I get both grants and corporate sponsors for the same program? A: Yes. Combining grant funding and sponsorship is a smart strategy to diversify your revenue.
Q: How long does it take to secure a corporate sponsor? A: Timelines vary—expect weeks to months depending on the company, the pitch quality, and timing.
Q: What role does ERI Grants play in this process? : We help you craft your messaging, define goals, and align your funding strategy—whether through grants, sponsors, or both.
Q: What happens after I get a sponsor? A: Deliver value. Maintain the relationship with updates, gratitude, and data on results to encourage future support.
Comments