How to Find Corporate Sponsors for Nonprofits: Strategies That Work

Finding consistent and sustainable funding is a major hurdle for many nonprofits. Grants are important, but they’re not the only solution. Corporate sponsorships can open new doors for funding, outreach, and long-term partnerships. If you’re wondering how to find corporate sponsors for nonprofits like yours, you’re in the right place. At ERI Grants, we help organizations connect with the right partners to support their mission and expand their impact.

Why Corporate Sponsors Matter for Nonprofits

Corporate sponsors offer more than financial contributions. They bring strategic partnerships, access to wider networks, and enhanced credibility. These collaborations often result in co-branded campaigns, increased public exposure, and broader community engagement. For nonprofits, these benefits help amplify their mission and attract even more supporters.

Sponsorships also serve a vital role in today’s funding landscape. With traditional grant sources becoming more competitive, many nonprofits rely on corporate support to sustain and grow their programs. A well-aligned sponsor can fund events, provide essential resources, and even help with volunteer recruitment.

From the corporate perspective, sponsorships help demonstrate a company’s commitment to social responsibility. Companies want to be seen as active players in solving real-world problems. Through community investments, they strengthen their public image and employee engagement. That’s why they seek out nonprofits with a proven mission, measurable outcomes, and a track record of service.

When a nonprofit’s work aligns with a company’s values and business objectives, the result is a mutually beneficial relationship. It goes beyond writing a check. It becomes a shared commitment to equity, progress, and community impact.

Understand What Sponsors Are Looking For

Before reaching out, it’s important to understand what a company wants in return. Corporate sponsors aren’t just handing out checks. They’re looking for partnerships that make business sense and reflect positively on their brand.

Alignment with Their Brand and Values

Sponsors want to support causes that match their corporate mission. A technology company may want to support STEM education. A food brand may want to fund nutrition programs. Look for companies whose brand fits naturally with your work.

Opportunities for Visibility and Recognition

Sponsorship is often a form of marketing. Your nonprofit offers access to new audiences. If you’re running an event, launching a program, or sharing stories online, sponsors want to be seen. Offer logo placement, social media mentions, and naming rights when appropriate.

Measurable Community Outcomes

Most sponsors want to see that their support is making a difference. This means showing results. Highlight how many people you serve, the outcomes you achieve, and the community benefits. Program evaluation plays a big role in proving your impact.

Prepare Your Nonprofit for Sponsorship Success

You don’t need a million-dollar budget to attract a sponsor. But you do need to look professional, be clear about your goals, and show you can deliver results.

Develop a Clear Mission and Impact Statement

Sponsors need to quickly understand what you do and why it matters. Write a simple, compelling mission statement. Then share specific outcomes or stories that show your impact.

Collect Stories and Data That Show Results

If you’ve run successful programs in the past, gather testimonials, photos, and data. If you’re just starting, share your vision and plans for measuring success. Corporate partners want to feel confident their funds will be used well.

Create a Sponsor-Ready Pitch Deck or One-Pager

This should include your mission, audience demographics, program goals, and sponsorship opportunities. Make it visual and easy to scan. Your deck is your introduction—make sure it reflects your professionalism and passion.

Where to Look for Corporate Sponsors

There are sponsors everywhere, but not every company is the right fit. Focus on quality over quantity. Start local, then go broader.

Local and Regional Businesses

Small and mid-sized businesses often want to give back to their communities. Local banks, grocery stores, and service providers are great places to start. They may not have huge budgets, but they often have strong community ties and are more accessible.

National and International Corporations

Larger corporations often have formal sponsorship or giving programs. Check their websites for a CSR or community giving page. Companies in retail, finance, and tech frequently support education, health, and workforce initiatives.

Industry-Specific Companies

If your nonprofit focuses on a specific issue, look for companies that serve that market. For example, a mental health nonprofit might approach wellness product brands. A food insecurity initiative might connect with grocery chains or food producers.

Build the Right Connections

Finding the right sponsor often comes down to relationships. Use the networks you already have and look for ways to create new ones.

Use Your Board’s and Staff’s Networks

Ask your board members, staff, and volunteers if they know people at local businesses or corporations. Personal introductions can help your request rise above the rest.

Attend Business Networking Events

Chambers of commerce events, trade shows, and industry meetups can be great places to connect. Prepare a short elevator pitch and bring sponsor materials.

Connect Through LinkedIn and Email Outreach

Research company contacts on LinkedIn. Reach out with a short, personalized message. Explain why you’re reaching out, how your mission aligns with their work, and what kind of partnership you’re proposing.

Craft a Win-Win Sponsorship Proposal

Once you’ve built interest, it’s time to present your sponsorship offer. Think about what the sponsor wants—and how you can deliver it.

Offer Tiered Sponsorship Packages

Give companies options. A basic sponsorship might include logo placement, while a premium package could include speaking opportunities or social media spotlights. Tiered packages let companies choose what fits their budget and goals.

Highlight Visibility Benefits

Clearly show where and how the sponsor will be recognized. This might include signage at events, digital mentions, co-branded materials, or recognition in press releases.

Be Transparent About the Impact

Share how the funds will be used. Then explain how and when you’ll report on outcomes. Sponsors want to see results—and they want to know you’ll follow through.

Follow Up and Keep Sponsors Engaged

Securing a sponsor is just the start. To turn a one-time gift into an ongoing partnership, stay in touch and show appreciation.

Share Regular Updates

Let your sponsors know how the program is going. Send photos, impact stories, and outcome data. Make them feel like part of the mission.

Invite Them to Events

If you’re hosting community events or program launches, invite your sponsors. Let them see their support in action and connect with the people they’re helping.

Recognize Them Publicly

Use your website, newsletters, and social media to thank your sponsors. This not only shows appreciation but also gives them the visibility they’re seeking.

How ERI Can Help You Attract Corporate Sponsors

At ERI Grants, we don’t just write grant proposals—we help organizations build strong cases for funding across all types of sources, including corporate sponsorships.

We work with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies to tell their story with clarity and impact. Whether you're crafting a sponsorship pitch or preparing a full grant application, our team offers expert support every step of the way.

Our program evaluation services help you show measurable outcomes, which are key in gaining and keeping corporate sponsors. We also help align your project goals with broader trends in social emotional learning, safety and security, and educational technology—topics many sponsors already care about.

Explore our grant writing services or get to know our experienced team. With over 60 years of combined experience and a strong focus on equity and impact, we’re here to support your growth.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Corporate Sponsors for Your Nonprofit

Learning how to find corporate sponsors for nonprofits doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right strategy, it’s more accessible than you think.

Start by identifying companies that align with your mission. Prepare clear materials. Offer value in return. And keep building the relationship after the check clears.

If your organization needs guidance, ERI Grants is ready to help. Together, we can build strong partnerships that bring lasting resources to the communities you serve. Reach out today to see how we can support your sponsorship strategy.

FAQs

Q: How to find corporate sponsors for nonprofits?

A: Start by identifying companies that align with your mission. Then build relationships and offer clear sponsorship benefits. ERI Grants can help support your sponsorship proposal and storytelling strategy.

Q: What should I include in a sponsorship proposal?

A: Include your mission, audience reach, sponsorship benefits, and how you will measure and report outcomes. Make sure your proposal is visually clean and easy to follow.

Q: Can small nonprofits get corporate sponsors too?

A: Yes. Many local businesses are eager to support grassroots efforts. You don’t need to be a large organization—you just need a strong mission and clear goals.

Q: How do I know if a company is open to sponsorships?

A: Check their website for community programs or CSR initiatives. You can also reach out directly to ask if they consider sponsorship requests.

Q: What are common types of sponsorships?

A: Financial donations, in-kind support, event sponsorships, and employee volunteer programs are common. Some sponsors may offer services or products instead of cash.

Q: Do sponsors only give money?A: No. Many sponsors offer in-kind donations like equipment, food, tech tools, or promotional support. These can be just as valuable as cash.

Q: How can ERI help with corporate sponsorship strategy?A: We support nonprofits with pitch materials, storytelling, data tracking, and proposal writing. Our team knows what funders want—and we help you deliver.

Q: How long does it take to secure a sponsor?A: It depends. Some may commit quickly, especially if there’s a prior relationship. Others may take weeks or months, especially at the corporate level.