Corporate giving can be a powerful source of support for nonprofits, but it’s often overlooked or underused. By understanding the different types of corporate giving programs available, your organization can uncover new opportunities to raise funds, engage supporters, and build lasting relationships with businesses that care about your mission.
Here are nine common ways corporations give and how your nonprofit can benefit.
1. Matching Gift Programs
Let’s start with one of the most well-known types of corporate giving programs: matching gifts. This is when a company agrees to match donations made by its employees to approved nonprofit organizations.
For example, if an employee donates $250 to your nonprofit and their employer offers a matching gift program, the company may match that donation. That means your organization receives additional funds without asking the donor to give more.
Matching gift programs are especially valuable because they motivate people to give in the first place. When donors know their employer will match their gift, they’re more likely to donate and often more likely to give at a higher level. Yet billions of dollars in matching funds go unclaimed each year simply because donors and nonprofits don’t realize the opportunity exists.
Some companies only match gifts to nonprofits on an approved list, while others will match donations to any eligible organization. Building relationships with corporate partners and reminding donors to check their eligibility can make a big difference.
Sources:
Charities Aid Foundation America – Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts
https://www.charities.org/facts-statistics-workplace-giving-matching-gifts-and-volunteer-programs
Double the Donation – Matching Gift Statistics
https://doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-statistics/
2. Volunteer Grant Programs
Volunteer grant programs, sometimes called “Dollars for Doers,” reward employee volunteerism with financial support for nonprofits.
When employees volunteer their time, their company may donate a set amount to the nonprofit they served. Many companies offer volunteer grants alongside matching gift programs, making this another important corporate giving opportunity to keep on your radar.
These programs provide much-needed funding while also strengthening relationships with corporate partners and their employees.
Source:
Double the Donation – Volunteer Grant Programs
https://doublethedonation.com/volunteer-grants/
3. Corporate Grants and Community Investment Funds
Many corporations support nonprofits through direct grants awarded by corporate foundations or community investment teams. These grants are often tied to a company’s philanthropic priorities and focus areas.
Corporate grants may support specific programs, community initiatives, or broader organizational needs. Taking time to research which companies align with your mission can help you pursue these opportunities more effectively.
Source:
Nonprofits Source – Corporate Giving Statistics
https://nonprofitssource.com/online-giving-statistics/
4. Corporate Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are another common way businesses support nonprofits. In this model, a company provides funding for an event, program, or campaign in exchange for recognition or visibility.
Sponsorships are often connected to fundraising events or public-facing initiatives where the company’s support can be acknowledged. These partnerships can be mutually beneficial, offering nonprofits financial support while helping companies demonstrate their commitment to the community.
Corporate sponsorships are a well-established form of corporate philanthropy.
Source:
Double the Donation – Types of Corporate Philanthropy
https://doublethedonation.com/types-of-corporate-philanthropy/
5. In-Kind Donations
Corporate giving doesn’t always involve cash. In-kind donations include non-monetary contributions such as goods, equipment, professional services, or other resources provided by a company.
These donations can help nonprofits reduce costs, expand programs, or access expertise that might otherwise be out of reach. In-kind support has long been a meaningful way for companies to give back.
Source:
Double the Donation – Types of Corporate Philanthropy
https://doublethedonation.com/types-of-corporate-philanthropy/
6. Workplace Giving and Payroll Deduction Programs
Workplace giving programs allow employees to donate to nonprofits directly through their employer, often using payroll deductions. These programs are frequently offered alongside matching gifts or other incentives.
For nonprofits, payroll giving can provide a steady stream of recurring donations and help build long-term donor relationships.
Source:
Nonprofits Source – Workplace Giving Programs
https://nonprofitssource.com/types-of-workplace-giving-programs/
7. Cause-Related Marketing
Cause-related marketing connects a company’s marketing or sales efforts with charitable giving. In these partnerships, a portion of proceeds from a campaign is donated to a nonprofit.
This type of collaboration can raise funds while also increasing awareness of your mission through a company’s customer base. Cause-related marketing is a widely recognized form of corporate philanthropy.
Source:
Double the Donation – Cause Marketing
https://doublethedonation.com/cause-marketing-examples/
8. Scholarship and Award Programs
Some companies support their communities by funding scholarships, awards, or fellowship programs. While these programs are designed to support individuals rather than organizations directly, they are still considered a form of corporate giving.
Nonprofits may partner with companies to help administer or promote these opportunities, particularly when they align with the nonprofit’s mission or audience.
Source:
Double the Donation – Types of Corporate Philanthropy
https://doublethedonation.com/types-of-corporate-philanthropy/
9. Employee-Directed Giving Programs
Some companies provide employees with a set amount of charitable funds each year that they can direct to nonprofits of their choice. These programs are often referred to as employee-directed giving or annual giving stipends.
This approach empowers employees to support causes they care about while expanding the pool of corporate funding available to nonprofits.
Employee-directed giving is recognized as a distinct type of corporate giving program.
Source:
Double the Donation – Types of Corporate Philanthropy
https://doublethedonation.com/types-of-corporate-philanthropy/
Sample Some of the Corporate Giving Pie
With so many options and a whole world of businesses out there, it’s time to focus more heavily on corporate giving. Think about which types of programs suit your organization best, then create a list of corporations to get in touch with.
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