Countless for-profit organizations offer support to nonprofits every day. Explore this list of 75+ for-profit organizations that donate to nonprofits just like yours. Read on to discover the most common corporate giving opportunities and actionable tips on how to build relationships with charitable companies.
MOST COMMON CORPORATE DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
Corporations can give to nonprofits in a variety of ways, but the most popular corporate giving examples are:
- Matching gifts: When a company matches a gift made to a nonprofit by one of their employees, that’s considered a matching gift. Depending on the company’s predetermined matching ratio, nonprofits can double, or potentially triple, their individual donation revenue. Since many donors don’t know they’re eligible for matching gifts, about $4-7 billion in matching gift revenue goes unclaimed each year. Promoting matching gifts helps nonprofits access these untapped funds and expand their services to more beneficiaries.
- Volunteer grants: Similar to matching gifts, volunteer grants occur when a company makes a financial donation to a nonprofit after their employee volunteers a certain number of hours. Companies that offer volunteer grants usually have their employees track their volunteer hours and submit them so they can make the appropriate donation. Not only do volunteer grants supply nonprofits with more funds, but they also provide more incentives for supporters to volunteer.
These are the most common corporate giving opportunities, but companies will often provide specific support once your nonprofit has established a relationship with them.
TOP CORPORATE DONATION STATISTICS TO KNOW
Just how generous are corporations? According to recent research, workplace-giving initiatives are continuing to increase in popularity:
- 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer a matching gift program (source: Double the Donation)
- 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs (source: Double the Donation)
- Corporations gave more than $21 billion to nonprofits in 2022 (source: Giving USA)
- Microsoft has the world’s most widely used matching gift program with 65% of employees participating (source: Microsoft Corporate Responsibility)
- 94% of major U.S. corporations plan to heighten or maintain their charitable giving in the next few years (source: Survey by the Conference Board ESG Center)
Keep these findings in mind as you search for the right corporate partner to fuel your mission. For instance, if you find that your donors are employees of Fortune 500 companies, you might build out your matching gift resources to educate them on how they can double their gift’s impact. Or, you could create more corporate volunteer opportunities for existing donors to deepen their connection to your cause.
Either way, it’s important to keep this research top of mind when planning your donor acquisition and cultivation efforts. Additionally, you can delve deeper into corporate giving by researching the most generous companies per industry.
Here is a list of 75+ generous corporate giving companies organized by industry to give you a head start:
| Industries that Donate to Nonprofits |
|---|
| Technology |
| Retailers |
| Airlines |
| Hotels and Resorts |
| Industries that Donate to Nonprofits |
|---|
| Restaurants and Food |
| Oil and Energy |
| Children’s Toys |
| Automobiles |
- Industries that Donate to Nonprofits
- Technology
- Retailers
- Airlines
- Hotels and Resorts
- Restaurants and Food
- Oil and Energy
- Children’s Toys
- Automobiles
TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
Adobe – Adobe regularly donates software and other technology products to nonprofits. According to Adobe, their “product donations enable [nonprofits] to develop compelling, visually rich stories that increase the visibility of their social causes.” In 4 years, they donated $215 million in products.
Best Buy – If your nonprofit is interested in receiving a grant from Best Buy, you’ll first need to complete an online quiz to determine your eligibility. Best Buy only distributes grants to nonprofits that focus on promoting technological literacy.
Boeing – Boeing donates to specific events, organizations, and projects whose missions coincide with Boeing’s business and brand strategies. Nonprofits must explain the benefits that come with the partnership and give positive exposure for the Boeing brand.
Cisco – Cisco offers two types of cash grants: the Global Impact Cash Grant and the Silicon Valley Impact Cash Grant. Organizations that apply for either of these grants must provide proof of their 501(c)(3) status and must submit their application online (paper applications not accepted).
Dell – Dell offers both charitable donations and corporate sponsorships to eligible nonprofits. All proposals must be submitted through Dell’s online portal and are reviewed within 4-6 weeks. Requests must contain information about how Dell’s technology will be integrated into the event.
GE – General Electric does not accept unsolicited donation requests. Instead, they select organizations whose mission aligns with their philanthropic goals. GE focuses on global health, economic growth, entrepreneurship, and education.
Google: Google offers several opportunities for nonprofits interested in technology, coding, and computers. Particularly through the Google Ad Grants program, eligible nonprofits can receive up to $10,000 in ad credits every month to place relevant pages (like donation forms, event landing pages, and mission-specific educational content) at the top of search results pages. Google Ad Grant consulting agencies like Getting Attention can help you navigate the application process, plan your campaigns, and keep your account activated. If you’re interested in learning more before hiring a consultant, check out this complete guide to Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits.
HP – Since HP receives so many grant requests each year, they strategically select the nonprofits who are eligible to receive a donation from them. Their sponsorships align with sustainability initiatives, but they do not accept unsolicited donation requests.
IBM – IBM typically picks the nonprofits that they extend grants to, and they don’t encourage unsolicited grant proposals. They make donations to nonprofits that focus on the environment, economic development, health, and literacy.
Intel – Intel provides funding for national grants and community grants. They focus on nonprofits that seek to advance math, science, and engineering education. Intel does not make in-kind or product donations to nonprofit organizations.
Microsoft – Microsoft offers free software and other types of in-kind donations to eligible nonprofits and U.S.-based libraries. Nonprofits must focus on education, poverty, social welfare, culture preservation, human rights, or the environment.
Samsung – Samsung’s three focus areas of philanthropy are education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. They also offer several local grants and scholarships to support nonprofits that deal with science and technology.
Sony – Sony focuses its donation requests on nonprofits that support the arts, underserved young people, and the environment. Sony’s grant program funds organizations that help people develop creative and scientific skills.
Verizon – Verizon offers grants to nonprofits by invitation only, but nonprofits can contact a Community Relations Manager to determine their eligibility. Verizon focuses its donation requests on education, healthcare, and energy management.
RETAIL COMPANIES THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
American Eagle – American Eagle donates $25 gift cards to high school and college-sponsored events that have a charitable motive. They also make financial grants to select nonprofits that focus on conservation, women’s health, and youth empowerment.
Costco – Costco’s donation program is specifically directed at nonprofits that focus on kids, education, or health and human services. The organization must also be in the same neighborhood as a Costco store.
Dick’s Sporting Goods – Dick’s Sporting Goods offers cash donations and sponsorships to sports teams and leagues as well as outdoor recreational organizations in communities where they have a presence.
eBay – eBay makes donations to nonprofits through its “eBay for Charity” program. Sellers can choose to donate a portion of their item sales to certain nonprofits. Nonprofits can also host their online auctions on eBay’s site.
Gap – Gap offers matching grants, volunteer grants, and board service grants to nonprofits whenever a Gap employee donates to, volunteers with, or serves on the board of a charitable organization. Grant amounts range from $150 to $10,000.
JC Penney – JC Penney offers grants to nonprofits in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area. These nonprofits must serve the military or veterans, must focus on hunger or education, or have a mission related to health and welfare.
Johnson & Johnson – Johnson & Johnson’s corporate philanthropy efforts focus on improving the health of moms, infants, and children. They also support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment for chronic conditions, and the healthcare workforce.
AIRLINES THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
Alaska Airlines – Alaska Airlines makes donations to medical and emergency research, social and community services, educational institutions, and arts and culture nonprofits. Organizations can apply at any time via their online application.
American Airlines – American Airlines has chosen to focus their philanthropic efforts in four areas: kids and families, breast cancer research, military and veterans, and disaster relief. They also provide free airfare for military members and families.
Delta Airlines – If your nonprofit wants to request a donation from Delta Airlines, you’ll need to submit the paperwork at least 6 weeks in advance. Organizations can also request monetary sponsorships for fundraising events and projects.
Frontier Airlines – Nonprofits that want to ask for charitable donations from Frontier Airlines must submit a request a least 6 weeks in advance. Churches, labor groups, political organizations, schools, and sports teams are not eligible to apply for a grant.
JetBlue – JetBlue Airlines accepts sponsorship requests for a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits must submit a request at least 3 months before their fundraising event or need. The process takes anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks.
Southwest Airlines – Donation requests for a Southwest Airlines grant must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the fundraising need. Nonprofits can only apply once a year, and only U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply.
Spirit Airlines – Spirit Airlines focuses its philanthropy on events and nonprofits that deal with health/medical fields, education, and the military. Requests must be submitted 8 weeks before the event or need. They do not donate to online auctions.
United Airlines – United Airlines makes a difference in their communities by making in-kind donations, encouraging employee volunteerism, and by distributing cash grants (on a limited basis).
HOTELS AND RESORTS THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
Best Western – Best Western focuses on three areas of philanthropy: poverty relief, education, and disaster relief. They work with networks like World Vision and Kiva to help families and kids in underprivileged countries and communities around the world.
Choice Hotels – Choice brand hotels have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to help young people across the country enhance their local communities. They also distribute financial matching gifts via the Choice Hotels International Foundation.
Disney – Disney donated more than $233 million in 2022 to nonprofits that assist children and their families. Disney demonstrates their support through cash grants, in-kind donations, and public service announcements.
Hilton Worldwide – Nonprofits can submit their grant applications to Hilton’s Contributions Review Committee. The application requires basic information, a project budget and timeline, and details about the project’s expected achievements.
Host Hotels – Host Hotels allows their employees to choose which charity they would like to donate to each and every month. They also support over 125 community investments that are also selected by their employees.
InterContinental Hotels Group – InterContinental accepts donation requests from nonprofits that focus on environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and disaster relief. The IHG Foundation also helps local communities and focuses on sustainability.
Marriott – Marriott accepts donation requests from organizations that focus on one or more of the following areas: shelter and food, the environment, readiness for hotel careers, children, global diversity and inclusion. Requests must be made online.
SeaWorld – SeaWorld has partnered with charities that focus on healthcare and animals. Specifically, they donate to hospitals, organizations that serve kids with disabilities, and animal shelter and rescue groups.
Universal – Universal primarily donates theme park tickets to nonprofits that focus on youth education, community development, and coincide with Universal’s core values. All applications must be made online within a few months of the need.
Wyndham Worldwide – Wyndham Worldwide focuses on three areas of philanthropy: conservation, education, and wellness. Within each of these three categories, Wyndham contributes to events and nonprofits like the Christel House, the Special Olympics, and more.
FOOD AND DRINK COMPANIES THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
Albertson’s – If a nonprofit wants to ask Albertson’s for a donation, they must make the donation request at least 8 weeks before the event or fundraising need. Nonprofits must provide details about their organization as well as the fundraising event.
Chick-fil-A – Chick-fil-A donates surplus food to local shelters and soup kitchen through their “Chick-fil-A Shared Table” program. They also help victims and first responders during and after natural disasters. Individual restaurants also host fundraising and benefit nights.
Coca Cola – All donation requests for Coca Cola must be submitted online. Nonprofits can apply year-round, and there is no dollar limitation for these community grants. Nonprofits can also request product donations from Coca Cola.
Darden Restaurants – Since the mid 1990s, Darden Restaurant Group (which includes restaurants such as Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, and LongHorn) has donated more than $82 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.
The Fresh Market – The Fresh Market has a quarterly budget for in-kind or product donations. Each store also provides regular donations to food banks in their area. They also have strategic partnerships with several national nonprofits.
General Mills – General Mills focuses their philanthropy on three areas: increasing community food security, the sustainability of agriculture, and protecting natural resources. General Mills also runs the Box Tops for Education program.
Kroger – Organizations can make donation requests to Kroger or any of their partner grocery stores. Nonprofits must be involved in one of the following focus areas: hunger relief, women’s health, education, the environment, or diversity.
McDonald’s – Through the Ronald McDonald House Charities, McDonald’s supports families and children all over the country. Their Courtesy Corporation supports local communities by donating to events that correspond with McDonald’s core values.
Pepsi – In the past 10 years, Pepsi has donated nearly a billion dollars in cash grants and product donations. They primarily make grants to nonprofits that focus on encouraging healthy lifestyles, improving the availability of affordable nutrition, and the environment.
Publix – If your nonprofit is interested in a grant or sponsorship from Publix, you must mail or fax your request at least a month before you need the funds. Publix only supports organizations that focus on young people, education, and homelessness.
Starbucks – The Starbucks Foundation changed their grant system to an invitation-only style. Starbucks now selects their grant recipients based on how much impact they think the grant will have in that nonprofit’s area.
Subway – Subway’s corporate social responsibility efforts span from environmental leadership and sustainable sourcing to nutritional leadership and sponsorships and donations. They will accept online donation requests from schools and nonprofits.
Whole Foods – Nonprofits are encouraged to make donation requests to the Whole Foods Market closest to their organization. Whole Foods asks that organizations submit applications within 8 weeks of the fundraising need.
OIL AND ENERGY COMPANIES THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
ExxonMobil – ExxonMobil contributes to organizations that they’ve worked with in the past. They focus on helping local organizations, as well as nonprofits across the world with education-, healthcare-, and environmental-related causes.
Valero – The Valero Energy Foundation contributes an average of $16 million to support local organizations of various causes, including education, healthcare, arts and culture, and basic needs.
Chevron – Chevron helps nonprofits with causes related to education and healthcare. They’ve invested over $80 million in education worldwide with their Fuel Your School program that helps teachers and schools receive the funds they need for supplies.
Marathon Petroleum – The Marathon Petroleum Corporation believes in promoting and investing in the health and vitality of the communities they operate in. They help local organizations in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, and Texas.
Conoco Phillips – Conoco Phillips accepts donation requests from April 1 to July 31 of every year. This oil and gas company will support organizations that align with one of their four giving categories: education, health and safety, natural resources, and civic and arts.
Chesapeake Energy – Chesapeake Energy partners with organizations that focus on four core areas — STEM education, environment, emergency and disaster response, and community development. Organizations can request financial contributions or in-kind donations.
American Electric Power – American Electric Power (AEP) sponsors special programs to encourage economic growth and improved education for private and public schools. To qualify for a contribution, your nonprofit must be located in one of AEP’s service territories.
Duke Energy – Duke Energy has three investment priorities: education, environment, and community impact. The Duke Energy Foundation has given over $30 million in charitable grants and continues to support organizations.
Dominion – Awarding each nonprofit an average of $8,000, Dominion offers grants to organizations primarily in the areas they service. They have a special program — The Environmental Education and Stewardship grants program — where they contribute specifically to public and private schools.
BP – The BP Foundation offers support to organizations with missions in STEM education, economic development, environmental issues, and humanitarian relief. However, they only support requests submitted by BP businesses.
AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS THAT DONATE TO NONPROFITS
General Motors – The purpose of the General Motors Foundation is to promote economic growth around the world through STEM education, vehicle and road safety, and sustainable communities. They offer support in the form of disaster relief and community grants.
Ford Motor Company – Ford Motor Company has invested a total of over $1.5 billion to organizations in need. Nonprofits with causes relating to community life, education, and motor safety are welcome to apply.
Toyota – The Toyota USA Foundation wants to enhance the quality of education, and supports nonprofits with similar missions. When the foundation’s board reviews an application, they look for significant need, innovation and creativity, and the program’s ability to measure results.
Nissan – The Nissan Foundation has awarded 27 nonprofits a total of $700,000 in grants and still continues to support nonprofits with missions that center around cultural diversity, education, and arts.
Honda – The American Honda Foundation was established to help the local communities where Honda resides. Honda supports organizations who are imaginative, creative, forward thinking, and innovative.
BMW – BMW supports organizations that focus on education and culture. To apply for a corporate sponsorship, your nonprofit needs to be serving the communities where BMW associates live and work.
Chrysler – The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Foundation assists organizations with missions in youth development, education, military and veteran assistance, and community service. However, applications for funding are accepted by invitation only.
Mercedes-Benz – Mercedes-Benz supports the communities it operates in by giving grants to education-related causes, as well as organizations that focus on sustainability and military support.
WHY DO COMPANIES DONATE TO NONPROFITS?
These companies encompass a broad variety of industries, but they all have one thing in common: they value corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR is a term used to describe a company’s efforts to improve society in some way, whether that’s by supporting a local school or organization, starting a regional project, or even creating a national or international strategy. It’s an umbrella term that both corporate philanthropy and corporate giving fall under.
Corporate philanthropy refers to a corporation’s internal and external aims, goals, and objectives for actively bettering society as a whole. Internal philanthropic efforts include employee training programs, holistic compensation, and sustainable business practices. External philanthropic efforts include financial support for nonprofits, community development, volunteerism, and disaster relief efforts.
Corporate giving describes the donations made by public and private corporations towards charitable causes. This can be in the form of voluntary cash or in-kind gifts to a charity or community organization. Corporations receive benefits from these relationships as well such as experiencing a reputation boost, increased employee retention, and a more positive workplace environment that enables charitable employees to thrive.
WHAT OTHER SUPPORT DO COMPANIES PROVIDE?
In addition to matching gifts and volunteer grants, there are other forms of corporate giving companies incorporate into their CSR programs, such as:
- Fundraising matches: Employees who participate in walkathons or runs may collect pledges on behalf of a nonprofit. With fundraising matches, companies match the money these employees raise and contribute it to that same organization.
- Community grants: Some companies provide community grants that support nonprofits to combat environmental issues, natural disasters, and other problems inflicted upon their beneficiaries. Nonprofits apply directly for these grants.
- Automatic payroll deductions: Automatic payroll deductions are an easy way for employees to get involved in CSR. They simply choose a cause and how much money they’d like to contribute each month, and it’s automatically deducted from their paychecks.
- Annual grant stipends: Rarely, companies will offer a set amount of funds to each employee that they can donate to their nonprofit of choice.
- In-kind donations: Companies can also contribute to nonprofits in non-monetary ways. For example, an accounting firm may offer its services to charitable organizations for free or at a discounted rate.
Keep an eye out for new CSR programs as they emerge. This way, you can make the most of existing corporate relationships by garnering new support.
HOW TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHARITABLE COMPANIES
Corporate partners represent a significant network of relationships for your nonprofit. You might source these partnerships by calling local organizations, searching for those with shared values, or using your network to contact their leadership teams. For example, if you discover that several of your top donors work at the same company, you might ask them to introduce you to the company’s leaders.
With the help of your corporate partners’ fundraising impact, your mission can become a reality. To keep your relationships flourishing, it’s best to continuously cultivate them.
Engage your corporate partners by following these best practices:
- Express gratitude. A simple “thank you” can go a long way. But to really stand out, go above and beyond the simple thank-you email by sending personalized notes, eCards, and/or small gifts to show your appreciation. That way, you can stay at the top of their minds and remind them of the difference they make.
- Extend event invitations. Company partners regularly provide matching gifts, in-kind donations, and financial support to keep your mission running. But how often do they get to see the impact of their contributions first-hand? Invite them to join your next fundraising event to get to know your nonprofit on a deeper level.
- Share impact reports. Let your corporate partners know how much they turned the needle by sending them impact reports. Translate their in-kind support or dollar amount into the amount of good you were able to accomplish with their help. This will help them visualize just how much their support means.
Try these engagement strategies to deepen your existing corporate relationships and consider trying them out with new corporate partners as well. Following these tips will help you show your appreciation in new and memorable ways.
HOW TO MOTIVATE EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION
While your nonprofit cannot motivate a company’s employees to participate in its CSR programs as effectively as the company itself, some strategies help nonprofits boost employee engagement.
To encourage your donors to research and participate in their employers’ CSR programs, consider:
- Spreading awareness of what these programs are, why they are beneficial to nonprofits, and how to participate in them.
- Communicating with businesses about how to promote their CSR programs more effectively.
- Holding dedicated matching gift drives to encourage donors to look into any matching gift opportunities their employer offers.
- Using matching gift software with auto-submission capabilities, making it as convenient as possible for donors to submit match requests.
Remember that your nonprofit will benefit from employees who are more engaged at work and in CSR programs. After all, their engagement in your programs can double the size of their donations, expose you to new audiences, and lead to the corporate partnerships discussed in the previous section.
Additional Resources for Nonprofit Fundraising
Asking for Donations
Need help asking companies for donations? Check out this guide to determine how you can raise more money for your nonprofit’s cause.
Fundraising Ideas
If your nonprofit needs ideas for successful fundraisers, look no further. We’ve got over 99 of the most amazing fundraising ideas for all causes!
Nonprofit Fundraising
From individual donations to Google Ad Grants, learn how your organization can supercharge its fundraising strategies with this guide from Getting Attention.
Charity Event Donations
If you’re looking to accept even more donations at your charity event, check out our 3 foolproof ways for the ultimate success!
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