Top Corporate Sponsorship Companies for Nonprofits to Know

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, there is a powerful engine that can drive your mission forward faster than almost anything else: corporate sponsorships.

While individual donors are the heartbeat of your organization, corporate partners are the muscle. They bring significant financial resources, credibility, and reach that can transform a local initiative into a movement. Whether it’s through direct financial grants, in-kind donations for nonprofits of products and services, or event sponsorships, tapping into the corporate sector is no longer just a “nice-to-have”—it is a strategic necessity.

Yet, for many nonprofit leaders, the path to securing these partnerships feels like a black box. Who do you contact? What are they looking for? And perhaps most importantly, who is actually giving?

In this comprehensive guide, we will pull back the curtain on the corporate sponsorship landscape. We’ll explore:

• The difference between corporate sponsorships, grants, and in-kind giving.
• A curated list of top companies actively sponsoring nonprofits in 2025.
• Actionable strategies to craft a winning pitch and secure these partners.
• How to measure the ROI of your corporate partnerships to ensure long-term success.

Let’s dive in and unlock the potential of corporate philanthropy for your organization.

What Are Corporate Sponsorships?

Before identifying who to pitch, it is critical to understand what you are pitching for. The term “corporate sponsorship” is often used as a catch-all, but it actually encompasses several distinct types of support.

1. Financial Sponsorships

This is the most traditional form of support where a corporation gives money to a nonprofit. This is often tied to a specific event (like a gala or 5K run) where the company receives marketing benefits, such as logo placement or naming rights, in return. However, it can also take the form of unrestricted funding or program-specific grants.

2. Corporate Grants

Unlike sponsorships, which are often marketing-driven, corporate grants are typically philanthropy-driven. These are financial gifts provided by a company’s foundation (e.g., The Walmart Foundation or Google.org) to support specific charitable projects. They usually require a formal application process and reporting on outcomes.

3. In-Kind Donations

Cash isn’t the only way companies give. In-kind donations involve the contribution of goods or services. This could be anything from technology (software licenses, hardware) and office supplies to professional services like legal advice or marketing consulting. For many nonprofits, in-kind gifts act as “budget-relieving” resources, freeing up cash for other critical needs.

Did You Know?

Corporate sponsorships are a two-way street. While your nonprofit receives funding, the company often seeks brand visibility, employee engagement, or community goodwill. Framing your request as a mutually beneficial partnership rather than a plea for charity can significantly increase your success rate.

Top Sponsorship Companies for Nonprofits

We have curated a list of major corporations known for their robust support of the nonprofit sector. To help you navigate, we’ve categorized them by industry.

Technology Giants

Tech companies are often at the forefront of innovation in philanthropy, offering massive grants and invaluable in-kind technology.

Google

Google is a powerhouse for nonprofit support. Their charitable arm, Google.org, donates roughly $200 million annually to nonprofits and social enterprises.

• What they offer: Beyond cash grants, the Google Ad Grants program provides qualifying nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in in-kind search advertising. They also offer free access to Google Workspace tools.
• Best for: Nonprofits looking to boost their digital visibility and operational efficiency.

Microsoft

Microsoft is one of the most generous corporate donors in history. In 2022 alone, they donated $255 million to over 32,000 nonprofits.

• What they offer: They provide substantial technology grants (software and cloud services) and have a fierce matching gift program for employee donations.
• Best for: Organizations that can leverage Microsoft’s vast employee base for matching gifts and those needing software upgrades.

Cisco

Cisco and the Cisco Foundation focus heavily on “early-stage” technology solutions that have high potential for social impact.

• What they offer: They have donated hundreds of millions in cash and in-kind equipment. Their Global Impact Cash Grants support critical human needs, education, and economic empowerment.
• Best for: Nonprofits using technology to solve social or environmental problems.

Retail & Consumer Goods

Retailers often focus on community-level giving, making them excellent partners for local chapters of national organizations or community-based nonprofits.

Target

Target is deeply embedded in local communities. The Target Foundation focuses on economic stability and vitality.

• What they offer: They provide community grants that support local programs, as well as gift cards for local events. They also fund larger national initiatives focused on equity and inclusion.
• Best for: Local community organizations and schools hosting events or needing supplies.

Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provide grants to support initiatives in opportunity, sustainability, and community.

• What they offer: Their Spark Good Local Grants range from $250 to $5,000 and are awarded by local facilities to organizations operating in their service areas.
• Best for: Local nonprofits looking for smaller, accessible grants to support community-level work.

The Home Depot

If your mission involves housing or veterans, The Home Depot is a prime target.

• What they offer: The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans and provides grants for disaster response and skilled trades training.
• Best for: Veteran-focused organizations and housing nonprofits.

Financial Services

Banks and financial institutions often focus their giving on economic mobility, community development, and financial literacy.

Bank of America

Bank of America is a massive supporter of economic mobility.

• What they offer: They issue grants throughout the year focusing on workforce development, community development, and basic needs. Their Neighborhood Builders® program provides unrestricted funding and leadership training.
• Best for: Nonprofits focused on workforce development, hunger relief, and housing.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is consistently one of the top corporate cash donors in the U.S.

• What they offer: Their grant-making focuses on financial health, housing affordability, and small business growth. They also have a very active employee matching gift program.
• Best for: Organizations working in housing, financial literacy, and small business support. Food & Beverage Companies in this sector frequently support hunger relief, environmental sustainability, and healthy living initiatives.

Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola Foundation has a global reach, having awarded more than $1.6 billion in grants.

• What they offer: Their funding priorities include sustainable access to water, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. They also sponsor major cultural and sporting events.
• Best for: Environmental organizations and large-scale event sponsorships.

Ben & Jerry’s

Known for their social activism, Ben & Jerry’s supports grassroots movements.

• What they offer: The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation offers grants to grassroots organizations working on social and environmental justice. They prioritize organizations that are led by the communities they serve.
• Best for: Grassroots social justice and environmental advocacy groups.

Quick Tip: Don’t ignore local businesses! While national corporations have deep pockets, they also receive thousands of requests. Local businesses often have less competition and are eager to support causes that directly impact their own neighborhoods.

Actionable Tips for Securing Corporate Sponsorships

Knowing who to ask is only half the battle. How you ask determines whether you get the check. Here is a step-by-step approach to securing corporate partners.

1. Do Your Research & Map Connections

Before you send a single email, research the company’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) goals. Do they align with your mission? A tech company might not fund a community garden, but a local grocery chain might.

Action: Look at your board members, donors, and volunteers. Do any of them work at these target companies? A warm introduction from an employee can fast-track your proposal past the “general inbox” black hole.

2. Create Compelling Sponsorship Tiers

Corporations speak the language of ROI (Return on Investment). Your sponsorship proposal should clearly outline what they get in return for their money. Create tiered packages (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold) to offer options for different budget levels.

• Bronze ($1,000): Logo on website and social media shout-out.
• Silver ($5,000): Booth at your event and logo on event t-shirts.
• Gold ($10,000): Speaking opportunity at your event and VIP tickets.
• Platinum ($25,000+): “Presented by” naming rights and exclusive press release features.

3. Craft a Professional Pitch Deck

Your pitch deck is your visual resume. It needs to be professional, concise, and persuasive. Key elements to include:

• Mission Overview: Briefly explain who you are and what you do.
• Audience Demographics: Companies want to know who they will reach. Share data on your donors/attendees (age, location, interests) to show alignment with their target market.
• The Opportunity: Clearly define the event or program you want them to sponsor.
• Success Stories: Use testimonials or case studies to prove your impact.

4. Leverage In-Kind Opportunities

If a company says “no” to cash, ask for “stuff.” In-kind donations can be easier for companies to approve because they often come from inventory rather than a cash budget.

Action: Ask a printing company to sponsor your event programs, or a beverage company to donate water for your 5K. These reduce your expenses, which is just as good as revenue.

5. Follow Up and Report Back

The relationship doesn’t end when the check clears. To turn a one-time sponsor into a long-term partner, you must prove you delivered value.

Action: After the event or campaign, send a “Fulfillment Report.” This document should quantify their exposure—number of attendees, website clicks, social media impressions, etc. Show them exactly what their investment achieved.

Measuring Sponsorship Success

To improve your strategy for next year, you need to measure this year’s performance. Here are key metrics to track:

• Total Revenue: Cash + value of in-kind donations.
• Acquisition Cost: How much time/money did you spend securing the sponsor vs. the value of the sponsorship?
• Sponsor Satisfaction: Did they feel valued? (Ask them in a post-event survey!)
• Audience Engagement: Did your attendees interact with the sponsor’s booth or click their links?

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Securing corporate sponsorships is a journey of relationship building. It requires research, patience, and a shift in mindset from “asking for help” to “offering a partnership.” By targeting the right companies—like the ones listed in this guide—and presenting a professional, value-driven proposal, you can unlock a sustainable stream of support for your nonprofit.

Ready to get started?

1. Audit your network: Review your donor list for employees of the top companies listed above.
2. Draft your tiers: Create a simple 3-tier sponsorship menu for your next event.
3. Start small: Pitch a local business for an in-kind donation to build your confidence and portfolio.

The corporate world is ready to support impactful work—make sure your nonprofit is the one they partner with in 2025.