--Last Updated 12/27/2008

Corporate Philanthropy

Why do corporations give?

   Corporations give for a variety of reasons: some may have a feeling of social responsibility, while others use philanthropy to improve relations with their employees, community, and unions.  Therefore, to win the corporate game nonprofits need to prove their importance to and impact in the community, or show how it benefits the company and their employees.  The best way to approach corporate funders is to relate your request to their corporate goals and show the results of your work will benefit their employees, environment, or corporate image.  

How are they giving?:

1. Employee Matching Contributions: Corporations will match funds that are donated by an employee to a charity.  This is a way for companies to donate only to those charities in which their employees are involved.  
2. Corporate Grants: As discussed on the Foundation page, Corporations set up foundations to stabilize their funding stream so it is not based on their profits.  From the foundation they donate to nonprofits in the form of grants.  
3. Volunteer Time: Some corporations will allow their employees to volunteer their time during work hours or for a set amount of time for service projects.   
4. Marketing: The business uses the nonprofits name or project in its marketing campaign in exchange for a contribution.  A good example is the Target/Visa program which donates money to local schools.   
5. Product Development: Corporations work with nonprofits that contribute to a testing of one of their products.