Top Companies That Donate to Nonprofits

Finding donors for nonprofits can feel like an endless cycle of pitches, but without a targeted strategy, frustration sets in quickly. Are you asking for the wrong things? Offering little in return? Skipping vital research on your targets? 

With accurate information on potential donors, you can anticipate their needs and tailor your requests effectively. This strategy transforms your approach and boosts your success rate. 

But outdated info and changing contacts make this a challenge. 

This article solves these issues by revealing the top companies that donate to nonprofits, how to contact them and tips for making your nonprofit stand out. Read on for actionable insights!

But first, let’s talk a bit about finding donors for nonprofits. 

How To Find Donors for Your Nonprofit 

You don’t just jump into finding donors for your nonprofit. It takes intentional research to do so. And this research begins by looking inward. 

Ask yourself, “Who benefits from the work we do?” Are you catering to people with Alzheimer’s, or are you championing autistic awareness in third-world countries? Then you do a backtrace to companies who really care about contributing to such causes. 

You can place these companies in three broad groups: 

1. Those impacted by these causes as a result of geographical proximity 
2. Companies with corporate social responsibility, or CSR, values that target specific causes or locations 
3. Businesses whose employees or customer base are personally affected by the issues your nonprofit addresses 

If you follow these steps religiously, you will have corporate donors whose values align with your nonprofit’s mission. 

Types of Corporate Donations 

Now that you have corporate donors whose values align with your causes, the next step is to classify these companies based on their donations. A company’s donation depends on its size and industry. Just the fact that some industries are more profitable than others should give you a fair idea of why. 

Some of the ways companies donate to causes they care about include: 

Corporate Donation Matching 

In corporate donation matching, companies enter into a “pact” with their employees. The deal is to financially match the employees’ donations to approved nonprofits if they meet the company’s matching gift criteria. The company can decide to match employees’ nonprofit contributions by the same amount or double it. 

Grants 

Companies sometimes give grants to nonprofit organizations. These grants could be one-time or recurring donations aimed at supporting specific projects or initiatives that align with the company’s mission and values. There are two types of grants: volunteer grants and corporate grants. 

For volunteer grants, employers match their employees’ volunteer work hours at an agreed-upon nonprofit with a donation. Corporate grants are a little different. Nonprofits apply for funding, and the companies pick the most convincing causes and donate to them. 

Products 

Donations in the form of products are common, especially for companies that manufacture goods. For example, a tech company might donate computers or software. In contrast, a food company might provide food supplies to food banks or shelters. 

Services 

Service-based companies may offer their expertise pro bono. This could include legal services, marketing support or consulting. These contributions can be incredibly valuable, as they provide specialized skills that you may not be able to afford or need to cut down operational costs. 

Programs 

Some companies establish specific programs to support charitable causes. These can include employee volunteer programs, where staff members are given time off to volunteer, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that focus on long-term partnerships with nonprofits. 

Pledges 

Corporations may also make pledges, committing to donate a certain amount over a set period. This approach helps nonprofits plan their activities with a more predictable budget, ensuring they can continue their important work without interruption. 

By understanding these different types of corporate donations, you can better identify potential opportunities and tailor your approach to each company, maximizing the support for your cause. 

The Top Companies That Donate to Nonprofits 

Here are some corporate donors for nonprofits you can reach out to for donations: 

Alaska Airlines 

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air offer three programs: matching gifts, volunteer grants and corporate giving. For the matching gifts program, they match employee donations from $20 to $4,000 on a 1:1 basis. This benefit is available to both full-time and part-time staff, effectively doubling their charitable contributions. 

Through the Dollars for Doers initiative, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air provide a volunteer grant program. Employees who volunteer at least 5 hours with a nonprofit can secure a grant of $10 per hour, up to $1,000 annually, for that organization. 

Alaska Airlines supports nonprofits focusing on youth career opportunities, diversity, environmental sustainability and socioeconomic mobility. They also provide LIFT grants for youth-focused programs. 

Apply for grants on their social responsibility hub. 

Albertsons 

Albertsons offers a unique community giving initiative through which nonprofits can raise funds by selling preloaded cards at face value. Supporters use these cards at Albertsons or Safeway, and the nonprofit earns up to 5% of the amount spent every four weeks. These cards can be reloaded to continue supporting the organization. 

Through the Albertsons Companies Foundation, Albertsons provides grants to nonprofits focusing on hunger relief. Although food insecurity is a primary concern nationwide, regional priorities may differ. Including an employee sponsor can enhance a grant application, and responses are typically given six weeks after the application cycle ends. 

If you are a nonprofit working on hunger relief in areas served by Albertsons, you can apply for funding through the foundation’s grant page. Applications are accepted year-round, with proposal invitations sent out each fall. 

Find out more about the Nourishing Neighbors Campaign and apply for grants. 

Athleta 

The Women’s Sports Foundation and Athleta host the Power of She Fund, which aims to empower girls and women through sports and movement. The fund provides grants to organizations focused on girls and women’s sports. 

Grants Offered 

1. Move Together Grant: Supports organizations that foster multigenerational connections in women’s sports communities. 
2. Wellness for All Grant: Funds programs that enhance inclusivity and accessibility for female BIPOC communities. 
3. Child Care Grant: Aids organizations supporting women and girls with childcare needs to facilitate their participation in sports. 

Athleta, an athleisure clothing brand, has awarded over 130 grants since 2020 through the Power of She Fund. They partner with the Women’s Sports Foundation to boost confidence in women and girls. Their fund is a certified B Corporation. 

Learn more about each grant and the application process. 

Bank of America 

Bank of America offers a matching gift program where employees can request up to $5,000 annually in matching funds for donations to nearly any nonprofit. This program matches donations made until March 31st of the following year, allowing ample time for end-of-year or start-of-year donation appeals. 

They provide funding opportunities to nonprofits, focusing on the needs of low- and moderate-income communities. Their priorities include neighborhood revitalization, workforce education and addressing basic needs like hunger and homelessness. Bank of America employees also volunteer to support their communities and connect nonprofits with essential resources. Bank of America issues grants throughout the year, rotating focus areas. For more info about your eligibility status, click here. 

Visit their charitable foundation page regularly to apply or see updated grant windows and focus areas. 

Cisco and the Cisco Foundation 

Cisco and the Cisco Foundation focus on education, economic empowerment and critical human needs. They partner with organizations offering tech-based programs to improve student performance, particularly in STEM and underserved communities. They also invest in solutions to meet essential human needs like food, water, shelter and disaster relief. 

Cisco donates to nonprofits through the Cisco Foundation. They provide network technology through the Product Grant program and Global Impact Cash Grants for urgent human needs, economic empowerment and education, with specific grants for the Bay Area in California. 

Through the Product Grant program, they supply networking technology to nonprofits. Global Impact Cash Grants support organizations serving economically disadvantaged groups in education, economic empowerment and critical human needs. They also provide community-based grants specifically for the Bay Area near San Jose, California. 

Visit their site for more info on how to apply for grants. 

Citigroup 

The Citi Foundation aims to promote economic progress and enhance the lives of people in low-income communities globally. Their priorities include increasing financial inclusion, creating job opportunities for youth and building economically vibrant communities. 

Key Initiatives 

1. Youth employment: Focuses on increasing the number of low-income youth, primarily aged 16-24, who gain employment or start businesses through leadership and skills training, experiential learning and professional networking. 
2. Inclusive financial systems: Supports developing a more inclusive financial system, providing greater access to financial products, services and capital for low-income communities and individuals. 
3. Collaborative efforts: Encourages collaboration among local governments, community organizations, residents, the private sector and research institutions. Investments target innovation in affordable housing, environmental sustainability, job training and small business development. 

To learn more, visit their website at Citi Foundation. Click here to read the Citi Foundation’s 2024 Funding Approach. 

Crayola 

Crayola, a crayon company, is dedicated to supporting organizations that focus on children’s education and well-being. They aim to help parents and educators raise creatively alive children and meet their emotional and physical needs. Their charitable giving programs include: 

1. Product donations: These donations are aimed at groups offering educational and artistic opportunities for children, contributing positively to health, welfare and civic affairs. 
2. Education grants: Grants are provided to individuals or teams in the education sector with an emphasis on visual arts. Individual grants are $250, while team grants are $500. 
3. Community grants: These grants range from $500 to $10,000 and are awarded to charitable organizations focused on improving community health and welfare. 

Crayola focuses its philanthropic efforts on nonprofits and schools in Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Phillipsburg/Warren County in New Jersey. On the Crayola Cares page, Crayola offers in-kind product donations and cash grants to organizations centered on the arts, education, civic affairs, health and welfare. 

Learn more and apply for donations on the Crayola Cares page. 

Google 

Google is one of the most popular nonprofit donors globally. Each year, Google donates $100 million in grants, 80,000 volunteer hours and $1 billion in products. Their funding supports global entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities, organizations using technology for social and environmental change, equitable access to education and community grants. 

Google provides $200 million annually to charitable organizations supporting marginalized communities. Most grants awarded are in the seven-figure ballpark. And in some cases, they are higher. 

Key grant programs include: 

• AI for the Global Goals: A $25 million grant program for organizations using AI to enhance environmental sustainability. 
• Google.org Impact Challenge on Climate Innovation: A $30 million fund supporting projects that use technology to positively impact climate information and action, with recipients eligible for up to $5 million in funding. 

For nonprofits looking to create awareness for the cause they champion, Google provides you with $10,000 advertising grants to promote their causes through ads in Google searches. 

You can learn more about the Google grants here 

Kroger 

The Zero Hunger/Zero Waste Foundation, part of Kroger’s charitable efforts, supports hunger relief and food waste reduction. They partner with nonprofits to provide meals for underprivileged students, transportation for food banks and mobile pantry programs. 

Kroger’s philanthropic focus includes feeding programs, nutrition and well-being, inclusion and diversity, youth education, disaster relief and community strengthening. Customers can participate in Kroger Community Rewards by using their Shopper’s Card to earn rewards for their chosen nonprofit, with Kroger contributing up to $600,000 annually through this program. 

Kroger partners with organizations like Feeding America and No Kid Hungry to help ensure families have access to fresh, wholesome food. 

Learn more and apply for donations. 

PepsiCo 

PepsiCo focuses on nurturing sustainable food systems, investing in nutrition, promoting safe water access, waste management and women’s empowerment. They have invested over $60 million globally and catalyzed an additional $59 million to support communities affected by COVID-19. 

Through the PepsiCo Foundation, the company donates millions in funding and product donations to causes in the US and abroad. While they do not accept unsolicited financial donation requests, nonprofits can submit requests for product donations or program sponsorships via their contact page. 

PepsiCo’s philanthropic efforts prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion. They donate beverages, monetary gifts and in-kind services to nonprofits supporting veterans, military families, first responders, recycling and sustainability, health and wellness and community support. 

To submit donation requests, visit their donation request page. 

The Home Depot 

The Home Depot Foundation supports housing modifications and repairs for vulnerable populations through their Community Impact Grants, which award up to $5,000 to nonprofits. These grants focus on projects benefiting veterans, with a particular emphasis on housing improvements. 

In addition, The Home Depot Foundation offers Veteran Housing Grants. These grants support organizations developing new or improved housing for veterans, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. 

The Home Depot Foundation focuses on improving housing for U.S. veterans, providing disaster relief and supporting education to address the skilled labor gap. Community Impact Grants are given as The Home Depot gift cards for purchasing tools, materials, or services. They must be completed within six months of approval. 

For more details and to apply for these grants, visit their donations information page. 

Wells Fargo 

Wells Fargo focuses its philanthropy on housing affordability, financial health and small business growth. They also support programs that align with their priorities, including diversity and inclusion, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. 

Wells Fargo encourages employees to contribute to their communities through year-round donations and the Community Care Grants program, which matches employee giving and service activities with grants directed to eligible charities. Additionally, eligible employees receive 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually. 

The Wells Fargo Foundation collaborates with national and local nonprofits, focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth and sustainability. Eligibility for grants requires demonstrating fiscal and administrative stability and addressing critical community needs. 

Registered nonprofits, tribal entities and public schools can apply for funding through their grants page. 

Learn more and apply for grants. 

Whole Foods 

Whole Foods supports local communities through three main foundations: 

1. Whole Cities Foundation: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 are awarded to community gardeners, urban farmers and nutrition educators. This year, they awarded $194,500 to ten organizations. 
2. Whole Planet Foundation: Provides micro-loans to the poorest community members, with about 88% of recipients being women. These loans are re-invested to expand their impact. 
3. Whole Kids Foundation: Grants of $3,000 are awarded to schools and nonprofits starting or expanding sustainable gardening. The foundation plans to distribute $1.5 million to organizations across the U.S., Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada. 

Whole Foods also has a Local Producer Loan Program, which has given nearly $28 million to over 350 small farmers to help fund their businesses. 

Whole Foods’ foundations support food organizations that promote healthy, sustainable living, focusing on children, underprivileged communities and local farmers. Grants range from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the specific grant and needs. 

Nonprofits that align with Whole Foods’ values and operate near their stores can apply for grants through their system. Whole Foods also offers charity event ideas to help organizations with fundraising. 

Learn more about your eligibility and how to apply on their donations information page. 

Tips for Requesting Donations from Companies 

Tailor Your Donation Request 

Nonprofit donors are eager to give back to their communities, which presents an excellent opportunity for asking for donations. However, it’s essential to tailor your request to each specific organization and what they can offer. Do not just write one donation letter for every prospective corporate donor; most donors for nonprofits can tell something’s off and immediately turn down your request. Most companies have different donation strategies, so it’s easy to identify when a donation letter isn’t unique. 

Follow Up After Requesting Donations 

Companies are busy, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. If you haven’t received a response within a few days, follow up with a call, email or meeting request. Highlight positive points from previous conversations and provide any new, relevant information. These are some of the ways to engage with your potential nonprofit donors. Tracking your contact attempts helps ensure you follow up at appropriate intervals without overwhelming your contact. 

Do Your Homework 

Companies are more likely to donate to causes that resonate with their values. Research and create a list of companies whose missions align with your organization’s. Consider: 

• Their mission and values. 
• Previous philanthropic activities. 
• Donations to similar organizations. 
• Their reputation in your community. 
• The demographics they serve. 

WildApricot tip: Focusing on local businesses can be beneficial as they receive fewer requests and are more inclined to support their community. 

Practice Your Pitch 

For in-person meetings, practice your pitch thoroughly. Emphasize why your nonprofit aligns with its philanthropic goals. Highlight specific achievements and how their support can further your mission. Making your pitch personal and relevant to the business increases the likelihood of securing a donation. 

Segment Your Donors 

Up to 94% of people unsubscribe from communications due to irrelevant messages. Segmenting your donors ensures the right messages reach the right people. Group donors based on: 

• Donor type (first-time, recurring, etc.). 
• Demographics. 
• Interests. 
• Preferred communication methods. 

This personalization improves engagement and response rates. 

Make Your Donation Request Unique 

Personalized requests are more likely to get a positive response. Use your donor data to add personal touches, such as: 

• Using the donor’s name. 
• Thanking them for past donations. 
• Mentioning relevant details from past correspondence. 
• Tailoring the language to their interests. 

Personalization helps your requests stand out among many others and can improve your donor cultivation strategy. 

Use Storytelling to Your Advantage 

Storytelling is key when it comes to nonprofit donations. Donors want to read about your impact and how you’ve contributed to the cause in your own way. Share these stories to highlight the impact you’ve made. That’s the quickest way to win them over. Use emotional appeals and imagery to bring your story to life. Authentic stories make donors feel more connected to your cause. 

Include a Call to Action 

Your request should have a clear call to action. Specify what you need, whether it’s a financial contribution, in-kind donation, event registration or volunteer sign-up. Make your ask specific, timely and compelling to motivate immediate action. 

Reach Corporate Donors With WildApricot 

No matter your nonprofit’s mission, securing funding is crucial for achieving your goals. When reaching out to organizations that donate, it’s essential to have a stress-free donation system in place. 

WildApricot helps you expand your reach and attract new donors through online fundraising tools designed to enhance your donation process. 

With WildApricot’s online payment system, you can create a smooth and engaging donation experience for your supporters. Our platform focuses on being secure and user-friendly. Track and report any donations your organization receives in one place, making financial reports a breeze. 

Start strengthening your nonprofit’s financial foundation with WildApricot today! Start a free 60-day trial and take the first step towards increasing your online donations.