Love it or hate it, money is what makes the world go ‘round. That’s not the only thing, of course, but it’s an unforgettable piece to this complicated puzzle that we live in. Someone once said, “a wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.” There’s no doubt that your non-profit is run in a wise manner, and everyone involved most likely has a warm heart, but your NGO must have money in the membrane if you’ve found yourself on this article!
But money in the brain isn’t going to get you and your non-profit very far. What’s better is when there’s money in your brain and in the organization’s hands. But you’re tied up keeping the day-to-day activities going, balancing your books, conducting outreach, and treading water as you maintain membership relations.
Chances are, you already applied for grants and sent out letters and e-mails seeking donations, but have you considered (drum roll please)…corporate fundraising? Corporate fundraising can be an effective way to get that money more than in your head, but equally important, into the account of your NGO.
While your organization might be well-versed in sending members out knocking on all neighbors’ doors, and calling everyone in the phone book to sell candles, cookie dough, and other potentially useful things, there are more effective ways to manage your time to serve your purpose. And if you’re a registered 501(c)(3), you’re in luck!
Why approach companies to ask for donations?
In both corporate and small business America, there are so many companies that give donations to nonprofits. More and more, there are companies willing to donate to fundraisers for a number of causes — it’s what’s often referred to as corporate giving. Who knows, maybe your cause might be exactly what a big (or small) company is interested in donating to. It never hurts to ask!
Rather than asking everyone and their cousin, why not start off with a handy list of companies that donate to fundraisers? Seemingly obvious, right? According to Double the Donation’s Research, 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer a matching gift program. Bingo!
Maximize your time and go directly to the (financial) source while waiting for your money tree to mature. You might have a check or two in the mail before you know it. Look to those in your closest circle. Do any of them work for a Fortune 500 company? This might be the best place to start.
Side note: Many companies willing to donate to fundraisers will only donate to nonprofits. It will be easiest to obtain legitimate funds if you’re working with a registered NGO. Whether travel-related or not, fundraising can help you reach some of them #goals! Remember that you can’t do everything today, but you can take one small step in the fundraising direction.
Here are some of the best companies to ask for donations in search of funds for your NGO or non-profit:
6 best companies willing to donate to fundraisers
1. Oriental Trading Company
Recognized as one of the Top 50 Internet Retailers and one of the Top 50 Catalog Companies, the Oriental Trading Company supports nonprofits in the spheres of education, youth, healthcare, and human services — that should cover many bases! Wondering about your eligibility? Your organization must have a current tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3). Submit a request (see below) and you should have a response within four weeks. Boom!
How can I contact them? Request a donation online through their portal here.
2. Google Dot Org
Googles charitable arm gives back to local, national, and global communities. Each year, this organization donates more than $100 million in grants and over $1 billion in products. Applicants can apply for seed funding for entrepreneurial projects in developing countries, along with community grants and disaster relief support. As it’s Google, they also provide funds to help boost online traffic with what they call Google Ad Grants.
How can I contact them? Check out Google.org or simply click here.
3. Disney
Another one of the best companies to ask for donations is Disney’s Corporate Philanthropy Program. Committed to building stronger communities and social responsibility, Disney Programs provides grants geared towards children and families totaling over $332 million a year. They support children around the world and also are known to donate books…at numbers in the millions. They have many of their own initiatives but also might be able to help with yours too.
How can I contact them? Contact the Walt Disney Company here.
4. CVS
The CVS Health Foundation is a private foundation that awards grants for education, healthcare, and local community involvement efforts. These non-profit grants are available by invitation only so it might be best to reach out to understand how you might get an invitation. Otherwise, CVS Health provides strategic investments to nonprofit partners across the U.S. from projects that strive to increase access to healthcare for underserved populations to youth prevention programming.
How can I contact them? Have a look at CVS Health to learn more about corporate social responsibility funding projects.
5. Starbucks
Starbucks’ Corporate Philanthropy Program has been alive and thriving for some years now. Founded in 1997, the Starbucks Foundation has given millions of USDs in the form of grants to nonprofits. But not only that! Whether your project involves community service, opportunities for youth, or college achievement, this coffee company might be able to help. Check with your local retailer to find out if they have a donation budget. NGO or not, they are bound to fork over some funds for your initiative. Here’s one of the companies that give donations to individuals.
How can I contact them? Stop in a retail location and ask for the manager; also check out the Starbucks Foundation website.
6. United Airlines
Does your fundraiser include travel expenses by air? Airlines are great companies to ask for donations from. Obvious, right? Well, United Airlines’ Grant Program offers in-kind donations in the form of airline transportation vouchers and cash support on a limited basis. Not concerned with airline transportation? They still might be able to help you out. They also offer cold hard cash support to nonprofits on a limited basis. You can also ask those around you to donate their MileagePlus miles to help you lighten your load. That international conference you’re interested in attending or representing your NGO at? They can help!
How can I contact them? Check out their corporate website to learn more. Most large companies and corporations have a unique process if you’re seeking funds on behalf of a 501(c)(3) organization.
Companies that give donations to individuals
Getting money as an individual (i.e. if you’re not a NGO) can be easy if you have the right people around you. Otherwise, approaching companies and the corporate world seeking funds for a project might be a bit more difficult. They might be concerned with your credibility; how do they really know X amount of money is going to Y project that you speak of?
It’s not a lost cause though, by any means. It might be worth it to reach out to local, family-owned stores in this case. You might be better off speaking with those who live, work, and support your community. Think lawyers and dentists, teachers, and doctors…you know, your current (or former) professionals that might be known to give a hand. Get your ideas together, have legitimate argumentation on-hand, and give it a shot.
Take your handy list of companies that donate to fundraisers, and start asking!
There’s not one best company to ask for donations. It depends on your situation; who you are, what it’s for, and how much you need to make the magic happen. While you’re at it, consider creating a FundMyTravel campaign to stimulate giving from your online community. It’s an easy and effective way to share your NGO’s funding goals with those around you.
Hit the pavement, those blank pages, and emails to start reaching out to your prospective donors. Presenting your non-profit’s project in-person can certainly add a more personalized element. Go introduce yourself and shake some hands. If some of these companies are not within a feasible proximity, consider making a call, sending a letter, or typing an email.
Take a moment, prepare yourself, and then start reaching out. Funding your next project doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It’s time to accept that mo’ money means less problems. When it’s all said and done, you’ll surely be saying, “Hey, that wasn’t so bad after all!”
[…] for funding? Asking companies is a relevant option to funding your campaign. Have a gander at this list of companies which might be able to give you a hand. Their one-week programs start at […]
I am fundraising to raise money for my granddaughters Kidney transplant, but unsure how to go about it. Was wondering if anyone can give some me so directions on how to proceed.
thanks Kathie
A “Go fund me” page is great way to ask family, friends, and others to donate to your cause. Contact the kidney foundation for available assistance for kidney patients. Contact the hospital the transplant is going to occur for payment assistance.
I am trying to raise money to buy and cook food for the homeless. How can I go about this?
Hello am happy to join your news letter for money assistance towards the development plan for my community.
I’m looking for a donor or partner to sponsor my business ideas here in Africa someone with an mind of business or trying something new
I’m looking for someone willing to donate my church construction here in Africa, please any one with that mind??
I am wanting to start up the first fireworks shop in davenport iowa and make it the best possible so that way I can leave it to my boys that also have a love of fireworks but I need help with start up cost
I have created a group of Therapeutic Koala Comforter Dolls that I like to have manufactured and donated to children/adults organizations that assist, treat and help Autism, Alzheimer’s, Blindness, Hospice, Elderly and more. I am open to investors, licensing, or donations. If interested please contact my email at kubebakoalabrand@gmail.com
God Bless and Stay Safe
Diabetic Alert Dogs Training & Wildlife Center (our mission is to save lives; both human and animal)
Our vision is to establish a diabetic alert dogs training center and a wildlife sanctuary in Argentina!
Through our Not-for-Profit Organisation we will purchase a large property once we arrive in Argentina. On this property, we will:
1) build a center to train diabetic alert dogs. Until now, in many countries the costs associated with owning such an alert dog are very high for a diabetic person. We wish to make such dogs more accessible as they save lives!
2) develop the property into a wildlife reserve with veterinary station. This allows us to rehabilitate local species under threat of displacement, habitat destruction or injury.
Hi i am seeking help last year i started a small business of sewing clothes. I’d like to ask if someone can support me with fabrics. Please i am looking forward to reactions.
Help us find donors for our project construction of a 1 by 3 classroom block for 1000 vulnerable children who hail from the poorest society in Zambia
Hello everyone my organization Women Empowering Women will be doing a Thanksgiving food drive for the elderly and we are looking for help with donations on food. We are trying to give out 300 or more food care boxes for the holiday. We are trying to fill the boxes with hams and side items for the seniors. If anyone can help with our event we will greatly appreciate it.
We are Enhlanhleni Isibani Sezwe and we are a Non-Profit Organisation functioning within the province of KwaZulu-Natal; it was formed in 2005 by the community members and functioning in KwaDabeka at Sub-5 (Ward 19) and surrounding areas. The organisation is working very hard in locating and helping the community with their needs focusing more in providing the ones in need with serving food i.e. kitchen Providing food parcels every week to the needy families, assisting children with Homework, educating children with drama, helping orphans, providing poverty alleviation strategies, have support group which runs once every week thus provide food parcels and helping people who are infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, TB and other chronic illnesses.
Our organisation would like to seek your assistance with any form of help that you can be able to assist us with will be highly appreciated. Our primary focus is poverty alleviation since there are a lot of people within the community who are below the poverty line and live under extremely poor conditions. Due to Covid-19 pandemic we have run out of funds and food to help the community as a results lots of households go to bed with empty stomach. We are still a small organisation and we struggle financially, and that is why we humbly ask you to please help us with our request.
We accept any donation such as used clothes, food, and anything that will help our community
We hope that our request will reach your favourable consideration. We humbly request for assistance.
For more information kindly contact 082 666 0876 / 061 425 6968
Hello! I am trying to open a community coffee and bake shop in the most underserved and poverty stricken neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas. I believe if we start building here again that it would catapult major change in the neighborhood. Eventually, jobs that are created will reduce the level of poverty thus reduces crime. My passion is people and my desire is to see this neighborhood thrive again. You may call me at 817-564-4010 or email me at @ audacitycoffeehouse@gmail.com
My name is Lucy Cifre, I am the Parent Liaison for east Elementary School, I am also part of the Fundraising committee for our PTO. For your convenience, our Tax ID# 36-4953464.
Union County Public Schools is the largest school district in the state of North Carolina that has went back to face-to-face learning for students.
We are serving as a role model and lighting the way forward for the rest of the state. Here at East Elementary, we are striving to provide quality education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has drastically altered the way we provide instruction to our students. Research has proven that children learn best in smaller settings where they can have more one on one attention from their teacher.
We would love to be able to purchase clear table dividers for our classrooms.
These dividers would allow our students to be able to participate in small group instruction while decreasing the risk of virus transmission by providing a barrier between students when social distancing isn’t feasible.
I thank you in advance for helping us reach our goal.
Best regards,
I am fund raising for the desperate need of our single mothers, to provide cost effective and affordable homes for single mothers so that our children of today have safer homes or even have a roof over their heads. The struggle has always been there but it has become more and more unaffordable for single mothers to provide for their children in all means necessary. Todays Children are our Future. Please do help this cause in raising funds to build homes that single mothers can afford.
Hello,
Or organization would like the seek your assistance in any form to help children of all ages live a healthier life. Our primary focus is to target overweight, obese, or morbid children that have no means and the know-how to get fit due to not having the money to purchase bikes, sporting equipment, gym memberships, and or nutritional counseling. Our future generation needs our support especially these days since COVID-19 has worsened the obesity epidemic. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all your donations whether its cash, sporting goods (baseball bats, gloves, soccer balls, bikes, fitness equipment, buildings to conduct specialized classes, busses for transportation and or healthy foods like apples, oranges, vegetables, and other healthy snacks) will be so appreciated. We want to help these underprivileged kids and giving them hope and a future. for more information please contact us directly at 786-635-5700.
Cross Critters Rescue is a licensed nonprofit 5013c rescue that does an amazing job at rescuing, vetting, and getting animals adopted out to new homes as soon as they possibly can. They take in all animals from cats & dogs, to the bigger ones like horses, cows, and pigs. It gets pricey doing so much good, so “A Critter’s Christmas” has been put together to make their lives a bit easier when it comes to funds and needed items such as food. You can also donate by sending items or funds to them at
Cross Critters Rescue
6600 Radio Station rd.
Nashville, Ga. 31639
Also selling tshirts:
https://www.bonfire.com/a-critters-christmas160/
We are non profit organisation functioning within the province of busunju mityana district Uganda.it was formed in 2019 by Atuhaire Ronald .The organisation is working very hard in locating and helping the community and local schools with their needs focusing more in providing the ones in need With serving food ie posho corn flour,providing food parcels every week to the needy families and local schools in the community, assisting children with school requirements like books,pens and paying school fees for some families.
Our organization would like to seek your assistance with any form of help that you can be able to assist us with will be highly appreciated. Our primary focus is poverty alleviation since there are a lot of people within the community who are below the poverty line and live under extremely poor conditions.
We are accept any donations such as funds ,clothes ,food and anything that will help our community and local school’s
We hope that our request will reach your favourable considerations we humbly request for assistance
Follow Atuhaire charity busunju village Facebook page
https/atuhairecharitybusunjuvillage.com
Am special needs teacher who want to start a school in mathare slum in kenyaI need sponsor to help me start
Hello to everyone,
we are a small and young business who got robed a couple of times in the past two months and is still up and running bravely.
Unfortunately we wont be able to keep the business running this way and we are depending on every single donation we can get.
In the link you can read through our story more carefully.
Thank you for your time,
Mak Filipovic
https://gogetfunding.com/please-help-us-do-what-we-love/
I have started a go fund me account for my partner who has ovarian cancer. She is in severe need of funds to help with transportation costs back and forth the the Georgia Cancer Center which is a 6 hour round trip from us. Sometimes she also has to stay in Augusta for 2 or 3 days at a time, which means hotel and food costs for those days as well. I have done everything I can think of to find help. I can’t afford it along with all our other bills.
Hand 2 Hand Down East
Hello I’m looking to find out who I send my fundraising or acts of kindness letters to in a company. Do I send to V P of finance or someone else
Thank you for any help Elizabeth
Good Morning,
I need help with my fundraiser that one of my former teachers did on my behalf through the GoFundMe site. If anyone can help or know where I can get help with donations, please let me know.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Fundraiser link: https://gofund.me/ae20d803
I am fundraising for families lost their loved ones to murder. I pay them visit to check their coping skills, accompany to court, assisting to write impact statement and referre them to relevant agencies. I also arranging funeral with social development as murder is sudden and violent loss.
My apology, the name of the nonprofit organization is Modiegi Sekedi Motlhabane Foundation. The main aim of this foundation is to fight against murder and suicide, counselling and providing training about human life. I can be contacted by emailing: mapasekapatricia@gmail.com
Hi my name is lesego kola l am part of a organization called Hands that gives organization we help children who albinism and we hand out sunscreens hats and food but right now we need donations for sunscreens hats and food for the children please donate please we really need help at the moment
Please I seeking support to start an online education system. I am aiming at children, now at the secondary level and if I have the funds build a small community server in villages to educate them via computers. As they get familiarized with it they will develop an interest in IT and pursue IT-related areas for the development of the community.
I want to raise money to attend the Miss Amazing National pageant and represent the great state of alabama.
https://saq2021.funraise.org/fundraiser/princess-stephens
Miss Amazing programs teach self-advocacy skills to girls and women with disabilities ages 5+ in a fun environment with real stakes.
Drawing inspiration from pageantry, Miss Amazing events guide participants through interviewing and public speaking exercises. All along the way, participants connect with new friends and role models and define their interests and ambitions on their own terms.
My name is Oscar Rivera, a self-employed photographer, writer and most importantly, a father. The purpose of why I am seeking funds is to have an intrinsic production of a story I am inclined to share about growing up in the South Bronx during the seventies and eighties, a pivotal time in history with an up close and personal acuity which many can relate to during that time. The book is entitled “OFF The Rim”, a photo journal book which includes a collaboration of short stories and experiences of that specific time. http://www.oscarsart.com
During these uncertain times and political unrest and controversy, I would like to share this collaboration of stories I believe will inspire readers to contrast and compare yesterday’s values and morals to the experiences we face today. The photos in this journal are unique, which are exclusively taken by me and are mine, and tell a story of their own.
The funds will allow me to put to print and distribute these books to then ultimately seek a publishing deal, or continue to self-print as I acquire an audience. Furthermore, my intention with any success of the printing and distribution of this book is to share a percentage of the book’s earnings to assist other self-publishers struggling to publish their own historic experiences. The publishing business is not by any means an easy business to get into as an unknown writer. However, when there is a worthy and honest story to tell and I certainly believe the stories in my book, “OFF The Rim” must be told, my intention is to help others who have helped me document and tell my own accounts.
No words can express my gratitude in your assisting me with the potential success of my book “OFF The Rim.” I am very optimistic these stories will relate to many others, and will certainly have a following. Please include your information so that I may send you a signed copy. Thank you, in advance, for your guidance and assistance in making this book a reality.
https://gofund.me/268e038f
Seeking financial and product donations for our first annual Youth Development Center Auction.