Top corporate sponsors: 8 big companies that donate to nonprofits

Thinking about corporate sponsorship to help offset costs for your nonprofit's upcoming fundraising event or campaign? We've rounded up a list of some of the best companies to approach for sponsorships, along with details on how you can get in on the action.

In the following list of corporate sponsors, we've intentionally selected companies that also offer corporate sponsorships at the local level—not just to big, national nonprofits.

1. Bank of America 🏦

Bank of America provides regional sponsorships throughout the U.S., including underwriting art exhibits and performances, charity sporting events like the Chicago Marathon, and initiatives that support neighborhood preservation, urgent community needs like food and shelter, and DEI programming. 

You can visit their website to learn more about what they offer and make a request on behalf of your organization. Plus, they even have a handy guide that outlines the entire sponsorship application process.

2. Kroger 🛒

501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply once per year for Kroger sponsorships, gift cards, and in-kind donations—just make sure to make your request at least a month in advance. Download their list of guidelines, and then you can complete the application online.

3. Pepsi 🥤

While the PepsiCo Foundation doesn't take any unsolicited proposals for nonprofit funding, groups can request sponsorships and product donations online from local distributors of Pepsi products. And in-kind donations aren't just soda: Frito-Lay, Quaker, Gatorade, and Tropicana are all part of the Pepsi fam.

4. State Farm 🤝

As a large national corporation with local affiliates, State Farm allows organizations of any kind, not just 501(c)(3)s, to apply directly for sponsorships for events or marketing opportunities. However, they ask that you do so three months in advance, so plan ahead.

5. Tito's Vodka 🍸

Tito's Vodka boasts that they "proudly support thousands of nonprofits" and have a robust record stating all of the different ways they give back, from animal rescue groups to community gardens and racial equity initiatives and beyond. 

Get your organization on that growing list! If you're a 501(c)(3), you can fill out a donation or sponsorship request for your next event online—just make sure to do so 30 days ahead of time.

6. Trader Joe’s 🌸

To request in-kind donations or other kinds of corporate sponsorship from Trader Joe’s, you must go to your local store to ask their designated Donation Coordinator directly. They only make contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations, but otherwise, their guidelines are pretty flexible. Don’t forget to submit your sponsorship request 3 weeks before your organization needs it!

7. U.S. Bank 💰

U.S. Bank does not provide sponsorships for event tickets or program ads. Instead, they're interested in funding longer-term sponsorship opportunities that incorporate multi-channel marketing strategies. You can check out their full list of stipulations and submit a proposal through their online request form several weeks in advance.

8. Whole Foods 🫒

Whole Foods doesn't make in-kind donations or give out gift cards. This Amazon-owned grocery giant does, however, have a Community Giving program facilitated by local team member networks that make direct financial contributions once each quarter to sponsor nonprofit organizations in their community. 

Note: This support is separate from the charitable giving done by their several foundations.

Where to find corporate sponsorships for your nonprofit

When creating your company sponsorship game plan, consider your organization's needs to determine where you should start looking. Are you seeking unrestricted funds, an event sponsorship to support a specific program, or an in-kind donation?

Once you know what you need, you can start looking at which companies give sponsorships you're looking for. The best place to start looking for corporate sponsorship of any kind is always within your own network: the grocery store in your neighborhood, the clothing store a friend of your board member owns, or even the financial institution your charity uses. Start where you already have a direct point of contact when trying to find companies that donate to charity.

Once you have exhausted your local options, you may be ready to look at some of the bigger sponsorship companies in the national or even global market. Determine what brands align with your organization's mission, and ensure the sponsorship is mutually beneficial and has the potential to turn into a long-term relationship.

Here are some popular industries to look for corporate donations to nonprofits:

• Airlines 🛩
• Big retail stores 🛍️
• Banks 🏦
• Food and beverage brands 😋
• Grocery stores 🛒
• Hotels 🛏️
• Insurance companies 💪

Additional resources

TheShareWay can also help you discover, apply for, and track corporate donation opportunities through its online directory. Check out these additional free resources so you’re ready to go whenever you find companies willing to donate to your fundraisers: 

• The complete guide to corporate sponsorship for nonprofits 
• How to write winning sponsorship proposals 
• The beginner's guide to getting donations from companies 

Send them an offer they can’t refuse

There are countless more companies that sponsor that are worth reaching out to about funding opportunities, but this list of corporate sponsors will give you an idea of where to start looking.

‍Sign up for a Givebutter account today to start creating donation forms and fundraising events that are sure to inspire sponsors and make it easy for them to contribute to your cause. Not only will you get access to 100+ free fundraising tools on Givebutter, but nonprofits can also get nonprofit marketing and engagement tools that make it easy to engage and stay in touch with key stakeholders (i.e., your corporate sponsors!).