Engaging Local Businesses in Fundraising
Local businesses can be some of your best fundraising allies—offering sponsorships, in-kind donations, and employee engagement opportunities. Whether it’s a small café or a corporate powerhouse, companies are increasingly looking for meaningful ways to give back.
At Yarra Riverkeeper Association, we successfully built a corporate volunteering program that introduced local businesses to our mission through hands-on experiences like:
• River clean-ups (on foot or by kayak)
• Native tree planting days
• Educational river walks on conservation efforts
This approach not only raised brand awareness but led to lasting corporate partnerships—including a major ongoing collaboration with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Here’s how your organisation can engage local businesses in fundraising and partnerships:
1. Understand What Businesses Want From Partnerships
Before reaching out to potential partners, put yourself in their shoes:
• What do they gain from supporting your organisation?
• How does your cause align with their values and customers?
• Can you offer them brand exposure, employee engagement, or media opportunities?
• Do they have a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program that aligns with your work?
Example: A sustainable fashion brand may want to offset its environmental impact by funding a tree-planting initiative.
Tip: Research companies’ CSR reports, mission statements, and past philanthropic activities to tailor your pitch.
2. Offer Corporate Volunteering Opportunities
Businesses love team-building activities that also make an impact. Design a corporate volunteering program that:
• Provides a hands-on experience related to your mission
• Gives employees a deeper connection to your cause
• Positions your nonprofit as a trusted partner in the community
Ideas:
✅ Beach or park clean-ups
✅ Community gardening
✅ Packing food or hygiene kits
✅ School mentorship programs
3. Develop Win-Win Sponsorship Packages
Businesses are more likely to support nonprofits that offer clear benefits in return. Create tiered sponsorship packages that include:
• Brand exposure (logos on marketing materials, social media mentions, event banners)
• Speaking opportunities at events or webinars
• Impact reports showing how their funds are making a difference
• Exclusive access to nonprofit events or experiences
Example: A real estate company could sponsor a housing assistance program and receive recognition through newsletters and social media.
4. Run Joint Fundraising Campaigns
Many businesses will donate a portion of sales to a cause—this is called Cause-Related Marketing.
Ideas:
✅ A local café donates $1 per coffee sold for a month
✅ A fitness studio hosts a fundraising yoga class
✅ An e-commerce brand offers “round-up” donations at checkout
These initiatives engage customers while raising funds for your nonprofit!
5. Host Business Networking Events
Instead of just asking for money, position your nonprofit as a hub for local businesses by hosting:
• Panel discussions on social impact
• Meet-and-greet networking nights with local changemakers
• Workshops on sustainability, diversity, or CSR best practices
This strengthens your connections and can lead to future collaborations.
6. Leverage Employee Giving & Matching Gifts
Many companies offer employee donation matching programs. Encourage businesses to:
✅ Match employee donations dollar-for-dollar
✅ Offer payroll giving options
✅ Provide “Dollars for Doers” grants (where companies donate based on employee volunteer hours)
Check with HR departments about matching gift policies—many businesses have them but don’t actively promote them.
7. Build Meaningful, Long-Term Relationships
Approach business partnerships with a relationship-first mindset. Instead of a one-time donation, nurture ongoing collaborations by:
• Inviting business leaders to site visits or project launches
• Providing quarterly impact reports
• Keeping them engaged through exclusive updates