Companies that donate to nonprofits: grants, gifts, support

These aren’t just handouts—they're real partnerships. Some offer grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Others have programs for disaster relief or give away their products to nonprofits that need them. There are even companies that encourage their staff to volunteer with you. The best part? These programs are made to help you do what you do best: create a positive impact in the world.

This guide will walk you through the different types of corporate donations available, how to find the right ones for your nonprofit, and how to actually apply. We've also included real examples from companies making a difference, and some tips to stand out when you reach out.

Top types of corporate donations supporting nonprofits

Matching gifts

Matching gifts are one of the easiest ways to double donations without asking your supporters to give more. Here’s how it works: someone donates to your nonprofit, and then their employer matches that donation—sometimes dollar for dollar, or even more. It’s like getting a bonus gift just for showing up.

From experience, we’ve seen how powerful this can be. One supporter gives $100, their company matches it, and suddenly you've raised $200 from a single donation. The tricky part is just making sure people know it’s an option. Many donors have no idea their company even offers a matching gift program, so a little education can go a long way.

Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Bank of America have well-known matching programs. And these aren’t just for huge nonprofits—small and midsize organizations benefit from them all the time. All you need is a clear way for donors to check if their employer participates and a simple process for them to submit a match.

Cash grants

Cash grants are exactly what they sound like—straightforward funding that companies give to nonprofits. These can range from small awards of a few thousand dollars to bigger investments like $20,000 or more. They’re usually tied to a specific purpose, like supporting local education, disaster relief, human services, or community development. But some are flexible and let you decide how to use the funds based on your most urgent needs.

We’ve seen partners thrive after landing one solid grant. It might fund a full program, help upgrade your tech, or even cover salaries so your team can focus on the mission instead of scrambling for resources. And here's the best part: once you've gotten a grant from one company, it’s easier to get the next. Funders like seeing that others have trusted you.

Big names like Walmart, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods all have community grant programs. But smaller or regional companies often give, too—and sometimes with less competition. The key is to align with their values, tell a clear story, and show the impact you’re already making.

Product donations and in-kind support

Not every donation comes in the form of money. A lot of companies support nonprofits by giving what they already have—products, equipment, or services. These are called in-kind donations, and they can be just as valuable as cash.

Let’s say you’re planning an event and need supplies, or your team needs new laptops. Instead of spending your budget, you could receive donated items from a business that’s eager to help. Some companies offer software, gift cards, food, clothing, or even shipping services. It’s a win-win: you get what you need, and the company gets to support a good cause in a meaningful way.

This type of giving is especially helpful in areas like disaster relief and human services, where real items can meet real needs fast. Google, for example, offers free advertising credits to nonprofits through Google Ad Grants. Crayola donates art supplies to education programs. These are things nonprofits would normally have to buy—and now they don’t have to.

Don’t overlook this kind of support. It adds up quickly and keeps your resources focused on the impact you want to make.

Volunteer time and employee engagement programs

Some companies don’t just donate money or products—they give time. A lot of businesses now offer programs that encourage their employees to volunteer with nonprofits during work hours. It’s called Volunteer Time Off (VTO), and it’s growing fast.

We’ve worked with organizations that were able to staff whole events or run programs just by tapping into these opportunities. Employees show up eager to help, and companies often track that time and reward it—sometimes even matching it with donations. It builds community, boosts morale, and supports your cause in a hands-on way.

There are also volunteer grant programs, where a company donates money to a nonprofit after an employee volunteers a certain number of hours. So not only do you get extra hands, you could also receive funding as a thank-you. Companies like Disney, Starbucks, and Verizon all have these kinds of programs.

If you’re not asking donors if their company offers volunteer support, it might be time to start. A few hours of someone's time could turn into long-term partnership and funding.

Disaster relief and emergency funding

When a crisis hits—like a natural disaster, public health emergency, or sudden community need—some companies are ready to step in fast. They have special funds set aside for emergency grants and rapid response donations. For nonprofits on the front lines, this kind of support can be a game-changer.

We’ve seen how quick relief funding helps organizations do things like distribute food, provide shelter, or deliver medical supplies when time really matters. It’s not just about writing a check—it’s about backing missions that serve people in their most urgent moments.

These donations are usually offered to registered nonprofits with a clear role in recovery or response efforts. Companies like Walmart, Amazon, and PepsiCo have all provided this kind of support during emergencies—often through partnerships with nonprofits that already know the local landscape.

If your organization works in disaster relief, human services, or health, it’s smart to have a plan for how you’d use emergency funding. That way, when opportunities come up, you’re ready to move quickly and show companies the impact they can help create.

Grants and donations by industry

Retailers and supermarkets

Retail brands and grocery chains are some of the most active donors out there. These companies are rooted in their local communities, so giving back is often baked into their business. Whether it's through community grants, matching gifts, or product donations, they know their impact goes beyond the checkout line.

Take Dick’s Sporting Goods, for example. They offer grants to nonprofits focused on youth sports, recreation, and physical health. Their programs aren't just about handing out money—they’re about building stronger, healthier communities. Target and Walmart also offer grants that support everything from education to environmental programs. And grocery stores like Albertsons and Kroger give through both direct donations and foundations that fund hunger relief and health initiatives.

From our experience, one of the best parts about working with retailers is that they love storytelling. They want to highlight local impact, real people, and causes that align with their values. If your nonprofit supports kids, food access, health, or community impact—this is a space to watch.

Travel and hospitality companies

Travel brands might seem like an unexpected source of nonprofit funding, but many of them give generously—especially to causes tied to environmental sustainability, disaster relief, and supporting the local community. These companies know their business depends on healthy, thriving places and people, so they often focus on giving back to the communities where they operate.

Airlines like JetBlue and Delta support nonprofits through community foundations, volunteer grants, and special campaigns. JetBlue, for instance, runs a “JetBlue For Good” program that supports education, youth, and disaster response. Hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton often have grant programs focused on housing, clean water, and community development.

From our side, we’ve seen nonprofits build strong relationships with travel companies, especially when their missions align. Whether it’s helping after a natural disaster or improving access to safe shelter and clean water, these businesses are looking to partner with organizations that create real, on-the-ground impact.

If your nonprofit touches global issues or serves communities near popular destinations, you’ve got a strong case to connect with these brands.

Technology and software companies

Tech companies may be known for innovation, but they’re also big players in the nonprofit world. Many offer a mix of cash grants, product donations, and employee-driven giving. And because they run lean and digital-first, they often support nonprofits that are solving problems with creativity and impact.

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe have standout programs. Google’s nonprofit program includes access to Google Workspace and Google Ad Grants, which gives you free advertising credit—perfect for boosting awareness without spending a dime. Microsoft donates software and has employee giving campaigns that include both cash grants and volunteer support. And Adobe offers creative tools for storytelling and design at little or no cost for eligible organizations.

From working with nonprofits, we’ve seen how helpful these tools are when budgets are tight. You get access to powerful platforms that would normally cost hundreds or thousands of dollars each year—and that frees up money for your mission. Tech companies also care a lot about supporting nonprofits that work in areas like education, human rights, and digital access.

So if your team needs tools to reach more people, tell your story better, or work more efficiently, this space is worth exploring.

Financial services and insurance

Banks and insurance companies are some of the most reliable supporters of nonprofits—especially those focused on human services, education, and financial wellness. They often run strong community grant programs and offer both funding and volunteer hours through employee engagement efforts.

Bank of America is a well-known example. Their foundation supports local nonprofits tackling everything from housing to workforce development. State Farm focuses on community safety, education, and economic empowerment. And credit unions often support causes that matter most to their members, like food security and disaster recovery.

What we’ve noticed is that these companies really value long-term partnerships. They don’t just give once and move on—they look for nonprofits they can grow with over time. They also love when nonprofits serve the same regions they do. So if you're deeply rooted in your local community, you’re in a strong position to get support.

And don’t forget, financial institutions are full of people who want to help. Many offer paid time off for employees to volunteer, or match donations made by staff. These kinds of partnerships can grow into something much bigger than just a check.

Food and beverage companies

Food and beverage brands have a long history of supporting nonprofits, especially when it comes to hunger relief, health, and community well-being. These companies often donate both cash and products, and they tend to care deeply about causes that align with their values—like sustainability, nutrition, and access to food.

Ben & Jerry’s, for example, backs grassroots movements for social justice and equity. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola offer both charitable contributions and in-kind donations, often through their corporate foundations. Panera Bread supports hunger-focused nonprofits with leftover food donations and community fundraising events. Grocery brands like Albertsons and Organic Valley also offer grants to nonprofits working in environmental sustainability, food security, and education.

From what we’ve seen, these companies aren’t just interested in numbers—they want stories. They want to know how their support helps families, builds stronger communities, and improves access to healthy food. So when you reach out, make your mission personal.

And don’t overlook smaller, local food brands—they often give generously, especially to registered nonprofits doing direct work in their communities.

How to apply for corporate donations and grants

Applying for corporate donations doesn’t have to be complicated—but you do need a plan. Most companies look for registered nonprofits with a clear mission, some history of impact, and a specific need or project in mind. Whether you're applying for a cash grant, a product donation, or a sponsorship, being clear and direct goes a long way.

Start by finding companies whose values match your own. Look at their giving guidelines—most have a dedicated page for nonprofit support. Some require an online application, others ask for a proposal or letter. Many companies also want to see how their support will create community impact—so show them what that looks like. Photos, stats, and real stories all help.

Another tip? Be personal. If you can, find a local contact or ask someone in your network to make an intro. Mention how your work aligns with their goals and give them a reason to care. And once you’ve applied, don’t forget to follow up. A thank-you or quick update—even if you didn’t get the grant—can set you up for a better shot next time.

We’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtful, well-timed ask can turn into a long-term partner. So take the time to learn more about their grant process, follow their rules, and make your mission easy to support.

Standout corporate giving programs to watch

Some companies go above and beyond when it comes to giving. Their programs aren’t just generous—they’re thoughtful, creative, and built to make a real difference. These are the kinds of partnerships nonprofits dream about, because they offer more than just one-time support.

One example is Google for Nonprofits. It gives access to free tools like Gmail, Google Drive, and YouTube, plus up to $10,000 per month in free ad credits through Google Ad Grants. That’s real visibility without spending your own budget.

Dick’s Sporting Goods runs the “Sports Matter” initiative, offering both cash grants and gear to nonprofits that keep kids active. Disney’s VoluntEARS program encourages staff to volunteer—and matches that time with donations to the nonprofits they support. Meanwhile, Target and Walmart provide regular community grants with a focus on local impact.

We’ve worked with nonprofits that built entire programs around one of these partnerships. They didn’t just get a check—they got new tools, new exposure, and ongoing support. What made the difference? They aligned with the company’s mission, showed impact, and stayed connected even after the donation.

So when you’re doing your research, keep an eye out for programs that offer more than money. Those are the ones that grow with you.

Tools and platforms to simplify donation tracking and outreach

Juggling applications, follow-ups, and reporting for corporate donations can get overwhelming fast—especially when your team is small and time is tight. That’s where the right tools can make a huge difference. With a few smart systems in place, you can stay organized, save time, and actually enjoy the process of building partnerships.

Let’s start with Harness. We’ve worked with nonprofits who were spending hours tracking donor activity across spreadsheets and emails—until they switched to the Harness platform. With tools like donor profiles, campaign tracking, automated outreach, and features like SmartAsk™, you can keep everything in one place and make giving feel easy (for you and your supporters). And if you’re looking for more hands-on help, our Executive Services team can even jump in and support your fundraising strategy directly.

There are other helpful tools out there, too. Grants.gov is a hub for public and private funding opportunities. But what really matters is having a system that fits your workflow—and gives you back time to focus on your mission.

You don’t need to do it all alone. With the right platform, your donor relationships grow stronger, your reporting gets easier, and your revenue becomes more sustainable.

Where generosity meets strategy

There’s a lot of support out there—you just need the right tools and a clear plan to tap into it. Whether it’s cash grants, product donations, or companies whose employees volunteer their time, corporate giving can be a powerful part of your nonprofit’s growth. And it’s not just about getting help—it’s about building real relationships with partners who care about your mission.

We’ve seen how one good connection can turn into ongoing support, community visibility, and even stronger fundraising across the board. When you align your goals with a company’s values, share your story with confidence, and stay organized in your outreach, you open doors you didn’t even know were there.

And remember—you don’t have to figure it out alone. Harness is here to help you every step of the way, from donor engagement to expert fundraising strategy. Let’s grow your impact together.

Frequently asked questions

What companies donate the most to nonprofits?

Companies like Google, Microsoft, Walmart, and Bank of America are among the biggest donors. They give through grants, matching gifts, and in-kind support. But smaller, local businesses often give generously too—and with less competition.

How do I find companies that support my specific cause?

Start by searching for businesses that align with your mission. Many list their giving priorities on their websites. You can also use tools like Candid, Charity Navigator, or even Google searches for terms like “grants for [your cause].”

Can small nonprofits apply for corporate grants?

Yes. In fact, many grant programs are built for small or community-based nonprofits. The key is to show your impact clearly and match your work with the company’s focus areas.

What’s the difference between cash grants and in-kind donations?

Cash grants give you money to use as needed (sometimes for specific programs). In-kind donations are goods or services—like food, software, or event space. Both are valuable, depending on what your organization needs most.

Do all corporate donation programs require 501(c)(3) status?

Most do. Companies typically need to verify that you’re a registered nonprofit for tax and compliance reasons. If you're not a 501(c)(3), you may still qualify for certain local sponsorships or informal donations.