25 Companies That Donate to Nonprofits in 2026 (and How to Apply)

Last verified: October 2026. We checked every program, date, and link below against each company’s official page.

Are you looking for corporate donations for your organization but confused about where to start? What kind of companies should you reach out to, and how do you even begin?

Corporate donations are an effective fundraising channel that offers more than just funds. They open doors to partnerships that can lead to sustainable support, networking opportunities, and long-term growth.

The challenge is finding companies that donate to nonprofits and knowing which ones align with your mission.

We’ve made that easier for you. This guide compiles 25 companies that give to charity in the US. Some offer cash grants and in-kind support, while others offer technology or employee giving programs.

We’ve also covered which companies offer which types of support, who they suit, how to apply, and when the 2026–27 application windows open, so you can find the right match. And because a “yes” is not the same as money in the bank, there’s a section on how to actually collect corporate gifts once a company agrees.

A quick look into the companies that donate to nonprofits

Here are all 25 companies at a glance: what each one gives, who qualifies, and how to apply. Use it to shortlist, then read the full entry before you apply.

What should you know before asking for corporate donations?

Before you ask, know that every company sets its own causes, eligibility rules, and deadlines, and there is no shared calendar. Check each company’s giving page for current criteria and dates before you apply.

Many companies donate to charity, but each has different criteria you need to meet. Some limit giving to local nonprofits, others to organizations that align with their mission, and some fund specific projects.

Their giving cycles vary too: some review applications quarterly, others annually, and some on a rolling basis. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Companies support causes that align with their values

Most companies say they help charitable organizations, but that doesn’t mean they support all of them. They fund causes that align with their social values, customer base, or community priorities.

For instance, a company might fund financial literacy programs but not environmental conservation.

2. Eligibility rules extend beyond nonprofit status

Beyond holding 501(c)(3) status, companies set specific rules about who qualifies for support. Some restrictions include:

• Geographic limits (local organizations, specific states or regions, or a set distance from a store)
• Excluded groups (political organizations, individuals, and private events are often not considered)
• Organizational discrimination policies
• Operational requirements (in operation for a certain number of years, or a minimum budget)

Some companies also restrict how funds can be used. A grant might cover program costs but not overhead. In contrast, a product donation might be allowed for direct distribution but not for resale at auctions.

3. Application windows and deadlines affect approval

Large companies that donate to nonprofits often review applications quarterly or annually. Check each company’s giving page at the start of each quarter (January, April, July, October) for updated deadlines, and sign up for email alerts where available so you know when a window opens.

If you’re planning for late 2026 and 2027, these are the dates to know from this list:

• Open now: Walmart Spark Good Local Grants (Cycle 3 closes November 30, 2026), Home Depot Path to Pro (applications accepted now; new awards from February 2027), Panera Bread (always accepting applications)
• Next deadline: Kroger foundation grants, December 4, 2026
• Reopening soon: Build-A-Bear Hearts ‘n’ Hugs Fund, November 2, 2026
• Reopening in 2027: Dollar General Literacy Foundation (adult, family, and summer reading grants in January 2027; youth literacy in spring 2027), Target Community Engagement Funds (April 2027)
• 2027 dates not yet posted: Walmart FY28 cycles, Bank of America, Home Depot Veteran Housing Grants. Check those pages again in early 2027.

Start preparing your application several months in advance if the company is a strong fit. If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait months for the next cycle.

4. Matching gifts and volunteer grants work differently

Matching gifts and volunteer grants work differently from direct corporate donations to charity. The employee donates or volunteers first, then asks their company to match it. The company follows the employee’s lead.

So, what your nonprofit can do is:

• Ask donors if their employer offers matching gifts
• Provide donation receipts quickly when employees request them
• Make it easy for volunteers to log their hours
• Promote matching gift opportunities in newsletters and thank-you messages
• Register your nonprofit on the giving platforms companies use, such as Benevity, YourCause, or CyberGrants

Explore the list of companies that donate to nonprofits

This list groups the 25 companies by what they give (cash, products, food, technology, or employee giving), because not every nonprofit needs funds. Some need products for the people they serve, technology to improve operations, or access to employee matching gift programs.

These companies also donate differently. Some give directly through their corporate or foundation programs, while others facilitate giving that is driven by customers, employees, or supporters.

• Direct corporate or foundation grants (cash): Walmart, Target Community Engagement Funds, Bank of America, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and The Home Depot
• Direct product or in-kind donations: Build-A-Bear, Chef Works, Crayola Cares, Trader Joe’s, Panera Bread, Kroger, Chick-fil-A, and The Cheesecake Factory
• Direct technology grants and discounts: Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Slack, and Atlassian
• Customer-directed: Target Circle
• Employee-driven: Disney, Adobe, ExxonMobil, UnitedHealth Group, and Cisco
• Supporter-funded through a platform: Chewy Wish Lists
• Partner-based: LEGO Replay

Note: This list was last verified in October 2026. Companies update their corporate giving program guidelines, often every year. Always visit the official website to confirm current eligibility, donation details, and application requirements before applying.

Companies that offer grants or direct cash donations

Walmart, Target, Bank of America, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and The Home Depot all offer cash grants to nonprofits, ranging from a few hundred dollars to six figures. These companies provide funding through grant programs or direct cash support.

They can help you cover program expenses, capital projects, or community initiatives, depending on the company’s criteria for how funds can be used.

1. Walmart

Walmart offers local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 through its Spark Good Local Grants program. Local Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centers review applications and fund organizations serving their nearby communities.

Who is it for? 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 and higher-education schools (with an NCES number or 501(c)(3) status), government entities, and churches or faith-based organizations for community-benefit projects. All must serve the same area as the facility they’re requesting funds from.

How to apply?

• Create a Spark Good account at Walmart.com/nonprofits and get verified through Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed
• Fill out the online application during an open cycle
• Facility managers review applications for mission alignment, trust and track record, and effectiveness
• Once a facility funds you, you can’t reapply to that same facility in the same fiscal year

2026–27 timing Walmart’s FY27 has three cycles: February 1–April 15, May 1–July 15, and August 1–November 30. Cycle 3 is open now and closes November 30, 2026. FY28 (2027) dates aren’t published yet, so check the guidelines page in early 2027.

2. Target

Target offers local community grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 through its Community Engagement Funds program. It also supports nonprofits through Target Circle Community Giving and local store GiftCard donations.

Who is it for? 501(c)(3) public charities or schools with an NCES number (K-12 public and private nonprofit, charter, community college, college, or university). Community Engagement Funds focus on thriving families, vibrant neighborhoods, emerging creative & culture, and economic opportunity.

How to apply? Each Target grant program has its own criteria and application process.

• Community Engagement Funds: Two application cycles per year. A program funded in Cycle 1 can’t apply again in Cycle 2, and an organization can have up to 10 applications at a time.
• Target Circle Community Giving: Target Circle members earn votes when they shop and use them to help direct grants to participating nonprofits.
• GiftCard donations: GiftCards average $25–$50, up to a maximum of $500 per year per agency, available February through December as funding permits. Print the form and bring it to your local Target store with your IRS letter. Stores take up to 30 days to review requests. Target does not donate merchandise.

2026–27 timing The 2026 Community Engagement Funds cycles ran April 6–May 6 and August 3–September 4, and both are closed. Target says to return in April 2027 for Cycle 1; exact 2027 dates aren’t published yet.

3. Bank of America

Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides nonprofit grant funding to organizations that align with its mission to support economic opportunity.

Who is it for? Nonprofits advancing economic mobility in eligible local markets through basic needs (shelter, food, health), income creation (mentoring, skill building, work experience), stable housing, and empowered communities.

How to apply?

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and register for NPO Hub (formerly FrontDoor) to accept ACH payments
• Take the online eligibility survey, which directs you to the application form if you’re a suitable candidate
• Apply during one of the two yearly windows; unsolicited applications aren’t accepted outside posted dates
• Expect funding no more than once per calendar year; grant size varies by market and organization size

2026–27 timing The 2026 windows were February 2–March 2 (basic needs and income creation) and May 18–June 29 (stable housing and empowering communities). Both are closed, and 2027 dates aren’t posted yet; check the grant FAQ in early 2027. The related Neighborhood Builders program opens its next cycle in spring 2027.

4. Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation funds literacy programs through several grant types: Adult Literacy and Family Literacy grants (up to $10,000), Summer Reading grants ($3,000), Youth Literacy grants ($5,000), and Beyond Words grants for school library disaster relief.

Who is it for? IRS-determined nonprofits, public libraries, schools, and colleges that provide direct literacy services. Your address must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in a state where Dollar General operates. Schools need an NCES ID, libraries without 501(c)(3) status need an IMLS ID, and colleges need an IPEDS number.

How to apply?

• Apply on the foundation’s online grant platform while a window is open
• Allow up to 48 hours for organization verification, so register early
• You can apply for more than one grant type
• Summer Reading and Youth Literacy grants can’t be awarded for a third consecutive year; Adult and Family grants have no consecutive-year limit

2026–27 timing The 2026 windows have closed. Adult, Family, and Summer Reading applications open in January 2027, and Youth Literacy opens in spring 2027. Exact 2027 dates aren’t published yet, so check the grant programs page in December.

5. The Home Depot

The Home Depot Foundation focuses on improving homes and communities, particularly for US veterans, and on skilled trades education. Its grants hub lists Veteran Housing Grants, Path to Pro Grants, and Retool Your School.

Who is it for? Path to Pro Education Grants award up to $10,000 in Home Depot gift cards to accredited K-12 schools, accredited post-secondary institutions, and US 501(c)(3)s with an existing construction skilled trades program. You need an operating budget of at least $300,000 and audited financials from the past three years, and organizations under three years old aren’t eligible.

Veteran Housing Grants typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 for 501(c)(3)s in good standing for five or more years, with a $300,000+ budget and three years of audited financials. You must have experience developing veteran housing, currently own or manage it, and commit to a 15+ year ownership stake. Grants cover hard costs and must be less than 50% of total development cost.

How to apply? Register on the foundation’s grant platform (or log in if you’ve applied before) and start a new application for the program you qualify for. Path to Pro allows one request per organization.

2026–27 timing Path to Pro applications are open now, but new awards won’t be made until February 2027; applications submitted before then stay under consideration. Veteran Housing proposals are accepted year-round with decisions three times a year; the 2026 due dates were December 12, 2025, March 20, 2026, and July 3, 2026, and 2027 dates aren’t posted yet.

Companies that donate products or in-kind support

Chewy, Build-A-Bear, LEGO, Chef Works, and Crayola donate products rather than cash. In-kind support helps you serve people directly, stock programs or events, and reduce pressure on cash budgets. Let’s look at companies that donate products to nonprofits:

6. Chewy

Chewy, a pet supply retailer, facilitates product donations to animal organizations through its Shelters and Rescues Network. Supporters can buy items from your Wish List and send them straight to your shelter or rescue. The network also promotes your adoptable pets and offers a referral commission.

Who is it for? Qualified animal welfare 501(c)(3) organizations in the US, including shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries. Chewy reserves the right to refuse applications.

How to apply? Join Chewy’s Shelters and Rescues Network by submitting an application on its website. Once approved, create a Wish List that supporters can use to send supplies to your organization.

2026–27 timing Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Set up your Wish List before year-end giving season so supporters can use it for holiday gifts.

7. Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear donates stuffed animals through its Hearts ‘n’ Hugs Fund on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who is it for? Tax-exempt organizations that directly serve children in need, with priority for programs promoting literacy, health, wellness, safety, and equity. Build-A-Bear’s how-to-apply page also lists registered charities in Canada, the UK, and Ireland as eligible, and requests of 200 to 1,000 bears. It doesn’t donate to individuals, families, fundraisers, raffles, or auctions.

How to apply? Submit product donation requests through DonationXchange, using the “Apply via DonationXchange” link on the Hearts ‘n’ Hugs Fund page.

2026–27 timing The request form is closed and reopens November 2, 2026. Because requests are first-come, first-served, have your request ready to submit that day.

8. LEGO

LEGO supports children through LEGO Replay, which collects used LEGO bricks, sorts and cleans them, and passes them to donation partners, including First Book and Give Back Box, for children’s programs in the US and Canada.

Who is it for? Organizations serving kids in need. First Book says anyone working with kids in need can access its Marketplace.

How to apply? There’s no LEGO application form, but there is a path. Register with First Book Marketplace and order LEGO Replay “Brick Play Boxes.” The boxes are free; you pay shipping and processing, and supplies are limited.

2026–27 timing Available while supplies last, so check First Book Marketplace periodically.

Note for donors: Replay accepts LEGO System, DUPLO, and Technic bricks, minifigures, baseplates, tires, and rims. It doesn’t accept third-party bricks, built sets, or electronics. You don’t need to clean bricks first; LEGO sorts and cleans them before donation.

9. Chef Works

Chef Works, a culinary apparel company, provides in-kind donations for events and programs through Chef Works Cares.

Who is it for? Charitable organizations working in three core areas: eliminating child poverty, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and protecting the environment. Each organization can receive one donation per calendar year.

How to apply? Download Chef Works’ In-Kind Donation Request Form, complete it, and submit it at least six weeks before your event; allow four weeks for review. Include details about your organization, the purpose of the donation, and the specific products needed. Approved requests are notified by email, and questions go to CWinkinddonations@chefworks.com.

2026–27 timing Requests are reviewed year-round. If your 2027 event is in spring, send your request by early in the year.

10. Crayola Cares

Crayola Cares accepts one product donation request per organization each year. Combine all your yearly product needs into a single request, including programs, raffles, and auctions.

Who is it for? Nonprofit organizations serving children’s arts and education, or working in health, welfare, and civic affairs. You must be located in Lehigh or Northampton counties (Pennsylvania) or Phillipsburg/Warren County (New Jersey). Outside these areas, Crayola points organizations to Good360, KINF, and NAEIR.

How to apply? Submit a donation request through Crayola’s online form at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Include your organization’s details, tax ID number, event or program information, and the specific products needed. Crayola replies to accepted requests, and donated products can’t be resold, except items donated for an auction.

2026–27 timing Requests are accepted any time of year. Because you get one request a year, plan your 2027 needs before you submit.

Check out 65 free stuff for nonprofits (tools, guides, templates, software, and more)

Companies that donate food or support hunger relief

Trader Joe’s, Panera Bread, Kroger, Chick-fil-A, and The Cheesecake Factory donate surplus food to local nonprofits, and some also give for events. Many grocery chains and restaurants turn unsold inventory into meals for people facing hunger. Some work through food bank networks, while others require scheduled pickups.

Here are some of the well-known companies that donate food to nonprofits.

11. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s supports nonprofits through two separate pathways:

• Product donations for events: Store-level donations of food and beverages for specific community events, such as silent auctions, or for direct distribution to the people you serve. Each store has a Donation Coordinator who manages these local requests. Donations are limited to one per year per organization from the whole company, not one from each store in your area.
• Neighborhood Shares: Trader Joe’s food-recovery program, through which stores donate unsold but safe food to local food banks and other nonprofit food-recovery partners seven days a week.

Who is it for? 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a valid, current tax ID number.

How to apply? For event product donations, write a request on your organization’s letterhead and have a representative deliver it to your local Trader Joe’s at least three weeks before you need the donation. Make sure to include:

• Valid tax ID number
• Nature of your organization
• Reason for the donation
• Specific products requested

Neighborhood Shares partnerships are arranged locally between individual stores and nonprofit partners.

2026–27 timing Requests are accepted year-round. Because you get one donation a year, save it for the event where it matters most.

12. Panera Bread

Panera Bread donates unsold bread, bagels, and baked goods at the end of each night to local nonprofits through its Day-End Dough-Nation program. When accepted, organizations commit to picking up goods on a weekly, continuous basis.

Who is it for? Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, or public schools that distribute food to people in need, including food banks, shelters, and community meal programs.

How to apply? Submit an online application through Panera Bread’s website. The Donations Team will email you about whether your application has been accepted.

2026–27 timing Panera says it is always accepting applications.

13. Kroger

Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan has rescued 815 million pounds of surplus food for donation since 2017. Kroger also considers donation requests for cash, sponsorships, gift cards, and products, and its foundation offers grants quarterly.

Who is it for? 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in six focus areas: hunger relief, sustainability, disaster relief, health and nutrition, diversity and inclusion, and education and youth development. Kroger doesn’t fund individuals, travel, political campaigns, or sectarian projects that serve their own members.

How to apply? Create an account and submit your request through Kroger’s online portal at communitygifts.com. Kroger verifies 501(c)(3) status through Guidestar Charity Check. Submit at least four weeks before your event, and allow up to four weeks for a response.

2026–27 timing Donation requests are accepted any time. Foundation grant deadlines for 2026 were April 3, June 26, September 18, and December 4. The next deadline is December 4, 2026; 2027 deadlines aren’t posted yet.

14. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A donates surplus food to local nonprofits through its Shared Table program, helping feed people in need while reducing food waste. More than 2,700 restaurants participate, and individual restaurants choose to opt in.

Who is it for? Local nonprofits and charitable organizations that serve meals to people experiencing food insecurity, such as soup kitchens, senior centers, and after-school programs.

How to apply? Chick-fil-A encourages you to speak with your local Owner-Operator about becoming a Shared Table partner. Participating restaurants package surplus food at the end of each day except Sundays.

2026–27 timing Partnerships are set up locally year-round. Separately, Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration Awards grants ($30,000–$350,000) go to nonprofits nominated by local Operators, so getting to know your Operator helps there too.

15. The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory donates excess food from its restaurants to local nonprofits through its Nourish Program. In a 2025 company release, it reported donating more than 820,000 pounds of food to 600+ nonprofits.

Who is it for? Food banks, shelters, meal programs, and hunger-relief organizations that serve people experiencing food insecurity in areas where The Cheesecake Factory operates.

How to apply? The Cheesecake Factory doesn’t publish an application for Nourish. The contact path on its giving page is the General Manager at your local restaurant, so start there and ask about food recovery.

2026–27 timing No published cycle. Reach out to your local restaurant any time.

Companies that donate technology to nonprofits

Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Slack, and Atlassian give nonprofits free or discounted software after a quick eligibility check. These tools make it easier to manage your data, coordinate your team, and track your programs without spending too much. Let’s take a look at them:

16. Microsoft

Microsoft for Nonprofits provides grants and discounts across cloud products, including Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform. For example, Microsoft 365 Business Basic is free for up to 300 users, and eligible nonprofits can get an annual $2,000 Azure credit grant.

Granted licenses are for paid employees and unpaid executive staff, while discounted licenses extend to a broader group of staff and volunteers. Program beneficiaries, members, and donors are not eligible.

Who is it for? Nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations with recognized legal status in their country. Public libraries, public museums, and certain US healthcare organizations (such as independent critical access hospitals and federally qualified health centers) are also eligible. Government bodies, schools, and universities are not.

How to apply? Register and verify your nonprofit status through Microsoft’s nonprofit platform. It takes about 10 minutes and needs your legal identifier, address, and contact information. Once approved, you can access donated and discounted cloud products.

2026–27 timing Applications are accepted any time.

17. Google

Google for Nonprofits provides free tools to increase your online visibility, improve productivity, and attract donors.

These include:

• Google Ad Grants ($10,000 a month in in-kind advertising for text ads)
• Google Workspace for Nonprofits (free email and collaboration tools)
• YouTube Nonprofit Program
• Google Maps Platform credits

Who is it for? US-based organizations with IRS tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), or groups affiliated with a central nonprofit holding 501(c)(3) status.

Not eligible: government entities; hospitals and healthcare organizations (their foundations are eligible); schools and universities (their philanthropic arms are eligible); and fiscally sponsored organizations without their own 501(c)(3) status.

How to apply? Create a Google account or use your existing account to get started. Complete verification through Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits’ validation partner. Once verified, you can activate Google for Nonprofits products.

2026–27 timing Applications are accepted any time. Google reviews most product requests in 2–14 business days.

18. Salesforce

Salesforce provides 10 donated Enterprise Edition licenses through its Power of Us program. You choose between an Agentforce Nonprofit bundle (formerly Nonprofit Cloud) and a Sales and Service bundle. It also offers discounts on additional licenses, training and events, nonprofit user groups and webinars, and AppExchange partner discounts.

Who is it for? Nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) determination letter or the equivalent for their country. Fiscally sponsored organizations are accepted, and Salesforce makes one donation per EIN.

How to apply? Log in to the Power of Us portal with a Trailblazer ID, have your tax ID and 501(c)(3) letter (or equivalent) ready, and apply. Review takes up to three days. Once approved, request your bundle of donated licenses.

2026–27 timing Applications are accepted any time.

19. Slack

Slack for Nonprofits makes Slack’s Pro plan free for workspaces with 250 or fewer members. Larger Pro workspaces and Business+ plans get 85% off. Teams can communicate through channels, share files, integrate with other tools, and coordinate work across locations.

Who is it for? Organizations with valid charitable status, such as 501(c)(3) status in the US. Not eligible: legislative or political organizations, churches and religious organizations, schools and colleges (see Slack for Education), government offices, organizations that attempt to influence public opinion, hospitals and health insurers, and private foundations.

How to apply?

• Create a Slack workspace (if you don’t already have one)
• Complete the Slack for Nonprofits application
• Wait for TechSoup to verify your nonprofit status
• Once approved, the discount is applied within three days (fees paid before approval aren’t refunded)

2026–27 timing Applications are accepted any time. Apply before you upgrade to avoid paying full price.

20. Atlassian

Atlassian offers discounts of 50%–100% off its list prices for Jira, Confluence, Jira Service Management, and other collaboration tools through its Social Impact License.

Who is it for? Nonprofits and social enterprises that are non-governmental, non-political, and recognized as nonprofits in their country, including 501(c)(3) organizations in the US. Not eligible: professional associations, mutual organizations, fraternities and sororities, hospitals and health insurers, political and governmental organizations, and schools and higher education.

How to apply? Submit the Social Impact License application. Goodstack reviews all applicants, approval takes two to three days, and the discount is applied automatically.

2026–27 timing Applications are accepted any time.

Companies with corporate giving programs for nonprofits

Disney, Adobe, ExxonMobil, UnitedHealth Group, and Cisco give through employees: they match staff donations or reward volunteer hours with company funds. These corporate giving programs start with an employee, so your job is to make it easy for supporters who work there to ask.

Let’s see which companies offer these programs:

21. Disney

Disney runs an employee matching gifts program that matches employee and cast member donations to charitable organizations around the world, up to $15,000 per employee per calendar year. Employees can also direct company donations to nonprofits where they volunteer through VoluntEARS Grants.

Who is it for? US 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have operated for at least one year and K-12 public schools listed with the National Center for Education Statistics. Disney’s matching guidelines say eligible nonprofits must already be selected for its focus areas of conservation, compassion, and creativity and verified in the program’s database.

How to apply? There’s no application. Ask Disney employee donors if they’ve submitted a match request, and provide receipts and documentation promptly when the employee or Disney asks.

2026–27 timing Matches are tracked per calendar year, so remind Disney employees in your donor base to request matches for their 2026 gifts.

22. Adobe

Adobe matches employee donations up to $10,000 a year to eligible nonprofits and schools and donates $25 for every hour employees volunteer.

Who is it for? Eligible nonprofits and schools. Adobe’s 2024 Nonprofit Resource Guide also describes the Adobe Employee Community Fund, which awards one-year $20,000 general operating grants to nonprofits invited to apply by a current Adobe employee.

How to apply? Adobe runs matching through Benevity, so register your organization on Benevity’s nonprofit portal (benevity.com/nonprofits) and ask Adobe employees in your network to submit their gifts and volunteer hours.

2026–27 timing Matching runs year-round. Community Fund invitations come from employees each year, so let Adobe supporters know you’re interested.

23. ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil runs a Volunteer Involvement Program that provides grants to nonprofits where employees and retirees volunteer. After an employee, retiree, or team contributes at least 20 hours in a calendar year, the organization receives a $500 grant.

Who is it for? Eligible charitable nonprofit organizations. Focus areas include education, health and human services, and the environment.

How to apply? Find ExxonMobil employees and retirees in your volunteer base, encourage them to participate, and remind them to submit their grant request through ExxonMobil’s CyberGrants portal.

2026–27 timing Requests must be submitted within 90 days of completing the volunteer activity, so don’t wait until year-end to remind volunteers.

24. UnitedHealth Group

The United Health Foundation’s United for Giving program matches employee donations dollar for dollar. Employees also receive $10 for every hour they volunteer, up to 50 hours or $500 a year. In 2025, the program gave $48.6 million to 25,100 charities.

Who is it for? Nearly all nonprofit organizations, according to UnitedHealth Group. Separately, United Health Foundation grants for health-focused work are invitation-based.

How to apply? There’s no application for matching. Make employees aware of matching opportunities and respond quickly to verification requests.

2026–27 timing Matching runs year-round. Year-end appeals are a good moment to mention it.

25. Cisco

Cisco matches employee donations up to $10,000 per calendar year and provides $10 for every volunteer hour. Employees also receive 10 paid days off each year to volunteer through the Time2Give program.

Who is it for? More than 100,000 nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations are eligible for Cisco’s Matching Gifts Program.

How to apply? Ask Cisco employee donors to request their matches through Cisco’s Community Impact Portal, and respond promptly if Cisco asks you to confirm a gift.

2026–27 timing Matching limits reset each calendar year, so year-end is a good time to remind Cisco employees to submit 2026 gifts.

How to find companies that donate to nonprofits?

The companies most likely to support you are usually already connected to your work: your board’s employers, local businesses, and brands that serve the same people you do. Start there, then search company giving pages and databases.

Here are some of the ways to learn about these businesses that donate to nonprofits:

1. Decide what kind of support you need

Corporate donations to nonprofits can take different forms. Some companies offer cash grants, while others donate products, food, technology, gift cards, or volunteer hours.

Before you start researching, clarify what you actually need. Are you looking for funding to cover program costs? Do you need supplies for an event? Are you looking for software for your team?

Knowing this first helps you target the right companies and programs.

2. Start with your network

Reach out to board members, volunteers, and supporters about their employers’ corporate giving programs for nonprofits. Ask what kind of support they offer and whether your nonprofit fits their criteria.

If it’s a match, request an introduction. A personal connection from an employee carries far more weight than a cold application and leads to better response rates.

3. Search company websites directly

Most companies that donate to nonprofit organizations post their guidelines online. Look for pages titled Community Giving, Corporate Giving, Social Impact, or Foundation.

If you can’t find donation information quickly, use online databases like Double the Donation, Candid’s directory, or your local community foundation’s resource lists.

These databases offer full details on corporate programs such as grants and matching gifts, saving you hours of manual searching.

4. Look at local businesses first

Small companies that donate to nonprofits often operate without formal and lengthy application processes. So, start with local businesses that fit your needs.

Reach out several weeks in advance to give them time to review your request and arrange what they can offer.

5. Match your mission to the company’s focus

Corporations that donate to nonprofits often focus on specific issues. Review these focus areas and prioritize companies whose work aligns with yours.

• Food banks: Grocery stores, restaurants, farms, food distributors, food brands
• Animal shelters: Pet brands, veterinary clinics, groomers, feed stores, and local animal businesses
• Schools: EdTech companies, educational publishers, children’s toy brands, office supply retailers, book publishers, arts and crafts companies
• Community nonprofits: Local store branches, franchise locations, regional companies with corporate giving programs for nonprofits

Before you apply: a quick checklist to follow

Most corporate applications ask for the same documents, so gather them once and reuse them. Here’s the list:

• Locate your IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) proof)
• Have your EIN and a signed W-9 ready
• Pull together your current annual operating budget
• Find your most recent Form 990
• Write a short mission and program summary
• Prepare proof of your service area
• Gather impact numbers (people served, outcomes)
• List your board members and a main contact
• Attach your nondiscrimination policy
• Include a food safety and storage plan, if requesting food

How do you collect corporate money once a company says yes?

To collect corporate money, you need three things ready before the yes arrives: your nonprofit registered on the giving platforms companies use for matching gifts, a simple way to invoice and take payment from sponsors, and a page where employees can give. Each type of corporate gift reaches you a different way, and small nonprofits most often lose money in the gap between “yes” and “paid.”

1. Set it up once: the two-person version

You don’t need a corporate relations team. Two people can split the work:

• Person one (paperwork): keeps the W-9, IRS determination letter, EIN, and bank details in one shared folder; registers the organization on giving platforms; and sends invoices and receipts.
• Person two (relationships): talks to sponsors and employee donors, confirms what was promised, and follows up until the money arrives.

If you’re a team of one, block 30 minutes a week for both jobs. A bigger team can add a sponsorship lead or volunteer coordinator later; it’s optional.

2. Matching gifts: get registered, then nudge the employee

A matching gift starts with an employee, not with you. The employee gives to your nonprofit, then submits a match request through their company’s giving platform, such as Benevity, YourCause, or CyberGrants. The company checks that your nonprofit is eligible and pays the match, usually through that same platform.

What trips nonprofits up:

• Not being registered or verified. If your organization isn’t listed on the platform the company uses, the match can stall. Register on the major platforms now and keep your bank details current so payments can reach you electronically.
• Missed deadlines. Each company sets its own submission window. ExxonMobil, for example, asks for volunteer grant requests within 90 days. Remind donors soon after they give, and again at year-end.
• Slow confirmations. Companies often ask you to confirm the gift. Answer within a few days.

3. Sponsorships: have the invoice ready before you ask

“We’ll send you an invoice” is where many small nonprofits stumble. The sponsor’s accounts payable team often needs your W-9 to set you up as a payee, and some need a purchase order number on the invoice before they can pay. Without those, a confirmed sponsorship can sit unpaid for weeks.

Before you send a sponsorship letter, prepare:

• An invoice template with your legal name, EIN, address, the amount, what the sponsor receives, a due date, and a space for a PO number
• Your W-9, attached to the first invoice so nobody has to ask
• More than one way to pay: a card payment link for speed, ACH or bank transfer for larger amounts (usually lower fees than cards), and a mailing address for checks
• A receipt or written acknowledgment that states the amount received and describes any benefits the sponsor got in return. Ask your accountant how to treat sponsorship benefits for tax purposes.

Then follow up on a schedule: confirm the invoice was received, check it a week before the due date, and send a thank-you as soon as it’s paid.

4. Employee giving: make it easy to give at work

Many companies run payroll giving or seasonal giving campaigns through platforms like Benevity or YourCause, where employees pick nonprofits and give through their paycheck. Being registered on those platforms makes you findable.

When a company runs a workplace giving campaign for you, give employees a simple donation link they can share, and send the company a short impact update afterward. Track volunteer hours too, because many companies, including Adobe, Cisco, and UnitedHealth Group, turn those hours into grants.

5. Give the money somewhere to land

Whatever the gift type, it helps to have one place where corporate money can arrive and be receipted. RallyUp Donation Pages can take sponsorship payments by card and give employees a place to make the gifts their employer will match. They’re free (no platform fee, and donors aren’t asked to tip), receipts go out automatically, and you can record checks as offline donations; standard payment processing fees still apply. If you sell sponsorship tiers, a RallyUp Storefront lets sponsors pick a level and pay at checkout.

Start connecting with companies that give to charity

Your next step: shortlist three to five companies from this list that match your mission and location, note their 2026–27 deadlines, and get your paperwork ready now.

Once you’ve found strong matches:

• Review their eligibility requirements and application guidelines
• Submit requests through the correct channel for each giving type
• Prepare documentation like your 501(c)(3) letter, EIN, and program details
• Track every request with dates, contacts, and follow-up reminders
• Thank supporters and share impact reports after you secure the funding

You have a higher chance of securing corporate donations when you start in advance, have a clear plan, and focus on companies aligned with your cause.

When a company says yes, or when you’re ready to turn new support into a campaign, RallyUp gives you a free place to run it, from a simple donation page to a raffle or online auction. Campaign reports make it easy to show corporate supporters what their gift accomplished.