25 Companies That Donate to Nonprofits in the US: Find the Right Match & Support
Companies That Donate to Nonprofits
Companies show support to nonprofits in different ways: grants, in-kind products, food donations, technology tools, and matching gifts. Here’s a quick look at these companies and what they offer:
Financial grants: Walmart, Target, Bank of America, Lowe’s, The Home Depot.
Product donations: Chewy, Build-A-Bear, LEGO, Chef Works, Crayola.
Food support: Trader Joe’s, Panera Bread, Kroger, Chick-fil-A, The Cheesecake Factory.
Technology access: Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Slack, Atlassian.
Corporate giving programs: Disney, Adobe, ExxonMobil, UnitedHealth Group, Cisco.
With RallyUp’s end-to-end fundraising platform, you can easily turn secured funding into successful fundraisers using built-in campaign tools and done-for-you support.
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’re best for, and how to apply so you can easily find the right match.
In this article
- A quick look into the companies that donate to nonprofits
- What should you know before asking for corporate donations?
- Explore the list of companies that donate to nonprofits
- Companies that offer grants or direct cash donations
- Companies that donate products or in-kind support
- 8. LEGO
- Companies that donate food or support hunger relief
- Companies that donate technology to nonprofits
- Companies with corporate giving programs for nonprofits
- How to find companies that donate to nonprofits?
- Before you apply: A quick checklist to follow
- Start connecting with companies that give to charity!
A quick look into the companies that donate to nonprofits
| Company | Type of support | Who qualifies | How to apply | Giving category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Local cash grants, $250–$5,000 | 501(c)(3)s, schools, government, faith-based organizations near the facility | Online via Spark Good (Deed verification); three cycles a year | Direct corporate / foundation |
| Target | Community grants $1,000–$15,000; GiftCards $25–$50; customer-directed giving | 501(c)(3)s or accredited schools in education, health, community, family | Grants: two cycles a year. GiftCards: form to local store | Direct + customer-directed |
| Bank of America | Foundation cash grants | Nonprofits advancing economic mobility in eligible localities | Eligibility survey via NPO Hub; two cycles a year, no unsolicited requests | Direct corporate / foundation |
| Lowe’s | Cash grants (Gable; Community Impact) | Nonprofits in skilled trades or improving community spaces | Eligibility survey then portal; some windows invite-only | Direct corporate / foundation |
| The Home Depot | Cash grants (education; veteran housing) | Schools and 501(c)(3)s in skilled trades or veteran housing | Register at foundation grants portal; check for open applications | Direct corporate / foundation |
| Chewy | Pet product donations via Wish List | Animal shelters, rescues, and 501(c)(3)s serving animals; US-based | Join Shelter & Rescue Network online, then create a Wish List | Supporter-funded via platform |
| Build-A-Bear | Stuffed-animal product donations | 501(c)(3)s serving children in health, education, wellness | Submit via DonationXchange portal | Direct product / in-kind |
| LEGO | Donated LEGO bricks (Replay) | Nonprofits serving children | Partner-based (e.g., First Book); no open application path | Partner-based |
| Chef Works | In-kind apparel/product donations | Charities in child poverty, disabilities, or environment | In-Kind Donation Request form; apply well ahead of the event | Direct product / in-kind |
| Crayola Cares | Product donations (one request a year) | Children’s arts/education nonprofits in specific PA and NJ counties | Online form, several weeks ahead of need | Direct product / in-kind |
| Trader Joe’s | Food/beverage donations (events; daily food recovery) | 501(c)(3)s with a valid tax ID | Letterhead request to local Donation Coordinator; recovery arranged locally | Direct in-kind (food) |
| Panera Bread | Unsold baked-goods donations | 501(c)(3)s, religious organizations, schools serving people in need | Apply online; accepted organizations pick up weekly | Direct in-kind (food) |
| Kroger | Rescued food donations + foundation grants | 501(c)(3)s in hunger, health, sustainability, education | Community Donations Portal; grants offered quarterly | Direct in-kind (food) |
| Chick-fil-A | Surplus food donations (Shared Table) | 501(c)(3)s serving people facing food insecurity | Contact local restaurant; schedule set locally | Direct in-kind (food) |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Excess food donations (Nourish) | Food banks, shelters, and meal programs in operating areas | Contact directly to explore partnership | Direct in-kind (food) |
| Microsoft | Cloud technology grants and discounts | Nonprofits/NGOs with recognized legal status; some libraries, museums, healthcare organizations | Verify status on Microsoft’s nonprofit platform | Direct technology |
| Ad Grants, Workspace, YouTube, Maps tools | US 501(c)(3)s; excludes government, healthcare, schools | Verify through Goodstack, then activate | Direct technology | |
| Salesforce | 10 free licenses + discounts (Power of Us) | US 501(c)(3)/(c)(4); international organizations need equivalent documents | Apply via Power of Us portal and validate | Direct technology |
| Slack | Discounted plans, up to 85% off | Registered charities; excludes education, government, political organizations | Apply, then verify via TechSoup | Direct technology |
| Atlassian | Discounted tools, ~50–100% off | Registered tax-exempt nonprofits, including US 501(c)(3)s | Social Impact License form; verify via Goodstack | Direct technology |
| Disney | Employee matching gifts + volunteer grants | US 501(c)(3)s or public schools; international organizations must meet IRS standards | Employee-driven; prompt employee donors to submit matches | Employee-driven |
| Adobe | Matching gifts + volunteer grants | Recognized nonprofits; libraries need 501(c)(3) or IMLS listing | Employee-driven; register with Benevity | Employee-driven |
| ExxonMobil | Volunteer grants (per hours served) | 501(c)(3)s or government organizations in education, health, environment | Employee-driven; engage employees/retirees to volunteer | Employee-driven |
| UnitedHealth Group | Matching gifts + volunteer grants | 501(c)(3)s and public agencies in health-related work | Employee-driven; make staff aware of matching programs | Employee-driven |
| Cisco | Matching gifts + volunteer grants | Nonprofits in education, digital inclusion, crisis response | Employee-driven; see Cisco giving guidelines | Employee-driven |
What should you know before asking for corporate donations?
Many companies donate to charity, but each has different criteria you need to meet. Some give only 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.
Because there’s no shared schedule, confirm each company’s criteria, application window, and deadlines on its own giving page before you apply. 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 support financial literacy programs but not be more open towards 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 limitations (local organizations only, specific states or regions)
- Excluded groups (political organizations, individuals, and private events are often not considered)
- Organizational discrimination policies
- Operational requirements (must be in operation for a certain number of years)
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 donation applications quarterly or annually. Check the company’s giving page at the start of each quarter (January, April, July, October) for updated deadlines and application windows.
Also, sign up for its email alerts or newsletter where available so you’re notified when a window opens.
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
- Contact companies to register your nonprofit in their approved charity databases
Explore the list of companies that donate to nonprofits
Not every nonprofit needs funds. Some need products for the people they serve, technology to improve operations, or access to employee matching gift programs.
This list organizes companies that donate to nonprofits by different donation types, making it easier to find those that match your specific needs.
These companies further donate differently. Some donate 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, Lowe’s, and 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 is based on research conducted in May 2026. Companies can update their corporate giving program guidelines. Always visit their official website to confirm current eligibility, donation details, and application requirements before applying.
Companies that offer grants or direct cash donations
These companies that give donations to nonprofit organizations 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 per facility through its Spark Good Local Grants program. Local Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centers review applications and fund organizations serving in their nearby communities.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) public charity, schools, government entities, and faith-based organizations in the same area of the facility from which they are requesting funds.
How to apply?
- Requires a Spark Good account and validation through Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed
- Fill out an online application that is accepted and reviewed across three cycles in FY27: February 1–April 15, May 1–July 15, and August 1–November 30
- Applications go through facility managers who evaluate mission alignment, community impact, and organizational track record
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 of $25-$50. Target offer up to a maximum of $500 per year, per agency, available February through December as funding permits.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) public charity or accredited school focused on thriving families, vibrant neighborhoods, emerging creative & culture, and economic opportunity.
How to apply?
Each Target grant has its own criteria and application process.
- Community Engagement Funds: Two application cycles per year (April-May and August-September). Organizations cannot apply for the same program in both cycles.
- Target Circle Community Giving: Target Circle members can earn votes when they shop and use them to help direct grants to participating nonprofits.
- Gift card donations: Submit a form to the local Target store, along with proof of nonprofit status. Stores take up to 30 days to review requests. Target does not donate merchandise.
3. Bank of America
Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides nonprofit grant funding to organizations that align with its mission to support economic opportunity for all.
Who is it for?
Nonprofits advancing economic mobility in specific localities through basic needs (shelter, food, health), income creation (mentoring, skill building, work experience), stable housing, and empowered communities.
How to apply?
- Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and register for NPO Hub to accept ACH payments
- Take an online eligibility survey that will direct you to the application form if you’re a suitable candidate
- Two application cycles are available per year. Unsolicited applications not accepted outside posted dates
4. Lowe’s
Lowe’s Foundation supports skilled trades workforce development and community improvement projects through two different grants.
Who is it for?
Gable Grants are for community and technical colleges, community-based nonprofits, and national nonprofits with skilled trades training programs
Community Impact Grants are for nonprofits working on shared community spaces like community centers, veterans’ facilities, food pantries, schools, and parks with projects completed within four months.
How to apply?
Complete the eligibility survey for Gable Grants, then apply through their online portal. Application windows vary by organization type, with invite-only access for community-based and national nonprofits.
During the Impact Grants Program Nomination Period, a Nominator must visit lowes.com/bucketlist and enter the information requested on the nomination form (collectively, “Submission”).
5. The Home Depot
The Home Depot Foundation focuses on improving homes and communities, particularly for US veterans and skilled trades education.
Who is it for?
Path to Pro Education Grants is for accredited K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions (community and technical colleges), and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with existing construction skilled trades programs.
Veteran Housing Grants is for 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least five years in good standing and a $300,000+ operating budget. Organizations must have experience developing and managing veteran-specific housing with a 15+ year ownership commitment.
How to apply?
Register through their grants portal at homedepot.com/foundation and check for available applications.
Companies that donate products or in-kind support
In-kind support helps you serve the people you support directly, stock for programs or events, and reduce pressure on cash budgets. Let’s look at companies that donate products to nonprofits:
6. Chewy
Chewy, a leading pet supply retailer, facilitates product donations to animal organizations through its Wish List program. Supporters can purchase and send needed items straight to your shelter or rescue. Chewy also reports its own product donations through Chewy Gives Back.
Who is it for?
Qualified animal rescues, shelters, sanctuaries, and 501(c)(3) organizations serving unwanted, abandoned, abused, or stray animals. Must be headquartered in the US.
How to apply?
Join Chewy’s Shelter & Rescue Network by submitting an application on their website. Once approved, create a Wish List that supporters can use to send supplies to your organization.
7. Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear donates stuffed animals through its Hearts ‘n’ Hugs initiative on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving children, particularly those focused on health, education, and wellness.
How to apply?
Submit product donation requests through DonationXchange, Build-A-Bear Foundation’s online portal. Donations support tax-exempt organizations that directly serve children in need.
8. LEGO
LEGO supports children through LEGO Replay, which collects gently used LEGO bricks, cleans and sanitizes them, and redistributes them to nonprofits serving children.
Who is it for?
Nonprofit organizations serving children. LEGO Replay works through established nonprofit partners, such as First Book, to distribute bricks across the US.
How to apply?
LEGO Replay is a partner-based reuse program rather than an open application program. LEGO selects and works with established nonprofit partners to distribute bricks, so there isn’t a public application path for organizations to request donations directly.
Note for donors: Only LEGO-branded bricks in good condition are accepted. LEGO cleans, sorts, and refurbishes all donated pieces before redistribution.
9. Chef Works
Chef Works, a culinary apparel company, provides in-kind donations for events and programs.
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.
How to apply?
Submit your request through Chef Works’ In-Kind Donation Request form at least six weeks before your event, and allow four weeks for review. Include details about your organization, the purpose of the donation, and specific products needed.
10. Crayola Cares
Crayola Cares accepts one product donation request per organization annually. It is best if you combine all their yearly product needs into a single request, including programs, raffles, and auctions.
Who is it for?
Nonprofit organizations with a focus on children’s arts and education programs or work in health, welfare, and community improvement. Must be located in Lehigh and Northampton counties (Pennsylvania) and Phillipsburg/Warren County (New Jersey).
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 specific products needed.
Check out 65 free stuff for nonprofits (tools, guides, templates, software, and more)Companies that donate food or support hunger relief
Many grocery chains and restaurants donate surplus food daily, turning 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.
- Neighborhood Shares: Trader Joe’s ongoing food-recovery program, through which each store donates unsold but still good food to local nonprofit partners daily.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a valid, current tax ID number.
How to apply?
For event product donations, submit a written request on your organization’s letterhead to your local Trader Joe’s Donation Coordinator at least three weeks in advance. 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.
12. Panera Bread
Panera Bread donates unsold baked goods at the end of each day to local nonprofits through their Day-End Dough-Nation program. When accepted, organizations are asked to pick up goods on a weekly, continuous basis.
Who is it for?
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, or public schools that serve people in need, including food banks, shelters, and community meal programs.
How to apply?
Submit an online application through Panera Bread’s website. You will receive their response via email on whether your application has been accepted.
13. Kroger
Kroger’s Zero Hunger and Zero Waste program rescues surplus fresh food from stores daily. Their Associates set aside safe, wholesome food that can no longer be sold, and local food banks pick it up for distribution.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and community programs working in six focus areas: hunger relief, sustainability, health and nutrition, disaster relief, diversity and inclusion, and education and youth development.
How to apply?
Create an account and submit a donation request through Kroger’s online Community Donations Portal. Allow up to four weeks for a response.
Foundation grants are also offered quarterly with specific application deadlines throughout the year.
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.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve meals to people experiencing food insecurity, including soup kitchens, senior centers, and after-school programs.
How to apply?
Contact your local Chick-fil-A restaurant directly to inquire about becoming a Shared Table partner. Each restaurant manages its own partnerships and determines donation schedules based on local needs.
15. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory donates excess food from its restaurants to local nonprofits through its Nourish Program. With the Copia Mobile app, the program matches available food with organizations in real time, and DoorDash handles on-demand pickups and deliveries.
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?
Contact The Cheesecake Factory directly to explore partnership opportunities for receiving food donations.
Companies that donate technology to nonprofits
Several tech companies offer free or discounted tools to nonprofits. These 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.
Licenses through grants are available for paid employees and unpaid executive staff, while discounts extend to staff and volunteers. Program participants, members, and donors are not eligible.
Who is it for?
Nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations with recognized legal status in their country. Public libraries, museums, and certain healthcare organizations in the US are also eligible.
How to apply?
Register and verify your nonprofit status through Microsoft’s nonprofit platform. Once approved, you can access discounted and donated cloud products through the Microsoft for Nonprofits portal.
17. Google
Google for Nonprofits provides access to tools to increase your online visibility, improve productivity, build your website’s visibility, and attract donors.
These include:
- Google Ad Grants (up to $10,000 monthly in text-based advertising)
- Google Workspace for Nonprofits (free email and collaboration tools)
- YouTube Nonprofit Program
- Google Maps 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; schools, academic institutions, and universities; 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 the verification process through Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits’ validation partner. Once verified, you can access and activate Google for Nonprofits products.
18. Salesforce
Salesforce provides 10 free Enterprise Edition licenses through its Power of Us program. It also offers training and event discounts, access to nonprofit user groups and webinars, and lower pricing on apps and consulting partners from the AppExchange.
Who is it for?
US nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) IRS determination letter. International organizations need equivalent tax documentation for their country.
How to apply?
Apply through the Power of Us program portal. Complete the eligibility validation process, and once approved, request your bundle of donated licenses.
19. Slack
Slack for Charities provides discounted access to Slack’s paid plans (up to 85% off). Teams can communicate through channels, share files, integrate with other tools, and coordinate work across locations.
Who is it for?
Registered charitable organizations with recognized tax-exempt status in their country. US organizations need 501(c)(3) status. Educational institutions, government organizations, and political organizations are not eligible.
How to apply?
- Create a Slack workspace (if you don’t already have one)
- Complete the Slack for Charities application with your organization’s legal name, location, website, and brief description
- Wait for TechSoup to verify your nonprofit status
- Once verified, you’ll receive an email with instructions to apply the discount to your workspace
20. Atlassian
Atlassian offers discounts of around 50-100% off its list prices for Jira Software, Confluence, Jira Service Management, and other collaboration tools.
Who is it for?
Registered nonprofit organizations with recognized tax-exempt status in their country, including 501(c)(3) organizations in the US.
How to apply?
- Complete the Social Impact License application form
- Search for your organization by name or registration ID in the system
- If not found, manually enter your organization name, registration ID, registry name, and website
- Upload proof of nonprofit status (income tax exemption letter or equivalent documentation approved by Goodstack)
- Submit for review and await approval
Companies with corporate giving programs for nonprofits
Some companies donate to nonprofits through corporate giving programs such as matching gifts and volunteer grants. These employee-driven programs match donations or reward volunteer hours with company funds.
Let’s see which companies offer these programs:
21. Disney
Disney runs an employee giving program that matches staff donations to charities worldwide. Employees can also direct company donations to nonprofits where they volunteer through VoluntEARS Grants.
Who is it for?
Organizations established for at least one year. Must be a US public charity with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or a US pre-K through 12 public school or district verified in the National Center for Education Statistics database.
International organizations must meet IRS charitable standards.
How to apply?
Ask Disney employee donors if they’ve submitted a match request. Provide receipts and documentation promptly when requested by the employee or Disney.
22. Adobe
Adobe matches staff donations up to $10,000 annually and provides $25 volunteer grants for every hour employees volunteer.
Who is it for?
Recognized charitable or nonprofit organizations in the country where they’re registered. Public libraries need 501(c)(3) status or be listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services database.
How to apply?
Register your organization with Benevity, Adobe’s giving service provider, at causes.benevity.com.
23. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil runs a Volunteer Involvement Program that provides grants to nonprofits where employees and retirees volunteer. After they contribute 20 hours in a calendar year, either individually or as a team, the organization receives a $500 grant.
Who is it for?
Tax-exempt charitable organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) with an Employer Identification Number, or state and local government instrumentalities under IRC Section 170(c)(1).
Focus areas include education, health and human services, conservation, and the environment.
How to apply?
Find ExxonMobil employees in your donor base, encourage them to participate in the program, and show support to your charity.
24. UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Foundation United for Giving matches employee donations dollar for dollar. Employees also receive $10 for every hour they volunteer, up to 50 hours or $500 annually.
Who is it for?
501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies working on access to care, health quality, health outcomes, healthcare workforce, mental and behavioral health, maternal and infant health, or chronic condition support.
How to apply?
Make employees aware of matching opportunities and respond quickly to verification requests.
25. Cisco
Cisco matches employee donations up to $10,000 annually 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?
Nonprofits focused on education, digital inclusion, crisis response, community needs, and causes supported by Cisco employees. Organizations needing technology support or employee volunteer engagement are also eligible.
How to apply?
Over 100,000 nonprofits and NGOs are eligible for the Matching Gifts Program. Check out Cisco’s giving program guidelines to see how you can be part of their charity network.
How to find companies that donate to nonprofits?
Finding the right companies to approach takes research, but you don’t need to start from scratch. The companies most likely to support you are often already connected to your work in some way.
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 can offer cash grants while others might 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 seeking fundraising software for events?
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.
- 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
- 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
Start connecting with companies that give to charity!
This list covers companies that donate to nonprofits in multiple ways, making it a good starting point for building your corporate fundraising strategy.
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 proper strategy, and focus on companies aligned with your cause.
When you’re ready to put your secured funding to work, use RallyUp’s end-to-end fundraising platform to run campaigns that deliver results. Get full access to campaign data to share with corporate supporters and strengthen relationships.
Start your next campaign with RallyUp for freeFAQs on companies that donate to nonprofits
Large corporations like Walmart, Bank of America, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Microsoft consistently rank among the top donors through cash grants, product donations, and employee matching programs.
Companies whose mission aligns with your cause, have local stores in your area, or already support similar causes are most likely to sponsor. Regional retailers, grocery chains, and companies with a shared audience tend to be more accessible.
Research companies whose values match your mission, prepare the required documentation, submit requests through official channels, and demonstrate clear impact. Follow application guidelines exactly and track every request.
Yes. The Home Depot Foundation focuses on veteran causes, disaster relief, and affordable housing through grants, volunteer support, and product donations.