Looking to secure corporate funding for your nonprofit? We'll reveal the top 15 companies that generously support charitable organizations through various giving programs.
From tech giants like Google and Microsoft to beloved brands like Disney and Ben & Jerry's, you'll discover which corporations align with your mission and how to approach them for grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations.
We'll also explore the innovative ways these companies give back, including employee matching, volunteer grants, and community-focused initiatives.
Our Top 15 Picks of Companies That Donate to Nonprofits
- Microsoft
- State Street
- Verizon
- ExxonMobil
- Disney
- The Home Depot
- Ben & Jerry’s
- CVS Health Foundation
- American Airlines
- Panera Bread
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Target
- Walmart
- Albertsons
Companies with Top-Tier Employee Matching Programs
1. Google
A well-known name in the corporate world, Google grants $200 million to nonprofit organizations and social enterprises globally that support marginalized communities.
Among its many philanthropic initiatives, Google's matched employee donations are notable. Google matches up to $10,000 in donations per employee every year.
What's even better is that its program matches personal donations to nonprofits and money employees raise - particularly by participating in charity events such as marathons, walks, or bike rides.
Mission Affinity
Google supports organizations dedicated to using technology to bring about social and environmental change. It also helps educational charities ensure that underprivileged children have access to education.
Other Giving Programs
- Google Ad Grants: Google offers eligible nonprofits over $10,000 in free funds to use on its paid advertising platform.
- Google.org Fellowship: Pro bono program that matches Google employees with nonprofits and civic entities for six months on full-time technical projects.
- Google.org Impact Challenges: Provides funding, mentorship, and technical support to organizations with ideas that can bring significant change.
2. Microsoft
Microsoft is another leading technology corporation committed to supporting charitable organizations. From discounts and grants on Microsoft software to community and educational resources, the tech leader enables nonprofits to use technology and maximize their potential.
Microsoft is known to have one of the leading employee-matching gift programs. Key features of its matched employee donations are:
- One-to-one matching gift limit of up to a combined $15,000 per eligible employee per calendar year.
- Volunteer time matched up to $25 per hour.
- Employees can purchase and donate items from the Microsoft store or company store.
Mission Affinity
Microsoft supports eligible nonprofits with a mission to address social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. These include but are not limited to
- Relief to the poor
- Preserving culture
- Advancing education
- Preserving the environment
- Promoting human rights
- Improving social welfare
Other Giving Programs
- Microsoft Digital Skill Center: Partnered with TechSoup to provide discounted courses, webinars, and other training on how to use Microsoft technology effectively to the nonprofit.
- Nonprofit Tech Acceleration (NTA) Program: This program provides technology grants and tech consulting to nonprofits supporting Black and African American communities.
- Partner Community Events: Microsoft partner companies run physical and online events focusing on topics of importance to nonprofits. The event list is published on its information page.
3. State Street
A financial holding company, State Street has a foundation specifically focused on charitable giving to the communities where it operates.
The State Street Foundation makes grants to nonprofits and non-governmental organizations with a focus on bringing lasting economic benefits. It has a great matching gift program that:
- Donates $500 for every 16 hours of an employee's volunteer time at a charitable organization.
- Provides 1:1 gift matching for personal financial donations to nonprofits globally.
- Matches funds raised through employee participation in fundraising efforts such as walk-a-thons.
Mission Affinity
The State Street Foundation supports high-performing nonprofits focusing on education, employability, college success, and credentials. It helps organizations that aim to reduce the gap in education and workplace development due to race, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity discrimination.
Other Giving Programs
- Early College: High school students take strategically organized, real college classes with strong career orientations. Available at no cost to explore potential career paths.
- Charitable Board Matching Program: Provides training to State Street employees interested in serving on nonprofit boards.
- Grantmaking: Provide grants and funds to charities, reducing gaps in employability and education and creating more fair communities.
Companies with Great Volunteer Grant Programs
4. Verizon
Verizon is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate famous for its mass media subsidiaries and wireless communications. Its prominent Volunteer Incentive Program provides grants to nonprofits where employees volunteer regularly.
They must volunteer 50 hours yearly to direct $750 to the charity.
The company matches employee donations to schools up to $5,000 on an annual basis and $1,000 to all other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
The employees can secure up to two $750 volunteer grant awards each in a calendar year for two separate organizations or schools.
Mission Affinity
Verizon is dedicated to solving critical issues related to climate protection, human prosperity, and digital inclusion.
Other Giving Programs
- Grants: Applications for grants are by invitation only. Interested nonprofit organizations are encouraged to contact their local community relations manager to see if they are eligible to apply.
- Wireless Corporate Giving Program: Verizon Wireless contributes to charities directly on a case-by-case basis in areas where the company operates.
- Matching Incentive Program: Matches employees' and retirees' monetary donations to eligible charities and schools.
5. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is an American multinational oil company based in Texas. The company has several types of corporate giving programs, including an excellent volunteer involvement program.
It is designed to encourage retirees, employees, and other eligible participants to actively contribute their skills and time to charitable organizations as a team or individually.
A $500 grant is awarded to an eligible nonprofit organization after an individual or team of volunteers contributes around 20 hours of their time during a calendar year.
Mission Affinity
The company's corporate giving strategy focuses on enhancing math and science in the US, promoting women as catalysts for economic development, and preventing malaria deaths.
Other Giving Programs
- Employee Gift Matching: Generously match donations of employees by providing 3:1 matches to educational institutions and 1:1 matches to other eligible nonprofits.
- Good Neighbor Grants: These grants support local tax-exempt environmental projects, education initiatives, or community programs. They also offer charitable contributions to police and fire departments, school programs, and wildlife education.
- Local Partnerships: Collaborates with other companies, governments, and local charities to invest in programs that promote the economic growth of local communities and improve social conditions.
6. Disney
Through financial contributions, in-kind donations, collaborations, and remarkable volunteer programs, Disney creates a positive and meaningful impact on global communities.
Disney encourages employees to volunteer and reward their efforts with grants to nonprofits of their choice. The grant amount varies according to the time spent volunteering.
- 10-24 hours - $100 grant
- 25-49 hours - $250 grant
- 50-74 hours - $500 grant
- 74-149 hours - $1,000 grant
- 150+ hours - $2,000 grant
The company also offers a $2,500 grant to outstanding individual volunteers with its VoluntEARS of the Year awards.
Mission Affinity
They contribute to many causes, including children’s health, education, inclusion, and diversity.
Other Giving Programs
- Conservation Fund: Award grants to nonprofits with a mission to conserve wildlife and protect the environment.
- Providing Nutritious Meals: Partners with Feeding America to improve access to meals and provides funding to help food banks serve kids and families.
- Wishes Program: Disney collaborates with Make a Wish Foundation, one of the famous companies that donate to charity. They frequently donate to children’s hospitals and help kids realize their wishes.
Companies With Remarkable Grant Programs
7. The Home Depot
The Home Depot Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the homes and lives of US veterans and their families. It awards grants to nonprofit organizations for rehabilitating and constructing permanent supportive housing, typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.
While the foundation awards grants throughout the US and Puerto Rico, it gives priority to “large cities,” defined as those with populations over 300,000 people. It has certain additional criteria and doesn’t consider organizations or individuals with projects focused on a single home repair or construction.
Mission Affinity
The Home Depot Foundation pledges to improve US veterans' and their families' lives and homes.
Other Giving Programs
- Matching Gift: This program matches employee donations to businesses that donate to nonprofits up to a minimum of $1,000 per employee (a maximum of $3,000 per employee).
- Path to Pro: Offers training and education to people in the US and helps them find careers in the home improvement industry.
8. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry's is a popular multinational company that manufactures ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. They work primarily to fund bottom-up and grassroots organizations.
Since giving back to its community is a priority, Ben and Jerry’s has grants specifically designed to support charities in Vermont at the local level.
- National Grant Program: This program offers grants of up to $30,000 to small nonprofits outside of Vermont. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January to November.
- Equity & Justice: Offers grants up to $15,000 with an average grant size of $10,000 to nonprofits working to address environmental, racial, economic, and social injustice in Vermont.
- Community Grants: Grants of up to $2,000 to local charities in Vermont; applications are accepted on a monthly basis.
Mission Affinity
Though each grant has a slightly different purpose, its mission affinity is to bring social change and progress.
Other Giving Programs
- Community Action Team: This organization supports nonprofits with small grants monthly and plans community service projects for its employees to serve local, community-based Vermont charities.
- Partnerships: Collaborates with different nonprofit organizations to build a more inclusive world for indigenous, black, and communities of color.
9. CVS Health Foundation
One of the largest pharmaceutical companies, CVS Health, participates in corporate giving through its CVS Health Foundation. This private foundation offers financial support through top grants and in-kind donations to make healthcare more accessible.
The grant is by invitation and is of two types:
- Community Health Grants: Supports community health centers and clinics to expand access to quality healthcare.
- Volunteer Grants: Individual volunteer and team grants that reward up to $1,500 and $2,500, respectively.
Mission Affinity
CVS Health Foundation offers financial contributions that go towards education, healthcare, anti-tobacco organizations, and local community healthcare involvement efforts.
Other Giving Programs
- The HomeTown Fund: Offers general operating support grants to organizations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
- Tobacco-Free Generation Campus Initiative: Partnering with the American Cancer Society and Truth Initiative to award grants to US universities and colleges to expand their number of campuses that are 100% smoke- and tobacco-free.
- In-Kind Donation: Provides medical supplies to assist local and free healthcare charities and organizations in offering quality care.
Companies Best For In-Kind Donations
10. American Airlines
A leading US airline, American Airlines, has developed a giving strategy focusing on US military members, social good, and global health and well-being. The airline also offers in-kind donations to nonprofits in the form of airline mileage certificates.
Mission Affinity
American Airlines dedicates its corporate giving programs to nonprofits that help communities, children, and military service members. It prioritizes organizations located where it does business.
Other Giving Programs
- Do Crew: Supports employees in dedicating their efforts to work in the communities through volunteering, charitable giving, and community outreach.
- Donations: Collect donations from its members to support nonprofits and even accept donation requests.
11. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a popular American chain store of bakery-café fast-food restaurants.
Through its Day-End Dough-Nation program, it partners with many food pantries, youth shelters, soup kitchens, after-school programs, and other charities across the US. The program provides bread and bakery items to people in need and reduces food wastage.
Mission Affinity
The Panera Bread Foundation primarily supports at-risk children and youth. They even help nonprofits that offer professional development, college readiness, mentorship, workforce development, and skill-building.
Other Giving Programs
- Panera Fundraising: Helps organizations such as scout groups, schools, and sports teams to host a fundraising event at their local Panera Café. They even donate some of their net sales back to the hosted nonprofit organization.
- Community Partnerships & Associate Volunteering: Offers paid time off every year for associates to invest their time and talent to support communities.
12. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a restaurant franchise spread across the US that offers the best in-kind donations to nonprofits and charities. It gives back to the communities where its restaurants are serving. Notably, the Cheesecake Factory gives various gift cards to eligible charities.
As of February 2023, the company has donated 662,000 pounds of food to local nonprofits. Plus, its employees have volunteered for 17,300 hours.
To secure the in-kind donation, all you have to do is get in touch with the general manager at your local Cheesecake Factory.
Mission Affinity
The Cheesecake Factory dedicates its corporate giving to local charities and community organizations.
Other Giving Programs
- Give Back: Sponsors teams and staff members who volunteer for community service and fundraising for the charities they care about.
- Peanut Butter Drive: Organized in September to collect money and jars of peanut butter for the local Feeding America food bank.
- Nourish Programs: Collects excess food from its restaurants and distributes it to local nonprofits.
Companies Supporting Community Development
13. Target
Target's corporate giving program offers support for disaster relief and local families.
The company has dedicated community engagement funds for nonprofits in the same area as a Target store or distribution center. These grants focus on environmental and social issues. Its REACH Community Grants help bring economic prosperity to black communities. Both are invitation-only.
Mission Affinity
Target focuses on building financial stability and advancing racial equity. It also aims to support sustainable economic opportunities for families in need. It even offers crisis and disaster relief to communities.
Other Giving Programs
- Great Gift Together: Holiday partnership between local nonprofits and stores across the country to provide essentials and holiday gifts to families in need.
- Target Circle: Members earn a vote for every trip to the Target store that they can use to direct where corporate donations to nonprofits go in their community. Funds are awarded based on the percentage of votes received.
- Gift Cards: Any nonprofit with a Target in its locality can request gift card donations from the store.
14. Walmart
Walmart and its Private Foundation have donated more than $1.7 billion in 2023 in cash and in-kind donations. They have an excellent community grant program that awards grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. The program accepts applications quarterly, starting from February 1st and ending December 31st.
They have a Spark Good initiative that enables organizations to manage their charitable activities with Walmart, such as:
- Applying for local grants.
- Requesting space outside of the Walmart facilities to fundraise.
- Engage with customers and associates to secure support for their cause.
Mission Affinity
The foundation donates to nonprofits across three focus areas:
- Environmentalism
- Minority individuals and low-income
- Economically supporting local communities
Other Giving Programs
- Volunteer Grant Program: Grants a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $1,000 to nonprofits where their employees volunteer.
- Community Building: Targeted support to diverse initiatives that bring together people of different communities across the US.
- Northwest Arkansas Giving Program: Support to organizations operating in Northwest Arkansas that support the region's long-term capacity and capability.
15. Albertsons
Albertsons is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the US, with an outstanding community giving program. It offers community giving cards that nonprofit organizations can sell to raise money for their mission.
Nonprofits can sell their preloaded cards at face value. They will earn 5% of what their Supporters pay every time they use the card at Albertsons and Safeway. Supporters can reload their cards to keep purchasing and giving back to their supporting charities.
Mission Affinity
The Albertsons Foundation supports nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food insecurity at a national level. At the community level, they fund organizations that impact the lives of their customers and employees.
Other Giving Programs
- Nourishing Neighbors Campaign: An invitation-only giving campaign supporting hunger and funding organizations - particularly those that help the neighborhood they serve.
- Collects Online Donation: An online donation page that allows people to make a donation to the company and support local food banks, school districts, and charities.
Summing Up - Top Companies Donating to Nonprofits
Corporate giving programs offer a wealth of opportunities for nonprofits to secure funding, resources, and support from socially responsible companies.
As you explore the giving programs of these 15 companies and beyond, remember to research their focus areas, eligibility criteria, and application processes to maximize your chances of success.
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FAQs on Companies Donating to Nonprofit
What companies have donated most to charity?
Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, and Ben & Jerry’s are some of the most charitable companies. In fact, most companies today set aside one percent or more of their profits for donations. They also have specific corporate philanthropy programs in place.
These include volunteer grants and employee matching to support various charities.
Why do companies donate to charitable organizations?
Corporate giving is the best way for a company to show the public, employees, and other stakeholders that it’s a business that cares and can be trusted.
Companies have a set of core values that guide their business. Donating to nonprofits that align with them can help businesses show their commitment to these principles. By engaging in charities, they leave a tangible and lasting impact on the community.
Finally, charitable donations are tax-deductible, which can help to reduce a company's tax burden.
How do you get local companies to donate?
Follow the given steps to reach local businesses and request them to donate:
- Start by researching your locality and creating a list of potential partners. Look for businesses that share your mission and values.
- Create a compelling pitch that shows them the benefits of supporting your nonprofit. Emphasize the value your charity brings to their business. This could include community goodwill, increased exposure, or direct marketing opportunities.
- Define a beneficial agreement that outlines the responsibilities and expectations of both parties. When reaching an agreement, try to be flexible and open to their needs or suggestions.
- Once you secure the donations, acknowledge and appreciate their support by thanking them.
Learn in detail how to get corporate sponsors→
What other support do companies provide?
Besides donations, many companies give back in ways that are unique to their business. Some may offer their products and services to support the society. For instance, Publix donates surplus deli chicken to community food banks.
Other companies partner with local shops or youth groups to offer training and education programs. IBM’s P-TECH program is a public education model. It focuses on high school students from underserved backgrounds and helps them create a career in STEM.
What is a volunteer grant program?
A leading form of corporate giving, a volunteer grant program is offered by businesses of all sizes and industries.
Under this, employers offer monetary grants to charities where their employees volunteer regularly. The amount provided depends on the number of hours spent volunteering.
It is important to note that companies may only offer grants to nonprofits for a cause that aligns with their value. Similarly, some may exclude certain types of nonprofit organizations from their programs.
