It’s all about trends in the nonprofit fundraising world today. What works actually works very well and helps in expanding the audience while the wrong route could reduce everything to nothing.
Now talking about trends, collaborations between nonprofit organizations and corporate bodies is being adopted as a positive business strategy. For a nonprofit, linking up with a corporate organization also means welcoming more volunteers to help with their activities and mission. How does this partnership begin? And what are the good practices within such kind of tie ups? GiveCentral reached out to several nonprofit experts who can give us insights on the above topic.
Maddie Grant , Expert Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Human Workplaces
“Smart nonprofits look for collaborative product and/or programming partnerships and sponsorships with companies serving (or employing) the same constituents. In doing so, they show that they value the companies that provide tools, technologies, services, and expertise as being an integral part of their community of stakeholders. They find creative ways to work together to provide value to the community – efforts that align both with the nonprofit’s mission-driven objectives and their partners’ goals.”
Patrick Coleman, CEO, GiveCentral
“Working with another organization may not be an easy task if there is no rhythm or a harmonious workflow. Thereflow, nonprofits should focus on getting to know the positioning and nature of the corporate entity; that’s how partnerships will become successful.”
Megan Donahue, Nonprofit Writer
“Donors want to be part of your mission! Use email and social media to share stories about the change they’re helping to make in the world. Email lets you talk directly to your community without interference from algorithms, and social media is great for sharing. You can tell stories with writing, video, or images–just make sure they’re centered on impact, not just your need for donations.”
Heather Nelson, Corporate Fundraising Specialist and President, BridgeRaise
“Partnerships between corporate and nonprofits can be very valuable to both organizations in particular when they leverage their individual expertise. The knowledge of the cause that nonprofits can provide ensures that corporates know the language and sensitivities of working within that area, and that they have meaningful impact. Making partnerships work depends on transparent communications so that this knowledge and expertise can be shared while at the same time ensuring the non-profit understands and supports the companies objectives.”
Latasha Doyle, Content & Copy Specialist, Latashawrites
“Nonprofits of any size can seek partnerships. It’s not just the more established ones who build strong connections to corporations. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask to connect. In regard to how to make the partnership work: Make sure you have the partnership clearly outlined from the beginning. Include what the nonprofit needs help with, the parameters within which the company can help, and how this will be tracked. Remember that corporations need to track their employee volunteer hours, so use tools that make it easy. Also keep in touch and communicate frequently to ensure the relationship stays top of mind.”
Jessica James, Founder & Principal, Jessica James Consulting
“The strongest nonprofit/corporate partnerships begin when the nonprofit shows up as a true partner, not a passive recipient of a gift. This is about business, not charity – the relationship furthers the company’s CSR, employee engagement and PR goals. If a company is coming to a nonprofit to volunteer then the nonprofit should set the terms. What size gift is worth the ROI to create and plan a meaningful volunteer experience? Lay out each side’s expectations in an MOU – including what the nonprofit expects employees to wear (no matching t-shirts please!), how they should mention you in social media, how many employees the nonprofit will host for a volunteer day. If you then deliver a well structured, immaculately executed event that meets the needs of your clients and elevates the skills of the company’s employees, the partnership is yours to nurture, build and leverage.”
It’s all about finding a common ground and planning well. Communication plays an important role in execution of plans and strategies. Helping your corporate partners in developing a bond with your donors is also your responsibility. Create meaningful relationships.
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