One of the most common questions I get from nonprofit leaders and community organizers is:
“How can we get a company to support our work?”
It’s a great question — and one that deserves more than a donation request.
After working in corporate social responsibility across brands like McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz, and Highmark Wholecare, I can tell you this: companies are looking for more than goodwill. They’re looking for readiness.
A truly successful CSR program is a partnership — not a one-way transaction. And communities that come prepared can unlock far more than a one-time grant. They can build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that create real impact.
Here’s how communities can prepare themselves to engage meaningfully with corporate partners:
1. Know Your Value — and Be Able to Articulate It
You don’t need to be a national nonprofit to earn support. But you do need a clear mission, a compelling case, and data to back it up. What problem are you solving? Who are you serving? What impact are you making?
Come to the table with a one-pager that answers those questions clearly — and professionally.
2. Align with the Company’s Purpose
Companies invest in causes that align with their brand values, employee interests, and community commitments. If you’re pitching a healthcare company, show how your work improves health outcomes. If you’re approaching a CPG brand, emphasize community wellness, food access, or sustainability.
Do your homework. Speak their language.
3. Offer Opportunities for Deeper Engagement
Corporate partners want more than logo placement. They want meaningful involvement. That might mean volunteer opportunities, program design collaboration, or shared storytelling. Think beyond the check.
At Highmark Wholecare, we prioritize partners who allow our team to get hands-on — because when we’re involved, we’re invested.
4. Be Transparent About Capacity and Constraints
Not every organization has a comms team or a CRM. That’s okay. What matters is being honest about what you can deliver — and where you need help.
Partnerships built on transparency are far more successful (and sustainable) than those built on inflated promises.
5. Track Your Impact and Be Ready to Report It
Even grassroots programs need basic measurement. Whether it’s families fed, youth mentored, or homes weatherized — track it, document it, and be ready to share.
Metrics are how companies justify CSR investments internally. Help them make the case.
6. Make It Easy to Say Yes
When you reach out to a corporate contact, don’t just say, “We’d love your support.” Come with a proposal. Show how your program aligns with their mission, how they can get involved, and what success will look like.
The more buttoned-up you are, the more seriously you’ll be taken.
Final Thought
Community organizations are the heart of every impactful CSR program. You know the needs. You’ve built the trust. You’re already doing the work.
By getting CSR-ready — through clarity, alignment, and professionalism — you open the door to deeper partnerships, stronger programs, and a bigger collective impact.
At Sapos Communications, we don’t just help companies show up for communities — we help communities show up ready to partner.
Let’s build bridges that last.
– Judy