Employee Volunteer Programs

94% of major U.S. corporations say they’ll maintain or increase philanthropy in 2025. But here’s the catch: Most nonprofits will still miss out. Why? Because they’re fishing in the wrong waters. They pitch donations when companies are really looking for partnerships. Here’s what no one tells you: 1. Companies don’t care about your gala. They care about aligning philanthropy with brand visibility, employee engagement, and ESG metrics. Show them how you help them measure impact, not just feel it. 2. Your pitch deck is upside down. Most nonprofits start with “Here’s who we are.” Flip it. Start with: “Here’s the business risk you’re already facing, and how partnering with us helps solve it.” 3. Employee participation is your hidden superpower. Companies want employees involved, not just checks written. Invite their teams to volunteer, co-create campaigns, or tell impact stories on LinkedIn. That’s internal buy-in = budget unlocked. 4. Philanthropy budgets are shrinking relative to ESG/CSR budgets. Translation: Stop chasing “charity dollars.” Go after strategy dollars. You’ll instantly play in a bigger league. Corporations are raising the bar. If you want their funding, you need to stop acting like a charity and start showing up like a business partner. What’s one thing you’ve done differently in a corporate pitch that actually worked? (I’ll share the best answers in a follow-up post.) With purpose and impact, Mario

🚨 NONPROFIT LEADERS: GRANTS YOU SHOULD BE TRACKING (NOT JUST FEDERAL OR STATE) One of the biggest misconceptions in nonprofit funding is that grants only come from government sources. They don’t. Here’s a practical grant landscape nonprofits in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and nationwide should be tracking: ➡️ CORPORATE FOUNDATION GRANTS: Rolling and quarterly opportunities: Walmart Local Community Grants Target Community Giving Amazon Community Impact Grants The Home Depot Foundation Verizon Foundation Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation Citi Foundation PepsiCo Foundation The Coca Cola Foundation AT and T Foundation Google org Salesforce Foundation Johnson and Johnson Foundation CVS Health Foundation UnitedHealth Group Foundation Pfizer Foundation Note: These companies fund nonprofits (501(c)(3)s) through their corporate foundations or community giving programs. If a company operates in your state, your organization is likely eligible to apply. ➡️ DONOR ADVISED FUNDS: National DAF Sponsors (All States including CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) Fidelity Charitable (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) Vanguard Charitable (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) Schwab Charitable (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) National Philanthropic Trust (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) Community Foundation DAFs (State and Local Focus) California Community Foundation Donor Advised Funds (CA) Silicon Valley Community Foundation Donor Advised Funds (CA) The New York Community Trust Donor Advised Funds (NY) Chicago Community Trust Donor Advised Funds (IL) Communities Foundation of Texas Donor Advised Funds (TX) Greater Houston Community Foundation Donor Advised Funds (TX) Note: Many donors using donor-advised funds are actively seeking vetted nonprofits to support within their state or region. ➡️BANK, UTILITY, AND ENERGY GRANTS: Local and recurring opportunities: Bank Foundations: Wells Fargo Foundation (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) JPMorgan Chase Foundation (NY, CA, TX, IL, FL) Citi Foundation (NY, CA, TX, FL) PNC Foundation (IL, FL) Capital One Foundation (TX, NY, CA, FL) Utility Foundations: PG and E Corporation Foundation (CA) Southern Company Foundation (TX, FL) Duke Energy Foundation (FL, IL) Exelon Foundation (IL) Entergy Charitable Foundation (TX) Energy Company Community Grants Chevron Community Grants (CA, TX) ExxonMobil Foundation (TX, IL) Shell USA Community Grants (TX, CA) BP Foundation (TX) NextEra Energy Foundation (FL) Note: These are often under applied for and highly relevant to community-based organizations. ❗ KEY TAKEAWAY: Strong nonprofits do not rely on a single funding source. They build funding ecosystems. Your friend, Alison Bainbridge, MANPM

Fundraisers, you’re not imagining it - things are changing. The latest Partnership Shift Report from For Momentum confirms it. The data is sharp, the insights are grounded, and the shifts it highlights are already reshaping how the best partnerships are built. Here’s what stood out: ✔️ Partnership timing is more fluid than ever. 68% of companies now evaluate nonprofit opportunities as they arise. Heather’s tip: Stop waiting for “the right time.” Be ready year-round with clear asks and aligned offers. ✔️ Companies are giving, but to fewer partners. 73% of companies plan to maintain giving, but 23% are reducing the number of nonprofit partners. Heather’s tip: This isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about standing out. Ask yourself: are you offering enough value to be the one they keep? ✔️ Mission alignment is non-negotiable. 91% say brand/mission alignment is the most important factor in selecting a partner. Heather’s tip: Lead with your mission but not in an overwhelming way. Make sure to translate it into business relevance. Make the alignment obvious. ✔️ Decision-making is multi-stakeholder. Eight departments are involved in approvals, including CSR, marketing, PR, and senior leadership. Heather’s tip: Your contact is rarely your only audience. Prep your materials like they’ll be shared across teams. With all this in mind, here’s my take: Corporate giving isn’t shrinking. It’s getting more intentional. That’s not bad news. It’s your opportunity to show how your work meets the moment. Want to strengthen your approach? Try these three strategies: -Refresh your prospect list based on updated cause alignment. -Build a lightweight, shareable version of your pitch deck for internal distribution. -Rehearse your case for support in 3 minutes or less. Consider what would your ally say in a meeting you’re not in? I’ll be sharing more takeaways from this report and what they mean for fundraisers like you. Follow me here if you want those insights in your feed. Which of these shifts feels most relevant to your current partnership work? Share in the comments!

(A CSR Prediction) I'm never too big to admit when I'm wrong... and I was wrong about some predictions I made in late 2024 about what to expect in 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is one I didn't anticipate. So, I'm giving myself a mulligan and re-predicting a few things 😉 Bottom line, the OBBBA is more than just new tax code - it's a forceful hand that'll push corporate social responsibility into an era of new strategy. This will be the result of the 1% AGI floor for corporate giving, combined with other key provisions that will go into effect in December 2025. Here are four predictions for how CSR will evolve over the next 3-4 years: 🔢 The rise of strategic "bunching": Forget steady, year-round giving. Companies will increasingly consolidate multiple years' worth of donations into a single year to clear the 1% AGI floor and maximize tax benefits. To do this well, CSR leaders will need to build deeper, multi-year partnerships with fewer, more strategic nonprofits. For companies that lean into tax benefits we'll certainly see fewer small, one-off checks and more substantial, long-term commitments focused on measurable, lasting impact. 🫂 The era of the "non-financial" CSR portfolio begins: With the tax incentive for smaller donations gone, companies will likely double down on CSR initiatives that offer other forms of value. I expect to see a major increase in skills-based volunteering, employee-led volunteering (democratization of volunteering, voice and choice) programs, and cause-marketing campaigns. This is the time for CSR leaders to make the case from being seen as solely a cost-center to a core business strategy that drives employee engagement, brand reputation, and customer loyalty. 📊 Increased scrutiny (believe it or not) on impact & measurement: The new tax rules makes EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR more precious. This puts pressure on both companies and nonprofits to prove ROI. CSR leaders will need to go beyond output metrics (e.g., number of meals served) and focus on outcomes (e.g., improved health outcomes in a community). The conversation with nonprofit partners will shift from "What did you do with the money?" to "What change did we achieve together?" 👩⚖️ A new focus on public policy: The OBBBA's impact on nonprofits is not just a fundraising issue. With new taxes on large endowments and highly compensated employees, many nonprofits, particularly in higher education and healthcare, will be under financial strain. This will create a crucial role for CSR leaders to engage in public policy and advocacy, advocating for sector-connected issues that effect the broader ecosystem. There's a lot of change on the horizon. Do you agree with my thoughts on this? I'd love to hear any other perspectives on this, this is a moment of great change across the social impact space! Photo Credit: Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay #SocialImpact #ESG #CorporateCitizenship #Nonprofit #Volunteering #Philanthropy #Giving

Meet people where they are. CSR is often built around a flagship: a volunteer day, a giving campaign, a service week. It makes sense, to center your communications around a signature event to drive engagement. It's industry best practice, focus activities and a campaign to have higher participation. People engage differently. Some have time. Some have money. Some want hands-on community experiences, while others are ready to lend professional skills or step into governance roles. That’s why the strongest CSR strategies are designed as a continuum of engagement opportunities: a range of ways employees can participate across a continuum from light-touch to deep commitment. A well-balanced program might include: 💸 Matching grants for employees who lead with financial support 🧤 One-day volunteer experiences for teams looking to connect and contribute 🌱 Mentoring and skills-based engagement for those ready to share expertise 💼 Board service for leaders seeking sustained, long-term impact When employees can select how to engage, based on interest, capacity, and season of life—participation increases, belonging deepens, and collective impact compounds. Inclusive CSR isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s how purpose becomes part of everyday work. By everyone, in their own way. #CSR #EmployeeEngagement #PurposeDriven #Inclusion

"From Charity to Strategy: Is Your Organization Ready for CSR 2.0?" 1️⃣ The Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility The corporate giving landscape is transforming! Gone are the days when CSR meant writing a cheque and walking away. Today's strategic CSR is about creating SHARED VALUE where business objectives align with meaningful social impact. Companies seeking authentic partnerships are looking for: ✅ Impact measurement frameworks that demonstrate ROI ✅ Long-term relationships vs. one-off donations ✅ Integration with core business competencies Is your organization positioned as a strategic partner or still pitching for charity? The difference will determine your funding success in 2025! 2️⃣ Grant Writing: What Funders ACTUALLY Want After reviewing 50+ successful grant applications last quarter, I've noticed a critical shift in what wins funding: The most successful proposals aren't just well-written—they're strategically designed to address the funder's SPECIFIC impact goals. Three elements that secured funding every time: ✅ Clear theory of change with measurable outcomes ✅ Innovative, scalable implementation approach ✅ Transparent reporting mechanisms Are you still using generic templates or crafting funder-specific proposals? The funding landscape rewards customization! 3️⃣ The ESG-CSR Connection: What Every Nonprofit Needs to Understand ESG metrics are reshaping corporate giving priorities, creating both challenges AND opportunities for the social sector. Smart nonprofits are aligning their impact models with corporate ESG frameworks: ✅ Environmental metrics that quantify sustainability impact ✅ Social indicators that demonstrate community transformation ✅ Governance structures that ensure accountability Is your organization speaking the language of ESG? Those who adapt will unlock new corporate funding streams in today's metrics-driven landscape. 4️⃣ Data Visualization: The Secret Weapon of Successful Fundraising The most compelling grant applications don't just tell—they SHOW impact through strategic data visualization. When we redesigned our impact reporting with visual dashboards: ✅ Donor engagement increased 47% ✅ Renewal rates jumped 38% ✅ Average grant size grew by 22% Are your impact stories buried in text or brought to life through visual data storytelling? The difference can transform your funding outcomes! Follow Bhagyashree Lodha for more such insights

Hot take, strategic alignment is no longer the goal. Strategic co-creation is. Gone are the days when a cheque and a logo swap counted as a “corporate partnership”. Today’s best relationships don’t just align values, they create value. Together. Corporate giving is not about just ‘giving’ cash. Instead, it’s about shared innovation, equity impact, and meaningful engagement for employees and communities. What does this mean for charities? Fundraising products need to evolve. It’s not enough to pitch a sponsorship deck or ask for payroll giving. The offer needs to be custom designed for them not pre-packaged. It needs to be something that solves a problem for them as well as for you. Employee engagement can’t be an afterthought. Corporate partners want their people to feel part of something real. That means designing opportunities that are purposeful, not performative. Think skill sharing, storytelling, shared problem solving, not just branded t-shirts and photo ops. Impact has to go beyond financial ROI. Can you help them move the needle on their DEI goals? Sustainability? Innovation agenda? If not, someone else will. EDI and co-creation go hand in hand. If diverse voices aren’t involved from the start, it’s not co-creation, it’s a pitch. True collaboration means sharing power, truly listening, and sometimes being willing to start over. The old model said: “Here’s what we do. Fund it.” The new model says: “Here’s what we care about. What can we build together?” Corporate support is still essential. And it’s changing, fast. Is your charities offer keeping up? 📩 becky@beckyfrancisfundraising.co.uk

$81B loss or a strategic opportunity? The OBBB tax regulations will reshape corporate philanthropy by altering charitable strategies and nonprofit funding models. The National Council of Nonprofits warns that these rules could reduce charitable giving by $81B. Here are key updates for corporate giving: ✅ 1% Taxable Income Floor: Corporations can only deduct contributions exceeding 1% of taxable income (e.g., $1M for $100M in taxable income). ✅ If a company donates more than 10% of its taxable income in a year, the portion of those donations that couldn’t be deducted this year (because they didn’t meet the 1% threshold) can be rolled over and used for tax deductions in future years. ✅ Companies that see donations as investments with measurable returns (e.g., brand visibility, customer loyalty) may categorize them as business expenses, allowing 100% tax deductibility without the new 1% threshold for charitable giving. See full article by Andrew Keshner at MarketWatch; https://lnkd.in/gR-2sveV Strategic ideas for leaders to consider: 💡 Bunching Donations: Consolidate contributions into fewer years to exceed deduction thresholds while sustaining impact goals. 💡 Aligning Philanthropy with ROI: Evaluate donations through a business-return lens to optimize tax efficiency and strategic alignment. 💡 Critical Question: How can corporations align tax strategies with purpose-driven goals without compromising trust or community impact? What do you think? #CorporatePhilanthropy #TaxStrategy #StrategicLeadership

🎙️ Random giving. Random results. That's the trap most companies fall into. Another donation request lands on your desk. Your heart says yes. Your budget says maybe. But you have no idea if your giving is making any real impact. My conversation with David Aft, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, transformed how I think about corporate giving. Here's what David taught me: Strategic giving isn't about having more money. It's about having more clarity. His framework changed everything: **Three Questions That Matter:** → Does this align with what we stand for? → Will our people feel proud of this choice? → Can we measure the impact, not just the amount? The most successful companies don't give to everything. They give to what matters — to them, their team, and their community. When you stop chasing every request and start choosing with intention, something powerful happens: Your giving becomes part of your story. Your team rallies around causes they believe in. Your impact multiplies. David helped me see that strategic giving isn't about saying no more often. It's about saying yes with purpose. 💡 Episode link in the comments below. 👇 What's one giving decision your company made that everyone still talks about? #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicGiving #GetUnstuckPodcast #CorporateGiving #BenchBuilders

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): How Companies Give Back to Society Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business approach that integrates social, environmental, and ethical considerations into a company’s operations. It is a way for companies to contribute positively to society while aligning with their own business goals. Companies can give back to society through CSR in various ways: 1. Philanthropy and Donations Financial Contributions: Many companies donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations, disaster relief, and community projects. This helps address societal issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. In-kind Donations: Companies can also donate products, services, or expertise to non-profits, schools, and community programs. For example, a tech company might provide free software to educational institutions. 2. Employee Volunteering Volunteer Programs: Companies can encourage employees to volunteer in local communities by offering paid time off for volunteering or organizing group volunteering events. This strengthens community ties and fosters employee engagement. Skills-Based Volunteering: Employees can use their professional skills to assist non-profit organizations, helping them with legal work, marketing strategies, IT support, or business planning. 3. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Reducing Carbon Footprint: Companies can take steps to reduce their environmental impact by adopting energy-efficient practices, minimizing waste, and using sustainable materials. Investing in Renewable Energy: Some businesses support environmental causes by investing in renewable energy projects or adopting green energy for their operations. Circular Economy: Implementing processes that promote recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction can create a sustainable business model while benefiting the environment. 4. Supporting Local Communities Community Outreach Programs: Companies can run or support programs focused on education, health, and economic development in underserved communities. For example, they might sponsor scholarships, health camps, or vocational training programs. Economic Empowerment: Businesses can support small enterprises and artisans by sourcing locally, which helps stimulate economic growth within the community. 5. Ethical Business Practices Fair Labor Practices: Treating employees fairly, offering competitive wages, and ensuring safe working conditions is a vital part of CSR. Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and supporting minority-owned businesses, contributes to a more equitable society. 6. Cause Marketing and Partnerships Collaborating with Non-Profits: Companies often partner with non-profit organizations to promote causes like cancer research, environmental conservation, or hunger relief.