Businesses That Help Fundraise: The Ultimate Guide for Nonprofits, Schools & Communities
TL;DR
Many businesses help nonprofits, schools, and community groups raise more through events, campaigns, and partnerships. From auction platforms to sponsors, the right partner can expand reach.
Why Partnering With Businesses Matters
Fundraising is no longer just bake sales and gala nights. Strategic partnerships with mission-aligned businesses can give your cause:
More funding channels (corporate giving, sponsorship, matching gifts)
Bigger reach through shared marketing
Fewer admin hours with tools and automation
Long-term impact instead of one-time events
According to Charities Aid Foundation, over 70% of consumers prefer to support brands that give back. Partnering with the right business is a growth strategy—not just a fundraising tactic.
Turn Corporate Goodwill Into Fundraising Momentum 💡
You now know which businesses might support your cause. Don’t stop there — launch an auction, engage sponsors, and turn corporate donations into active donor participation.
1. Online Fundraising Platforms
Why They Matter
These businesses provide the infrastructure to run virtual, hybrid, or in-person campaigns—often with built-in donor engagement tools.
Top Features to Look For
Custom branded fundraising pages
Real-time donor tracking
Secure online payments
Peer-to-peer fundraising support
Automated receipts and reports
Examples
CharityAuctions — online auctions & mobile bidding
Classy — peer-to-peer donation platform
GoFundMe — crowdfunding campaigns
Givebutter — modern donor engagement tools
💡 Pro Tip: Choose platforms that make it easy for donors to give—and for you to manage data. Hidden fees or clunky UX can cost you thousands.
Ready to create your auction?
Start building today with no upfront cost, no credit card required, and everything you need to run a successful fundraiser.
2. Businesses That Offer Corporate Matching Gifts
Why They Matter
Matching-gift programs double the impact of a donor’s contribution. Many businesses will match employee donations dollar-for-dollar.
How to Leverage Matching Gifts
Add matching gift reminders on your donation forms.
Partner with matching platforms to automate the process.
Feature top matching partners in campaigns.
Examples
Benevity
Double the Donation
CyberGrants
✅ Pro Tip: Promote matching options clearly at checkout or on your donation confirmation page.
3. Local Businesses & Sponsorships
Why They Matter
Local businesses are often eager to support nearby schools, clubs, and nonprofits—and gain community goodwill in return.
Effective Partnership Models
Event sponsorship (cash or in-kind donations)
Percentage-of-sales donations (“Shop to Support” days)
Employee volunteer programs
Raffle or prize donations
Examples
Restaurants offering profit-share nights
Boutiques hosting donation drives
Gyms or fitness studios offering class fundraisers
👉 Tip: Approach businesses that align with your mission—it’s more authentic and longer lasting.
4. Cause Marketing & Brand Partnerships
Why They Matter
Larger brands can amplify your mission through cause marketing campaigns—combining their marketing reach with your impact.
Partnership Types
Co-branded campaigns (e.g., $1 per sale donated)
Social media takeovers or influencer fundraisers
Long-term sponsorship agreements
Examples
Patagonia — environmental giving
TOMS — One for One program
Bombas — donation per purchase model
📈 Cause marketing often drives higher engagement than traditional ads because it gives consumers a reason to care.
5. Fundraising Event Partners
These businesses specialize in enhancing live or hybrid fundraising events—helping organizations increase participation, revenue, and donor retention.
Categories
Live auctioneers and emcees
Mobile bidding & donation tools
Corporate sponsors for prizes
Entertainment vendors
Examples
CharityAuctionsToday — mobile bidding software
Auctioneering firms specializing in nonprofit galas
Catering and entertainment partners for fundraising nights
🎤 Pro Tip: Great events are about experience as much as fundraising. Professional partners often increase per-donor giving.
6. Payroll Giving & Workplace Fundraising Programs
Some companies allow employees to donate a portion of their paycheck directly to nonprofits.
Benefits
Predictable recurring revenue
Low administrative burden
Donor retention
Examples
YourCause
America’s Charities
Corporate employee giving programs
7. Product-Based Fundraising Partners
Product fundraising remains popular because it gives supporters something tangible in return for their contribution.
Popular Models
Cookie dough, popcorn, and chocolate sales
Apparel and merch campaigns
Subscription box collaborations
Examples
World’s Finest Chocolate
Bonfire
Fundraising Brick
✅ Pro Tip: Choose products that reflect your mission or your community’s values—not just any catalog fundraiser.
8. Technology & Service Providers That Indirectly Help Fundraise
Not every partner has to process donations directly. Some enable more efficient operations, freeing up resources to fundraise better.
Examples:
Email marketing providers like Mailchimp
CRM systems like Salesforce.org or Bloomerang
Volunteer management tools
Accounting software for nonprofit compliance
How to Choose the Right Business Partner
Evaluation Framework
Factor | Why It Matters | What to Ask |
|---|---|---|
Alignment | Shared values increase longevity | “Do they support causes like ours?” |
Audience | Bigger reach = more donors | “Do they reach our community?” |
ROI | Maximize impact, minimize admin | “Will this raise net funds?” |
Transparency | No surprises | “What are their fees and terms?” |
Support | Faster launches, fewer headaches | “Do they offer training/help?” |
Real-World Example: Auction + Local Sponsorship + Matching Gifts
A local PTO partners with CharityAuctionsToday to run an online auction.Local restaurants sponsor prize packages.Employees at a partner company use matching gifts.→ The event raises 42% more than the previous year with less administrative work.
Takeaway: The best results come from combining multiple business partnerships strategically.
Glossary of Common Business Fundraising Models
Corporate Matching Gifts: Companies match employee donations.
Sponsorships: Businesses provide funding or goods/services for exposure.
Cause Marketing: Brands donate based on product sales or promotions.
Platform Partners: Tech providers that enable digital fundraising.
Workplace Giving: Donations deducted from employee paychecks.
Product Fundraising: Donors purchase products with a portion supporting a cause.
Final Thoughts: Build Partnerships That Amplify Your Mission
The most successful fundraisers don’t work alone—they build networks of aligned businesses that support their mission with tools, funding, visibility, and trust.
Whether it’s a small local café sponsoring a raffle prize or a global brand running a cause marketing campaign, business partnerships expand your impact.
🚀 Action Step: Choose one partner in each category—platform, local sponsor, matching gift, and marketing—and create a fundraising ecosystem that works 24/7.
Related Authority Pages
Ready to create your auction?
Start building today with no upfront cost, no credit card required, and everything you need to run a successful fundraiser.