Corporate Funding
The OHSU Foundation Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations can help you if you decide to approach a corporation for funding for research, programs, equipment, or event sponsorship. There are four main types of corporate giving:
- philanthropic (cash and in-kind gifts)
- grants and sponsored research
- event sponsorship
- employee matching gifts
Corporations have shifted away from the traditional philanthropic giving model and now focus more on strategic partnerships that provide a tangible return on investment. Think of corporate funding like a business deal. Also keep in mind that, unlike foundations, corporations are not required to give a percentage of their funds. Therefore, funding opportunities are often tied to profitability.
Submitting proposals to corporations can be similar to submitting to foundations. Please review the basics of Foundation Funding before submitting a proposal to either a corporation or foundation.
Corporate Event Sponsorship
- Determine your funding audience. What types of businesses would be interested in reaching your audience? For example, if you're holding a fitness event, think about involving local businesses involved in sporting goods. Also include businesses that your program has a personal or professional connection with.
- Set sponsorship levels and benefits.
- Make phone calls and send proposal letters to your funding audience. Make sure to include your sponsorship levels and benefits. See 9 Steps for Finding Corporate Event Sponsors from Idealist.org.
- If you get any funding, make sure you meet every sponsor's benefit level and send a thank you letter after the event.
Tips
- Show genuine interest in working with your corporate sponsor.
- Offer a good marketing investment to your corporate sponsor that will be mutually beneficial.
- Ask businesses for both cash and in-kind gifts.
- Ask early in the company's fiscal year.
Updated January 6, 2012
