Expanding Nonprofit Impact through Corporate Partnerships
Interview with Jasmin N. French, Board Chair at CICF and the Senior Director, Global Ethics and Compliance at Cummins Inc.
Increasingly, Central Indiana nonprofits we’ve spoken to want to shore up the sustainability of their organization beyond a boost to fundraising efforts. A corporate partnership is a great, mutually beneficial strategy for exactly that—and it can lead to more than funding.
To learn more about the Why and How of these partnerships, we spoke with Jasmin French, CICF Board Chair and Senior Director, Global Ethics and Compliance at Cummins Inc.
What are some example scenarios when a nonprofit should consider partnering with a corporation?
It’s a good option whenever they’re facing a challenge—or opportunity—that goes beyond what traditional fundraising can cover.
Maybe the nonprofit is trying to launch a new program, upgrade technology, or create stronger internal systems. These are all moments when a corporate partner can bring more than just money to the table. Many companies have teams filled with experts in areas like marketing, analytics, operations, or leadership development. Tapping into that kind of know-how can help a nonprofit work smarter, grow faster, and create a bigger impact without stretching too thin or taking on paid positions.
It’s also worth exploring a partnership when there’s clear mission overlap with a company that genuinely cares about the same issues. If a business has a track record of supporting community causes or empowering its employees to volunteer, they’re often ready for deeper engagement. When values align and both sides see the potential for something meaningful, a corporate partnership is a powerful way to expand reach and strengthen the work you’re already doing.
You’ve mentioned non-monetary value. What are some of those that nonprofits—or corporations—might not immediately think of?
There are many paths that corporations can provide meaningful help to nonprofits:
- Functional expertise can serve as a powerful and often overlooked alternative to traditional monetary donations. Many corporations, for instance, employ structured problem-solving methodologies such as the Six Sigma framework to reduce errors, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency. When employees who are trained in these approaches volunteer their skills, nonprofits can strengthen their organization in ways that would otherwise be unavailable.
- Additionally, companies often invest in robust leadership development programs to cultivate the next generation of corporate leaders. Encouraging them to share elements of their curriculum—or to offer tailored workshops for nonprofit executives—can provide nonprofit leaders with invaluable opportunities to build new competencies, broaden their strategic thinking, and grow in areas essential for long-term organizational success.
- Many corporations have established internship programs. By engaging interns as volunteers for events, campaigns, or short-term projects, companies not only offer hands-on learning experiences but also help nonprofits tap into skills typically associated with emerging professionals—social media engagement, digital communication, or the effective use of AI tools. These partnerships can also foster more young, mission-driven leaders eager to contribute to the social sector.
What are questions nonprofits should answer internally before they contact a potential partner?
Reflect and research to ensure that the partnership they seek is both strategic and mutually beneficial. Asking the right questions in advance can help clarify value alignment and increase the likelihood of a successful and enduring collaboration. Here’s some examples:
- Do the nonprofit’s mission, vision, and values align with those of the corporation?
- What do the company’s financial statements and annual reports reveal about its stability and commitment as a possible partner? Reviewing annual reports or other available financial data can illuminate a corporation’s historical and ongoing engagement with social impact initiatives as well as their overall financial health. You can often find this information on their website or resources like GuideStar (subscription required).
- What does the leadership team’s background suggest about their community involvement? Bios of senior executives often reveal critical details about their philanthropic interests and civic engagement.
- What non-monetary avenues of support could the corporation realistically provide? Nonprofits should consider in advance what types of non-monetary support could enhance their mission—whether that includes employee volunteerism, professional expertise, leadership training, in-kind services, access to technology, or the use of corporate facilities.
Finally, corporations and nonprofits can have turnover in leadership. How do you maintain a good partnership alongside those changes?
Leadership turnover is inevitable in both corporations and nonprofits, so it is crucial to build relationships that extend beyond an individual.
This starts with documenting the purpose, history, and expectations of the partnership in a way that is accessible to both organizations. Joint statements of work, clear communication protocols, and shared goals ensure that the relationship is grounded in structure rather than personality. Regular check-ins, even during periods of stability, also help reinforce alignment and keep both teams informed about progress, challenges, and upcoming changes.
Welcoming new leaders into the partnership with a thoughtful onboarding process—such as a briefing on past achievements, upcoming goals, and mutual benefits—helps reaffirm the value of the relationship after a leadership change. When both organizations proactively manage transitions and treat the partnership as a long-term strategic investment, it becomes far more resilient and continues to deliver value regardless of who is in the leadership seat.
