Big things can happen: Don’t give up on corporate donors

A message from the CICF Collaborative, including Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Foundation of Indiana 

By Diana Coyle, CICF Director of Nonprofit Services and Sustainability 

Across the nonprofit sector, many leaders are asking if tax law changes and broader economic uncertainty will cause companies to pull back on charitable giving. 

Some companies may adjust how and where they give. As companies take the time to assess their philanthropic impact, it is time to stay engaged as their priorities evolve. 

Businesses still care deeply about community investment, but they may be looking for partnerships that feel more strategic, measurable and connected to their values. For nonprofits, that means relationships matter more than ever. Here are a few ways to take action: 

Expand your stewardship list
Make sure your cultivation efforts include not only the company but also the specific people who influence giving decisions. Executives, board members and employees involved in corporate philanthropy should be part of your relationship-building strategy.Think beyond the “corporate hat”
Corporate leaders and employees are individuals with their own values, relationships and charitable interests. They may also give through donor-advised funds, family foundations or personal philanthropy. A strong relationship with a corporate leader can open multiple pathways for support over time. 

Take time to understand their priorities, attend events where they are present, and create opportunities for meaningful connection beyond a single funding request. Relationship-building at the individual level can lead to deeper trust, stronger advocacy, and sustained support over time. 

Rethink partnership opportunities
Corporate donors may be looking for new types of engagement, including support for specific initiatives, employee volunteer opportunities, matching gift programs, measurable outcomes or multi-year commitments that provide stability and impact. Now is a good time to revisit how your organization talks about partnership, not just sponsorship. 

Looking for more inspiration on this topic, revisit Expanding Nonprofit Impact through Corporate Partnerships, an interview with Jasmin N. French, Board Chair at CICF and the Senior Director, Global Ethics and Compliance at Cummins Inc. 

The CICF Collaborative can serve as a sounding board as you think through corporate donor conversations, endowment or reserve fund strategies, and opportunities to connect giving with long-term impact. As an organization with an established endowment with a CICF Collaborative entity, we would be glad to talk through how our services, investment support and planned giving expertise can strengthen your organization’s sustainability. 

Despite the economic volatility, corporate donors are still looking for trusted partners who can deliver meaningful results in the communities where they operate. 

Our task is to continue building relationships, stay engaged and share clear stories of impact. Big things can still happen when the right connections and a shared definition of community impact are in place.

About the author 

Diana Coyle, director of nonprofit services and sustainability, is dedicated to helping Central Indiana nonprofits access the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to thrive. In collaboration with her CICF colleagues she supports CICF fundholders offering professional development, resources, and technical assistance that strengthen organizations and their leaders. With more than 15 years of experience in leadership and community engagement, she is committed to fostering connections that amplify the missions of nonprofits and create lasting impact across the region.

About the CICF Collaborative 

CICF Collaborative is a partnership of philanthropic organizations working together to strengthen communities across the region. Each entity within the CICF Collaborative (including the cornerstone entities, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Foundation of Indiana) brings deep knowledge, strong relationships, and its own individual, focused mission. The CICF Collaborative unites the entities by providing shared services, allowing the entities to operate more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging what we each do best, we’re able to better serve our communities and create more lasting impact, together. Learn more »