Navigating corporate fundraising

The corporate sector plays a vital role in supporting the non-profit world, and there are many ways companies can get involved with charities. For this reason, corporate fundraising can feel overwhelming – especially for small charities with limited resources. Despite this, diversifying your income is essential, as it not only opens up new funding opportunities but also increases your visibility, builds valuable partnerships, and gives you access to a wider network and skillset.

For rare disease patient groups, these benefits can be truly transformative, as corporate organisations can help grow your impact and take your work even further!

This guide walks you through the different ways corporate organisations can support your cause and how to build meaningful, successful partnerships. As with any form of fundraising, corporate fundraising comes with its own set of positives, challenges, and resource considerations.

Since charities have limited capacity and multiple funding streams to juggle, this guide will also help you decide whether corporate fundraising is the right type of fundraising for your organisation – and if so, how you can start to take action.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel more prepared to identify, approach, and collaborate with corporate partners who share your values and support your mission.

With thanks to:

We’d like to thank Maike Jager-Chestnut, who kindly wrote this guide pro-bono, sharing her knowledge and expertise with us and the community.

We’d also like to thank the Funders of The Empowerment Programme 2025 for making our work possible.

My name is Maike, and I am passionate about supporting non-profits in reaching their goals through effective communication.

Fundraising can be tricky, but it is fundamental for all non-profits. I enjoyed putting together this guide for everyone interested in learning more about fundraising strategies, tools, and best practices.

I hope it will help the rare disease community in their invaluable efforts to support people with a rare disease.

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Resource type

Course



Skill level

Beginner



Duration



Last updated

May 2025

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Resource type

Course



Skill level

Beginner/Intermediate



Duration



Last updated

May 2025

What will you learn?

What corporate fundraising involves and the basics of corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Different types of support companies can offer e.g., donations, sponsorships and volunteering
How to identify and approach businesses effectively

How to pitch your organisation and develop corporate partnerships
How to communicate your impact and keep partners engaged long-term
How to measure success and build on it

Who is this course for?

All rare disease patient groups, especially those that are actively approaching and maintaining corporate relationships or are interested in doing so.