How to Build a Corporate Partnership Strategy for Your Nonprofit

(Without the Guesswork, Perfectionism, or Another One-Off Sponsorship)

If you’re a nonprofit fundraiser trying to figure out how to actually build a corporate partnership strategy, not just pitch decks or sponsorship asks, you’re in the right place.

Hi! I’m Heather Nelson, founder of BridgeRaise, and I work with nonprofits to raise more money from companies without compromising their mission.

So, what does a corporate partnership strategy actually mean?

A strong strategy is more than a list of prospects or a benefits grid. It’s a clear plan that helps your nonprofit:

1. Identify the right-fit companies
2. Package your assets in a way that aligns with their goals
3. Create systems and language that feel business-savvy, but still authentic to your cause
4. Move from one-off gifts to long-term partnerships rooted in trust and value

Whether you’re a small team just starting out, or a national charity with corporate support stuck in silos, the key is having a strategy that feels clear, aligned, and actionable.

That’s where we come in.

At BridgeRaise, we help nonprofits:

1. Create business-aligned benefit frameworks (without the fluff)
2. Develop and prioritize corporate prospect lists
3. Build work plans to move from idea to implementation
4. Coach and support your team to get out of the perfection loop and into action
5. Package your offers so they resonate with your corporate partners
6. Engage companies through mission-first, values-aligned partnerships

And we do it all while keeping your internal team confident, comfortable, and clear on next steps.

Who we work with:

We specialize in corporate fundraising strategy consulting for:

1. Mid-to-large nonprofits with some corporate support but looking to uplevel and strengthen their approach
2. Small but mighty teams building their first strategy and needing expert support
3. Organizations with passionate staff who say things like:
4. “We have relationships, but no system.”
5. “We’re tired of one-off wins. We want a real strategy.”
6. “Our decks feel outdated and our outreach is stalled.”

If that sounds like you, there’s nothing wrong with your team. You just need the right framework and support.

Ready to start?

We offer two starting points:

✨ Springboard Strategy Session

A customized strategic engagement for organizations just getting started with corporate partnerships. You’ll walk away with a clear approach, tools that work, and your “next right steps.”

🚀 Accelerator Program

For mid-size and national nonprofits who are ready to build (or fix) their corporate fundraising strategy with hands-on support, tools, and accountability.

Why BridgeRaise?

Because we’re not just consultants, we’re your team.

We work alongside you to build sustainable partnerships that reflect your mission and your professionalism.

We don’t just talk strategy, we implement it with you.

We don’t offer cookie-cutter packages, we help you build what actually fits your values and your goals.

And we believe this work can feel good and work well.

Let’s build something meaningful, together.

If you’re searching for expert help with your nonprofit’s corporate partnership strategy, reach out here. Or, explore our services to see what feels like the right fit for your team.

Every step forward counts, and we’re here to help you take the next one.