The rise of Corporate Social Responsibility offers incredible opportunities for nonprofits and schools to engage with businesses in mutually beneficial partnerships. Why? Companies today are increasingly committed to giving back to their communities and investing in social causes. This presents a unique opportunity for charitable organizations to tap into these examples of corporate social responsibility to further their missions, and understanding which companies offer the programs can go a long way.
In this post, let’s explore fifteen inspiring examples of CSR initiatives that demonstrate the power of philanthropy and corporate giving. Specifically, here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is corporate social responsibility?
- Leading examples of corporate social responsibility in action
- How can nonprofits benefit from corporate social responsibility?
Whether through donations, volunteerism, or cause-related marketing, these companies are making a difference—and there’s a lot that organizations can learn from their efforts. By aligning your nonprofit with the right corporate partners, you can amplify your impact, secure valuable funding, and create lasting change for your mission.
Dive in with us to find out how—and see if your team can benefit from these leading examples of corporate social responsibility. But first, let’s begin with the basics.
What is corporate social responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility—also known as CSR—is a business practice in which companies take accountability for the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their operations. Through CSR initiatives, companies aim to give back to society by addressing various issues such as sustainability, community development, employee welfare, ethical business practices, and philanthropic involvement.
CSR programs can take many forms, including (but not limited to) charitable donations, employee volunteerism, environmental sustainability, and partnerships with nonprofits. These initiatives are often designed to benefit both society and the company itself, enhancing a company’s reputation, fostering customer loyalty, and improving employee engagement while also providing much-needed resources for mission-focused organizations.
For nonprofits, CSR offers opportunities to form partnerships with corporations, access funding, and benefit from volunteer support, creating a powerful win-win dynamic. Ultimately, participation in corporate social responsibility reflects a company’s commitment to operating ethically and making a positive impact—above and beyond profit generation.
Leading examples of corporate social responsibility in action
Becoming familiar with companies participating in CSR will allow your team to better target the opportunities as they are available to you. We’ve selected fifteen standout examples of corporate social responsibility to cover below—but remember that this is only a small piece of the overall CSR puzzle!
Home Depot & Habitat for Humanity
Home Depot partners with Habitat for Humanity to support affordable housing projects across the country. Through financial donations and employee volunteerism, Home Depot helps build homes for families in need. Their partnership also includes in-kind donations of tools and supplies, significantly reducing building costs for Habitat for Humanity.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts
Apple & (RED)
Apple’s partnership with (RED) supports the fight against AIDS by donating a portion of proceeds from (RED)-branded products. This initiative funds programs for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the years, Apple’s contributions have helped fund millions of life-saving treatments and prevention services.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts, volunteer grants
Walt Disney Company & Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. Disney provides financial support, experiences, and merchandise to Make-A-Wish families. Since the partnership began, Disney has helped grant thousands of life-changing wishes, bringing joy and hope to children and their families.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts, volunteer grants, VTO
DoorDash & United Way
DoorDash partners with United Way to address food insecurity by delivering meals to those in need. Through the Project DASH initiative, DoorDash drivers deliver groceries and meals from food banks to underserved communities, helping bridge gaps in food access while supporting local United Way programs.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts
Google & Google Ad Grants
Google’s Ad Grants program provides nonprofits with free advertising credits to promote their causes on Google’s search platform. Nonprofits can use these grants to raise awareness, attract new donors, and drive traffic to their websites. Google’s initiative has helped thousands of organizations reach larger audiences and increase their impact—including with marketing matching gifts!
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts, volunteer grants, VTO
Walgreens & Red Nose Day
Walgreens collaborates with Red Nose Day, an annual fundraising campaign to end child poverty. The company sells red noses in its stores, with proceeds supporting programs that provide food, shelter, and healthcare for children. Walgreens also raises awareness and encourages customer participation through its nationwide network of stores.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Cancer Support resources, STEM education
Kraft Heinz & Rise Against Hunger
Kraft Heinz partners with Rise Against Hunger to combat global hunger through meal packaging events and financial contributions. The company supports the production of nutritious meal kits, which are distributed to vulnerable populations worldwide, helping to address food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Volunteer time off
Beyond Meat & American Cancer Society
Beyond Meat collaborates with the American Cancer Society to promote plant-based diets for cancer prevention. As part of their partnership, Beyond Meat donates a portion of its profits to support cancer research and education, highlighting the health benefits of plant-based eating in reducing cancer risks.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Feed a Million+ pledge
JOANN & Susan G. Komen
JOANN partners with Susan G. Komen to support breast cancer awareness and research. Through in-store campaigns, including donations from craft product sales, JOANN raises funds for breast cancer research, patient care programs, and community outreach, contributing to the fight against breast cancer.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Minority grant program, school supply donations, sponsorships
The Weather Channel & American Red Cross
The Weather Channel works with the American Red Cross to provide critical weather-related information and disaster relief support. During natural disasters, The Weather Channel amplifies the Red Cross’s relief efforts and fundraising campaigns, helping raise awareness and encourage donations for disaster victims.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Disaster relief
Walmart & Feeding America
Walmart partners with Feeding America to tackle hunger in the U.S. by donating food, funds, and resources to local food banks. Through this collaboration, Walmart has provided millions of meals to families in need while also mobilizing its employees and customers to participate in hunger relief efforts.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Executive level matching gifts, volunteer grants
Procter & Gamble & World Vision
Procter & Gamble teams up with World Vision to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene products to communities in need. The company’s donations of water purification kits and hygiene supplies help improve living conditions and prevent diseases in developing regions.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Volunteer time off
Orangetheory Fitness & American Heart Association
Orangetheory Fitness partners with the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart health. The fitness company organizes fundraising campaigns and special workouts, encouraging members to contribute to heart disease research and prevention efforts while promoting the importance of staying active for heart health.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: OrangeLove monthly giving program
Best Buy & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Best Buy supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Through in-store and online campaigns, Best Buy encourages customers to donate, and a portion of sales goes toward funding life-saving treatments for children battling cancer.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts, volunteer grants
AbbVie & Americares
AbbVie partners with Americares to provide essential medicines, medical supplies, and healthcare to communities affected by poverty and disasters. The pharmaceutical company donates millions in products and funding to support Americares’ efforts in delivering life-saving medical care to those in need globally.
Learn more about the corporate partnership here.
Meanwhile, other standout giving programs include: Matching gifts, VTO
How can nonprofits benefit from corporate social responsibility?
Nonprofits can benefit significantly from corporate social responsibility programs by tapping into the resources and support offered by socially conscious businesses. Here are several key ways nonprofits can leverage CSR:
1. Financial Support
Many companies include charitable donations as part of their CSR initiatives. Nonprofits can benefit from corporate grants, sponsorships, matching gifts, or one-time donations, providing essential funding for their programs and operations.
2. Employee Volunteerism
Companies with CSR programs often encourage employee volunteerism through organized team volunteer events, volunteer grants (or Dollars for Doers), or Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policies. Nonprofits can partner with these companies to gain access to dedicated volunteers who can help with everything from hands-on community service to professional skills like marketing, IT, or legal support.
3. In-Kind Donations
Beyond financial contributions, companies often donate goods or services as part of their CSR efforts. This can include technology, office supplies, food, or even pro bono professional services. In-kind donations can help nonprofits reduce operational costs and focus more of their budget on mission-related work.
4. Increased Visibility
By partnering with companies for CSR initiatives, nonprofits can benefit from heightened visibility. Companies often promote their CSR activities to their customers, employees, and networks, which can bring new attention to the nonprofit’s cause and help attract additional supporters and donors.
5. Cause-Related Marketing
Some CSR initiatives involve cause-related marketing, where companies align their products or services with a charitable cause. Nonprofits can partner with businesses to raise awareness and funds through these marketing campaigns, benefiting from the company’s reach and customer base.
6. Long-Term Partnerships
Many companies are eager to establish long-term partnerships with nonprofits through their CSR programs. These ongoing collaborations can provide a stable source of funding, volunteer support, and resources, allowing nonprofits to plan and grow their impact over time.
Wrapping up & additional resources
As the above examples of corporate social responsibility illustrate, CSR programs can be a game-changer for nonprofits like yours. By understanding the different ways companies give back and identifying the right corporate partners for your cause, your team will be empowered to tap into the resources, expertise, and volunteer support that businesses are eager to provide.
Take these CSR initiatives as inspiration to explore new partnerships that can fuel your mission. When you work together with corporations on shared goals, the results can be transformative—for your organization, the businesses (and employees) that support you, and the communities you serve.
Interested in learning more about corporate social responsibility, how your team can benefit, and more? Check out these recommended resources:
- How to Tap into Corporate Giving Revenue: Top Strategies. This guide provides actionable strategies to access corporate giving revenue. Uncover key methods such as matching gifts, corporate partnerships, volunteer grants, and more.
- CSR: What to Know About Corporate Social Responsibility. Better understand the basics of corporate social responsibility with this guide. Learn about different types of CSR initiatives and tips for forming impactful partnerships here!
- Matching Gift Research Report: A Digital Strategy Analysis. Get a deep dive into matching gift programs, analyzing the digital strategies that nonprofits can use to capture more matching gift revenue.
