You’re planning a fundraiser and you need donations, but you’re not sure which companies actually say yes to requests from nonprofits. The good news is that many national chains and local Los Angeles businesses have formal giving programs, and knowing how to approach them makes all the difference.
This guide covers more than ten companies that donate to fundraisers in Los Angeles, what types of donations you can request, how to submit a request that gets approved, and why some applications get turned down.
Why companies donate to fundraisers
Companies that donate to fundraisers typically give through formal corporate giving programs, community grant applications, or direct requests to local store managers. Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Costco, and Chick-fil-A all have published donation programs, though how each one works depends on whether the company is corporate-owned or franchise-operated. The most common donations are cash grants, gift cards, product donations, and event sponsorships.
Why do companies give at all? Donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits are tax-deductible, which lowers taxable income. Community giving also builds goodwill with local customers. And when employees see their company supporting causes they care about, engagement tends to go up.
Understanding what motivates a company helps you frame your request. A business is more likely to say yes when you can show how the partnership benefits their community presence, not just your organization.
Top national companies that donate to fundraisers in Los Angeles
National chains often have local giving programs tied to specific store locations. Some companies accept requests through a central website, while others ask you to contact the local store manager directly. Here’s what to know about each one.
Walmart and Sam’s Club community grants
Walmart’s Local Community Grants program lets individual stores support nonprofits in their immediate area. Grants typically range from $250 to $5,000. You apply through the Walmart.org website, and the local store manager reviews requests for organizations serving their community. Sam’s Club locations follow a similar process.
Target Circle community giving
Target’s community giving works through Target Circle, the store’s loyalty program. Nonprofits can register to receive votes from Target Circle members, and Target distributes funds based on those votes. Individual stores also accept donation requests for gift cards and merchandise, usually for silent auctions and raffles.
Starbucks Foundation neighborhood grants
The Starbucks Foundation offers Neighborhood Grants to nonprofits focused on youth development, economic opportunity, and community resilience. Los Angeles nonprofits can apply through the foundation’s website. Applications that clearly connect to Starbucks’ stated priorities tend to perform better.
Costco charitable contributions
Costco directs most giving through local warehouse managers rather than a central application. Requests for children’s causes and education-focused nonprofits tend to receive priority. Contact your nearest Costco location directly with your 501(c)(3) documentation and a specific ask.
Krispy Kreme fundraising program
Krispy Kreme’s fundraising model works differently from traditional donations. Nonprofits purchase doughnuts at a reduced cost and sell them at retail price, keeping the difference. Both in-person pickup and digital dozen options are available. This model works well for school groups, sports teams, and community organizations that can mobilize sellers.
Chick-fil-A local donation requests
Each Chick-fil-A restaurant is independently operated, which means donation decisions happen at the local level. Contact the owner-operator at your nearest location with your request. Typical donations include food trays for events and gift cards for raffle prizes.
Trader Joe’s community donations
Trader Joe’s accepts in-kind product donation requests for nonprofit events. Requests go to specific store locations, not corporate headquarters. The store captain (manager) reviews each request, so building a relationship with your local store can help.
Whole Foods Market community giving
Whole Foods offers community giving days where a percentage of sales goes to a selected nonprofit. Stores also accept in-store donation requests for products. Apply through the community giving page on the Whole Foods website or speak with your local store’s marketing team.
Disney VoluntEARS grants
Disney’s VoluntEARS program connects employee volunteerism to nonprofit giving in the Los Angeles area. When Disney employees volunteer with a nonprofit, that organization may become eligible for grants through Disney’s community programs. If you have Disney employees among your supporters, this is worth exploring.
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Bank of America’s foundation offers grants for community development, education, and basic needs. Los Angeles-specific giving programs exist, and the foundation prioritizes organizations with measurable community impact. Applications go through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation website.
Local Los Angeles businesses that donate to fundraisers
Local businesses often respond more quickly than national chains because the decision-maker is closer to the community. You also face less competition for their attention.
Erewhon Market
Erewhon has built its brand around community partnerships in Los Angeles. Local nonprofits can request support for events through direct outreach to store management. Erewhon tends to favor health, wellness, and family-focused causes.
Porto’s Bakery
Porto’s accepts in-kind donation requests for nonprofit events and community fundraisers. Contact the location nearest to your event with details about your organization and what you’re requesting.
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
The In-N-Out Burger Foundation focuses specifically on child abuse prevention and assistance. This is a separate entity from the restaurant chain, with its own application process. If your nonprofit serves children, review the foundation’s guidelines to see if your mission aligns.
California Pizza Kitchen community fundraisers
California Pizza Kitchen offers dine-out fundraisers where a percentage of sales during a designated time goes to your nonprofit. Coordinate with your local CPK location to schedule a fundraising night.
Ralphs community contribution program
Ralphs’ Community Contribution Program lets customers link their loyalty cards to a nonprofit. The store then donates based on purchases made by linked customers. This is an ongoing giving model rather than a one-time donation, which can provide steady support over time.
Types of corporate donations you can request
Understanding what companies typically give helps you make the right ask.
| Donation Type | What It Is | Best For |
| Cash grants | Direct monetary gifts | Operating expenses, specific programs |
| In-kind donations | Products or services | Event prizes, auction items |
| Gift cards | Store credit | Raffle prizes, volunteer appreciation |
| Matching gifts | Company matches employee donations | Doubling individual contributions |
| Volunteer grants | Money given when employees volunteer | Organizations with corporate volunteers |
Cash grants and sponsorships
Cash grants come through formal applications, while sponsorships are typically tied to specific events. Both usually require 501(c)(3) status. Sponsorships often include recognition benefits for the company, so be prepared to offer visibility in exchange.
In-kind product donations
“In-kind” means non-cash contributions. For children’s nonprofits, this might include toys, supplies, equipment, or food for events. In-kind donations are often easier to secure than cash because they come from existing inventory.
Gift cards for raffles and auctions
Gift cards are popular for fundraising events because they’re easy to use and have clear value. Retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues commonly donate gift cards when asked.
Matching gifts
Many companies match donations their employees make to nonprofits. If someone donates $100 to your organization and their employer has a matching program, you could receive $200 total. Encourage donors to check if their employer offers matching.
Volunteer grants
Some companies give money to nonprofits where their employees volunteer. These “dollars for doers” programs convert volunteer hours into donations. If you have corporate volunteers, ask them to check if their employer offers this benefit.
How to ask companies to donate to your fundraiser
1. Build a list of local and national prospects
Start with businesses your supporters already use. If board members, volunteers, or donors have connections to specific companies, those relationships can open doors.
2. Research each company’s giving guidelines
Most companies publish donation request information on their website, usually in the footer under “Community” or “Giving.” Read eligibility requirements before applying. Some companies only give to certain cause areas or geographic regions.
3. Submit your request on time
Corporate giving often operates on quarterly or annual cycles. Submit requests at least four to eight weeks before your event. Some large companies require applications several months in advance.
4. Personalize your pitch to the company’s values
Connect your nonprofit’s mission to the company’s stated community priorities. If a company emphasizes children’s causes, lead with how your work benefits children. Generic requests get generic responses.
5. Follow up and say thank you
If you don’t hear back within two weeks, a polite follow-up is appropriate. After receiving a donation, send a thank-you letter promptly and report back on how the donation was used. Companies that feel appreciated are more likely to give again.
What to include in a corporate donation request letter
Every request letter benefits from including:
- Organization overview: A brief description of your nonprofit and mission
- 501(c)(3) documentation: Your EIN and tax-exempt verification
- Specific ask: Exactly what you’re requesting (amount, items, sponsorship level)
- Event or program details: Date, location, expected attendance, purpose
- Impact statement: How the donation will help the community
- Recognition offer: How you’ll acknowledge the company’s support
- Contact information: A direct contact for follow-up questions
Why corporate donation requests get denied
Missing 501(c)(3) documentation
Most companies require proof of tax-exempt status before approving donations. Have your determination letter and EIN ready to include with every request.
Request submitted too close to the event
Late requests often miss the funding cycle. Companies set giving budgets in advance, and last-minute asks rarely succeed.
Mission mismatch with the company’s giving focus
Companies prioritize causes aligned with their values. A tech company focused on STEM education may not fund arts programs. Research their giving priorities before applying.
Incomplete or generic application
Copy-paste requests signal low effort. Personalization matters. Reference the company’s community involvement and explain why your organization is a good fit.
Geographic restrictions on giving
Many companies limit donations to communities where they operate or have employees. A company without Los Angeles presence may decline requests from LA-based nonprofits.
How Los Angeles nonprofits build long-term corporate partnerships
One-time donations are valuable, but ongoing partnerships create sustainable funding. The difference is relationship building.
After receiving a donation, send regular updates on how the funds were used. Invite corporate partners to events. Offer recognition in newsletters, social media, and annual reports. When companies see their investment making a difference, they’re more likely to continue giving.
Organizations like Cara Mia Kids work with corporate partners to fund early intervention services for children with special needs in Los Angeles. These partnerships succeed because mission alignment creates lasting relationships.
Frequently asked questions about companies that donate to fundraisers
Do you need 501(c)(3) status to receive corporate donations?
Most corporations require 501(c)(3) verification before approving donation requests. Some companies will donate to schools, PTAs, or fiscally sponsored projects without independent tax-exempt status, but this is less common.
How far in advance should you submit a corporate donation request?
Submit requests at least four to eight weeks before your event or campaign. Some large corporations require applications several months in advance.
Does Chick-fil-A donate to nonprofit fundraisers?
Individual Chick-fil-A restaurants can approve donation requests at the local owner-operator level. Contact your nearest location directly with your request and 501(c)(3) documentation.
What retail stores donate gift cards for fundraisers?
Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and many grocery chains offer gift card donations for nonprofit raffles and auctions. Check each store’s community giving page for application details and lead times.
Can a GoFundMe campaign receive corporate donations?
Most corporate giving programs require verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and do not donate to individual crowdfunding campaigns. Registered nonprofits can apply for corporate support through formal channels.