You found a list of companies that accept donation requests, and now you’re wondering how to actually get a response. Most corporate giving programs receive hundreds of emails each month, and the difference between a funded request and an ignored one often comes down to who you contact and how you ask.
This guide covers 15 companies in Los Angeles with established giving programs, the right person to email at each type of business, and ready-to-use templates you can customize for your nonprofit’s next ask.
15 Companies to Email for Donations in Los Angeles
Most companies prefer donation requests through dedicated online portals rather than general email addresses. However, several corporate offices and local branches in Los Angeles County accept direct inquiries through specific contacts. Here are 15 companies with a presence in the Los Angeles area that have established giving programs supporting children’s causes, health initiatives, and community organizations.
Disney
Disney’s corporate headquarters sits in Burbank, and the company runs one of the largest corporate giving programs in Southern California. Requests go through the Disney VoluntEARS and corporate giving portal rather than a general email address. Disney prioritizes children’s health and education causes, so submit requests at least 60 days before your event date.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has dozens of branches across Los Angeles County and a dedicated community giving program. The bank focuses on housing stability, small business development, and financial health education. For local requests like event sponsorships, contact your nearest branch manager directly. For larger grants, reach out to the Wells Fargo Foundation through their online application.
Bank of America
Bank of America operates both a corporate foundation and local market giving programs throughout Los Angeles. Their priorities include economic mobility, workforce development, and basic needs. The Neighborhood Champions program recognizes nonprofits doing community work, and application windows typically open quarterly.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest healthcare providers in Los Angeles, and their community benefit programs focus on health equity and underserved populations. The Southern California regional giving program handles requests separately from national grants. Nonprofits serving children with health-related needs often align well with Kaiser’s priorities.
Southern California Edison
SCE serves millions of customers across Los Angeles County and runs a community giving program focused on education, environment, and public safety. Their online application portal accepts requests year-round, and local nonprofits in SCE’s service territory receive priority.
SoCalGas
SoCalGas supports education, environmental programs, safety initiatives, and organizations serving diverse communities within their service area. Like SCE, they use an online application system for both event sponsorships and program support.
CVS Health
CVS Health Foundation focuses on health equity, and local CVS stores can provide gift cards or in-kind donations for community events. For small requests, visit your local store manager. For foundation grants, apply through the CVS Health Foundation website during their open application periods.
Target
Target uses Target Circle community giving for local store donations. Individual stores can provide gift cards for fundraising events and silent auctions. For larger grants, the Target Foundation has a separate application process. Local store managers have discretion over smaller requests, so visiting in person often works better than email.
Starbucks
Starbucks handles community giving at the store level for local events. Corporate grants through the Starbucks Foundation focus on youth employment, veterans, and refugee support. For a gift card donation or event support, ask the store manager at your nearest location.
Costco Wholesale
Costco processes donation requests at the individual warehouse level, not through corporate headquarters. Each warehouse manager decides on local giving, with focus areas including children’s causes, education, and health. Visit or call your local Costco warehouse and ask for the manager who handles donation requests.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s donation requests go to individual store Captains (their term for store managers). There is no centralized corporate donation program. Stores commonly donate gift cards and food items for community events, so stop by your local store and ask to speak with the Captain.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods has both local store donations and the Whole Foods Foundation for larger grants. Stores participate in community giving days and can provide in-kind product donations. For event support or silent auction items, contact your local store directly.
Albertsons and Vons
Albertsons and Vons operate under the same parent company and run the Nourishing Neighbors program focused on hunger relief and children’s causes. Local stores can also provide donations for community events. Contact your local store for smaller requests.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare’s corporate giving focuses on access to care, particularly for underserved communities. Their application windows open at specific times during the year. Health-focused nonprofits serving children often align with their priorities.
Enterprise Mobility
Enterprise handles donation requests through regional business offices rather than a national portal. Their focus areas include community development and youth programs. Contact your local Enterprise branch to ask about their community giving process.
How to Find More Companies That Donate to Nonprofits
The 15 companies above represent a starting point. Hundreds of businesses in Los Angeles have giving programs, and finding them takes some research.
- Donation request directories: TheShareWay and CharityEngine maintain searchable databases of companies with online donation applications, organized by category and cause area.
- Cause-specific research: Companies often align their giving with specific issues. Children’s health, disability services, and education each have corporate champions who prioritize those causes.
- Local business associations: The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and local business improvement districts can point you toward businesses with community giving programs.
- Your existing supporters’ employers: Ask your current donors where they work. Many employers offer matching gift programs or volunteer grants that could multiply their personal donations.
Who to Email Inside a Company for a Donation Request
The right contact depends on what you’re asking for. Sending a request to the wrong person usually means it gets ignored or lost.
| Type of Request | Who to Contact | How to Find Them |
| Gift cards or products for an event | Local store or branch manager | Visit in person or call the location |
| Cash grants or large sponsorships | CSR manager or community relations | Company website giving page or LinkedIn |
| Foundation grants | Foundation program officer | Foundation website application portal |
For local requests, visiting in person often works better than email. For corporate grants, look for the community relations or corporate social responsibility contact on the company’s website.
What to Include in a Donation Request Email
A donation request email has about 30 seconds to make its case. Companies receive dozens of requests each week, so clarity matters more than length.
A Clear Subject Line
Your subject line determines whether the email gets opened. Include your organization name, what you’re asking for, and a deadline if you have one. Example: “Cara Mia Kids Foundation – Event Sponsorship Request for October 15 Gala”
A Short Story About Who You Help
Companies want to see impact, not abstractions. One sentence about a specific child or family you’ve helped says more than a paragraph of statistics.
A Specific Ask
Vague requests fail. Name a dollar amount, a specific item, or a type of sponsorship. The person reading your email needs to know exactly what you’re asking for so they can route it to the right department.
Proof of Nonprofit Status
Attach your 501(c)(3) determination letter and include your EIN (Employer Identification Number). Companies require this documentation for tax purposes before processing any donation.
A Deadline and Next Step
Include when you need a response and who will follow up. Without urgency cues, your request sits in a queue indefinitely.
Donation Request Email Templates for Nonprofits
The templates below provide a starting structure. Customize each one with specific details about your organization and the company you’re contacting.
Template for a Local Business Donation Request
Subject: [Your Organization Name] – Donation Request for [Event/Program Name]
Dear [Store Manager Name],
I’m reaching out from [Organization Name], a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving [brief description] in [City/Neighborhood]. We’re hosting [event name] on [date] and would be grateful for a gift card or product donation for our silent auction.
Last year, we helped [specific number] children access [specific service]. Your support would help us continue this work.
I’ve attached our 501(c)(3) determination letter. I’ll follow up next week, or you can reach me at [phone/email].
[Your Name], [Your Title], [Organization Name]
Template for Event Sponsorship
Subject: [Your Organization Name] – Sponsorship Opportunity for [Event Name]
Dear [Contact Name],
[Organization Name] is hosting our annual [event name] on [date] at [location]. We’re inviting local businesses to sponsor this event, which raises funds for [specific program or cause].
Sponsorship levels include [Level Name]: $[Amount] – [Benefits].
Last year’s event raised $[amount] and helped [specific number] of [children/families]. I’ve attached our sponsorship packet and 501(c)(3) documentation.
Would you be available for a brief call next week to discuss?
[Your Name], [Your Title], [Organization Name]
Template for an In-Kind Donation
Subject: [Your Organization Name] – In-Kind Donation Request
Dear [Contact Name],
I’m writing from [Organization Name] to request an in-kind donation of [specific item or service] for [specific purpose].
We serve [brief description of population] in [geographic area]. [One sentence about a specific family or child you’ve helped].
In-kind donations like yours help us direct more of our budget toward [direct services/programs]. I’ve attached our 501(c)(3) letter.
[Your Name], [Your Title], [Organization Name]
Template for a Corporate Matching Gift
Subject: Double Your Impact – [Company Name] Matching Gift
Dear [Donor Name],
Thank you for your recent gift of $[amount] to [Organization Name]. Did you know [Company Name] may match your donation?
Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees. If [Company Name] participates, your $[amount] gift could become $[doubled amount].
Here’s how to check: Visit your company’s HR portal or benefits page, search for “matching gifts” or “charitable giving,” and submit [Organization Name] and our EIN: [number].
[Your Name], [Your Title], [Organization Name]
Template for a Thank You After a Donation
Subject: Thank You from [Organization Name]
Dear [Contact Name],
Thank you for [Company Name]’s generous donation of [amount/item] to [Organization Name]. Your support will help us [specific impact].
We’ll recognize [Company Name] in [event program/newsletter/social media]. I’ve attached a donation receipt for your records.
[Your Name], [Your Title], [Organization Name]
How to Follow Up on a Donation Request Email
Most donation requests require follow-up. Companies receive many requests, and even interested contacts can lose track of emails.
1. Wait Seven to Ten Business Days
Corporate CSR teams have review cycles and approval processes. Following up too quickly can seem pushy. Give them time to route your request internally.
2. Send a Short Reminder
Keep your follow-up brief. Reference your original request, restate your deadline, and offer to provide any additional information they might need.
3. Try a Second Contact Person
If you don’t hear back after two attempts, look for an alternate contact. LinkedIn can help you find other people in the community relations or CSR department. For local stores, try visiting in person.
4. Close the Loop with Gratitude
Whether they say yes or no, thank them for considering your request. A gracious response to a “no” keeps the door open for future asks.
Corporate Matching Gift and Workplace Giving Programs
Beyond direct donations, companies offer programs that can multiply individual gifts to your organization.
- Matching gifts: When an employer matches an employee’s personal donation to a nonprofit, often dollar-for-dollar
- Volunteer grants: When an employer donates to a nonprofit where employees volunteer, sometimes called “dollars for doers”
- Payroll giving: When employees donate through automatic paycheck deductions, often through platforms like United Way
Many large Los Angeles employers, including Disney, Kaiser Permanente, and Bank of America, have matching gift programs. Remind your individual donors to check if their employer will match their contribution.
Mistakes That Get Your Donation Email Ignored
Certain errors almost guarantee your request won’t get a response.
- Sending a generic request: No personalization to the company’s giving priorities signals you haven’t done your research
- Asking too late: Requests sent with less than 30 days lead time often cannot be processed in time
- Missing nonprofit verification: No EIN or 501(c)(3) documentation attached means the company can’t process your request
- Vague asks: “Any amount helps” gives the company nothing to act on
- No follow-up: A single email without follow-up is easy to forget in a busy inbox
Keep Giving Momentum Going with Cara Mia Kids
Corporate donations help fund early intervention therapy for children with special needs in Los Angeles. At Cara Mia Kids Foundation, 94 cents of every dollar goes directly to children’s services, helping families access physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental support regardless of their financial circumstances.
Donate Now | Become a Corporate Partner
FAQs about Emailing Companies for Donations
Do nonprofits need 501(c)(3) status to receive corporate donations?
Most companies require proof of 501(c)(3) status before processing a donation for tax purposes. Some may donate to fiscally sponsored projects if you provide your fiscal sponsor’s documentation, but this is less common.
How far in advance should nonprofits submit corporate donation requests?
Submit requests 30 to 60 days before your event or deadline. Larger grants from corporate foundations may require 90 days or more, and some foundations only accept applications during specific windows.
Which companies are most likely to donate to small nonprofits?
Local businesses and regional branches of national companies often have more flexibility for smaller nonprofits. Grocery stores, banks with local branches, and utility companies are good starting points because they have established community giving programs and local decision-makers.
What is a typical response rate for nonprofit donation request emails?
Response rates vary widely depending on how well you’ve targeted your request. Personalized requests sent to the correct contact with adequate lead time perform better than mass emails sent to general inboxes.