You’re looking for corporate partners in Los Angeles, and you’ve probably noticed that “corporate giving” can mean a dozen different things depending on who you ask. Some companies write big checks. Others match employee donations. A few donate products or let their teams volunteer on company time.
This guide breaks down the major corporate giving programs active in Los Angeles, explains how each type works, and shows you how to connect with companies that fund children’s causes and family services.
What is a corporate giving program
Major corporations and regional employers in the Los Angeles area offer active corporate giving, matching gifts, and employee volunteer programs. A corporate giving program is simply a structured way a company donates money, products, employee time, or services to nonprofits. Some companies write checks directly. Others match what their employees give. Still others donate products or let workers volunteer on company time.
The structure varies by company size and industry. A tech company might offer software licenses and pro bono engineering help. A consumer goods company might donate diapers or baby supplies. A financial services firm might run a 2:1 matching program that triples employee donations. What ties them together is a formal commitment to giving, not just occasional one-off donations.
For nonprofits serving children with special needs in Los Angeles, corporate giving programs offer something beyond a single check: a relationship that can sustain therapy access and family support year after year.
Why corporate giving programs in Los Angeles matter
Los Angeles County is home to 22 Fortune 500 headquarters, according to Double the Donation. That concentration of corporate wealth creates real opportunity for local nonprofits, and when companies give locally, the dollars stay in the neighborhoods where their employees live.
- Community connection: Companies build relationships with families and organizations in their operating area, which often leads to deeper engagement over time
- Employee engagement: Workers increasingly want employers who give back, and local giving programs tend to boost morale
- Nonprofit sustainability: Predictable corporate partnerships help nonprofits plan programs rather than scramble for one-time donations
For children’s nonprofits, corporate partners often bring more than money. They bring volunteers for events, in-kind donations of supplies, and visibility that attracts other donors.
Top Los Angeles companies with active corporate giving programs
The following companies have established giving programs and a track record of supporting Los Angeles nonprofits. If your organization serves children, families, or health-related causes, these are worth researching.
Snap Inc.
Snap is headquartered in Santa Monica and focuses its philanthropy on youth, creativity, and technology access. The Snap Foundation funds programs that help young people from underrepresented backgrounds enter creative careers. Snap also offers employee matching gifts.
Comcast NBCUniversal
With a major presence across Los Angeles, Comcast NBCUniversal supports digital equity, education, and community programs. The company has a structured grant application process and regularly partners with nonprofits serving underserved populations.
Dropbox
Dropbox maintains offices in Los Angeles and runs employee volunteer programs alongside matching gifts. The company’s giving tends toward education causes, and employees can request grants for organizations where they volunteer.
SharkNinja
This consumer products company offers in-kind donation programs and community grants. Nonprofits that serve families may find opportunities for product donations or sponsorship support.
Edmunds
Based in Santa Monica, Edmunds has a strong employee volunteer culture. The automotive information company partners with local nonprofits and encourages staff to participate in community service.
Riot Games
Riot Games, headquartered in West Los Angeles, runs social impact programs focused on education and underserved communities. The gaming company has funded initiatives supporting youth development.
Munchkin
Munchkin is a Los Angeles-based baby products company, which makes it a natural fit for children’s causes. The company donates products and funds to child-focused nonprofits and has supported organizations working with families in need.
GoodRx
GoodRx, based in Santa Monica, focuses on health equity. The company supports organizations that help families access healthcare, making it relevant for nonprofits working with children who have medical or developmental needs.
Cox Enterprises
Cox has a long history of community investment through its media and communications businesses. The company offers employee volunteer grants, meaning nonprofits can receive donations based on employee volunteer hours.
General Motors Los Angeles
GM’s regional operations support local causes, with a particular focus on STEM education and community development. Nonprofits with educational components may find alignment here.
Main types of corporate giving programs in Los Angeles
Companies use different vehicles for giving. Understanding the options helps nonprofits identify which programs fit their needs and helps companies structure their philanthropy.
| Program Type | How It Works | Best For |
| Matching gifts | Company matches employee donations | Doubling individual donor impact |
| Volunteer grants | Company donates based on employee volunteer hours | Nonprofits with volunteer opportunities |
| Corporate grants | Direct grants to nonprofits | Larger funding needs |
| In-kind donations | Products or services donated | Nonprofits needing supplies or expertise |
| Corporate sponsorships | Funding tied to events or visibility | Galas, fundraisers, awareness campaigns |
Matching gift programs
A matching gift program is when a company matches donations that employees make to eligible nonprofits. The most common ratio is 1:1, meaning the company gives a dollar for every dollar the employee gives. Some companies, like Capital Group, offer 2:1 matching.
Employees typically submit a request through their company’s giving portal after making a donation. The nonprofit receives the original gift plus the match, often within a few weeks.
Volunteer grants
Volunteer grants, sometimes called “dollars for doers,” are donations a company makes based on employee volunteer hours. For example, Disney provides grants to nonprofits where employees volunteer a certain number of hours.
The employee logs their hours, and once they hit a threshold (often 10, 25, or 50 hours), the company sends a check to the nonprofit.
Volunteer time off
Volunteer time off (VTO) is paid time employees can use for volunteering. This is an employee benefit, not a direct donation to the nonprofit. However, it increases the pool of available volunteers and signals that the company values community service.
Corporate grants
Corporate grants are direct monetary gifts from a company or its foundation to a nonprofit. These typically require a formal application, and many companies have annual grant cycles with specific deadlines. Grant amounts vary widely depending on the company and the cause.
In-kind donations
In-kind donations are contributions of products, services, or expertise rather than cash. A baby products company might donate diapers or bottles. A law firm might offer pro bono legal services. A tech company might donate software licenses.
For children’s nonprofits, in-kind donations can include therapy equipment, office supplies, event space, or professional services like accounting.
Corporate sponsorships
A corporate sponsorship is funding tied to an event, program, or visibility opportunity. The nonprofit receives money, and the company receives recognition, such as logo placement or mentions in marketing materials. Sponsorships differ from grants because they involve a mutual exchange.
Cause-related marketing
Cause-related marketing is when a company ties a purchase to a donation. “A portion of proceeds goes to X nonprofit” is the typical structure. This requires a formal partnership agreement and works best when the nonprofit’s mission aligns with the company’s customer base.
Payroll deduction giving
Payroll deduction programs allow employees to donate automatically from each paycheck. The company facilitates the giving, and many pair payroll deduction with matching gifts.
How to build a corporate giving program in Los Angeles
If you’re a company looking to start or improve a giving program, the following steps provide a practical framework.
1. Define your giving focus and values
Start by identifying causes that align with your company’s mission and your employees’ interests. Children’s health, education, and family services are high-impact areas in Los Angeles, where many families face barriers to accessing care.
2. Set a budget and giving vehicle
Decide how much you can commit annually and how you want to give. Options include direct giving from the company, establishing a corporate foundation, or using a donor-advised fund. Work with financial and legal advisors to understand California nonprofit regulations.
3. Choose local nonprofit partners
Vet potential partners carefully. Verify 501(c)(3) status, review financial statements, and understand how programs work. Look for organizations that report what percentage of donations go directly to programs. A nonprofit that directs 94 cents of every dollar to children’s services, for example, demonstrates strong financial stewardship.
4. Engage employees through volunteering and matching
Employee participation increases program impact and builds company culture. Set up a matching gift program through a platform like Double the Donation or Benevity. Organize volunteer days at local nonprofits.
5. Track impact and report transparently
Measure outcomes, not just dollars spent. Ask nonprofit partners for reports on how funds were used. Share results with employees and stakeholders.
How nonprofits can tap into Los Angeles corporate giving programs
If you work at a nonprofit seeking corporate partners, the following approach increases your chances of success.
- Research companies in your area: Identify LA companies whose values align with your mission
- Prepare your case: Have your 501(c)(3) documentation, recent financial statements, and impact stories ready before you reach out
- Make the ask specific: Request a defined partnership, such as a $5,000 sponsorship or a volunteer day, rather than general support
- Steward the relationship: After receiving support, report back on how funds were used and maintain regular communication
Many companies list their giving guidelines and application processes on their websites. Check the “Community” or “Social Responsibility” section.
How to choose a Los Angeles nonprofit partner that fits your mission
For corporate decision-makers evaluating nonprofits, the following criteria help identify strong partners.
- Financial transparency: Look for organizations that report program efficiency, ideally sending 90 cents or more of every dollar to programs
- Local presence: Verify the nonprofit serves Los Angeles County directly
- Measurable outcomes: Ask how the organization tracks and reports results
- Alignment with company values: Choose causes your employees and customers care about
How to measure the impact of a corporate giving program
Tracking results helps companies understand whether their giving achieves its goals.
- Dollars deployed: Track total giving by type, including grants, matching gifts, and in-kind contributions
- Employee participation: Measure volunteer hours logged and donation participation rates
- Nonprofit outcomes: Request reports from partners on how funds were used
- Community reach: Understand how many people or families benefited from your support
Partner with Cara Mia Kids to give Los Angeles children a stronger start
Cara Mia Kids Foundation is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on early intervention for children with special needs. The organization removes financial barriers that keep families from accessing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental support.
Ninety-four cents of every dollar donated goes directly to children’s services and programs. Corporate partners can support Cara Mia Kids through matching gift promotions, event sponsorships, employee volunteer days, or direct grants.
Learn about corporate partnership opportunities
Frequently asked questions about corporate giving programs in Los Angeles
What is it called when a company does charity work?
When a company donates money, products, or employee time to charitable causes, it’s typically called corporate philanthropy or corporate giving. The broader term corporate social responsibility (CSR) includes philanthropy along with environmental practices and community investment.
Are corporate donations tax deductible in California?
Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are generally tax deductible for California businesses. The specific deduction depends on the type of business entity and the nature of the gift. Consult a tax professional for guidance on your situation.
What is the difference between corporate philanthropy and CSR?
Corporate philanthropy refers specifically to giving money, products, or time to charitable causes. CSR is broader and includes environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and community investment. Philanthropy is one component of a comprehensive CSR strategy.
Can a small business in Los Angeles start a corporate giving program?
Yes. Corporate giving programs scale to any size. A small business can start with employee volunteer days, in-kind donations, or a modest matching gift program.
How do Los Angeles nonprofits find corporate sponsors?
Nonprofits find corporate sponsors by researching local companies with giving programs, attending networking events, and reaching out directly with clear partnership proposals. Personal connections through board members or volunteers often open doors.