Corporate fundraising can be a game-changer for charities and community organisations, but knowing where to start can feel daunting. This half-day course demystifies the process, helping you understand how to approach businesses confidently and create mutually beneficial partnerships.

You’ll explore what Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) really means in practice, what motivates companies to support local causes, and how to align your organisation’s mission with their objectives. The course also introduces the growing importance of social value, a key factor in how businesses now measure their community impact and procurement decisions under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.

Through real examples and guided discussion, you’ll learn how to identify the right sponsors, frame your offer effectively, and develop proposals that appeal to business and social goals alike.

Ideal for VCSE leaders, fundraisers, and community project managers, this interactive session helps you unlock new funding opportunities while building relationships that last beyond a single campaign.
A practical and confidence-building course for those ready to turn local goodwill into long-term partnership success.

Key Learnings

• Understand corporate giving, CSR, and social value principles
• Identify potential sponsors aligned with your organisation’s purpose
• Develop compelling partnership proposals
• Recognise the mutual benefits of sponsorship, including tax relief for businesses
• Build and sustain authentic relationships with sponsors
• Integrate social value into your fundraising strategy

Corporate fundraising and sponsorship are vital opportunities for charities and social enterprises seeking sustainable income. Yet many organisations struggle to connect with businesses effectively or to demonstrate the value they bring. This course bridges that gap, showing how local partnerships can deliver genuine social impact.

The session explores how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved into a key business function — shaping how companies choose partners, allocate community budgets, and measure success. Participants will learn how to identify businesses whose aims align with their cause, and how to communicate value in a way that appeals both ethically and commercially.

The course also introduces the concept of social value, as defined in the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, and how this influences business behaviour. Learners will discover how their organisation’s outcomes — such as reducing isolation, improving wellbeing, or creating local employment, directly contribute to a company’s social impact objectives.

Practical examples help bring these concepts to life, with exercises on how to present partnership opportunities, write proposals, and approach potential sponsors. The course highlights the tangible benefits for both sides, including public profile, staff engagement, and even corporation tax relief for qualifying donations.

Designed with small and medium VCSE organisations in mind, this training balances strategy with practical action. It encourages participants to think creatively about corporate partnerships — not as one-off donations, but as collaborative relationships that strengthen both organisations and communities.

By the end of the session, learners will have the confidence and insight to approach businesses, start conversations that matter, and build sustainable partnerships that bring shared value to all involved.

Open course per person           £97
In-house for up to 6 people     £343
In-house for up to 12 people   £365