When it comes to building a strong fundraising strategy, knowing where your money can come from is just as important as how much you need. Funders typically fall into four broad categories: Corporations, Foundations, Government, and Individuals. Each brings unique opportunities and challenges to the table. A well-balanced approach considers how each type can support your mission differently.

Corporations often support nonprofits through sponsorships, event partnerships, employee matching gifts, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. These partnerships can offer more than just funding—visibility, in-kind donations, and access to new networks are all on the table. To succeed with corporate funders, organizations need to clearly articulate how their work aligns with the company’s values and brand.

Foundations, both private and community-based, are mission-driven entities that provide grants to advance specific causes. Foundation funding tends to be competitive and requires strong alignment with their priorities, as well as solid reporting and evaluation practices. While sometimes restricted in use, foundation grants can provide significant support for programs, innovation, or capacity building.

Government funding—local, state, or federal can be a powerful resource, especially for large-scale initiatives or services. While often more bureaucratic and compliance-heavy, government grants tend to support long-term projects and infrastructure.

Individuals remain the most flexible and mission-driven source of funding. From major donors to monthly supporters, individuals give based on personal connection, trust, and belief in your work. Cultivating strong relationships with individual donors helps create a dependable, values-aligned base of support that sustains organizations year after year.