Does IBM Have a Grant for You? |

« Economic Stimulus Funds Progress Report | Home | Mid-Summer Sale Going Strong »

Does IBM Have a Grant for You?

By Jillian Wheeler | July 25, 2009

One type of grants that gets little attention is corporate grants. Most people know about government grants, and many people know that foundations exist to give grants. But it’s also true that hundreds of thousands of companies also give grants.

Corporations offer grants for a number of reasons. They like the public relations benefit of being seen as an asset in the communities they serve. They like being good citizens, and helping to improve the lives of their customers and their employees. Often corporate grants reflect the personal feelings of their founders. For example, the founders may have a particular cause they support (for a great example, check the “Articles” section of the website for the piece on Home Depot). In many cases, the founders believe in and have made a commitment to tithing a portion of all the company earns.

IBM is a good example. This corporate giant gives generously in the form of cash grants as well as in-kind grants of products and services. To approach IBM about the possibility of a grant for your non-profit, send an initial letter with the following information:

- Brief statement fully describing the mission of the organization, the amount of money requested, and the purpose of the contribution;
Description of the problem you wish to address, the solution you propose, and how IBM technology, and IBM volunteers, if appropriate, will be incorporated;
- Proposed project budget with all other anticipated sources of income;
Plans to measure and evaluate program results;
- Copy of an IRS 501(c)(3) ruling or other documentation substantiating tax exemption status; and
- Name, address and telephone number of the project contact person.

Direct your letter to the nearest IBM Community Relations Manager.

Share This!