The why and how of meaningful corporate engagement.

Corporate engagement in philanthropy is evolving, and it must. As women in philanthropy, we’re uniquely positioned to champion a more thoughtful, values-driven approach that centers community, equity, and long-term partnership.

Sponsorships, gala tables, and photo ops have their place, but they’re not a substitute for genuine investment. When support is transactional, it often overlooks the lived experiences, expertise, and needs of the communities we aim to serve and uplift. This perpetuates a seen and be seen exchange with event sponsorship, instead of investing in solutions that facilitate change with purpose and values-aligned missions.

A New Model: Values-Aligned Partnership

What if instead of leading with brand marketing opportunities, we fundraisers led with the change we make, aligned to our corporate partners’ goals, values, and vision? We see our partners for who they are, and what they want to accomplish- and they begin asking: What do you need? What matters to your community? True engagement starts with listening. It’s about co-creating solutions, sharing power, being honest about setbacks, and showing up consistently, not just during campaign season.

What This Looks Like in Practice

• Companies investing in nonprofit partners’ operating budgets, not just events

• Corporate teams volunteering regularly—not for optics, but for connection

• Internal corporate efforts that align with external philanthropic strategies

• CEOs sitting on nonprofit committees as learners, not just leaders

How Philanthropic Professionals Can Lead the Shift

As fundraisers, relationship managers, and nonprofit leaders, we can help shift the dynamic by:

• Asking hard questions to understand how and if a shift to operating support is possible

• Inviting companies into mission moments and storytelling

• Holding space for values alignment in all partnership decisions

At MEWiP, we believe in philanthropy that is rooted in community, care, and collaboration. Let’s continue to challenge the old models and build new ones— together.