How Businesses View Local Sponsorships in 2025
New survey insights from 100+ companies reveal what motivates sponsors, where they spend, and why they renew.
Report Summary
This 2025 survey reveals how businesses think about sponsoring local nonprofits and why community impact and shared values consistently outweigh marketing ROI.
Most sponsors give modestly (often under $500 per partnership). Yet, they renew when the relationship feels aligned.
Many see visibility as a motivator, but underestimate how much digital trust those local partnerships build—a growing factor as AI-driven search favors credible community connections.
The report highlights where businesses’ intentions and investments diverge and shows how nonprofits can use those insights to position sponsorships as both socially meaningful and strategically valuable.
Key Findings
- 94% rate community impact as “highly motivating.”
- 88% rated shared values as “extremely” or “very” motivating
- 58% have sponsored the same organization for over a year.
- 42% say online visibility influences sponsorships (but few see it as a major driver).
- 40% say sponsorships drive 1% or less of revenue; 7% report 20%+
Why you need this report
If you’re a nonprofit leader or fundraiser, this report shows how businesses think about sponsorships: what motivates them, what budgets look like, and why some partnerships last while others don’t.
It strips away guesswork so you can approach potential sponsors with a clearer understanding. You’ll see what drives renewals, how companies define value, and how to frame your sponsorship opportunities in ways that align with their goals.
As local visibility and digital trust start to overlap, understanding the sponsor’s mindset will help you maximize sponsorship dollars and gain lasting support.
About This Report
Founded in 2016 by Garrett French, ZipSprout connects businesses with grassroots organizations to build meaningful community partnerships.
This research, led by Ellen Sartin, explores what motivates local sponsorships and how businesses measure their impact.
