For small charities, corporate partnerships can feel imposing and beyond reach. But while they might be small fish, Kim Sutton says small charities can still take a big bite out of corporate philanthropy.

Corporate partnerships offer endless possibilities for fundraisers to get creative and tap into potentially transformational levels of income. They are also one of the fundraising streams that small charities have traditionally seen as off-limits, the domain of larger charity brands and big fundraising teams.

Small charities often believe that these relationships can only be forged by large charities, with developed brands and with lots of resources to offer. So often, the case studies featured at conferences and in trainings on securing successful corporate partnerships feature high-profile collaborations between large companies and large charities. This all helps to propel the myth that small charities are less likely to be able to secure high-level strategic partnerships themselves.

But, as with most myths, it’s just not true.

Small charities might not be able to secure equally lucrative partnerships with the same types of companies as the big charity boys, but they can definitely secure partnerships that are right for them.

So how do you identify and secure partners that are right for your small charity? The key for sustainable and successful partnerships is knowing how to find mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships. The old ‘win-win’ situation.