We recently partnered with AFP Greater Austin on their annual Corporate Funders Forum to bring together nonprofit leaders and corporate partners for a conversation on the evolving role of corporate philanthropy in Central Texas.

The panel—moderated by Kristen Marcum of ECPR Texas—featured leaders from across the corporate and nonprofit ecosystem, including:

• Kelly Coffman, Q2 Software
• Ira Mercado-Dixon, Junior Achievement of Central Texas
• Raudy Perez, Experian
• Aleesha Toteja, Halff

From Transactions to True Partnerships

A consistent theme throughout the discussion was the shift away from one-time, transactional giving toward long-term, relationship-driven partnerships.

Panelists emphasized that today’s most impactful collaborations are built on:

• Alignment between mission and business priorities
• Trust within the communities being served
• Shared goals that extend beyond a single initiative

As one panelist noted, successful partnerships aren’t about perfection—they’re about finding the intersection where organizations can work together to create meaningful impact.

What Attendees Took Away

One attendee captured the conversation through three themes that surfaced again and again:

Alignment. Organizations that earn partnerships aren’t just doing good work—they make it easy for companies to quickly see shared values and priorities.

Trust. Building trust takes time and consistency. From first impressions to long-term engagement, organizations that communicate clearly and show up authentically are more likely to establish lasting partnerships.

Storytelling. More than data alone, compelling and human-centered storytelling is what brings impact to life—helping companies engage employees, inspire leadership, and invest more deeply.

What Funders Are Looking For

Insights from the panel made clear that funding decisions are increasingly strategic. Organizations that stand out demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with company values and focus areas
• Innovation to provide multi-year partnerships new means of engaging corporate partners and communicating impact
• A long-term vision for impact, not just short-term outcomes
• Established trust within the communities they serve

Equally important is the ability to tell a compelling story- with both data and real-world impact that resonates both internally and externally.

The Power of Employee Engagement

One of the biggest influences on corporate philanthropy is the growing role of employees.

Many companies are moving increasingly toward designing giving strategies around:
• Employee passions and interests
• Volunteer opportunities tied to skills and development
• Data and feedback from employee engagement platforms

This approach not only strengthens community impact—it also supports talent development, retention, and recruitment.

Storytelling as a Strategic Tool

Across the board, panelists reinforced that storytelling is critical.

Organizations that effectively communicate their impact—through data , stories, visuals, and lived experiences—are more likely to:
• Engage corporate partners
• Inspire employees
• Secure long-term investment

Importantly, the most effective storytelling is personal and authentic, often driven by employees or community members directly connected to the work.

Measuring Impact in a New Way

While traditional metrics still matter, companies are expanding how they evaluate success. Key indicators include:

• Employee engagement and participation
• Volunteer hours and internal involvement
• Qualitative feedback and experience data
• Long-term community outcomes

For nonprofits, this means being prepared to provide both data and narrative to demonstrate value.

Looking Ahead: Opportunity and Responsibility

As Austin continues to grow, so does the opportunity for corporate and nonprofit leaders to work together in new ways.

Panelists pointed to several emerging trends shaping the future of corporate responsibility:
• The integration of technology and AI to scale impact
• A deeper focus on community connection and equity
• Increased visibility—and accountability—for corporate giving

At its core, the conversation reinforced a simple but powerful idea:
When businesses and nonprofits work together with intention, the entire community benefits.