In short
A CSR proposal to a company should link your project to the company’s CSR policy, business locations and any legal CSR rules, show measurable social results the company can report, offer clear governance and financial accountability, describe visibility and employee engagement opportunities, and set out regular impact reporting.
Companies fund projects that fit their CSR strategy, their communities and, where it applies, the law. A CSR proposal reads more like a partnership offer than a charity appeal.
Who funds CSR projects
Corporate social responsibility and corporate foundations fund projects in education, health, environment, livelihoods and community development, often near their operations. In some countries, such as India, larger companies must spend a share of profits on eligible CSR activities and report on them.
Recommended outline
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Alignment | How the project fits the company’s CSR policy, locations and any legal CSR categories |
| Problem and solution | The community need and your approach, concisely |
| Results | Measurable outcomes the company can include in its CSR or sustainability report |
| Governance | Registration, required CSR registrations, audited accounts and financial controls |
| Partnership | Visibility, employee volunteering and site visits, within your ethics policy |
| Reporting | Reporting schedule, utilisation certificates and impact assessment |
Example results and indicators
| Result | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Reach | Number of people benefiting, by group and location |
| Outcomes | Measurable change, such as learning, income or health service use |
| Employee engagement | Number of employee volunteer hours, if part of the partnership |
| Accountability | Reports and audited statements delivered on schedule |
Typical budget lines
- Programme costs, by activity
- Programme staff
- Monitoring, impact assessment and audit
- Visibility materials, if agreed
- Employee engagement events, if agreed
- Administrative costs within the company’s limits
What makes a CSR proposal stand out
- Clear fit with the company’s CSR policy and locations.
- Results the company can report with confidence.
- Strong governance and transparent finances.
- A partnership offer, not just a request for money.
Common mistakes
- Sending a generic proposal that ignores the company’s priorities.
- Missing registrations a company needs before it can fund you.
- Vague results that cannot be reported.
- Promising visibility that conflicts with your ethics.
Frequently asked questions
How is a CSR proposal different from a foundation proposal?
It focuses more on fit with the company’s strategy and locations, compliance with any CSR rules, reportable results and partnership opportunities such as employee volunteering.
What documents do companies ask NGOs for?
Usually registration, tax-exempt status, audited accounts, any CSR registration required by local law, and details of governance and past projects.
Written by Gachi Foundation, a non-profit in Jharkhand, India. All proposal-writing resources.