A Model (Citizen) Fundraising Partnership

With this in mind, you need to be concise and efficient with presentation delivery to the corporate world. The execs are not going to be the "hearts and flowers" emotional-based group — they are more practical and tactical than anything else.

My advice is to really understand who you are presenting to: Do your homework and research the company beforehand, and see if they are adamant about a particular cause, and try to connect your own mission to it. Don't make your pitch too complex to understand — keep it short, concise and unique. Stand out amongst any other nonprofit presentations, and always distribute supporting material. This way, even when the elevator pitch is done, your pamphlet sits at their desk, constantly tempting them to give you a call back. Endorsements from their contemporaries about your cause are always helpful as well.