# How to Approach CSR Companies for Funding (Without Being Ignored)

> Start from a researched shortlist, then identify the specific CSR head, foundation executive, or sustainability lead — not generic inboxes. Lead with a brief, personalized one-page concept note that references the company's priorities and your sector-geography fit, then follow up strategically up to three times. Warm introductions through board members, existing funders, or peer networks are far more effective than cold volume outreach.

**URL:** https://sampoornaintelligence.com/insights/how-to-approach-csr-companies
**Description:** Practical outreach strategy for NGOs — finding the right contact, crafting your pitch, email templates, follow-up strategy, and what to do when you get a meeting.

## Summary

Practical outreach strategy for NGOs — finding the right contact, crafting your pitch, email templates, follow-up strategy, and what to do when you get a meeting.

## Key sections

### Finding the Right Contact

Don't send your proposal to a generic "info@company.com" address. It will disappear. You need to reach a specific person who handles CSR. Here's how to find them:

### The Initial Approach

Do NOT send your full proposal as the first contact. CSR heads receive dozens of proposals weekly and will not read a 15-page document from someone they don't know. Instead, send a one-page concept note that gives them enough information to decide whether they want to see more.

### The One-Page Concept Note

Your concept note should fit on a single page and include:

### Follow-Up Strategy

If you don't get a response to your first email, don't assume they're not interested. CSR heads are busy and your email may have been buried. Follow up — but do it strategically:

### What to Do When You Get a Meeting

Congratulations — you got a meeting. Now don't waste it. Here's how to prepare:

### Common Outreach Mistakes

- Sending a full proposal as the first contact: Too much, too soon. Start with a concept note.

- Not researching the company: If your email could be sent to any company, it shouldn't be sent to any company.

- Being too pushy: "I need a response by Friday" will get your email deleted.

- Not following up: One email is not an outreach strategy. Follow up 2-3 times.

- Following up too aggressively: 5 emails in 2 weeks is stalking, not outreach.

- Not asking for a call: The goal is a conversatio

### The Long Game

CSR outreach is not a one-time activity — it's a relationship-building process. Even if a company doesn't fund you immediately, staying in touch with quarterly updates keeps you on their radar. Many CSR partnerships start 6-12 months after the first contact, when the company's CSR planning cycle aligns with your work.

## Related

- https://sampoornaintelligence.com/insights/
- https://sampoornaintelligence.com/insights/strategic-connection-not-outreach
- https://sampoornaintelligence.com/funding-intelligence