At this year’s MCON, a diverse panel explored what it means to build partnerships that genuinely benefit military nonprofits and their communities. While there’s no universal formula, their insights illuminated the qualities of the most successful partnerships—those that prioritize alignment, authenticity, and shared values.
Supporting military nonprofits requires more than just donations or sponsorships; it demands strategic, genuine partnerships that create tangible impacts. For military nonprofits, finding the right corporate partner begins with a thorough understanding of alignment. As Laura Schmiegel, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Orion Talent, shared, “It’s about the company’s mission aligning with the nonprofit’s goals. It’s not effective to approach a large national brand without a clear connection or realistic expectation.” Schmiegel advised military nonprofits to start local, targeting companies that have a direct interest in their community impact and values. This alignment builds a foundation where both the nonprofit and business can thrive, each contributing to a shared mission rather than a short-term transaction.
Partnerships also benefit from a genuine commitment to measurable, sustainable outcomes. Robert Yarnall, Vice President of Development and Impact at the Robert Irvine Foundation, noted that the trend is moving away from event sponsorships or one-time gestures. Instead, companies want involvement that allows their employees to engage directly, from volunteering to ongoing support roles that make a difference. “They want to be a true partner with your organization, not just a name on something,” Yarnall explained, underscoring that companies seek partnerships that foster hands-on contributions to veterans’ causes.
Military nonprofits also need to communicate with transparency and honesty to gain and keep corporate trust. Michael “Rob” Rodriguez, CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and former Army Green Beret, shared that authenticity is essential, saying, “If you approach your mission in a wholesome manner, being honest and vulnerable…then people resonate with that.” For Rodriguez, this means staying true to the organization’s purpose without compromising values, even in the face of potential funding. Companies, too, respond to genuine missions, as they look for organizations that align with their employees’ values and are invested in the community’s well-being.
Rodriguez added a perspective that has resonated with many veterans: “We’re creating a warrior caste. It’s not about sugarcoating the realities veterans face but about supporting them in ways that actually help.” For corporate partners, this means engaging in programs that tackle real issues, like employment, mental health, and long-term recovery, rather than token gestures.
In essence, the most effective partnerships are those where both sides recognize their roles in serving a higher purpose. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all model. What truly matters is finding that alignment and growing it into something meaningful,” said Schmiegel. For corporations, the partnership provides a pathway to real impact; for military nonprofits, it represents a chance to build stronger, lasting support for those who have served.
