Too many charity/corporate relationships remain locked in a transactional model - sponsorship packages, staff fundraising drives, one‑off charity‑of‑the‑year votes.  While valuable, these short‑term exchanges rarely unlock the full potential of corporate partnerships to fuel meaningful, sustained social impact.

This in‑person session challenges fundraising leaders and senior executives to reimagine what partnership truly means in 2026. We’ll explore how to move from sponsorship to strategic collaboration - relationships rooted in shared purpose, multiyear investment, and mutual value creation. Beyond the cheque, what possibilities open when charities tap into corporate partners’ expertise, creativity, data, and influence to accelerate mission outcomes?

Together, we will explore:

• The evolution from transactional giving to transformational partnership: What enables a move toward multi‑year investment models that deliver measurable social impact.
• Cross‑organisational ownership: Why partnership success relies on the alignment of fundraising, programmes, communications, and leadership teams 
• Mindset and culture shifts:  How boards, CEOs, and fundraisers can foster the internal readiness to collaborate differently, balancing agility, risk, and ambition.
• Leveraging true non‑financial value: Identifying and integrating skills, networks, and innovation from corporate partners to strengthen social outcomes.

The session combines case studies, a panel discussion with experienced partnership leaders, and an interactive round‑table exercise where participants will interrogate their own internal and external challenges.  Together we will map out practical steps to overcome them, from structural barriers to cultural constraints.

Participants will leave with renewed clarity on what genuine partnership could look like for their organisation, and how to build the internal conditions to make those relationships thrive for the long term. 

Moderator 

Jane Trenaman, The HX Consultancy 

Session Speakers

Keynote speaker

Oonagh Donovan,  OKC  

Case studies 

Edel O’Malley, CEO,  basis.point  

Mr Price - Edel McSorley & AsIAm Debbie Merrigan 

Panel session 

Oonagh Donovan,  OKC  

Sarah Joyce, Coolmine 

Mark Doyle, Down Syndrome Ireland 

Please note that these sessions are currently restricted to the most senior fundraiser in your organisation.