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At the recent Nonprofit Leadership Development Summit, held following the Cause Marketing Forum Annual Conference in Chicago, the question was posed to attendees: "How many of you have received requests from your corporate partners for employee volunteer opportunities?" Nearly every hand in the room shot up, and knowing glances and nods were exchanged among the nonprofit executives in attendance, who agreed providing meaningful volunteer experiences can be a challenge. In fact, many nonprofits likely struggle with this issue. Unless you're an organization that deals with community revitalization or environmental clean-up, or are a food, tool or clothing bank, you might think you have nothing in the way of employee engagement opportunities to offer a corporate sponsor. I've even heard it said as plainly as "We're not Habitat. We don't have volunteer opportunities."

Although the economic news gained some positive momentum in the last year and many economists announced that the recession ended in mid-2009, it's still tough out there. Unemployment remains high, gas and food price surges contribute to inconsistent month-over-month consumer spending and according to a recent Gallup Poll, 55% of Americans describe the U.S. economy as still being in a recession or depression. 

Whether you close the deal or not, it's important to keep the love alive and well! In this final installment, we cover suggestions for how to create a strong relationship (if you've signed the deal) and how to keep the relationship going (if you haven't).