If nonprofits want a relationship with a corporation, one sure-fire bet, according to Wednesday's San Francisco Gate is to offer meaningful oppportunities for and linkages to corporate employee volunteer programs.

Rarely have I seen such raving by corporations as was cited in this article. It identified quite a few big national corporations who even pay (VolunteerMatch) good sums of money to ensure that employees are engaged in creative and productive activities where they may learn, develop and become happier people (and therefore happier employees). Here lies a clear lesson for every nonprofit exec seeking a corporate partnership.