It is best to only approach companies that you have some kind of link with or who may have some sympathy toward your work and practice. Companies tend to prefer supporting organisations and individuals who are in their locale, thus proving more easily their support of good causes and allowing them to see more easily the fruits of their support.

You can begin your research by searching the following publications:

• The Guide to UK Company Giving (published by the Directory of Social Change)
• The Kompass Register of British Industry and Commerce
• Stock Exchange Official Yearbook - search on Global Investor bookshop
• Jordan's Top Privately Owned Companies - search on Jordan's website
• Individual websites of companies you are interested in

It is also best to approach individuals within a company directly, and to focus on their interests in your application. If you do not know any individuals in the company you are applying to, you can find out information from the following sources:

• The Directory of Directors - from Hemscott
• Who's Who
• Corporate Register
• Your local chamber of commerce - for London, check the London Chamber of Commerce website)
• The Confederation of British Industries (CBI)

Finding out about the company's track record for giving is important too. This information can be found in their annual report (available from the company directly or from Companies House)

• sponsorship
• in-kind
• funding
• research
• grant
• money
• working with partners