Volunteer Coaching Becomes Corporate Sponsorship
Delaware businesses can see how staff volunteering may develop into a formal sponsorship that funds youth programs.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
GFP Mobile Mix Supply LLC has entered a corporate and in-kind sponsorship of Girls on the Run Delaware, a nonprofit serving girls in grades three through eight. The partnership grew out of four seasons of volunteer coaching by the company's marketing director, and the company contributed $2,000 between fall 2024 and spring 2026 toward the program and its scholarships.
Why it matters
For Delaware businesses, the arrangement shows how a company can turn an employee's volunteer work into a structured corporate sponsorship that supports a community program. The sponsorship followed a personal decision by the marketing director in 2024 to expand her volunteering, showing how staff involvement can become a formal company commitment over time.
GFP Mobile Mix Supply contributed $2,000 between fall 2024 and spring 2026, while its marketing director has mentored 85 girls over four seasons. Girls on the Run Delaware's executive director estimates that 70% of participants have received financial assistance, though the source does not break down how the sponsor's gift was allocated between general support and scholarships.
The players
GFP Mobile Mix Supply LLC
A company whose corporate sponsorship of Girls on the Run Delaware has grown out of a volunteer relationship with its marketing director.
Girls on the Run Delaware
A nonprofit that runs a 10-week life-development program combining running and physical activity for girls in grades three through eight.
Alexis Papa
GFP Mobile Mix Supply's marketing director, who coaches Girls on the Run Delaware teams twice a week and has mentored 85 girls over four seasons.
Kim Chitty
Executive Director of Girls on the Run Delaware, who estimates that 70% of participants have received financial assistance.
The details
Girls on the Run combines running and physical activity with a 10-week life-development program for girls in grades three through eight, and training culminates in a noncompetitive 5K for the season. The program also includes community impact projects. GFP's sponsorship supports the scholarship program, which the executive director says reaches a large share of participants, so the company's money helps families who would otherwise be unable to pay the program fee.
Timeline
2024: Alexis Papa decides to ramp up her volunteering after moving back to Delaware.
Fall 2024 to spring 2026: GFP Mobile Mix Supply contributes $2,000 to Girls on the Run and its scholarship program.
Market Landscape
Corporate sponsorships that start with employee volunteering are a recognizable pattern in youth nonprofit funding, where staff involvement often precedes formal company giving. This partnership follows that pattern, with a sponsor's in-kind and cash support building on four consecutive seasons of coaching.
Delaware businesses weighing community sponsorships should consider whether staff volunteer relationships can be formalized into corporate giving with defined contribution amounts. Operators should document any sponsorship terms and check with a qualified accountant on how in-kind support is recorded.
The takeaway
Businesses looking to support local youth programs can start by identifying employees already volunteering with them and considering a sponsorship built on that relationship. Track total contributions by year so the commitment can be measured as it grows.
Further reading
For more on how local giving supports youth programs, see Philanthropy coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Delaware Business Times.
