We want to help you understand corporate matching gift programs. What are Matching Gifts? Well, let me break it down for you.
Corporate matching gifts are a type of giving program in which companies financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations. Imagine donors giving you free money!
When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Companies usually match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at a 2:1, 3:1, or even a 4:1 ratio.
Why are corporate matching gifts valuable?
Corporate giving and matching gifts are valuable because they are free money for your nonprofit! It gives you more bang for your fundraising buck, so to speak. Your organization will receive two donations for the work of soliciting one, and donors love knowing their gifts went twice as far.
Why do organizations overlook corporate matching gifts?
Nonprofits often struggle with obtaining these donations because so few donors know about their employer’s corporate giving programs. Nonprofits also don’t always know who someone’s employer is or what their specific policy is.
Communicating guidelines and instructions, especially on a wide scale, can be difficult as well.
Why do companies match donations?
Companies of all sizes match donations their employees make to nonprofits because it’s an easy, structured way for them to support good work in their communities. CSR, or corporate social responsibility, is an important factor in how the public perceives brands and companies these days.
Corporate matching gifts are an efficient and straightforward way for companies to build relationships with charities.
Corporate donation programs allow your donors to maximize the impact of their donation, but without having to reach back into their wallets to do so.