Corporate Matching Gift Programs
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.
What are matching gifts?
Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations.
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 philanthropy 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 receiving these gifts because so few donors know about their employer’s corporate philanthropy 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, so nonprofits frequently choose to focus their efforts on traditional fundraising strategies.
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.
