Double the Donation and MyEvent are excited to announce their partnership that brings Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory to MyEvent users. This integration allows fundraisers to access corporate grants and in-kind donation opportunities seamlessly within their event management platform. Now, all the essential information is available right where events are planned—no more juggling tabs or scouring the web for the latest updates!
Searching for ways to elevate events with corporate grants and in-kind donations is now made easy through the MyEvents and Double the Donation’s partnership. To learn more about the integration, refer to our integration guide.
“MyEvent has partnered with event organizers to help them successfully host and manage events while raising millions of dollars,” says Mark Goldenberg, VP at MyEvent. “Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory allows our clients to unlock new fundraising potential directly from our platform, so it was a natural fit. We’re thrilled they can now easily increase their support for the causes they care about.”
With this integration, fundraisers can effortlessly explore Double the Donation’s industry-leading database, accessing a comprehensive list of in-kind donations and grant opportunities. Users can quickly view program details and take the next steps to secure support. By leveraging Double the Donation’s directory, MyEvent users can stay up to date on the latest corporate funding sources and program updates, ensuring they’re fully prepared for their next fundraising event.
“Corporate sponsorships are on the rise, and we’re excited to help MyEvent clients unlock this potential,” says Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “By connecting users directly to workplace giving opportunities within their fundraising platform, this integration makes it easier than ever for schools to access corporate grants and in-kind donations—often underutilized resources that can significantly boost fundraising success.”
About MyEvent: MyEvent has been a trusted partner for event organizers, helping them successfully host and manage events while raising millions of dollars. They enable the creation of mobile-responsive, customizable websites for any event, including reunions, fundraisers, walkathons, galas and more. With features like unlimited ticket sales, secure payments, and customizable designs, MyEvent is able to streamline the event planning process from start to finish.
About Double the Donation: Increase your event fundraising with Double the Donation’s industry-leading solution. The platform equips nonprofits and educational institutions with valuable tools to uncover workplace giving opportunities. Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory seamlessly integrates with event and auction platforms, simplifying the search for in-kind donations and corporate grant programs. With Double the Donation, finding these resources has never been easier.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Myevent_DTD_Partnership-Annoucement-Feature.png5801550Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2025-09-26 18:07:212025-09-26 18:07:21Simplifying Search for Corporate Funding: MyEvent Launches Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory
The holiday giving season is upon us. Luckily, it’s not too late to get started with matching gifts and year-end fundraising strategies before the clock strikes midnight and the ball drops on New Year’s Day.
As you likely know, the end-of-year fundraising season is a critical time for nonprofits of all shapes and sizes. What better way to maximize such an impactful opportunity than with matching gifts?
To recap, matching gifts are a form of corporate giving where companies agree to match their employees’ charitable donations. For nonprofits, these types of initiatives produce additional fundraising revenue, increased individual and corporate engagement, and more.
However, recent studies show that an estimated $4 to $7 billion in available matching gift funding goes unclaimed each year, essentially leaving tons of corporate donations on the table. And the #1 reason for this significant gap is a lack of knowledge concerning such programs!
This holiday fundraising season, set your organization up to make the most of matching gifts by increasing donor awareness. And Double the Donation is here to help! In this guide, we’ll cover the following key points:
Ready to dive deeper into fundraising research and learn more about strategic donor appeals, retroactive outreach, automated email streams, and the software that can power it all? Let’s get started!
The Correlation Between Matching Gifts and Year-End Giving Success
End-of-year fundraising and matching gifts are each vital components of a successful nonprofit funding strategy. And the two complement each other to produce a seamless and impactful engagement plan.
After all, more donations flowing during the holiday season means more potential for matching gifts. Meanwhile, promoting matching gift opportunities leads to more (and larger) donations in the first place!
Not to mention, donation-matching opportunities also provide a great way to differentiate your appeals and retain your organization at the forefront of donors’ minds.
Let’s take a closer look at some statistics that illustrate the power of year-end fundraising and matching gifts.
31% of total giving takes place in December.
12% of annual donations are made in the last three days of the year.
50% of nonprofits are majority-funded through year-end giving.
$48 billion is donated to nonprofits in the holiday giving season each year.
⅓ of nonprofits incorporate two or more “touches” in their end-of-year appeals.
52% larger first-time gifts are made during the end-of-year season.
56% of donors are motivated by year-end tax deadlines.
70% of year-end donors give through multiple channels.
Sources: Double the Donation and Nonprofit Hub
26 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs.
3-5x more funds are raised by campaigns that incorporate donation-matching.
65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gifts.
84% of donors are more likely to donate if a match is offered.
1 in 3 donors would give more if matching is applied.
51% increase in average gift size when matching gifts are mentioned in fundraising appeals.
71% increase in average response rate when matching gifts are mentioned in fundraising appeals.
75% donor engagement rate produced by a well-executed matching gift strategy.
$2.86 billion is donated by corporations through employee matching gift programs each year.
61% increase in matching gift funds by organizations that use an automation tool.
Sources: Double the Donation
Since we know a significant amount of charitable giving takes place at the end of the year, your team has a significant opportunity to drive more matching gifts when you integrate the two ideas. Talk about a win-win!
Top Strategies to Implement for Impactful EOY Gift-Matching
Now that you understand the importance of matching gifts and their relevance during the holiday fundraising season, you might wonder what actionable next steps you can take to get started. Luckily, these expert tips should help!
1. Set up matching gift software ASAP.
You might worry that it’s too late to get started with any new software this year, but that’s simply not true. In fact, the end of the year is typically the time you rely on fundraising software the most. You already have a lot on your to-do list, and equipping your fundraising team with the best tools can provide the biggest impact with the least effort.
Matching gift software, for example, can significantly enhance matching gift results with minimal operational effort, allowing your team to raise more while retaining time and resources for other critical year-end efforts. Specifically, this type of solution empowers organizations by automating the processes involved with identifying match-eligible donors, triggering tailored matching gift follow-up messaging, and tracking matches to completion.
Luckily, implementing matching gift software can be quick, easy, and massively effective, making it essential as the end-of-year season approaches.
Check out this case study from a nonprofit that onboarded its matching gift software in mere hours:
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges was able to be fully onboarded with Double the Donation’s tools within 12 hours of buying, all in time for an evening fundraising event on the same day! During this period, Metro YMCA of the Oranges integrated our matching gift tool with their online donation forms, configured automated matching gift follow-ups, and embedded the company search database in their website.
In the following ten months, they identified more than $32,000 in match-eligible donations and maintained a 61% matching gift email open rate and a 9% click-through rate (each more than 3x higher than the average nonprofit).
The moral of the story? Tight turnaround times for software implementation are entirely possible when you need to get up and running quickly, like when the end of the year is quickly approaching. However, it is a priority to dive into matching gifts as soon as possible to make the most of your tools as year-end giving ramps up.
Keep in mind that you also want to make the right decision when purchasing matching gift software for your team. We recommend prioritizing easy setup (including ready-built integrations with your existing solutions), a positive user experience, and innovative functionality (like matching gift auto-submission).
Our top tip:Schedule a demo with the leading matching gift software provider to get started. Double the Donation is consistently rated as #1 in the industry; see for yourself with the 2-minute overview below!
2. Train your internal fundraising team on the matching gift opportunity.
We mentioned a lack of donor awareness regarding matching gifts as a leading reason for the underutilization of the programs. But often, the knowledge gap extends to an organization’s internal fundraising team, too. And unfortunately, this can lead to matching gift opportunities slipping through the cracks, and available corporate funds ultimately going unclaimed. Thus, getting your staff on board with matching gifts leading up to the year-end fundraising season can go a long way.
The better equipped your team members are to share information about matching gifts, the more effective they’ll be in advocating for and inspiring program participation.
For this reason, Double the Donation provides a ton of educational resources designed to assist organizations in internal matching gift training, including blog posts, webinars, downloadable resources, and more. But our top recommendation is our online Matching Gift Academy (which is even free for current clients).
And now is the perfect time to get your team started as holiday giving draws near!
3. Highlight the potential for matching gifts in end-of-year appeals.
You might have already drafted your year-end fundraising appeals, or you might be working on them right about now. Either way, consider incorporating a blurb about matching gifts!
As the statistics above illustrate, donors are more likely to give (and to give in larger amounts) when they know there’s a match available. Thus, matching gifts can be exactly what you need to coax on-the-fence supporters into becoming end-of-year donors for your cause. And it often starts directly within the donation request itself!
Picture this:
Jeff is an avid supporter of your organization, but it’s the end of the year, and he’s tight on funds. He considered skipping his year-end donation this year (thinking, “What good could my $50 really do, anyway?”). Then he was informed that his employer would match his gift at a 2:1 rate.
At this, he realized his initial gift could be worth over three times the value of his own contribution (which seems a lot more significant to Jeff), and he made his donation. That’s $150 you wouldn’t have collected if not for matching gifts, and there are a lot of “Jeff’s” in the world, too!
Meanwhile, imagine another donor planned to contribute a certain amount; again, let’s say $50. When the donor learns about matching gifts, they’re inspired to increase their own donation amount (perhaps to $100). This, in turn, drives up the match value as well, producing even more revenue for your cause.
The best part? The way you market matching gift opportunities to supporters can be simple. Incorporate a reminder about matching gifts in your social media, email, text, and other appeals across your nonprofit website and more. Consider something like this: “Make your year-end donation go further this year with company gift-matching. See if you’re eligible here.”
4. Reach out to match-eligible donors retroactively.
When you incorporate matching gift outreach into your end-of-year strategy, it doesn’t have to be solely focused on new donations, either. In fact, many gifts made throughout the year can still qualify for a match!
Each business that matches gifts establishes its own criteria and submission guidelines. While it varies from company to company, many employers (such as Freeport-McMoRan, William Blair & Company, Victory Capital, and more) grant employee matches through the end of the calendar year. So, for many of your match-eligible donors, their request window will be closing quickly.
That makes the end of the year a perfect opportunity to reach back out to these individuals, remind them about matching gifts, and encourage them to complete the request process with their employer. It’s a fantastic way to boost year-end revenue from existing donors without requiring them to reach back into their own wallets.
5. Familiarize your team with year-end-specific workplace giving programs.
Most businesses with matching gift programs agree to double the donations their employees make year-round. But sometimes, a company establishes a limited-time initiative that is live only at certain times of the year. And the most common timeframe includes year-end-specific matching gift (or other workplace giving) programs.
For example, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers a unique giving season match available to its thousands of employees worldwide. Running from mid-October through December each year, the company’s Annual Giving Campaign provides an excellent incentive for year-end charitable giving.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros offers its employees a generous donation stipend to contribute to their favorite nonprofits on Giving Tuesday, kicking off the holiday season. That’s in addition to the $1,000 year-long match and end-of-year giving programs!
If you identify donors in your orbit who work for companies with these types of short-term philanthropy efforts, be sure to address available opportunities with targeted, personalized communications this giving season.
6. Consider custom matching gift partnerships.
Unfortunately, some companies have yet to establish matching gift programs for their employees. But they might be willing to when presented with the opportunity. In that case, we recommend reaching out to employers to propose custom (or “one-off”) matching gift initiatives.
Why? Custom matches provide an easy way for businesses unfamiliar with matching gifts to get acquainted with the effort in a limited capacity.
If a company agrees to offer such a program, it’ll essentially encourage philanthropy by matching employee gifts made exclusively to your organization. And as custom matches typically occur in a defined time frame (e.g., a month), the giving season is a popular time for one to be organized.
Fun fact: Double the Donation now offers innovative functionality for nonprofits looking to facilitate these programs in their company database tool!
*As a note: This feature is designed specifically for fundraisers to manage matching gifts. If you’re a corporation that’s interested in creating a matching gift program, let us know, and we’ll share information about our corporate vendor partners.
7. Leverage automated end-of-year email streams.
Another significant roadblock in matching gifts is that nonprofit fundraising staff simply lack the time to manage and promote these efforts. In fact, Nonprofits Source reports that 80% of nonprofits struggle to establish workplace giving strategies with limited staff and resources.
Luckily, that’s where matching gift automation comes in!
Automated email streams enable nonprofits to configure and trigger customizable messages when an individual gives to your organization. This might include one dedicated to match-eligible donors, one for likely ineligible donors, and one for donors with unknown eligibility.
Doing so ensures that every donor receives matching gift outreach in a timely manner. And that no donation falls through the cracks, even when your team is juggling 100 different end-of-year tasks. Meanwhile, the time you would have spent issuing matching gift reminders can be reallocated to other fundraising and mission-related tasks.
Here’s an example of an email you might send:
Year-end email streams can either take place directly following a giving season donation (typically within 24 hours of the initial gift) or retroactively, as detailed above. Both are excellent ways to encourage matching gift participation among donors and drive additional revenue for your cause.
Regardless, you’ll want to provide the donor with as much employer-specific information as is available. This should include donation minimums and maximums, match ratios, submission deadlines, and direct links to their company’s online request forms. And your automation system can gather all of that data so that you don’t have to!
How Automation Frees Up Fundraising Time in December
We know that the end of the year is a crucial time for nonprofit fundraisers, and matching gifts can seem like just another thing on your already full plate. But they don’t have to be! By automating the matching gift process from start to finish, your team can raise more without lifting a finger, allowing you to free up invaluable fundraising time within the giving season.
Interested in learning how you can do so? Check out this free, on-demand webinar replay to see how Double the Donation’s automation platform can help you…
Eliminate manual employment data research.
Simplify the employment data collection process.
Cut time spent researching matching gift companies.
Reduce manual outreach efforts.
Track metrics in an easy-to-understand way.
Integrate into your existing fundraising tools.
With automation in place, you can spend less time managing the logistics of matching gifts and more time focusing on what truly matters: engaging with donors and maximizing your year-end fundraising efforts. By streamlining the process, you’ll not only save precious hours but also increase your chances of securing more matches, ultimately boosting your fundraising total. Plus, automated systems ensure that no match goes unnoticed, allowing your team to work smarter, not harder, this holiday season.
Next Steps for Smart Year-End Fundraising and Matching Gifts
It’s not too late to launch effective matching gift strategies this year-end fundraising season. But it is time to get started now. After all, the longer you wait, the more potential matches you’re missing out on.
Prepare your team by incorporating these practices and investing in powerful and innovative matching gift tools. This allows you to maximize corporate donation-matching in the remainder of the year and into the new year, too.
Good luck, and happy holidays!
Are you looking for additional resources to continue growing your knowledge of all things matching gifts this year-end fundraising season? Check out these free guides to learn more:
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Year-End-Fundraising-and-Matching-Gifts_Feature.png5501450Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2025-09-25 14:28:582025-10-23 20:16:55Year-End Fundraising and Matching Gifts: It’s Not Too Late!
Double the Donation and Pledge It are thrilled to announce their new partnership, enabling the new corporate matching gift integration with Double the Donation Matching on Pledge It forms. This integration helps nonprofits seamlessly support donors with matching gift information and drive those matches to completion after the donation.
“At Pledge It, we have always been committed to giving nonprofits more ways to raise money through events and community fundraising,” said Dave Costlow, President at Pledge It. “Adding corporate matching gifts to our platform means nonprofits can now tap into an entirely new revenue stream from their participants—often doubling donations with zero extra effort.”
This integration enables donors to check their matching gift eligibility as they donate, and provides those who are eligible with clear next steps while they are in their giving mindset. Fundraisers can educate their supporters about corporate matching gifts while also providing next steps to double (or even triple) their impact immediately after completing their gift.
“We’ve seen continued growth in corporate giving programs, and we’re excited to make Double the Donation’s Matching functionality available on Pledge It forms,” says Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Nonprofits are looking for effective ways to increase support and corporate matching gifts are an often underutilized resource. We’re hopeful this integration will make it that much easier for organizations to take advantage of these programs.”
Ready to add matching gift automation to your Pledge It donation forms? Request a demo with Double the Donation today and be sure to share that you’re using Pledge It. Want additional resources to help you take your matching gifts strategy to the next level? Enroll today in our Matching Gift Academy for in-depth content about growing your matching gift revenue.
About Pledge It: Pledge It is designed for nonprofit fundraising professionals who need comprehensive event management without the learning curve. The intuitive platform maximizes success for galas, golf tournaments, peer-to-peer fundraising, auctions, and donation forms. Built-in automations recruit previous attendees while dashboards let you quickly compare fundraising progress to past events. No technical expertise required—just powerful results. Ready to transform your fundraising? Visit pledgeit.org to learn more.
About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits and educational institutions with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. Double the Donation Matching integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions, and even partners with select CSR platforms to further streamline matching gifts for donors. Through Double the Donation, the matching gift process has never been simpler.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PledgeIt_DTD_Partnership-Annoucement-Feature.png5801550Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2025-09-18 18:08:042025-09-18 18:08:04Double the Donation and Pledge It Partner to Enable Streamlined Matching Gift Integration
AlumnIQ and Double the Donation are excited to share the next step in their partnership: the integration of Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory directly into the AlumnIQ experience.
This new feature builds on our existing collaboration around matching gifts and extends even more value to educational institutions. Now, schools and nonprofits using AlumnIQ can access a curated hub of corporate grants and in-kind donation programs—right where they already manage their fundraising and engagement efforts. No more toggling between searches or tracking down application details; everything is now consolidated in one place.
With matching gifts and sponsorship opportunities now side by side in AlumnIQ, fundraisers can unlock multiple avenues of corporate support to maximize their impact. Access Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory by navigating to “Support” and finding “DtD Sponsorship Directory.” Follow our integration guide for more information on the partnership.
“We’re always looking for ways to make fundraising easier for our clients, so adding the Sponsorship Directory just made sense.” said Steve Rittler, Founder and CEO of AlumnIQ. “Now schools can quickly find grants and in-kind donations right inside AlumnIQ—one more way to help them raise more with less hassle.”
“Corporate giving opportunities continue to grow, and we’re thrilled to help AlumnIQ clients tap into this potential directly within their fundraising platform,” says Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “Schools and nonprofits are always looking for new ways to strengthen their fundraising, and corporate grants and in-kind donations are still an underutilized resource. This integration makes it easier for institutions to find and take advantage of these programs.”
About AlumnIQ: Meet AlumnIQ—the all-in-one platform built exclusively for higher education. Their human-centered services for event management and email outreach, online giving, directories, and membership management are built to help you connect, engage, and inspire – and use that energy to advance your institution’s vital mission.
About Double the Donation: Increase your event fundraising with Double the Donation’s industry-leading solution. The platform equips nonprofits and educational institutions with valuable tools to uncover workplace giving opportunities. Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory seamlessly integrates with event and auction platforms, simplifying the search for in-kind donations and corporate grant programs. With Double the Donation, finding these resources has never been easier.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AlumnIQ_DTD_Partnership-Annoucement-Feature.png5801550Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2025-09-16 14:12:292025-09-16 14:12:29Unlocking New Avenues of Support: AlumnIQ Introduces Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory
In the world of charitable giving, Donor-Advised Funds (also known as DAFs) have become a popular tool for philanthropists, offering flexibility, tax advantages, and an easy way to manage donations. However, one question that often arises is whether donations made through DAFs are eligible for matching gift programs.
Matching gifts, a common practice among employers to amplify charitable contributions, are an effective way for donors to maximize their impact. But when it comes to DAFs, the rules and eligibility can be a bit murky. In this post, we’ll explore whether you can take advantage of matching gifts when receiving contributions through a Donor-Advised Fund and what your team should know to ensure your impact is maximized:
Navigating matching gifts with Donor-Advised Funds can be tricky, but understanding their nuances is crucial in maximizing your charitable giving potential. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the eligibility requirements for matching gifts, highlight companies that do support DAF donations, and provide tips on how you can easily track and take advantage of these opportunities. Let’s begin!
What to Know About Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have gained significant popularity in recent years as an efficient and flexible way to manage charitable giving. Essentially, a DAF is a philanthropic vehicle that allows donors to make charitable contributions, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to qualified charitable organizations over time. Think of it as a charitable savings account where you can deposit money, invest it for growth, and choose where and when to distribute funds.
Let’s take a closer look at the key features of DAFs:
Tax Advantages
When you contribute to a DAF, you can claim an immediate tax deduction for the full amount, even if you choose to distribute the funds to a charity at a later date. This allows you to benefit from tax savings right away, while still having the flexibility to decide on your charitable donations over time.
Investment Growth
Contributions to a DAF can be invested in a variety of investment options, which may allow your charitable dollars to grow over time. The interest or investment returns generated within the fund are not subject to taxes, meaning you can potentially give more to the charity of your choice as the value of the fund increases.
Flexibility in Giving
One of the most appealing aspects of DAFs is the ability to recommend grants to multiple charitable organizations over time. You can spread your donations across a variety of causes, or give larger gifts to a single charity. Plus, you can make recommendations on when and how those grants should be distributed.
Eligibility and Control
While DAFs are managed by a sponsoring organization (such as a community foundation or financial institution), the donor retains advisory control over how the funds are distributed. However, it’s important to note that the sponsoring organization is legally responsible for ensuring grants comply with IRS rules and that funds are used appropriately.
Anonymity
If you prefer to make anonymous donations, DAFs can be a great tool. While you can recommend a grant to a charity, the sponsoring organization can release the donation without revealing your identity, offering a layer of privacy.
While DAFs provide incredible flexibility and benefits, it’s important to understand the rules surrounding them, especially when it comes to matching gifts, as these funds can sometimes complicate eligibility for matching contributions. Let’s dive deeper into whether you can utilize matching gift programs when donating via a DAF.
Typical DAF Matching Gift Eligibility Requirements
All too often, nonprofits assume donor-advised funds are ineligible for corporate matches without even checking, which makes them miss out on vital fundraising opportunities. If your donors’ impact can potentially be doubled, why wouldn’t you look into it?
Nonprofit leaders who are unfamiliar with donor-advised funds often accept the donation for face value and don’t even consider that it might be eligible for a corporate match. While donor-advised funds aren’t always matched by employers, a lot of corporate giving programs do offer them!
As you’re probably already aware, matching gift guidelines vary by company. Some companies explicitly state their policies on donor-advised funds, while others ignore the subject completely, even in their complete guidelines.
Let’s take a look at some major companies’ matching gift guidelines for charitable donations from donor-advised funds below.
6 Companies that Match Employees’ Donor-Advised Funds
As your nonprofit starts incorporating donor-advised funds into its corporate giving strategy, it may be difficult to immediately recognize companies’ guidelines and restrictions surrounding these donations.
Take a look at the following examples of companies that directly address charitable gift funds. That way, you’ll know what to look for while researching your own donors’ employers.
1) Edwards Lifesciences
Edwards Lifesciences matches donations up to $5,000 per full-time employee per year.
The company is also very clear regarding its donor-advised fund (DAF) matching policy:
“Edwards Foundation will match the tax-deductible portion of employee’s gifts made by cash, check and credit card. The Foundation will also match stock donations, as well as gifts coming out of an employee’s donor-advised fund (DAF).“
American Express not only matches employee donations (sometimes at a 2:1 ratio), but it also has very explicit and detailed matching gift guidelines.
This simplifies the donor-advised match process for nonprofits, for its charitable employees, and for the company itself.
Here’s what the company’s match policy says about donor-advised funds:
What is eligible?
“Contributions out of a charitable-gift, donor-advised, community-foundation, or family fund to an eligible nonprofit distributed from an established fund set up by the employee in his or her name.”
What is not eligible?
“Contributions earmarked to an already established or to establish an employee’s charitable-gift, donor-advised, community-foundation, or family fund.”
Dow Chemical offers a straightforward matching gift program that all employees and retirees can use to double their contributions to eligible nonprofits.
While Dow’s matching gift policy does have a few restrictions placed regarding the eligibility of certain organizations, matches that are eligible can range anywhere from $250 to $10,000, which can be matched at a 1:1 ratio.
Here’s what Dow Chemical’s guidelines say about giving from donor-advised funds and other charitable gift funds to eligible organizations:
“As long as the funds belong to a Dow employee/retiree and the funds are that person’s money alone, donations can be given through a donor-advised fund or other charitable gift fund. Employees/retirees will need to submit the matching gift form online after the donation has been made.”
CarMax is regularly recognized for having one of the top corporate employee giving programs. The company not only matches employee donations, but it also matches donations from dependents until they turn 26.
The company will match up to $10,000 per associate per year. As with other well-designed giving programs, CarMax’s program encourages its employees to give back and strengthen the community.
When it comes to donor-advised funds, CarMax’s guidelines do have some restrictions regarding which gifts are eligible:
“Deferred gifts (annuities, charitable remainder trusts, etc.), bequests, insurance premiums that name the organization as a beneficiary, and gifts to and from donor-advised funds [are ineligible for a match].”
Bank of America matches donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations up to $5,000 annually per employee. The company also provides grants when retirees and employees volunteer.
They’ll match donations anywhere from $25 to $5,000 at a 1:1 ratio, allowing employees to double their contributions to eligible nonprofits.
The company provides clear guidelines for matching gifts from donor-advised funds. Here’s what the company has to say:
“We do not match charitable gifts to private foundations, family or donor-advised funds, or gifts to political or fraternal organizations.”
Chevron provides matching gifts to multiple types of nonprofit organizations, up to $10,000 per employee each year.
Both full-time employees and retirees are eligible for matches, but while retirees can request up to $3,000 in matches annually, current employees can request up to $10,000 in matches annually.
Here’s what Chevron’s Humankind Matching Gift Program guidelines say about donor-advised funds:
“Donor-advised funds must be directly funded by the employee, retiree, or director only, and the fund must maintain a separate account segregating the contributions of the donor. Contributions made by a qualified family foundation or donor-advised fund must be directed by the donor and made on his or her behalf.”
For the most part, companies’ matching gift programs tend to be well-thought-out, but you’ll likely run into many companies where this isn’t the case. A lot of businesses offer matching gifts, but have a lot of restrictions regarding eligible organizations and contribution types.
It’s up to your organization to research all your donors’ employers’ guidelines. This can be a long, arduous process, but a matching gift database (like Double the Donation) can help.
Here’s how it works:
Your nonprofit embeds the tool directly to your site or online donation page.
To determine eligibility, corporate employees search their employers.
The results (i.e., available forms, guidelines, restrictions, etc.) are shown instantly.
Double the Donation offers the world’s leading corporate giving database, providing information on programs such as matching gifts, volunteer grants, payroll giving, sponsorships, and other giving opportunities. Today, over 8,500 organizations use it because nonprofits and schools can’t afford to miss out on these valuable revenue opportunities.
You can pinpoint donors who are eligible for matching gifts, and by searching their employers, you can determine if their contributions are eligible based on factors like donation size or type (e.g., donor-advised funds). A matching gift database like this ensures that you maximize your donors’ impact!
Bonus: Donor-Advised Funds + Challenge Match Campaigns
In addition to corporate matching gifts, challenge match campaigns are a powerful way to boost donations, and when paired with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), they can significantly amplify your impact. Unlike employee matching gifts, challenge matches are typically initiated by individuals, organizations, or foundations to inspire others to donate by offering to match funds dollar-for-dollar, up to a specific limit.
Here’s how challenge match campaigns work with DAFs:
Empower donors to lead: If a donor has a DAF, they can initiate a challenge match, where they pledge to match donations made by others to your organization, helping to drive additional contributions.
Increase engagement: Challenge matches create excitement and urgency, motivating more people to participate in the campaign.
Maximize giving: The matching component encourages more donations, allowing the initial donor to significantly increase the overall impact of their DAF contributions.
While challenge match campaigns are distinct from employee matching gifts, they provide an excellent opportunity to expand the reach of your charitable efforts and maximize the effectiveness of Donor-Advised Funds in nonprofit fundraising. By combining both strategies, you can greatly enhance the support you receive for your cause.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
For nonprofits, understanding the relationship between Donor-Advised Funds and matching gifts is essential in maximizing fundraising efforts and engaging donors effectively. While DAFs offer donors flexibility, tax benefits, and a streamlined way to manage their charitable contributions, they don’t always meet the criteria for matching gift programs offered by employers. This can create some challenges in fully leveraging corporate matching funds.
It’s important for nonprofits to be proactive in communicating with their donors about the potential limitations of DAFs when it comes to matching gifts, while also exploring alternative strategies, such as challenge match campaigns, to encourage more giving and amplify donor contributions. By clearly outlining DAF donation options and educating donors about how matching gifts work, nonprofits can create more opportunities for matching and maximize the impact of every donation.
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Volunteer grants represent a significant opportunity for museums to increase funding while deepening relationships with their community of supporters. These grants are corporate-sponsored donations awarded to nonprofits when their volunteers contribute a certain number of hours. For museums, which often rely on a combination of ticket sales, memberships, and donations, tapping into volunteer grant programs can provide a valuable boost to their financial resources.
Effectively marketing volunteer grants to your museum’s volunteers and supporters requires a strategic approach. It involves educating your audience about the availability of these grants, encouraging volunteer participation, and simplifying the process of applying for grant funds. By doing so, museums can maximize the impact of volunteer efforts and unlock new streams of revenue that support exhibitions, educational programs, and preservation initiatives.
Volunteer grants offer museums a valuable opportunity to boost funding and strengthen community engagement. By leveraging corporate-sponsored donations based on volunteer hours, museums can secure additional financial support that enhances exhibitions, educational programs, and preservation efforts. Effectively marketing these grants requires a clear strategy to educate volunteers and supporters about how their time can translate into funding. By simplifying the application process and encouraging greater participation, museums can maximize the benefits of volunteer grants and unlock new revenue streams that help sustain their mission and deepen connections with their communities.
Why Marketing Volunteer Grants Matter for Museums
Museums serve as cultural and educational hubs, often operating with tight budgets and competing for donor attention. Volunteer grants offer a unique way to supplement income without asking for additional direct donations. When volunteers log their hours and apply for grants through their employers, museums receive financial support that directly correlates with community engagement.
Marketing volunteer grants effectively help museums highlight the value of volunteering beyond just the time contributed. It transforms volunteerism into a dual-impact activity—supporters not only give their time but also help secure monetary donations. This dual benefit can motivate more people to volunteer, knowing their efforts have a tangible financial impact on the museum’s mission.
Enhancing Volunteer Engagement Through Grant Awareness
Volunteers who understand that their hours can translate into corporate donations are often more motivated to participate regularly. Museums that communicate the availability and benefits of volunteer grants can foster a stronger sense of purpose and connection among their volunteers. This increased engagement often leads to higher retention rates and more consistent volunteer involvement.
Moreover, volunteers who successfully secure grants tend to feel recognized and appreciated, which can encourage them to become long-term advocates for the museum. This advocacy can extend to social media sharing, word-of-mouth promotion, and even increased financial giving beyond volunteer hours.
Financial Impact on Museum Operations
Volunteer grants can provide museums with unrestricted funds that support a variety of operational needs. Unlike some donations that are earmarked for specific projects, grant funds from volunteer hours can be allocated flexibly to areas such as exhibit development, educational outreach, or facility maintenance.
By marketing these grants effectively, museums can increase the volume of grant applications submitted, thereby maximizing the financial return from their volunteer programs. This additional revenue stream can help museums weather economic fluctuations and invest in long-term growth initiatives.
Strategies for Marketing Volunteer Grants to Museum Supporters
To successfully promote volunteer grants, museums need to implement targeted marketing strategies that reach both current volunteers and potential new supporters. Clear communication and easy access to information are key components of any effective campaign.
One of the first steps is to integrate volunteer grant messaging into all volunteer recruitment and onboarding materials. This ensures that new volunteers are immediately aware of the opportunity to generate additional funding through their service.
Utilizing Digital Channels for Outreach
Digital platforms such as email newsletters, social media, and the museum’s website are powerful tools for spreading awareness about volunteer grants. Regularly featuring stories of volunteers who have successfully secured grants can inspire others to participate and apply.
Creating dedicated web pages or sections that explain the volunteer grant process, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step instructions can reduce confusion and encourage more volunteers to take action. Including FAQs and contact information for support further enhances accessibility.
Partnering with Corporate Sponsors and Employers
Museums can collaborate with local businesses and corporations to promote volunteer grant programs. By building relationships with companies that offer volunteer grants, museums can gain direct access to employee volunteers and provide tailored information about how to participate.
Hosting joint events or informational sessions with corporate partners can also raise awareness and demonstrate the museum’s commitment to community engagement. These partnerships often lead to increased volunteer hours and higher grant submissions.
Incorporating Volunteer Grant Messaging into Events
During museum events, whether they are fundraising galas, exhibition openings, or volunteer appreciation days, incorporating messaging about volunteer grants can be highly effective. Announcements, signage, and presentations can highlight how volunteer hours translate into financial support.
Encouraging attendees to volunteer and explaining the grant process in person can create immediate interest and prompt action. Providing printed materials or digital resources at these events ensures that the information is accessible long after the event concludes.
Key Tips for Volunteer Grant Messaging that Resonates with Museums
Crafting messages that resonate with museum volunteers and supporters requires an understanding of what motivates this audience. Emphasizing the impact of their volunteer hours and the ease of participating in grant programs can drive engagement.
Messages should be clear, concise, and focused on the benefits to both the volunteer and the museum. Highlighting success stories and tangible outcomes helps make the concept of volunteer grants relatable and inspiring.
Focus on the Dual Impact of Volunteering
Communicate that volunteering not only supports the museum’s mission through time and effort but also generates additional financial resources through corporate grants. This dual impact can be a powerful motivator for volunteers who want to maximize their contribution.
Use language that connects the volunteer’s personal commitment to the broader mission of preserving culture, educating the public, and enriching the community. This emotional connection can increase enthusiasm and participation.
Make the Process Simple and Transparent
One of the biggest barriers to volunteer grant participation is confusion about how to apply and what is required. Messaging should clearly outline the steps volunteers need to take, including how to log hours, request grants, and track submissions.
Providing easy-to-follow guides, video tutorials, or live support can alleviate concerns and encourage more volunteers to complete the process. Transparency about deadlines and eligibility criteria also builds trust and confidence.
Leverage Testimonials and Social Proof
Sharing testimonials from volunteers who have successfully secured grants can build credibility and inspire others. Highlighting the positive experiences and benefits volunteers have gained reinforces the value of participating.
Social proof, such as statistics on the number of grants awarded or total funds raised through volunteer grants, can also motivate supporters by demonstrating the program’s success and impact.
Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Marketing Challenges for Museums
Despite the benefits, museums often face challenges when marketing volunteer grants. These can include limited awareness, volunteer hesitation, and administrative hurdles. Addressing these challenges proactively is essential for a successful program.
Understanding the root causes of these obstacles allows museums to tailor their strategies and improve overall participation rates.
Addressing Lack of Awareness
Many volunteers and supporters simply do not know that volunteer grants exist or that their employers offer such programs. Museums need to prioritize education and consistent communication to overcome this knowledge gap.
Regular reminders through multiple channels, including direct outreach and social media campaigns, help keep volunteer grants top of mind. Partnering with corporate HR departments to disseminate information can also increase visibility.
Reducing Volunteer Hesitation and Confusion
Volunteers may hesitate to participate if they perceive the grant application process as complicated or time-consuming. Museums can reduce this friction by providing clear instructions, offering assistance, and simplifying the steps involved.
Creating a dedicated volunteer grant coordinator role or team can provide personalized support and follow-up, ensuring volunteers feel confident and supported throughout the process.
Streamlining Administrative Processes
Managing volunteer data and grant submissions can be resource-intensive for museum staff. Implementing software solutions that integrate volunteer management with grant tracking can alleviate administrative burdens.
Automating reminders, tracking eligibility, and generating reports help museums maintain organized records and maximize grant opportunities without overwhelming staff resources.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Marketing volunteer grants effectively is a strategic way for museums to enhance both funding and community engagement. By educating volunteers, simplifying processes, and leveraging targeted outreach, museums can unlock the full potential of corporate volunteer incentive programs.
Taking the time to develop clear messaging, build partnerships, and address common challenges will position museums to benefit from this valuable revenue stream. As museums continue to evolve and seek sustainable funding sources, volunteer grants offer a promising avenue for growth and impact.
Maximize Volunteer Grant Opportunities with Double the Donation Volunteering
Double the Donation Volunteering specializes in helping museums and other nonprofits tap into corporate volunteer incentive programs to boost engagement and revenue. Our innovative volunteer grant software seamlessly integrates with your existing fundraising tools, making it easier than ever to identify eligible volunteers, educate them about grant opportunities, and streamline the application process.
With Double the Donation’s platform, museums can eliminate data silos, gain valuable insights, and increase funding without additional donation asks. If your museum is ready to grow its volunteer grant revenue and deepen supporter relationships, learn how to grow revenue with volunteer grants today. Request a demo of Double the Donation Volunteering to get started!
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Universities play a pivotal role in shaping the future by fostering education, research, and community engagement. One powerful yet often underutilized resource for universities is volunteer grants: corporate giving programs that provide financial donations to nonprofits and educational institutions when their employees volunteer.
Effectively marketing these volunteer grants can unlock new streams of funding and deepen relationships with supporters who are passionate about giving back to your university. And in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how you can do so:
Understanding how to promote volunteer grants within the university community and among alumni, faculty, and staff can significantly enhance your institution’s fundraising efforts. By raising awareness and simplifying the process for volunteers to request grants, universities can maximize the impact of these corporate incentives and build a culture of philanthropy that benefits both the institution and the broader community.
Why Marketing Volunteer Grants Matter for Universities
Volunteer grants represent a unique intersection between corporate social responsibility and community engagement, offering universities an opportunity to increase funding without additional solicitation. Many companies encourage their employees to volunteer by providing grants to the nonprofits where they contribute their time. For universities, this means that the volunteer efforts of faculty, staff, students, and alumni can translate directly into financial support.
Marketing volunteer grants is essential because awareness remains one of the biggest barriers to participation. Even when volunteers are actively engaged, they may not know that their employer offers a volunteer grant program or how to apply for it. By educating your university community about these opportunities, you can unlock a significant source of revenue that complements traditional fundraising campaigns.
Moreover, promoting volunteer grants helps universities strengthen their relationships with supporters. Volunteers who see their time translated into tangible financial contributions often feel more valued and connected to the institution. This increased engagement can lead to higher retention rates among donors and volunteers alike, fostering a loyal base that supports the university’s mission over the long term.
In addition, volunteer grant programs align well with universities’ broader goals of community involvement and social impact. By encouraging volunteerism and facilitating grant requests, universities demonstrate their commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility, enhancing their reputation and appeal to prospective students and partners.
Understanding the Volunteer Grant Landscape
Volunteer grant programs vary widely by company, with differences in eligibility criteria, minimum volunteer hours required, and grant amounts. Some corporations offer grants for as few as 10 volunteer hours, while others require more extensive commitments. Understanding these nuances is crucial for universities to provide accurate guidance to their supporters.
Many large employers have well-established volunteer grant programs, but smaller companies may also offer similar incentives. Universities should consider compiling a comprehensive list of companies with volunteer grant programs that are common among their community members. This list can serve as a valuable resource for volunteers seeking to maximize their impact.
Additionally, some companies offer team volunteer grants or special programs for specific types of volunteer activities. Universities can leverage these variations to encourage group volunteering events or service projects that align with institutional priorities, thereby amplifying both engagement and funding.
The Financial Impact of Volunteer Grants on Universities
Volunteer grants can generate substantial revenue for universities, often supplementing other fundraising streams without requiring additional asks. When volunteers submit grant requests, companies typically provide donations ranging from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the program. These funds can support scholarships, research initiatives, community outreach, or other university priorities.
Because volunteer grants are tied directly to volunteer hours, they incentivize ongoing engagement. Volunteers motivated by the prospect of a grant are more likely to continue their service, creating a virtuous cycle of giving and involvement. This sustained engagement benefits universities by building a committed network of supporters who contribute both time and money.
Furthermore, volunteer grants can help universities diversify their funding sources. In an era where traditional funding streams may fluctuate, tapping into corporate volunteer incentives provides a reliable and often underexploited revenue channel. This diversification enhances financial stability and resilience.
Strategies for Marketing Volunteer Grants to University Supporters
Effectively marketing volunteer grants requires a multi-faceted approach that reaches different segments of the university community. Tailoring your messaging and outreach to faculty, staff, students, and alumni ensures that each group understands the benefits and process of volunteer grants in a way that resonates with their unique motivations and circumstances.
One foundational strategy is to integrate volunteer grant information into existing communication channels. University newsletters, email campaigns, social media platforms, and the institution’s website are ideal venues for sharing details about volunteer grant programs. Consistent messaging across these platforms helps build awareness and keeps volunteer grants top of mind.
Hosting informational sessions or webinars can also be highly effective. These events provide an opportunity to explain the volunteer grant process, answer questions, and showcase success stories. Engaging university leaders or well-known volunteers as champions during these sessions can add credibility and inspire participation.
Leveraging Alumni Networks
Alumni are a critical audience for volunteer grant marketing. Many alumni remain deeply connected to their alma mater and are eager to support its mission through volunteerism and philanthropy. Universities can partner with alumni associations to promote volunteer grant opportunities through targeted communications and events.
Highlighting alumni who have successfully leveraged volunteer grants can serve as powerful testimonials. Sharing their stories in newsletters, social media, or alumni magazines can motivate others to follow suit. Additionally, universities can encourage alumni chapters to organize group volunteer activities that qualify for team grants, fostering camaraderie and collective impact.
Engaging Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff often have strong ties to the university and the local community, making them ideal candidates for volunteer grant programs. Universities should collaborate with human resources and community engagement offices to disseminate information about volunteer grants and provide easy access to resources.
Incentivizing volunteerism through internal recognition programs can complement volunteer grant marketing efforts. Recognizing employees who participate in volunteer grant programs publicly reinforces the value of service and encourages others to get involved. Providing step-by-step guides or dedicated support for submitting grant requests can also reduce barriers and increase participation.
Utilizing Student Organizations and Service Groups
Students are a vibrant and enthusiastic segment of the university community, often involved in service clubs, fraternities, sororities, and other organizations. Partnering with these groups to promote volunteer grants can amplify outreach efforts and encourage collective participation.
Universities can provide training and resources to student leaders, empowering them to educate their peers about volunteer grants. Organizing volunteer fairs or service days where students can learn about grant opportunities and log their hours on the spot can boost engagement and simplify the process.
Key Tips for Volunteer Grant Messaging that Resonates with Universities
Crafting compelling messaging around volunteer grants is essential to capture the attention and interest of your university community. The language should emphasize the dual impact of volunteerism: both the personal fulfillment of giving time and the tangible financial support generated for the university.
Messages that highlight the ease of participation and the direct benefits to the university’s mission tend to resonate well. Volunteers want to know that their efforts make a difference and that claiming a volunteer grant is straightforward and worthwhile.
Emphasizing Impact and Recognition
People are motivated by seeing the results of their contributions. Messaging that connects volunteer hours to real-world outcomes, such as scholarships awarded, research funded, or community projects completed, can inspire greater participation.
Additionally, recognizing volunteers publicly for their service and grant submissions reinforces positive behavior. Whether through newsletters, social media shout-outs, or award ceremonies, acknowledgment fosters a sense of pride and belonging.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Anticipating and addressing potential questions or concerns in your messaging can reduce hesitation. Common queries include eligibility criteria, how to track volunteer hours, deadlines for grant submissions, and the types of volunteer activities that qualify.
Providing FAQs, how-to guides, and contact information for support staff ensures volunteers feel confident and supported throughout the process. Transparency about timelines and expectations also helps manage volunteer experiences positively.
Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Marketing Challenges for Universities
Despite the clear benefits, universities often face challenges when marketing volunteer grants. One major hurdle is the lack of awareness among volunteers about the existence of these programs. Without proactive outreach, many eligible volunteers may never learn about the opportunity to secure additional funding through their service.
Another challenge is the complexity of the application process. Some corporate volunteer grant programs require detailed documentation or have strict submission deadlines, which can discourage participation. Universities must find ways to simplify and support the process to maintain volunteer enthusiasm.
Data management can also pose difficulties. Tracking volunteer hours, matching them to eligible companies, and following up on grant submissions requires coordination and often integration with existing university systems. Without streamlined processes, valuable opportunities can be missed.
Building Awareness Through Consistent Communication
To combat low awareness, universities should implement ongoing communication plans that keep volunteer grants visible throughout the year. This includes regular reminders, updates on new corporate programs, and sharing success stories that illustrate the benefits of participation.
Partnering with departments such as alumni relations, human resources, and student affairs ensures that messaging reaches diverse audiences. Utilizing multiple channels—email, social media, campus events—maximizes exposure and engagement.
Simplifying the Volunteer Grant Process
Providing clear instructions and user-friendly resources is key to overcoming process complexity. Universities can develop step-by-step guides, checklists, and video tutorials that walk volunteers through each stage of submitting a grant request.
Offering dedicated support, such as a volunteer grant coordinator or help desk, can address individual questions and troubleshoot issues promptly. Automating parts of the process through software integration can also reduce administrative burdens and improve accuracy.
Leveraging Technology for Data Management
Effective data management is critical to maximizing volunteer grant revenue. Universities should explore tools that integrate volunteer tracking with donor databases and grant submission platforms. This integration helps identify eligible volunteers, monitor hours, and streamline reporting.
By centralizing data, universities can generate insights into volunteer engagement patterns and optimize marketing strategies accordingly. Technology also facilitates timely follow-ups and ensures no grant opportunities are overlooked.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Marketing volunteer grants at universities is a strategic approach that unlocks new funding while deepening community engagement. By raising awareness, simplifying processes, and leveraging technology, universities can empower their supporters to maximize the impact of their volunteer efforts.
Moving forward, institutions should prioritize building comprehensive communication plans, fostering partnerships across campus departments, and investing in tools that streamline volunteer grant management. These steps will position universities to fully capitalize on corporate volunteer incentives and strengthen their philanthropic ecosystem.
Transform Your University’s Volunteer Grant Strategy with Double the Donation
Double the Donation Volunteering specializes in helping universities and nonprofits tap into corporate volunteer incentives to boost engagement and revenue. Their innovative volunteer grant software seamlessly integrates with your existing fundraising and volunteer management platforms, eliminating data silos and providing valuable insights.
With Double the Donation, your university can identify volunteers eligible for corporate grants, educate them on how to log hours, and empower them to request funding from their employers—all without additional donation asks. This streamlined approach not only increases revenue but also fosters deeper supporter loyalty and long-term growth.
Thousands of educational institutions trust Double the Donation to unlock workplace giving opportunities beyond matching gifts. To explore how your university can benefit, learn how to grow revenue with volunteer grants.
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Volunteer grants represent a significant opportunity for K-12 schools to enhance their funding streams while fostering stronger community ties. These grants are corporate-sponsored donations given to nonprofits and educational institutions when their volunteers contribute a certain number of hours. For K-12 schools, this means that parents, teachers, and community members who volunteer can help unlock additional financial support simply by logging their volunteer time.
Effectively marketing volunteer grants within K-12 schools requires a strategic approach that educates and motivates supporters to participate. Schools must communicate the value of volunteer grants clearly and consistently, ensuring that volunteers understand how their time translates into tangible benefits for the school community. By doing so, schools can maximize volunteer engagement and secure vital resources that support educational programs, extracurricular activities, and facility improvements:
Volunteer grants offer K-12 schools a valuable opportunity to increase funding and build stronger connections with their community. By tapping into corporate-sponsored donations tied to volunteer hours, schools can unlock additional resources that support educational programs, extracurricular activities, and facility improvements. Effectively marketing these grants is essential for encouraging volunteer participation and raising awareness about how their time can directly benefit the school. By clearly communicating the value of volunteer grants, schools can engage more supporters, maximize resources, and strengthen their overall educational mission.
Why Marketing Volunteer Grants Matter for K-12 Schools
Volunteer grants are more than just an additional funding source; they are a bridge between community involvement and financial support. For K-12 schools, which often operate under tight budget constraints, tapping into these grants can provide much-needed resources without requiring extra fundraising efforts from staff or parents.
Marketing volunteer grants effectively help schools raise awareness among their volunteers about the potential impact of their time. Many volunteers may not realize that their hours can translate into monetary donations from their employers. By highlighting this connection, schools can encourage more consistent and enthusiastic volunteer participation.
Moreover, promoting volunteer grants strengthens relationships between schools and their communities. When volunteers see that their efforts are recognized and rewarded through corporate giving programs, they feel more valued and motivated to continue supporting the school. This creates a virtuous cycle of engagement and funding that benefits everyone involved.
Understanding the Volunteer Grant Landscape
Volunteer grants vary widely depending on the corporation’s policies. Some companies offer grants for every 10 or 20 hours volunteered, while others have annual caps or specific eligibility criteria. Understanding these nuances is crucial for schools to guide their volunteers effectively.
Schools should familiarize themselves with the most common volunteer grant programs among their community members’ employers. This knowledge allows them to tailor communications and provide targeted support, such as step-by-step instructions for submitting grant requests.
The Impact on School Programs and Resources
Funds raised through volunteer grants can be allocated to a variety of school needs, from purchasing classroom supplies to funding after-school programs and technology upgrades. Because these grants are tied directly to volunteer hours, they also incentivize ongoing community involvement, which benefits the school culture and student experience.
By marketing volunteer grants, schools can demonstrate to stakeholders how volunteerism directly translates into improved educational outcomes and enriched learning environments.
Strategies for Marketing Volunteer Grants to K-12 Schools Supporters
Successful marketing of volunteer grants hinges on clear, consistent communication and easy access to information. Schools should develop a multi-channel approach that reaches volunteers where they are most engaged, whether that’s through email newsletters, social media, school websites, or in-person events.
Providing educational materials that explain what volunteer grants are, how to qualify, and the steps to submit a grant request is essential. These materials can include FAQs, video tutorials, and printable guides that volunteers can reference at their convenience.
Leveraging Parent-Teacher Associations and Volunteer Coordinators
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and volunteer coordinators play a pivotal role in spreading the word about volunteer grants. By equipping these groups with the right tools and information, schools can amplify their messaging and reach a broader audience.
Regular training sessions or informational meetings can help these key stakeholders become ambassadors for volunteer grant programs, ensuring that the message is consistent and compelling.
Incentivizing Volunteer Participation Through Recognition
Recognition programs that celebrate volunteers who successfully secure grants can motivate others to participate. Schools might highlight these volunteers in newsletters, on social media, or during school events, showcasing the tangible benefits of their efforts.
Such recognition not only rewards individual volunteers but also raises awareness about the volunteer grant program itself, encouraging more community members to get involved.
Key Tips for Volunteer Grant Messaging that Resonates with K-12 Schools
Crafting messages that resonate with K-12 school volunteers requires an understanding of their motivations and concerns. Volunteers are often driven by a desire to support their children’s education and improve the school environment, so messaging should emphasize how their time directly benefits students.
Clear, jargon-free language is essential. Avoiding overly technical terms related to grants and corporate giving helps ensure that all volunteers, regardless of background, can easily grasp the opportunity.
Highlighting the Dual Impact of Volunteering
Messages that emphasize both the personal satisfaction of volunteering and the financial impact of volunteer grants tend to be most effective. Volunteers appreciate knowing that their time not only helps the school immediately but also unlocks additional funding that can enhance programs and resources.
Using real-life examples or testimonials from other volunteers can make these messages more relatable and inspiring.
Providing Clear Calls to Action
Every communication about volunteer grants should include a clear call to action, guiding volunteers on what to do next. Whether it’s logging volunteer hours, submitting a grant request, or attending an informational session, clear instructions help reduce confusion and increase participation rates.
Including links to online portals or contact information for volunteer coordinators ensures volunteers have easy access to support.
Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Marketing Challenges for K-12 Schools
Despite the benefits, marketing volunteer grants can present challenges for K-12 schools. One common issue is volunteer awareness; many volunteers simply do not know that these grants exist or how to take advantage of them.
Schools must overcome this by integrating volunteer grant information into all volunteer communications and training sessions. Repetition and varied messaging formats help reinforce awareness over time.
Addressing Administrative Burdens
Another challenge is the administrative effort required to track volunteer hours and assist with grant submissions. Schools can mitigate this by adopting volunteer management software that integrates with volunteer grant platforms, streamlining data collection and reporting.
Providing volunteers with easy-to-use tools and clear instructions reduces the burden on school staff and increases the likelihood of successful grant applications.
Engaging a Diverse Volunteer Base
K-12 schools often have a diverse volunteer population with varying levels of familiarity with corporate giving programs. Tailoring marketing efforts to different groups, such as parents, teachers, and community members, ensures that messaging is relevant and accessible.
Offering multilingual materials or hosting informational sessions at different times can help reach a broader audience and foster inclusivity.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Marketing volunteer grants effectively is a powerful way for K-12 schools to boost funding and deepen community engagement. By educating volunteers about the value of their time and providing clear pathways to access corporate volunteer grants, schools can unlock new revenue streams that support their educational mission.
Moving forward, schools should focus on building strong communication channels, leveraging key community groups, and utilizing technology to simplify the volunteer grant process. These steps will help ensure that volunteer grants become a sustainable and impactful part of the school’s fundraising strategy.
Learn How Double the Donation Volunteering Can Help Your School
Double the Donation helps K-12 schools tap into corporate volunteer incentives to grow engagement and revenue. Their volunteer grant software seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, identifying volunteers eligible for grants and empowering them to log hours and request funding from their employers. This streamlined approach eliminates data silos and uncovers new opportunities for financial support without additional asks.
If your school is looking to enhance its volunteer grant strategy and maximize funding, Learn how to grow revenue with volunteer grants. Double the Donation supports thousands of educational institutions by unlocking workplace giving opportunities that deepen supporter engagement and increase revenue, making it an invaluable partner for your school’s growth.
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Hospitals play a critical role in community health and well-being, relying heavily on the support of volunteers to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Volunteer grants represent a unique opportunity for hospitals to secure additional funding by leveraging the volunteer hours contributed by their supporters. Effectively marketing these grants can significantly boost both volunteer engagement and financial resources, creating a win-win scenario for hospitals and their communities.
Understanding how to communicate the value of volunteer grants to your hospital’s supporters is essential. It requires a strategic approach that highlights the impact of volunteer work, educates volunteers about grant opportunities, and encourages them to take action. This article explores the importance of marketing volunteer grants in the hospital sector and offers practical strategies to maximize their potential:
Volunteer grants offer hospitals a valuable opportunity to enhance both funding and volunteer engagement. By leveraging corporate-sponsored donations tied to volunteer hours, hospitals can secure additional financial resources to support patient care, operational efficiency, and community health initiatives. Effectively marketing these grants helps raise awareness among volunteers about how their time can translate into valuable donations, while also strengthening relationships with supporters.
By strategically communicating the value of volunteer grants, hospitals can increase participation, maximize funding, and create a sustainable cycle of community involvement and financial growth.
Why Marketing Volunteer Grants Matter for Hospitals
Volunteer grants are a powerful tool for hospitals to increase funding without additional fundraising costs. When volunteers contribute their time, many corporations offer financial grants to nonprofits where their employees volunteer. By marketing these grants effectively, hospitals can tap into a new revenue stream that directly supports patient care programs, facility improvements, and community outreach initiatives.
Moreover, promoting volunteer grants helps hospitals deepen relationships with their volunteers. Volunteers who understand that their time can translate into financial support for the hospital are often more motivated to continue their involvement. This increased engagement can lead to higher retention rates and a more robust volunteer base, which is vital for hospitals facing staffing challenges and growing patient needs.
Marketing volunteer grants also raise awareness about the hospital’s mission and the critical role volunteers play. It educates supporters about how their contributions extend beyond just time and effort, showing that their volunteerism can have a tangible financial impact. This awareness can inspire more people to get involved and encourage existing volunteers to log their hours diligently to qualify for grants.
Enhancing Volunteer Engagement Through Grant Awareness
Volunteers who are informed about grant opportunities feel more valued and connected to the hospital’s mission. When hospitals communicate the availability of volunteer grants, they create a sense of purpose and recognition for volunteers’ efforts. This can lead to increased volunteer satisfaction and a stronger commitment to the organization.
Additionally, volunteers who know their hours can unlock financial support and are more likely to track and report their time accurately. This data is crucial for hospitals to apply for and receive volunteer grants from corporations, making marketing efforts directly linked to funding success.
Financial Benefits Beyond Traditional Fundraising
Volunteer grants provide hospitals with an alternative funding source that complements traditional fundraising campaigns. Unlike donations, these grants are earned through volunteer service, which means hospitals can increase revenue without asking for additional monetary contributions. This approach can be particularly appealing during times when donor fatigue is a concern or when economic conditions limit direct giving.
By integrating volunteer grant marketing into their overall fundraising strategy, hospitals can diversify their income streams and build a more resilient financial foundation. This diversification is essential for sustaining long-term programs and responding to unexpected challenges.
Strategies for Marketing Volunteer Grants to Hospital Supporters
To successfully market volunteer grants, hospitals need to implement targeted strategies that reach and resonate with their supporters. This involves clear communication, education, and the use of multiple channels to spread the message effectively.
One of the first steps is to identify volunteers who are eligible for corporate volunteer grants. Many companies have specific criteria regarding the number of volunteer hours required and the types of organizations that qualify. Hospitals should gather and maintain accurate volunteer data to ensure they can guide supporters through the grant application process.
Utilizing Digital Platforms for Outreach
Hospitals can leverage their websites, social media channels, and email newsletters to promote volunteer grant opportunities. Creating dedicated web pages that explain what volunteer grants are, how volunteers can participate, and the benefits to the hospital can serve as a valuable resource. Social media posts featuring volunteer stories and grant success highlights can also inspire others to get involved.
Email campaigns targeted at active volunteers can provide step-by-step instructions on how to log hours and request grants from their employers. Regular reminders and updates keep the topic top of mind and encourage timely action.
Partnering with Corporate Volunteer Programs
Building relationships with local companies that offer volunteer grants is another effective strategy. Hospitals can collaborate with corporate social responsibility teams to promote volunteer opportunities and grant programs directly to employees. Hosting joint events or informational sessions can increase awareness and participation.
These partnerships not only boost volunteer numbers but also strengthen community ties and open doors for future collaborations and sponsorships.
Key Tips for Volunteer Grant Messaging that Resonates with Hospitals
Crafting compelling messages about volunteer grants requires an understanding of what motivates hospital supporters. Messages should emphasize the dual impact of volunteering: the immediate benefit to patients and the additional financial support generated through grants.
Using clear, concise language that explains the process and benefits helps demystify volunteer grants. Highlighting real-life examples of how grant funds have improved hospital services or patient experiences can make the message more relatable and inspiring.
Focus on Impact and Recognition
Volunteers want to know that their efforts matter. Messaging that showcases the tangible outcomes of volunteer grants—such as new medical equipment, enhanced patient programs, or facility upgrades—can motivate supporters to participate actively. Recognizing volunteers publicly for their contributions and grant achievements also fosters a sense of pride and community.
Incorporating testimonials from volunteers who have successfully secured grants can add authenticity and encourage others to follow suit.
Incorporate Clear Calls to Action
Effective messaging includes straightforward calls to action that guide volunteers on what steps to take next. Whether it’s logging volunteer hours, submitting grant requests, or attending informational sessions, clear instructions reduce confusion and increase participation rates.
Providing easy-to-access resources, such as FAQs, contact information for support staff, and online portals for tracking hours, further supports volunteers in navigating the grant process.
Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Marketing Challenges for Hospitals
Despite the benefits, hospitals often face challenges when marketing volunteer grants. These can include limited awareness among volunteers, complex grant application processes, and difficulties in tracking volunteer hours accurately.
Addressing these challenges requires proactive communication, streamlined systems, and ongoing education to ensure volunteers and staff are well-informed and equipped to participate.
Improving Volunteer Data Management
Accurate tracking of volunteer hours is essential for qualifying for grants. Hospitals should invest in volunteer management software or integrate volunteer tracking into existing systems to capture data efficiently. Training staff and volunteers on how to use these tools can minimize errors and ensure timely reporting.
Regular audits and follow-ups help maintain data integrity and identify any gaps that need attention.
Simplifying the Grant Application Process
Many volunteers may find the grant application process intimidating or confusing. Hospitals can create simplified guides, checklists, and templates to assist volunteers in submitting their requests. Offering one-on-one support or workshops can also alleviate concerns and increase successful applications.
Clear communication about deadlines and eligibility criteria prevents missed opportunities and frustration, and a volunteer grant database tool can make doing so quick and easy.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Marketing volunteer grants effectively is a strategic imperative for hospitals seeking to enhance both volunteer engagement and financial support. By educating volunteers, leveraging digital tools, and fostering corporate partnerships, hospitals can unlock the full potential of volunteer grants. Implementing clear messaging and overcoming common challenges ensures that these programs deliver maximum impact for the hospital and the communities they serve.
As hospitals continue to navigate evolving healthcare landscapes, integrating volunteer grant marketing into their broader engagement and fundraising efforts will be key to sustaining growth and delivering exceptional care.
Discover How Double the Donation Can Help Your Hospital Grow Volunteer Grants
Double the Donation Volunteering specializes in helping hospitals and other nonprofits tap into corporate volunteer incentive programs to boost engagement and revenue. Their innovative volunteer grant software seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, making it easier than ever to identify eligible volunteers, track hours, and secure funding from corporate partners. If you want to enhance your hospital’s volunteer grant strategy and see measurable growth, learn how to grow revenue with volunteer grants. Double the Donation’s tools empower hospitals to unlock new workplace giving opportunities, deepen supporter relationships, and build a sustainable funding pipeline through volunteer grants.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DTD_How-to-Market-Volunteer-Grants-at-Your-Hospital_Feature.png6001600Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2025-09-11 19:41:222025-09-22 18:46:39How to Market Volunteer Grants at Your Hospital
American Express not only matches employee donations (sometimes at a 2:1 ratio), but it also has very explicit and detailed matching gift guidelines.
Bank of America matches donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations up to $5,000 annually per employee. The company also provides grants when retirees and employees volunteer.
Chevron provides matching gifts to multiple types of nonprofit organizations, up to $10,000 per employee each year.
