What Your Employer Appends Might Be Missing— and Why it Matters

What Your Employer Appends Might Be Missing⁠—and Why it Matters

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When it comes to nonprofit fundraising, data is power—especially when that data tells you where your donors work. That’s why many organizations invest in employer appends to fill in the blanks.

But what if the data you’re relying on isn’t telling the whole story? While many employer appends can identify where someone works, they often stop short of revealing the most critical insights, leaving nonprofits with partial information and missed opportunities.

In a fundraising environment where every dollar counts, understanding what’s not included in your employer appends could be just as important as what is. That’s why we’re covering what your employer appends might be missing⁠—and why it matters⁠—in this blog. We’ll explore:

Here’s a hint: When your employer data lacks insight into workplace giving eligibility—like matching gifts or payroll giving programs—you could be overlooking powerful opportunities to boost revenue and deepen donor engagement.

The good news? With the right data strategy, those hidden opportunities don’t have to stay hidden. Let’s take a closer look.

What are employer appends?

Employer appends are the process of enhancing your nonprofit or school’s donor database by adding missing employment information. In other words, identifying the companies where your donors work. This is typically done by matching existing donor records (such as names, emails, mailing addresses, or phone numbers) against external data sources that contain employment details.

What your employer appends might be missing is workplace giving eligibility information, like this

The goal of an employer append is to fill in the blanks in your donor data . The process typically involves:

  1. Submitting donor data – You provide a file with donor contact information.
  2. Matching records – The data is compared against large databases of consumer or professional information to find potential employer matches.
  3. Appending employer details – Where a reliable match is found, the donor record is updated to include their current employer.
  4. Returning enriched data – The updated file is delivered back to your team for use in segmentation, outreach, or analysis.

While the output may simply look like a new column in your spreadsheet, that added employer information can become a foundational piece of your donor profile. Keep in mind, though, that the accuracy, freshness, and source of the appended data can vary depending on the provider, which is why understanding the append process is key to making informed decisions about your strategy.

What your employer appends might be missing

While employer appends can tell you where a donor works, they often fall short of revealing what really matters: the invaluable opportunities tied to that employment info. If your current or prospective data append service only provides company names without any insight into workplace giving or corporate philanthropy programs or the ability to connect supporters directly to those programs with minimal operational lift from your team, you may be overlooking powerful ways to deepen engagement and increase revenue.

Let’s break down the key gaps:

Workplace giving eligibility

Most standard employer appends don’t include details about a donor’s eligibility for workplace giving programs. These are critical elements that can transform a single gift into a recurring or matched donation—but they’re often missing entirely from basic data append services.

Here are some common programs that can help boost your fundraising revenue:

  • Matching Gift Programs: Thousands of employers offer corporate matching gift programs where they double or even triple donations their staff make to qualifying nonprofits. However, these programs often slip through the cracks due to a lack of donor awareness⁠—and eligibility is not something typically covered by your standard append service.
  • Volunteer Incentives (Volunteer Grants and Paid Volunteer Time Off): Some companies reward employees for their volunteer hours with monetary grants or paid time off work. However, employer appends rarely flag whether a supporter’s company offers such a program, or how the individual can take advantage of it.
  • Payroll Giving Programs: Payroll giving is one of the simplest ways for donors to give consistently, yet it’s vastly underutilized. Traditional employer appends typically don’t identify whether a donor’s company has a payroll giving platform or how they can opt in, leaving both the donor and nonprofit in the dark.

What your employer appends might be missing is workplace giving eligibility information, like this

Without this added layer of information, you might know where a donor works, but not how they can support your mission through their workplace. And knowledge is the first step to maximizing the programs’ impact! Not to mention, many companies offer multiple types of giving programs, meaning that without insight, you may be missing out on numerous revenue and engagement opportunities.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities

Another major blind spot with employer appends is the lack of visibility into a company’s corporate giving potential. While these appends may tell you where your donors work, they typically don’t reveal whether those employers have existing programs—like matching gifts, sponsorships, or grants—that support nonprofits their employees care about. That’s a missed opportunity, because many companies actively look to fund and partner with organizations their workforce is already supporting. Without this layer of insight, nonprofits risk leaving valuable corporate funding on the table.

Some of the opportunities that basic employer data typically misses include:

  • Corporate Grants (with Open Applications): Many companies use their corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets to facilitate nonprofit grantmaking—including dedicated programs with open applications. Still, unless your data highlights which employers offer them, your organization could miss out entirely.
  • In-Kind Giving Programs:  Some companies offer product or service donations in addition to or instead of cash support. These can be incredibly valuable, and may even offer an opportunity for employees to advocate for your cause, but standard employer appends rarely include this type of insight.

What your employer appends might be missing is workplace giving eligibility information, like this

In short, many employer appends only scratch the surface. To truly unlock the potential behind donor employment data, nonprofits need more than just company names—they need actionable insights into the giving programs, incentives, and grant opportunities that come with each employer. Without it, you’re only seeing part of the picture.

What your employer append might be missing - without Double the Donation

Why corporate giving matters in employer appends

At first glance, employer appends may seem like just another piece of demographic data—useful for segmentation, but not much more. In reality, when enriched with corporate giving insights, employment information becomes one of the most powerful assets in your fundraising toolkit.

Here’s why corporate giving matters in the context of employer appends:

It Transforms Static Data into Actionable Insights

Knowing a donor works at “ABC Corporation” is useful. Knowing that ABC Corporation offers a 2:1 matching gift program with an annual cap of $10,000—and that your donor is eligible to participate—is a game-changer. When employment data is connected to corporate giving details, it empowers your organization to move from passive information to an active fundraising strategy.

It Reveals Untapped Revenue Opportunities

Billions of dollars in corporate giving go unclaimed each year, largely because donors and nonprofits simply don’t know these programs exist. When employer appends include corporate philanthropy details—like matching gifts, volunteer incentives, or payroll giving options—you gain a direct path to unlocking those funds.

It Enables Personalized, Impactful Donor Outreach

Imagine reaching out to a donor not just with a thank-you, but with tailored next steps: “Thanks for your gift—did you know your employer, XYZ, will double it?” or “As a volunteer and employee at [Company], you may be eligible for a grant to support the time you give.”

Personalized outreach built on meaningful employer data increases engagement, trust, and long-term value. And it’s much more impactful than a generic, catch-all version of the same message! Plus, with a solution like Double the Donation, the touchpoints can be automated with ease, connecting supporters directly to those next steps.

It Strengthens Relationships with Companies, Too

Employer data with corporate giving context can help your organization identify clusters of donors working at the same company, uncover advocates, and open the door to deeper relationships with corporate partners. Whether it’s through matching gifts, employee-nominated grants, or broader sponsorships, these insights help you build partnerships based on real data—not guesswork.

How Double the Donation fills in the gaps

Most employer append services stop at supplying a company name—but Double the Donation goes the extra mile. Our approach doesn’t just tell you where your donors work; it tells you what that employer can do to support your mission and empowers you to connect supporters to those next steps.

At the heart of this enhanced approach is our industry-leading corporate giving database, which powers the employer appends we offer. When you work with Double the Donation, you gain access to a wealth of insights that most data providers simply don’t include.

Here’s how we fill in the critical gaps:

1. Workplace Giving Eligibility, Right in Your Appends

Unlike traditional appends that stop at a name match, our services then give you insight into:

  • Matching gift program availability and guidelines, including match ratios, minimum/maximum limits, and eligibility rules, along with submission links
  • Volunteer incentive program details, highlighting programs that reward employee volunteer hours with donations to nonprofits or paid time off work
  • Payroll giving options, identifying whether a donor’s employer offers direct paycheck contributions to nonprofits, and instructions on how to enroll

This information isn’t general—it’s mapped directly to the employer and backed by real-time updates from our proprietary database. That means when you append donor records with Double the Donation, you get not just where someone works but can then determine whether that employer offers programs that increase giving potential—and how to take action.

What your employer appends might be missing is workplace giving eligibility information, like this

2. Visibility Into Open Corporate Giving Opportunities

Our database also includes valuable insights into corporate sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donation programs—especially those with open applications or employee-directed giving components. When you combine our append services with our database insights, you can discover:

  • Which companies have active grant programs or donation funds
  • Whether those programs accept nonprofit applications (generally with links!)
  • How employees can advocate for your organization from within

By layering this intelligence onto employer data, you can identify donors who aren’t just supporters but potential gateways to corporate funding. This opens up new opportunities to pursue business partnerships strategically and based on facts.

3. Actionable, Automated, and Integrated

All this data becomes even more powerful when paired with Double the Donation’s complete workplace giving automation platform. When you use employer data with our automation tools, you can:

  • Prompt donors with personalized matching gift instructions
  • Surface relevant payroll giving and volunteer opportunities to encourage deeper involvement
  • Identify clusters of donors from the same company for targeted outreach
  • Track corporate giving revenue through a centralized dashboard

It’s a streamlined, end-to-end solution designed to maximize the impact of every employer connection in your database.

In short, Double the Donation transforms employer appends from basic data enhancement into a strategic fundraising advantage. With workplace giving eligibility and corporate sponsorship insights built-in, you’ll not only know who your donors work for—you’ll know how to turn that information into action.

Wrapping up & additional employer appends resources

At first glance, your employer append data might look complete. However, if it doesn’t reveal which donors are eligible for corporate giving programs, you’re only seeing part of the picture.

Without visibility into workplace giving opportunities like matching gifts or payroll giving, you may be missing the very insights that turn one-time gifts into multiplied impact.

The good news? There’s a better way to use employment data—one that not only tells you where your donors work but what giving opportunities come with it. When your data connects directly to corporate philanthropy programs, you unlock smarter fundraising, stronger donor relationships, and more dollars raised. It’s time to expect more from your employer appends and make sure nothing valuable is left out.

Ready to learn more about employer appends and data enhancement practices? Check out these additional recommended resources:

Discover what your employer appends might be missing and how Double the Donation can help.

Avoid These 5 Employer Appending Mistakes Nonprofits Make

Avoid These 5 Employer Appending Mistakes Nonprofits Make

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When it comes to maximizing donor intelligence, employer appending can be a game-changer for nonprofits looking to grow workplace giving revenue. By enriching your database with employment information—such as where your donors work and their eligibility for corporate giving programs—you unlock powerful insights that can drive your corporate giving success. But like any data project, success hinges on more than just good intentions. Many organizations rush into employer appends without the proper planning, only to encounter disappointing results. In this post, we’ll walk you through five common employer appending mistakes nonprofits make during the process—and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

These include:

  1. Starting with unclean or disorganized data
  2. Relying too fully on appends for data collection
  3. Choosing the wrong data appending vendor
  4. Lack of a data integration plan
  5. Not using the insights to power workplace giving programs

Avoiding these pitfalls doesn’t require a massive overhaul—just a more intentional approach. By understanding what can go wrong and planning accordingly, your nonprofit can turn employer appending into a smart, strategic asset.

Let’s dive into the five key mistakes to watch out for—and how to sidestep them for better results.

1. Starting with unclean or disorganized data

One of the most common—and most costly—mistakes nonprofits make when beginning an employer append is skipping the crucial step of data hygiene. If your donor records are riddled with typos, outdated contact info, or missing key fields, even the best appending service will struggle to return accurate or useful results.

Why It Matters:

Employer append vendors match your data against external databases using identifiers like name, address, email, and phone number. If that information is incorrect, inconsistent, or incomplete, the chances of a successful match drop significantly. Worse, it can lead to mismatched records or misleading insights that hinder your fundraising instead of helping it.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Run a data audit before the append. Identify and flag duplicates, missing fields, and formatting inconsistencies.
  • Standardize your inputs. Make sure names are consistently formatted (e.g., “John A. Smith” vs. “Smith, John A.”), addresses follow USPS formatting, and emails are current.
  • Fill in the gaps. Verify and fill in basic information (like mailing address or phone number) before submitting your list for employer appending.
  • Create a clean version of your list. Work with a deduplicated and verified subset of records for the append process, especially if your full database contains outdated or inactive contacts.

Pro Tip: Cleaning up your data upfront not only boosts your match rates but also ensures you’re making decisions based on trustworthy information. By prioritizing clean, organized data from the start, your nonprofit sets the stage for a more successful—and actionable—employer append project.

2. Relying too fully on appends for data collection

Employer appending is a powerful tool—but it shouldn’t be your only strategy for collecting donor employment data. One major mistake nonprofits make is leaning too heavily on appending services to fill in all the gaps without putting systems in place to gather this information directly from supporters.

Why It Matters:

Appending services are only as good as the data they match against—and even the best providers can’t deliver 100% coverage. If your donor file lacks strong identifying information or the donor simply isn’t in the external database, you’ll be left with incomplete results. More importantly, relying solely on third-party sources limits your ability to capture current information directly from your audience and connect them to their workplace giving opportunities faster.

Avoid employer appending mistakes by collecting data through alternative means as well

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Add employer fields to your forms. Include optional fields for employer name and job title in donation forms, event registrations, volunteer sign-ups, and membership forms. Be sure to frame this field around discovering someone’s eligibility for a workplace giving program to increase reporting!
  • Use follow-up emails to gather info. After a donation or engagement, send a brief thank-you email with a friendly prompt asking supporters to share where they work so that you can connect them to their company’s matching gift, volunteer grant, or other workplace giving program.
  • Integrate employer info into donor conversations. Major gift officers and stewardship staff can ask about employment during one-on-one outreach, especially when building donor profiles. This helps them discover and communicate workplace giving opportunities back to supporters in real time, especially with the help of a corporate database tool like Double the Donation.

Pro Tip: Make it simple for the supporter to find and enter their company name! If you integrate your donation forms and volunteer management system with Double the Donation, supporters can search directly in our database, finding their employer’s information quickly and easily. That means they can be connected to any matches or grant opportunities in mere seconds!

By building employer data collection into your regular donor engagement, you create a more complete, up-to-date picture of your supporters—one that enhances append efforts and increases the accuracy of your workplace giving strategies.

3. Choosing the wrong data appending vendor

Not all employer appending vendors are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can undermine your data strategy. Some nonprofits make the mistake of selecting a vendor based solely on price or convenience without fully understanding what they’re getting in terms of data quality, match rates, compliance, and the ability to act on the information right away.

Why It Matters:

The vendor you choose determines how accurate, complete, and useful your appended employer data will be. A low-cost provider may rely on outdated or limited data sources, resulting in poor match rates or inaccurate employer information. Worse, vendors that don’t follow data privacy regulations can expose your organization to compliance risks.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Do your homework. Research the vendor’s data sources, match process, and update frequency. Are they using verified, permission-based data? How often is their database refreshed?
  • Ask about match methodology. Some vendors use deterministic matching (precise identifiers), while others rely on probabilistic methods. Knowing the difference helps set realistic expectations about accuracy.
  • Check references and reviews. Ask for client testimonials or case studies from similar nonprofits. Learn how other organizations have used the service—and what kind of results they saw.
  • Clarify deliverables. Make sure you know what fields you’ll receive (e.g., employer name, title, industry, location, and workplace giving eligibility), how the data will be formatted, and how long the process will take.
  • Understand compliance and security standards. Choose a vendor that prioritizes data privacy, follows GDPR/CCPA where applicable, and offers clear terms on how data is handled and stored.

Pro Tip: Ultimately, the right vendor should act as a partner—not just a data provider. By choosing carefully, you ensure that the appended data adds real value to your workplace giving outreach efforts rather than becoming a missed opportunity or an administrative burden.

Avoid common employer appending mistakes by working with Double the Donation.

4. Not using the insights to power workplace giving programs

A surprising number of nonprofits go through the process of appending employer data—only to let those valuable insights sit unused. One of the biggest missed opportunities is failing to leverage employer information to fuel workplace giving programs, such as matching gifts, payroll giving, and corporate volunteer grants.

Why It Matters:

Employer data isn’t just nice to have—with workplace giving opportunities available, it can be a direct revenue driver. Many companies offer donation matching gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll giving programs (along with other forms of charitable support) for employees, but they often go untapped simply because the nonprofit doesn’t know which donors are eligible. If your organization collects employer information but doesn’t connect it to workplace giving outreach, you’re leaving money—and engagement—on the table.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Run a workplace giving eligibility check. Use your appended employer data with a tool like Double the Donation to identify which donors work for companies that offer matching gifts, volunteer grants, payroll giving, and more.
  • Segment your communications. Create targeted outreach campaigns for donors who work at eligible companies. Tailor the messaging to inform them of the opportunity and guide them through the submission process.
  • Update your donation forms, volunteer sign-ups, and thank-you pages. Include prompts like “Does your employer offer matching gifts or volunteer grants?” and an employer search tool so supporters can take action immediately after engaging.
  • Incorporate into stewardship efforts. When thanking a donor, include a reminder about their company’s workplace giving program if you have that information on file.

Avoid employer appending mistakes by using the information to power workplace giving

Pro Tip: Workplace giving isn’t just about revenue—it’s also a great way to deepen donor engagement. When supporters see their employer amplifying their impact, it reinforces their commitment to your cause.

5. Not using the insights to strengthen corporate partnerships

While workplace giving is a valuable use of employer data, many nonprofits miss a second, equally powerful opportunity: using employment insights to build or deepen corporate partnerships. After all, appended employer data doesn’t just tell you where your donors work—it can reveal hidden connections to companies that may be strong candidates for in-kind gifts, event sponsorships, volunteer support, or even grants.

Why It Matters:

Your donor base may already include employees—sometimes even executives—at companies that align well with your mission. But without employment data, you won’t know who these individuals are or how to activate those connections. When nonprofits overlook this insight, they miss a chance to cultivate warm leads and grow high-impact corporate relationships rooted in shared values and personal ties.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Analyze for concentration. Review your appended data to find clusters of donors working at the same company or within the same industry. These insights can reveal companies with an existing culture of giving or a natural connection to your cause.
  • Identify internal champions. Look for donors who may be well-positioned to introduce your organization to their company’s CSR team, philanthropic committee, or leadership. A warm intro often opens more doors than a cold pitch.
  • Personalize your corporate outreach. When reaching out to potential partners, mention your existing donor connections and the shared values that link your missions. This helps your proposal stand out and feel more authentic.
  • Pursue strategic asks. Use employer data to tailor your request—whether it’s an event sponsorship, an in-kind donation, or a volunteer service day—and show how the partnership would benefit both sides.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for your corporate partnerships team to initiate this process—equip fundraisers and donor relations staff with employer insights so they can help uncover connections and spark new opportunities across departments.

Wrapping Up & Additional Employer Appends Resources

Employer appending can open new doors for workplace giving, but only if it’s done thoughtfully. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll position your organization to make the most of your data investment.

The key is to treat employer appending not as a quick fix but as a strategic tool within your broader workplace and corporate giving efforts. With the right approach, the insights you gain can fuel smarter campaigns, deeper donor relationships, and, ultimately, greater impact.

Ready to learn more about employer appends for nonprofit fundraising? Check out these additional recommended resources:

Avoid common employer appending mistakes by working with Double the Donation.

Proven Ways to Increase Payroll Donations at Your Nonprofit

5 Proven Ways to Increase Payroll Donations at Your Nonprofit

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For organizations seeking consistent and reliable funding, payroll donations represent a powerful yet often underutilized resource. These employee-led giving programs enable donors to contribute small amounts from each paycheck—amounts that accumulate to provide significant support over time.

However, many nonprofits struggle to fully tap into this opportunity. Whether it’s due to a lack of awareness, poor promotion, or an overly complex process, potential contributions often go unrealized.

Looking to change that? In this post, we’ll explore five proven strategies to increase payroll giving at your nonprofit:

  1. Registering your organization with payroll giving platforms.
  2. Creating a dedicated payroll giving page on your website.
  3. Driving awareness with social media.
  4. Combining payroll donations with matching gifts.
  5. Recognizing and thanking your payroll giving donors.

From building a solid foundation to making giving as easy and engaging as possible, these tips will help you unlock a sustainable stream of donor support, all while deepening relationships with your existing community. And if you’re looking for a deeper dive into all things payroll giving-related, our free download, The Ultimate Guide to Payroll Giving, can help.

Let’s dive in!

1. Register your organization with payroll giving platforms.

Before you can encourage supporters to donate through payroll giving, your nonprofit must be accessible through the platforms that facilitate these contributions. Many companies rely on workplace giving platforms—like Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or America’s Charities—to manage and distribute employee donations. If your organization isn’t registered, you’re essentially invisible to potential donors using these tools.

The solution? Start by identifying and registering with the most commonly used platforms in your region or among your donors’ employers. Be prepared to submit essential information, including your Employer Identification Number (EIN), a description of your mission, and bank details for direct deposit.

Increase payroll donations by registering for CSR platforms like this

Once your nonprofit is listed, take the time to optimize your profile. Include compelling descriptions, up-to-date branding, and high-quality images if the platform allows. The more professional and engaging your presence, the more likely employees are to choose your organization when setting up their payroll donations.

Key Tip: Keep a record of where you’re registered, and revisit these platforms regularly to update information or respond to donor inquiries. A complete and current profile can make a significant difference in securing recurring support.

2. Create a dedicated payroll giving page on your website.

Once your nonprofit is set up on payroll giving platforms, the next step is making it easy for your supporters to take action⁠—and that starts with your website. A dedicated payroll giving page serves as a central hub where visitors can learn about payroll giving, its importance, and how to get started.

Think of this page as both an educational and conversion tool. Use simple, accessible language, and highlight the convenience of giving straight from their paycheck—no invoices, no reminders, just automated generosity.

Here’s what to include on your payroll giving page:

  • What payroll giving is and how it works
  • The benefits to donors (e.g., tax-deductible, low effort, long-term impact)
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in a program
  • A list of companies that offer payroll giving, if you know where your donors work
  • A contact form or email for questions
  • Real stories or testimonials from current payroll donors, if available

Check out this example page from WaterAid to see these practices in action:

Increase payroll donations with a dedicated landing page

Bonus Tip: Optimize the page for search engines with keywords like “payroll giving,” “workplace donations,” or “employee giving programs.” Also, link to it from your main donation page and include it in your email footers and donor communications to increase visibility.

By creating a clear and informative payroll giving page, you’re reducing friction for your donors and helping them say “yes” to ongoing support with confidence.

3. Drive awareness with social media.

Even if your nonprofit is registered with payroll giving platforms and has a great web page explaining the process, none of that matters if your supporters don’t know payroll giving exists. That’s where social media comes in.

Social media is one of the most effective tools for building awareness and driving engagement around payroll giving. With the right content, you can reach donors where they already spend time and inspire them to take action—especially if you make the message relatable, clear, and easy to share.

Here’s how to make the most of your social platforms to increase payroll donations:

  • Educate your audience by explaining what payroll giving is and how it helps. Use short, digestible posts with branded graphics or quick videos.
  • Highlight real impact. Share stories, statistics, or milestones that show how payroll donations are making a difference.
  • Create reminders. Time your posts around key giving moments—like year-end, Giving Tuesday, or open enrollment periods at major employers.
  • Use clear calls to action. Every post should direct users to your dedicated payroll giving page or inform them of the steps to get started through their employer.

For the best results, don’t forget to utilize platform-specific features, such as Instagram Stories, LinkedIn posts (especially useful for workplace-related topics), and Facebook Events or Live Q&As, to answer questions and engage your community in real time.

This example from the MND Association demonstrates how one organization can do so:

Increase payroll donations with social media posts like this

Pro Tip: Tag companies with payroll giving programs and encourage your supporters to share how they give through work. Peer advocacy can be one of the most persuasive motivators for new donors to join in.

By consistently discussing payroll giving on social media, you’re keeping the opportunity visible, relevant, and easy to act on—three essentials for cultivating long-term support.

4. Combine payroll donations with matching gifts.

One of the most effective ways to maximize the impact of payroll donations is by pairing them with matching gift opportunities. After all, many employers who offer payroll giving programs also provide donation matching—doubling (or even tripling) the contributions their employees make. Yet, these matching gifts often go unclaimed simply because donors don’t realize they exist or don’t know how to apply.

By actively promoting the combination of payroll giving and employer matching, your nonprofit can unlock significantly more funding with minimal additional effort from donors.

Here’s how to make this strategy work:

  • Educate your supporters about matching gifts and how they can maximize the impact of their payroll donations. Emphasize that it’s a simple way to increase their impact without giving more.
  • Provide clear instructions on how to check if their employer offers matching. Link to matching gift search tools directly from your payroll giving page.
  • Coordinate your messaging. When promoting payroll giving—on your website, in emails, or on social media—mention matching gifts as a bonus benefit.
  • Track and follow up. Flag payroll donors who work for companies with known matching programs. Then, follow up with a reminder or guide to help them submit their match request.

See how the GBS/CIDP Foundation aligns the two opportunities on their website here:

Increase payroll donations with matching gifts like this

Pro Tip: Partner with a matching gift platform (like Double the Donation) to automate the match process where possible. Streamlining this experience reduces friction and increases the likelihood that donors will complete the additional step.

When payroll donations and matching gifts work together, the result is a steady, scalable stream of funding that can grow exponentially. It’s a win-win for your donors and your mission.

Increase payroll donations with Double the Donation.

5. Recognize and thank your payroll giving donors.

Payroll giving donors are some of your most loyal and consistent supporters. They’ve committed to helping your organization month after month, often quietly and without much fanfare. That’s exactly why it’s so important to recognize their generosity and make them feel appreciated.

Consistent gratitude builds stronger relationships and encourages long-term giving. When payroll giving donors feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to continue—and even increase—their support. A thoughtful thank-you also reinforces the impact of their gift and connects them more deeply to your mission.

Here are some effective ways to appreciate payroll donors:

  • Send personalized thank-you messages. Whether it’s a handwritten note, email, or quick video message, a personal touch goes a long way.
  • Create a special donor segment. Acknowledge payroll donors in your annual report, on your website, or through exclusive updates or newsletters.
  • Celebrate milestones. Recognize donor anniversaries (e.g., one year of giving via payroll) or share when their cumulative impact hits a certain level.
  • Offer small tokens of appreciation. This could be branded swag, behind-the-scenes updates, or invitations to exclusive events.
  • Highlight stories. With their permission, feature payroll donors in social posts or email spotlights. This not only honors them but inspires others to join in.

Check out how the Cancer Research Foundation recognizes existing payroll giving donors on social media, as seen in this testimonial video they shared. In it, the donor states, “I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and I don’t really need to think about it once it was all set up.”

Increase payroll donations with recognition like this

Pro Tip: Because payroll giving is often managed through third-party platforms, it’s important to keep your donor data organized. Make sure you’re capturing key information so you can reach out and thank these donors directly and appropriately.

Recognition isn’t just about saying thanks—it’s about building a lasting connection. When payroll donors feel acknowledged, they’re more likely to stay engaged, advocate for your cause, and continue supporting you for years to come.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Payroll donations are more than just convenient—they’re a gateway to long-term donor engagement and financial stability. By implementing these proven strategies, your nonprofit can streamline the giving process, cultivate a culture of generosity, and maintain a steady stream of funding that supports your mission year-round.

Remember: the key to increasing payroll donations lies in education, accessibility, and ongoing communication. Start small, track your results, and keep optimizing for improvements. Your donors (and your bottom line) will thank you.

Interested in learning more about payroll giving? Check out these recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge: 

Increase payroll donations with Double the Donation.

New Volunteer Integration Connecting Summa & Double the Donation Volunteering

New Volunteer Integration: Connecting Summa & Double the Donation Volunteering

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Double the Donation is excited to announce an expansion of its partnership with Summa, a volunteer and fundraising platform built to help mission-driven organizations engage their communities more effectively. This new, seamless integration between Double the Donation Volunteering and Summa empowers nonprofits to unlock corporate volunteer incentives, like volunteer grants and paid volunteer time off, maximizing the impact of every hour served.

With this integration, organizations can embed Double the Donation’s employer search tool directly into Summa’s volunteer signup forms, allowing volunteers to discover their eligibility for corporate programs as they register. From there, the platforms work together to deliver timely, personalized follow-up emails that guide volunteers through their employer’s next steps, making it easier than ever to turn volunteer service into additional funding for the causes they care about.

“At Summa, we believe in removing barriers between passion and impact,” says Dennis Chyba, President of Summa. “This new integration with Double the Donation Volunteering aligns perfectly with that mission, empowering volunteers to connect their service with corporate support, and helping nonprofits capture more of the funding that’s already out there. It’s a powerful step toward uniting data, action, and generosity.”

Once volunteers identify their eligibility for corporate incentives, Double the Donation Volunteering—integrated seamlessly within Summa—guides them through their employer’s process for claiming volunteer grants and paid time off. This allows organizations to transform awareness into action and helps nonprofits secure more of the available funding connected to volunteer engagement.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Summa to include Double the Donation Volunteering, building on our shared goal of connecting nonprofits with opportunities to expand their impact,” says Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “By supporting both volunteer incentives and matching gifts, we’re helping mutual clients engage their supporters more holistically and capture more of the corporate funding available through workplace giving programs.”

Ready to get started? The Summa and Double the Donation Volunteering integration is now available for mutual clients of Double the Donation and Summa. Request a personalized demo with the Double the Donation team today, and be sure to mention that you use Summa for volunteer management!

About Summa:

Summa is a dynamic volunteer and fundraising management platform designed to help mission-driven organizations mobilize support and maximize impact. With powerful volunteer management tools at its core, Summa enables nonprofits to efficiently schedule, track, and engage volunteers—turning every hour of service into meaningful progress. From intuitive shift sign-ups to data-driven reporting, Summa helps organizations streamline operations, boost volunteer retention, and connect service with fundraising outcomes. To learn more, visit Summa.

About Double the Donation:

Automate your matching gift fundraising and corporate volunteering with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify individuals who qualify for corporate philanthropy initiatives, drive increased participation, and gain actionable insights from the programs. Double the Donation integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, volunteer management platforms, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up with donors accordingly. To learn more, visit Double the Donation.


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Timecounts & Double the Donation Partner to Boost Volunteer Giving

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Workplace giving programs, like volunteer grants and Volunteer Time Off (VTO), are often underutilized, yet they hold powerful potential to increase nonprofit impact. Double the Donation is thrilled to announce a new partnership with volunteer management platform Timecounts, designed to help nonprofits unlock more value from their volunteer programs by making it easier to access corporate volunteer incentives.

“Timecounts was built to support the people powering change in their communities,” says Amanda Rose, CEO of Timecounts. “Our partnership with Double the Donation makes it easier than ever for nonprofits to leverage workplace giving programs like volunteer grants and volunteer time off by seamlessly connecting the dots. Now nonprofits can turn volunteer time into funding with just a few clicks.” 

Double the Donation Volunteering now seamlessly integrates across the Timecounts platform. Nonprofits can customize Timecounts volunteer forms to prompt volunteers to check for eligibility for employer-sponsored volunteer grants and volunteer time off. Volunteers are then guided through next steps to claim corporate funds on behalf of the organization they support. 

“Incorporating corporate volunteer opportunities within a larger volunteer outreach and management strategy is crucial for nonprofits looking to harness the full potential of their volunteer force,” says Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “That’s why this integration with Timecounts is a game-changer for identifying and targeting corporate volunteer programs within your organization’s network.”

The Timecounts and Double the Donation Volunteering integration enables nonprofits to unlock new funding opportunities and amplify the benefits of workplace giving initiatives on their missions.

The Timecounts and Double the Donation Volunteering integration is now available for mutual clients. Follow our integration guide to get connected.

Ready to enhance volunteer engagement with corporate incentives? Request a personalized demo with the Double the Donation team today. Be sure to mention you use Timecounts!

About Timecounts:

Timecounts is a modern volunteer management platform that’s changing the way organizations engage and organize volunteers. Trusted by nonprofits in 39 countries, it provides simple yet powerful tools to streamline recruitment, scheduling, communication, and reporting. With Timecounts, organizations can build strong volunteer communities that drive real impact. To learn more, visit Timecounts.

About Double the Donation:

Automate your matching gift fundraising and corporate volunteering with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify individuals who qualify for corporate philanthropy initiatives, drive increased participation, and gain actionable insights from the programs. Double the Donation integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, volunteer management platforms, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up with donors accordingly. To learn more, visit Double the Donation.

Marketing Your One-Off Matching Gift Program: Tips & Tricks

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Custom or exclusive matching gift partnerships are powerful fundraising opportunities—but only if your target audience knows about them. The solution? Marketing your organization’s one-off matching gift program well.

To make the most of the campaign, you’ll need a thoughtful strategy that reaches the right people at the right time with the right message.

In this post, we’ll break down tips and tricks to help your nonprofit successfully market your one-off matching gift program, boost donor participation, and build long-term value from short-term opportunities.

Let’s get started!

The Basics: What is a one-off matching gift program?

A one-off matching gift program is a customized partnership between a company and a specific nonprofit. Unlike ongoing corporate matching gift programs that apply broadly to employee donations made to any eligible nonprofit, one-off matches are tailored to support a single organization, typically for a limited time or tied to a specific campaign or event.

In this type of program, the company agrees to match employee donations exclusively to the selected nonprofit, often at a 1:1 ratio or higher. The timeframe can vary—it might be a single giving day, a multi-week campaign, or a long-term engagement.

These programs can be incredibly effective because they create a sense of urgency and focused support, while also generating excitement and engagement among employees. For nonprofits, they offer a unique opportunity to deepen a relationship with a corporate partner, raise more funds quickly, and increase visibility among the company’s workforce.

Why does marketing your one-off matching gift program matter?

Marketing your one-off matching gift program is essential because even the most generous offer won’t make an impact if no one knows it exists. These programs are often time-bound and specific, which means you have a narrow window to engage donors and maximize participation. Without strategic promotion, you risk leaving matching dollars on the table.

When you market a one-off matching gift effectively, however, you can:

Drive Immediate Action

One-off matches create shared purpose. A well-communicated match can motivate donors to give now rather than later, knowing their contribution will go twice as far.

Increase Total Revenue

Studies consistently show that donors are more likely to give—and to give more—when they know their gift will be matched. Marketing your program broadly helps you boost donation volume and average gift size during the campaign period.

Expand Visibility and Awareness

By thoroughly promoting the match, you not only increase donations but also raise awareness of your nonprofit’s partnership within the company. This strengthens your brand, highlights corporate support, and may even attract future opportunities. Plus, it gives you a chance to form relationships with individuals that can last beyond the dedicated partnership, too.

Widening your reach by marketing one-off matching gift programs

Deepen Donor Engagement

A one-off match can be a great moment to reconnect with lapsed donors or encourage new supporters to give for the first time. Promoting the opportunity gives you a compelling reason to reach out and spark engagement with clear, impact-driven messaging.

Ultimately, a strong marketing push ensures your one-off matching gift program lives up to its full potential, benefiting your organization, your supporters, and your corporate partner.

Marketing Tip #1: Create a dedicated landing page on your website.

One of the most effective ways to market your one-off matching gift program is to build a dedicated landing page on your nonprofit’s website. This page will serve as a central hub for all information related to the matching gift opportunity, making it easy for donors to understand the program and take action.

Marketing your one-off matching gift program on your website

Here’s why it works:

Clear, Focused Messaging

A standalone page allows you to focus entirely on the details of the one-off match—who is matching, how long the program runs, which gifts are eligible, and how donors can participate. This keeps your messaging consistent and avoids confusion.

Increased Visibility in Campaigns

Be sure to link to the landing page in all related marketing materials, including emails, social posts, and blog content. This helps drive traffic to a single, reliable source of truth, and it gives your campaign a professional, cohesive feel.

Highlight Your Corporate Partner

Use the page to highlight your business partner, emphasizing their dedication to philanthropy and community engagement. Include their logo, a quote from a company representative, or a thank-you message to show appreciation.

Capture More Matches

You can also include helpful tools, such as donation forms, FAQs, and direct links to corporate giving portals, if applicable. If your organization uses Double the Donation’s tools, this is a great place to embed your matching gift search widget to help donors check their eligibility—by adding the program to your database specifically.

By dedicating a space on your website to promote your one-off match, you boost engagement, streamline the donor experience, and demonstrate the value of your partnership.

Marketing Tip #2: Add the matching gift program to your Double the Donation database.

If your organization is partnering with a company on a one-off matching gift program, one of the most strategic moves you can make is to add the program to your Double the Donation search tool.

Custom matching gift programs' backend management

Here’s why this step is so valuable:

Surface the Match at the Right Moment

Double the Donation’s tools are integrated directly into many nonprofits’ donation forms and confirmation pages. When a donor identifies their employer, the system will instantly show whether a matching gift is available—including, with its dedicated custom match functionality, one-off programs. That means donors working for your partner company will see the promotion when they’re most likely to act: right after making a gift.

Streamline Donor Access to Key Details

Your listing can include all the relevant information about the one-off program: including match ratio, deadline, eligibility guidelines, and submission instructions. This saves your donors from having to dig for details and reduces friction in the matching process.

Enable Matching Gift Auto-Submission

Speaking of the matching process, Double the Donation’s exclusive matching gift functionality includes the ability to enable auto-submission for one-off matches. This means that qualifying donors won’t have to complete a separate matching gift request form, but instead can trigger a match straight from your gift confirmation page with a few clicks.

By adding your one-off matching gift opportunity to the Double the Donation platform, you enhance your campaign’s reach and efficiency—ensuring more donors are informed, eligible matches are claimed, and your organization receives the full benefit of the partnership.

Marketing Tip #3: Post about your one-off matching gift program on social media.

Social media is one of the most effective and accessible tools for spreading the word about your one-off matching gift program. It allows you to reach a wide audience quickly, generate excitement, and encourage action from your followers—especially those employed by your corporate partner.

Marketing your one-off matching gift program on social media

Here’s how to use social media strategically to promote your limited-time match:

Target the Right Audience

Focus your messaging on engaging both current supporters and employees of the partnering company. Be clear about who qualifies for the match and how long it’s available. Tag the sponsoring business (with their permission), use relevant hashtags, and consider boosting posts to reach your partner’s network more effectively.

Post Regularly With Timely Updates

A single post won’t be enough—create a content schedule that builds momentum over the course of the match. Start with an announcement, then share reminders, encouragements, and a final push before the deadline. Visuals like countdown graphics and short videos can help drive engagement, too.

Make It Easy to Share

Encourage your followers, staff, and corporate partner to reshare your posts. Provide suggested captions or graphics that make it simple for them to spread the word. When employees promote the program in their own circles, you’ll reach more colleagues who are eligible to give and get their donations matched.

Marketing Tip #4: Send a tailored fundraising appeal to the company’s employees.

One of the most effective ways to maximize participation in a one-off matching gift program is to connect directly with the employees of your corporate partner. A targeted, thoughtful fundraising appeal can drive awareness, boost engagement, and inspire action—all while making the most of the limited-time match opportunity.

Employees are more likely to give when they know their company is actively supporting the cause—and even more so when their donation will be doubled. A tailored appeal reinforces the partnership, communicates the impact of their gift, and makes the process of giving (and matching) as easy as possible.

Marketing your one-off matching gift program with dedicated appeals

When writing your appeal, be sure to:

  • Personalize the message. Address employees directly and reference the partnership with their company by name.
  • Clearly explain the match—how long it lasts, what types of donations qualify, and how to make their gift count.
  • Share a story or example of the real impact their gift can have. Use emotion and specificity to bring your mission to life.
  • Include easy next steps with a direct link to your donation form, instructions for requesting a match, and any relevant deadlines.

All in all, a targeted appeal shows employees that their support matters—and that now is the perfect time to make a difference. When done well, this outreach can significantly increase donations and ensure your one-off matching gift campaign reaches its full potential.

Marketing Tip #5: Provide resources for your corporate partner to distribute.

One of the simplest ways to amplify your one-off matching gift campaign is by equipping your corporate partner with ready-to-use marketing materials they can easily share with their employees. By making it easy for the company to promote the initiative internally, you significantly increase your reach and participation rates.

Corporate partners are often enthusiastic about supporting their nonprofit partners, but they may not have the time or capacity to create their own promotional content. Supplying polished, branded materials ensures the message is communicated clearly and consistently—while saving your partner time and effort. It also helps you stay in control of the messaging, emphasizing the key details and urgency of the match.

Your promotional toolkit might include:

  • Email templates announcing the match and encouraging employees to donate
  • Social media graphics and suggested captions for internal company platforms or LinkedIn
  • Flyers or posters that can be displayed in physical office spaces
  • A one-pager overview of your organization’s mission, the impact of the partnership, and matching gift instructions
  • Talking points for HR leaders or team managers to use when discussing the match with employees

Be sure to brand all materials with your nonprofit’s logo and your partner’s logo, and clearly state the timeframe and match opportunity.

Marketing your one-off matching gift program with internal company resources

When you hand off these resources, you can even offer to meet briefly with your contact at the company to walk through how best to use them. Ask if there are other communication channels you can support—such as company town halls, onboarding materials, lunch and learns, or employee giving portals.

By arming your corporate partner with the right tools, you empower them to become active champions of your mission and help drive more traffic—and donations—to your campaign.

Marketing Tip #6: Share impact stats or donor testimonials.

When promoting your one-off matching gift program, real numbers and stories speak volumes. Donors want to know that their gifts make a difference—and nothing reinforces that message better than real-world impact and personal testimonials.

Why? Sharing compelling statistics or heartfelt testimonials builds trust, inspires generosity, and motivates action. When supporters see the tangible outcomes of giving—or hear from others who’ve donated—they’re more likely to feel confident that their own contribution will matter. It also reinforces the value of the matching gift partnership and showcases the company’s positive role in driving that impact.

Depending on the stage of your campaign, you might highlight:

  • The number of gifts matched so far or total dollars raised
  • Specific programs or communities impacted by the campaign’s success
  • Quotes from donors about why they gave and how the match inspired them
  • Statements from beneficiaries about how donations have changed lives
  • Comments from employees of the corporate partner about how proud they are to support the cause

Don’t be afraid to use graphics, short video clips, or personal stories (with permission!) to add a human element to your stats.

Marketing your one-off matching gift program with donor testimonials

By spotlighting real results and authentic voices, you create a more emotional, meaningful connection that drives engagement and fuels ongoing support.

Marketing Tip #7: If applicable, establish urgency with upcoming deadlines.

One of the most powerful motivators in fundraising is a sense of urgency—and one-off matching gift programs are a natural fit for this tactic. These (often) limited-time opportunities are typically available for a defined period or tied to a particular campaign, event, or initiative. That means your supporters should act fast if they want their donation to go twice as far.

Marketing your one-off matching gift program with deadline reminders

When donors know there’s a deadline, they’re more likely to act now rather than put off giving. Creating a clear sense of urgency drives immediate action and helps your nonprofit make the most of the matching gift window. It also keeps your campaign top of mind during a critical period of opportunity.

Here are a few ideas for integrating urgency into your marketing strategy:

  • Highlight any deadlines in bold, clear language: “All gifts matched through June 30!” or “Only 3 days left to double your impact!”
  • Use countdowns in emails or on your campaign landing page to show exactly how much time is left.
  • Send last-chance reminders: A final push as the deadline approaches can significantly boost participation.

While the final days of a campaign often see the biggest surge in giving, your messaging should mention the time limit early and often. Repetition reinforces urgency and ensures that no donor misses the opportunity due to lack of awareness.

By emphasizing urgency, you help donors understand the limited nature of your one-off matching gift opportunity—and inspire them to take action while they still can.

Marketing Tip #8: Celebrate milestones and successes publicly.

Sharing progress is more than just a nice gesture—it’s a strategic marketing move that can build momentum, deepen engagement, and drive additional donations. As your one-off matching gift campaign unfolds, make it a point to celebrate key milestones and successes in public, visible ways.

After all, recognizing campaign progress and achievements signals to supporters that their gifts are making a real difference. It fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, encourages continued involvement, and inspires new donors to get involved. Public celebration also gives your corporate partner positive visibility, which helps reinforce the value of the partnership for both sides.

Here are a few ways to celebrate and promote your success:

  • Share milestone updates across email and social media: “We’ve raised $10,000—halfway to our goal! Let’s keep going!”
  • Feature donor spotlights or shout-outs to recognize individuals or employee groups who participated.
  • Post real-time updates during events or campaign pushes, especially if you’re running a day-of-giving or time-bound challenge.
  • Create thank-you graphics or short videos highlighting the impact of the donations received and the matched total.
  • Tag your corporate partner in public acknowledgments to strengthen your relationship and encourage them to share the content as well.

When you celebrate milestones publicly, you not only honor the generosity of your donors. You also reinforce the value of the one-off match, elevate your nonprofit’s credibility, and create more opportunities for future engagement.

Wrapping Up & Additional Matching Gift Resources

One-off matching gift programs provide nonprofits with a unique opportunity to amplify the impact of their donors and strengthen relationships with corporate partners. But without a clear, strategic marketing plan, it’s easy to leave dollars on the table.

By aligning with your partner, using a multi-channel approach, creating urgency, and sharing real-time results, you can turn a time-limited match into long-lasting value for your mission. With proper preparation and promotion, your next one-off campaign can be a win for your organization, your supporters, and your corporate sponsor alike.

Ready to elevate your approach? Use these marketing tips to make every dollar—and each match—count.

Check out the following recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge of all things matching gifts:

Get started with Double the Donation's one-off matching gift management feature

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