Master These Payroll Giving Best Practices-Helpful Tips

Master These Payroll Giving Best Practices: Helpful Tips

Securing a reliable stream of unrestricted revenue is the “holy grail” for nonprofit development teams. While major gifts and grants provide significant influxes of capital, they often lack the consistency required for long-term operational stability. This is where payroll giving emerges as a transformative solution. Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, matching gifts, payroll giving is a powerful mechanism that allows employees to donate to charities directly from their salary, often on a pre-tax basis. It is a gateway to predictable, recurring income that builds a foundation of financial security for your organization.

Despite the clear financial advantages, many nonprofits struggle to capitalize on this opportunity. The barrier is rarely a lack of donor interest; rather, it is the friction associated with the process. Donors often do not know if they are eligible, or they find the enrollment process through their corporate portals too cumbersome to navigate. To unlock this potential, organizations must adopt specific payroll giving best practices that prioritize user experience and education. By making it effortless for supporters to determine their eligibility and providing them with direct pathways to enroll, you can turn passive interest into active, long-term support.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Success in payroll giving does not happen by accident. It requires a deliberate strategy to remove barriers and guide donors from intent to action. By implementing these best practices, you can integrate payroll giving into your core fundraising efforts and secure a steady flow of support that grows with every paycheck.

Understanding the Strategic Value of Payroll Giving

Before executing a campaign, it is vital to understand why payroll giving is worth the investment. At its core, payroll giving is a “set and forget” donation method. Once an employee opts in, the donation is deducted automatically from their salary during each pay cycle. This automation eliminates the need for monthly credit card entries or manual check writing, drastically reducing the friction that leads to donor churn.

Predictable Revenue Streams: For nonprofits, the primary benefit is the creation of a consistent cash flow. Unlike sporadic one-time gifts, payroll donations provide a steady baseline of income that allows for better financial planning and program continuity. This predictability is essential for budgeting and scaling operations with confidence.

Higher Donor Retention: Payroll donors tend to donate for longer periods than those who give via other channels. Because the deduction happens automatically and often pre-tax, the donor effectively “doesn’t miss” the money, making them less likely to cancel the recurring gift during belt-tightening periods. This leads to significantly higher lifetime value (LTV) for each supporter acquired through this channel.

Tax Efficiency for Donors: It is important to articulate the financial benefits to the donor as well. Donations made through payroll giving are often deducted from gross pay before tax is calculated. This tax-efficient giving method means that a donation costs the employee less in real terms than a standard post-tax donation, allowing them to give more to your cause without significantly impacting their take-home pay.

Did You Know? Payroll giving offers a unique “win-win-win” scenario. Nonprofits gain lower administrative overhead and sustainable income; donors enjoy tax-efficient, effortless giving; and employers boost their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) profile and employee engagement.

Best Practice 1: Determine Eligibility with Precision

The first major hurdle in payroll giving is awareness. Many supporters simply do not know that their employer offers a giving program. To overcome this, you must make it incredibly easy for donors to determine their eligibility without forcing them to dig through their own HR handbooks.

  • Leverage Database Search Tools: The most effective way to solve the eligibility puzzle is by integrating an employer search tool directly into your fundraising infrastructure. Tools like Double the Donation’s payroll giving widget allow donors to enter their company name and instantly see whether their employer offers payroll giving, matching gifts, or volunteer grants.
  • Capture Employment Data Early: Don’t wait until a donor has already given to ask about their employer. Incorporate an optional “Company” or “Employer” field into your donation forms, event registrations, and volunteer sign-ups. By collecting this data upfront, you can screen your existing database using employer appends to identify high-value segments of donors who work for companies with established payroll giving programs.
  • Promote Search Functionality: Place your eligibility search tool prominently on your website. It should not be hidden on a sub-page; it should be integrated into your main “Ways to Give” page and your dedicated payroll giving landing page. The goal is to reduce the cognitive load on the donor. If they can type their company name and get an instant “Yes,” they are far more likely to proceed to the next step.

Once a donor knows they are eligible, the next obstacle is the enrollment process itself. Navigating corporate intranets or third-party CSR platforms can be confusing. To maximize conversion, you must provide clear, company-specific instructions that bridge the gap between your website and their payroll system.

  • Provide Company-Specific Instructions: Generic instructions like “ask your HR department” are conversion killers. Instead, provide detailed, step-by-step guides for major employers. For example, if you know a large portion of your donor base works for a specific corporation, outline exactly which portal they need to visit and which forms to fill out.
  • Link to Giving Platforms: Many companies manage their payroll giving through third-party platforms like Benevity, Blackbaud, CyberGrants, or YourCause. If possible, provide direct links to your organization’s profile within these platforms. This allows the donor to click a button on your site, log in to their corporate portal, and land directly on your donation page, minimizing the risk of drop-off.
  • Simplify the Ask: When providing instructions, keep them simple and actionable. Use clear calls to action such as “Enroll Now” or “Go to Employee Portal.” If the process requires filling out a physical form, provide a downloadable PDF of that form pre-filled with your nonprofit’s details (Tax ID, address, etc.) to save the donor time.

Quick Tip: Create a “Cheat Sheet” for your donors. List the top 10-20 employers in your donor base and provide a one-click link or a specific set of instructions for each. This tailored approach demonstrates that you value their time and understand their specific workplace environment.

Best Practice 3: Establish a Dedicated Web Page

Your website is the hub of your fundraising efforts, and payroll giving deserves its own spotlight. A dedicated payroll giving landing page serves as a central resource where you can educate donors, explain the benefits, and guide them through the enrollment process.

  • Educational Content: Use this page to explain what payroll giving is in simple, user-friendly terms. Avoid jargon. Clearly articulate the benefits for the donor, such as tax efficiency and the convenience of automatic deductions.
  • Visual Impact: Incorporate visuals that demonstrate the power of recurring giving. Use an impact calculator or infographic to show how a small deduction per paycheck adds up over a year. For example, show that $10 per pay period provides enough food for a family for a month.
  • Social Proof: Include testimonials from current payroll donors. Stories from peers are powerful motivators. A quote from a donor saying, “I love payroll giving because I don’t even miss the money, but I know I’m making a difference every two weeks,” can be very persuasive.
  • Employer Search Tool: Embed your Double the Donation search widget directly on this page. This allows visitors to immediately check their eligibility and access the specific forms and guidelines they need to participate.

Best Practice 4: Leverage Multi-Channel Marketing

Building the program infrastructure is only half the battle; you must also actively market it. Payroll giving should be woven into your broader nonprofit marketing strategy to normalize it as a standard way to give.

  • Email Campaigns: Email remains a highly effective channel for donor communication. Segment your email lists to target past donors, volunteers, or event attendees who have already expressed interest in your cause. Send targeted campaigns to donors with known employers, explicitly mentioning their company’s program: “Did you know [Company Name] allows you to donate directly from your paycheck?”.
  • Social Media Integration: Use social media to raise awareness. Share short, educational posts explaining how payroll giving works. Create graphics that highlight the ease of the process. You can even run specific campaigns, such as a “Payroll Giving Week,” to create a sense of urgency and focus. Use hashtags like #GiveThroughWork or #PayrollGiving to increase discoverability.
  • Newsletter Features: Include a permanent “Payroll Giving” section or button in your regular newsletters. Even a small P.S. line at the bottom of donation appeals can be effective: “Want to make your donation go further? Sign up for payroll giving and support us every payday”.

Best Practice 5: Incentivize and Steward Donors

People are more likely to take action when they feel recognized and valued. Because payroll giving is often invisible (happening automatically in the background), deliberate stewardship is essential to keep these donors engaged.

  • Offer Exclusive Perks: Consider creating a special club or designation for payroll donors. Offer incentives such as welcome gifts (stickers, mugs), digital badges they can share on LinkedIn, or access to exclusive donor-only webinars and events.
  • Corporate Match Bonuses: If a corporate partner is willing, organize a “match drive” where the company agrees to double or triple payroll donations for a limited time. This creates a powerful incentive for employees to sign up immediately.
  • Regular Impact Reporting: Don’t let payroll donors feel like an ATM. Send them exclusive updates that show exactly how their sustained support is making a difference. Frame these communications as appreciation rather than solicitation. For example: “Thanks to payroll donors like you, we were able to plan ahead and launch this new program”.

Best Practice 6: Measure Success and Optimize

To ensure your payroll giving program grows over time, you must track its performance. Data-driven insights allow you to identify bottlenecks in the enrollment process and refine your marketing strategies.

  • Key Metrics to Track: Establish a baseline and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs). Important metrics include:
    • Number of active payroll donors: Tracks growth and participation trends.
    • Total revenue from payroll giving: The core financial metric for assessing ROI.
    • Donor retention rate: A high retention rate signals strong engagement and program “stickiness”.
    • Employer participation rate: Which companies have the highest number of enrolled employees?.
  • Consolidate Data: Payroll giving data often comes from multiple sources: different corporate portals and your own CRM. Create a centralized tracking system to consolidate this information. Regular reporting reviews will help you spot trends, such as a sudden drop-off in donors from a specific company, allowing you to intervene quickly.
  • Iterate and Improve: Use this data to continuously improve your donor journey. If you see high traffic to your payroll giving page but low conversions, you may need to simplify the instructions or make the search tool more prominent. Regularly solicit feedback from current payroll donors to understand their motivations and pain points.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Implementing these payroll giving best practices is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability of your nonprofit. By shifting your focus from passive acceptance to active promotion, you can unlock a reliable revenue stream that complements your existing fundraising efforts. Payroll giving transforms one-time donors into consistent partners, allowing your mission to grow with every paycheck.

To get started, audit your current website and donation forms. Ensure you are capturing employment data and providing a clear, searchable pathway for donors to check their eligibility. Build a dedicated resource page, and begin segmenting your email communications to target employees at companies with known programs.

Ready to streamline your corporate fundraising? Request a demo with Double the Donation to see how our industry-leading tools can help you identify, track, and secure more workplace giving and matching gift opportunities today.

Payroll Giving Educational Resources-The Ultimate List

Payroll Giving Educational Resources: The Ultimate List

Sustainable fundraising isn’t just about finding new donors; it’s about building reliable revenue streams that work in the background 365 days a year. Payroll giving represents one of the most powerful opportunities to do exactly that. By allowing employees to donate directly from their paychecks, your nonprofit can secure a steady, unrestricted flow of funding that grows over time. Unlike one-time donations that require constant re-solicitation, or credit card subscriptions that are prone to involuntary churn due to expiration dates and card replacements, payroll deductions remain active as long as the employee stays with their company. This creates a “set it and forget it” dynamic that is the gold standard for long-term financial health.

Yet, for many organizations, this fundraising method remains a mystery. The ecosystem involves complex interactions among the donor, the employer, the nonprofit, and, often, a third-party processing platform (such as Benevity, YourCause, or CyberGrants). Lucky for you, we have curated the ultimate library of guides, articles, and videos to help you master this revenue channel. We’ll provide:

Whether you are a development director looking to launch your first workplace giving campaign or a database manager trying to understand the technical side of deductions and data flow, these resources will equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed.

Comprehensive Guides for Strategic Planning

When you are ready to move beyond the basics and build a full-scale program, you need more than a blog post—you need a roadmap. The following guides offer in-depth strategies for every stage of the payroll giving lifecycle, from identification to stewardship.

1. Earning More Payroll Donation Revenue

This isn’t just a “what is” article; it’s a “how-to” manual for growth. The “Earning More Payroll Donation Revenue” guide is designed for nonprofits that want to move from passive acceptance of payroll gifts to active solicitation. Many organizations make the mistake of assuming that because they cannot control the corporate HR portal, they cannot influence the donor’s decision. This guide dispels that myth by outlining proactive steps.

Deep Dive into Segmentation: One of the core strategies discussed in this resource is the importance of knowing where your donors work. You cannot ask a donor to give through their paycheck if their employer doesn’t offer a program. This is where employer appends become critical. By enhancing your existing donor database with employment information, you can segment your list into “eligible” and “ineligible” pools. The guide explains how to use this data to send targeted emails to donors who work for major companies like Microsoft, Google, or the Federal Government, providing them with the specific instructions they need to find you in their corporate portal.

The “Double Ask” Strategy: The guide also explores the concept of the “Double Ask”—encouraging donors to set up a payroll deduction and simultaneously request a matching gift. Since both actions often happen within the same CSR software interface, educating donors to check both boxes can instantly double the value of their recurring gift. Mastering this workflow is essential for maximizing corporate giving revenue.

Access the Resource Here: https://resources.doublethedonation.com/earning-more-payroll-donation-revenue

2. The Complete Payroll Giving Guide

Think of this as your textbook. The Double the Donation Payroll Giving Guide covers the A-to-Z of the process. It explains the mechanics of how funds move from a paycheck to your bank account, the role of third-party processors, and the compliance requirements for receiving these funds.

Understanding the Ecosystem: If you are new to the space, the terminology can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the difference between a “write-in” campaign and a “federated” campaign. It explains the role of aggregators who collect funds from employees, bundle them together, and cut a single check to the nonprofit (often quarterly). Understanding this delay in cash flow is crucial for your finance team, and this guide provides the context needed to manage those expectations.

Compliance and Registration: To receive payroll donations from major corporations, your nonprofit often needs to be registered and vetted by the platforms they use. This guide outlines the steps to claim your profile on platforms like GuideStar and various CSR portals. It emphasizes that an incomplete profile can lead to lost donations, as employees may not be able to find your organization when searching in their portal. Ensuring your “merchant profile” is up to date is a foundational step covered extensively here.

Access the Resource Here: https://doublethedonation.com/payroll-giving-guide/

Strategic Articles to Boost Revenue

Once you understand the mechanics, you need tactics. These articles focus on actionable steps you can take today to see results tomorrow. They shift the focus from “how it works” to “how to sell it.”

Ways to Increase Payroll Donations

You have a program, but is it growing? “Ways to Increase Payroll Donations” offers practical tips for optimizing your nonprofit marketing efforts. It explores how to leverage key times of year to remind donors about payroll deduction options.

Leveraging “Fresh Start” Windows: The article highlights the importance of timing. The two best times to market payroll giving are Open Enrollment (typically in the fall) and the New Year. During Open Enrollment, employees are already logged into their HR portals to select health insurance and retirement benefits. It is the perfect psychological moment to ask them to opt in to charitable deductions. Similarly, the New Year brings a “fresh start” mindset where donors are setting financial and philanthropic goals. This resource provides templates and messaging strategies to capitalize on these specific windows.

The Upgrade Strategy: A key tactic discussed is the “upgrade” campaign. This involves identifying small, sporadic donors (e.g., those who give $25 once a year) and asking them to switch to a $5/paycheck deduction. The article explains how to frame this ask: by emphasizing that a small deduction is “the cost of a cup of coffee,” you reduce the perceived financial burden on the donor while securing a donation that amounts to $120+ annually. This strategy effectively lowers the barrier to entry while increasing the total annual gift.

Access the Resource Here: https://doublethedonation.com/ways-to-increase-payroll-donations/

Benefits of Payroll Giving

Sometimes the hardest sell is internal. If you need to convince your board or executive director to invest resources in this area, “Benefits of Payroll Giving” is your go-to resource. It breaks down the ROI of payroll giving, contrasting the low cost of acquisition with the high lifetime value (LTV) of payroll donors.

Retention Mastery: The strongest argument presented in this article is retention. Credit card churn is a massive issue for nonprofits; cards expire, get lost, or get cancelled due to fraud, severing the recurring donation. Payroll deductions face none of these issues. They are tied to employment, which is far more stable than a piece of plastic. The article provides the language you need to explain this stability to your leadership, framing payroll giving not just as “another channel” but as a risk-mitigation strategy for your revenue.

Trust and Corporate Validation: Another benefit explored is the “halo effect.” When a donor sees your nonprofit listed in their employer’s official giving portal, it acts as a seal of approval. It signals that your organization has been vetted and is trusted by their company. This implicit endorsement can help overcome donor skepticism, a factor that is increasingly important in a crowded philanthropic landscape.

Access the Resource Here: https://doublethedonation.com/benefits-of-payroll-giving/

Essential Data: Building the Business Case

Data drives decisions. Whether you are crafting a pitch deck for a potential corporate sponsorship or setting goals for your development team, you need hard numbers to back up your strategy. Anecdotes about “goodwill” are rarely enough to secure budget for new software or marketing campaigns; you need to prove the potential revenue lift.

Payroll Giving Statistics

Did you know that over $173 million is raised annually through payroll giving? Or that payroll giving is one of the most cost-effective fundraising channels available? The Payroll Giving Statistics page aggregates the most current industry data, providing a benchmark for your own performance.

Benchmarking Your Success: Use these stats to set realistic expectations. For example, knowing that participation rates in payroll giving programs typically hover around 10-15% for large companies can help you determine if your current campaign is underperforming or overperforming. If you are pitching a corporate partner on launching a campaign, using industry-standard participation rates helps you project the potential impact of the partnership accurately.

The Multiplier Effect: The data also highlights the correlation between payroll giving and other forms of corporate support. Companies with strong employee giving programs are often the same companies that offer corporate grants for nonprofits. By engaging their workforce, you build a relationship with the company that can evolve into larger grant opportunities or event sponsorships. This resource connects the dots between individual employee giving and major corporate philanthropy.

Access the Resource Here: https://doublethedonation.com/payroll-giving-statistics/

Payroll Giving FAQ

Your donors will have questions. “Is this tax-deductible?” “Can I cancel anytime?” “Does my employer see my donation?” The Payroll Giving FAQ resource provides clear, donor-centric answers to these common hurdles.

Addressing Privacy Concerns: One common barrier discussed in the FAQ is privacy. Some employees worry that their employer will judge their charitable choices. The resource explains how most modern platforms allow for anonymous giving, ensuring donors feel safe supporting controversial or private causes. Having these answers ready for your “Ways to Give” page can significantly reduce abandonment rates.

Tax Receipting Nuances: Another complex area is receipting. Since the donation comes out of a paycheck, the “receipt” is often the donor’s W-2 form at the end of the year, not a letter from the nonprofit. This guide explains these nuances so your donor relations team can handle inquiries correctly, avoiding the confusion of sending duplicate tax receipts that might annoy donors or complicate their filings.

Access the Resource Here: https://doublethedonation.com/payroll-giving-faq/

Double the Donation’s Video Learning Resources

Sometimes, seeing is believing. The user interface of corporate giving portals can be confusing, and trying to explain it via text can be ineffective. For visual learners or teams that want to do a “Lunch and Learn,” video resources are invaluable. Double the Donation’s YouTube channel and on-demand webinars offer a suite of videos that break down complex topics into digestible segments.

Introducing Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving Module

If you’re considering using software to streamline this process, Double the Donation’s quick Payroll Giving Demo video shows you exactly how tools like ours work to uncover and target the right payroll giving opportunities. It demonstrates the user experience, including how a donor searches for their company, finds the right forms, and submits their request.

Watch the Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqtkqEYwYeQ

Growing Payroll Giving Revenue with Employer Data Insights

Power your payroll giving strategy with donor employer data! Having the right information about your supporters allows you to identify payroll giving-eligible individuals and provide them with the insights they need to get started.

Watch the Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg3VDbuzFE

Next-Level Payroll Giving Strategies

Want to make payroll giving more effective? Discover five proven strategies in our recent podcast episode that will help your nonprofit unlock the full potential of payroll giving, drive ongoing donations, and keep supporters engaged throughout the year.

Watch the Podcase Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqC9ixtD_sI


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Knowledge is potential power; execution is real power. You now have access to the best payroll giving educational resources in the sector. These guides, articles, and videos remove the guesswork from workplace giving. Instead, they transform it from a passive “nice-to-have” into a proactive revenue engine.

Your next step is to pick a single resource listed above and dedicate 30 minutes this week to reviewing it. Use that knowledge to audit your current digital presence. Are you making it easy for donors to find your EIN? Do you guide individuals to the appropriate corporate or payroll giving portals? Are you asking them to participate in matching gifts, if available?

The consistent, unrestricted revenue you’ve been looking for is waiting in your donors’ paychecks. Use these resources to help them unlock it. Then, see how tools like Double the Donation can supercharge your organization’s payroll giving strategy!

Understanding the Payroll Giving Process-For Nonprofits

Understanding the Payroll Giving Process: For Nonprofits

In the volatile world of nonprofit fundraising, stability is the ultimate prize. Organizations constantly seek ways to smooth out the peaks and valleys of donation cycles, aiming for a baseline of revenue that allows for confident future planning. Enter payroll giving: a powerful, underutilized revenue stream that transforms sporadic supporters into consistent, long-term donors. By understanding and optimizing the Payroll Giving process, your organization can tap into a method that benefits everyone involved—providing tax breaks for donors, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wins for employers, and a steady flow of unrestricted funds for your mission.

While many development directors are familiar with the concept, few have mastered the mechanics of how these funds actually travel from an employee’s paycheck to the nonprofit’s bank account. It is not just about asking for donations; it is about guiding your supporters through a specific administrative workflow. When you demystify the Payroll Giving process for your donors, you lower the barrier to entry and unlock a gateway to predictable, recurring income and higher donor retention.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

To truly capitalize on this opportunity, nonprofits must move beyond passive acceptance of these funds and take an active role in facilitating the transaction. This guide serves as your roadmap to understanding the technical steps, the platforms involved, and the communication strategies needed to turn a complex corporate benefit into a simple act of generosity.

What is Payroll Giving?

Payroll giving, often referred to as workplace giving, is a mechanism that allows employees to donate to charitable organizations directly from their salary. Unlike credit card donations or check writing, these contributions are processed through the employer’s payroll system. This method is distinct because the donations are often deducted pre-tax, meaning the donor receives an immediate tax benefit, and a larger portion of their gross income goes directly to the cause.

For nonprofits, this is far more than just another donation channel. It acts as a gateway to deeper corporate partnerships and significantly higher donor retention rates. Because the donation happens automatically in the background of the donor’s life, “set it and forget it” becomes a reality, leading to donors who stay with your organization for years rather than months.

Did You Know? Payroll donors tend to have much higher retention rates than one-time or online givers. Because the deduction is automated and integrated into their financial routine, the likelihood of “churn” due to expired credit cards or decision fatigue is drastically reduced.

The 5-Step Payroll Giving Process

To effectively market this opportunity, you must understand exactly what the donor experiences. The Payroll Giving process generally follows a linear path, but friction can occur at any stage. By understanding these steps, you can create resources that help your supporters navigate them.

Step 1: Determining Eligibility

The process begins with the donor confirming that their employer offers a payroll giving scheme. Not every company has the infrastructure to support automatic charitable deductions. The employer must first partner with a payroll giving agency or a CSR platform to integrate these deductions into their payroll systems.

For the donor, this step involves checking their employee handbook, visiting their internal HR portal, or asking their benefits manager. If the program exists, the employee is eligible to participate immediately.

Step 2: Accessing the Employer Portal

Once eligibility is confirmed, the employee must access the specific system where elections are made. This is typically an internal HR portal, a dedicated link provided by a CSR platform (like Benevity or YourCause), or a digital enrollment form.

This is a critical juncture where donors often drop off if they cannot find the link. Nonprofits can assist here by providing instructions for major local employers or linking to general information about common CSR platforms on their own websites.

Step 3: Registration and Selection

Upon accessing the portal, the employee opts in voluntarily. They are then presented with a search tool to find their desired charity. This is where your organization’s visibility is paramount. The donor must be able to find you easily by name or tax ID.

During this stage, the donor selects your nonprofit and determines the structure of their gift. They choose the amount they wish to donate per paycheck and whether this will be a one-time gift or a recurring deduction. The recurring option is the gold standard for nonprofits, as it ensures steady cash flow.

Step 4: The Automatic Deduction

Once the selection is saved, the manual work for the donor is finished. The Payroll Giving process moves to the employer’s finance team. The selected donation amount is automatically deducted from the employee’s salary during each pay cycle.

Crucially, this often happens before tax is calculated. This structure lowers the employee’s taxable income, making the donation less “expensive” for the donor while the nonprofit receives the full face value of the contribution.

Step 5: Processing and Disbursement

Finally, the employer’s payroll team aggregates the deducted funds and sends them to the payroll giving agency or platform. This platform consolidates donations from various employees (and sometimes various companies) and forwards the funds to the chosen charities, typically on a monthly basis.

Quick Tip: Nonprofits often receive these funds as a lump sum wire transfer or check. It is essential to log into the vendor portal (like Benevity or CyberGrants) to download the detailed report that includes donor names and contact info. Without this report, you cannot properly thank your donors!

Setting the Foundation: Registration and Visibility

You cannot receive a direct deposit if the processing platform doesn’t know you exist. Before you ask donors to navigate the Payroll Giving process, you must ensure your nonprofit is visible and eligible to receive funds within these corporate systems.

Verify Your Standing

Most payroll giving platforms have strict vetting processes. They require your organization to be a registered charity in good standing, such as a 501(c)(3) in the U.S. Before expecting revenue, confirm your legal status is active and resolve any outstanding regulatory flags or tax issues.

Register with CSR Platforms

There isn’t one single “payroll giving” website; there are many. Employers contract with different vendors to manage these programs. To maximize your reach, you should register with the platforms most commonly used by employers in your region.

Common platforms include:

  • Benevity
  • Blackbaud
  • CyberGrants
  • YourCause
  • America’s Charities

The registration process typically involves submitting your tax ID, proof of nonprofit status, mission statement, and banking details for direct deposit . Once approved, you will appear in the search results when employees at thousands of companies look for charities to support.

Marketing the Opportunity to Donors

Now that you understand the mechanics and have established your presence on the platforms, it is time to market the Payroll Giving process to your supporters. Most donors do not know this option exists, so education is your primary tool.

Build a Dedicated Landing Page

Create a specific page on your website dedicated to workplace giving. This serves as a central hub where you can explain what payroll giving is in simple, user-friendly terms.

On this page, include:

  • A clear explanation of the benefits, such as tax efficiency and convenience.
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to enroll via common employer portals.
  • An employer search tool to help them verify their eligibility immediately.
  • Impact stories illustrating how small, regular deductions accumulate into significant change.

Integrate into Email Communication

Email remains a highly effective channel for donor communication. You don’t need to send a dedicated “payroll giving” email every week; instead, weave it into your existing flows.

  • Newsletters: Include a “Workplace Giving” section in your monthly update.
  • Thank You Emails: In your donation receipts, include a P.S. that says, “Want to make your giving automatic? Ask your employer about payroll deductions!”
  • Segmentation: Target donors who have given smaller amounts frequently. These individuals are prime candidates for converting to a payroll deduction model.

Normalize Giving on Social Media

Use your social channels to normalize the concept of giving through work. Share educational posts that explain the tax benefits or simple infographics showing the Payroll Giving process. Use hashtags like #GiveThroughWork or #PayrollGiving to join the broader conversation.

Quick Tip: Frame your marketing around “convenience.” Remind donors that payroll giving eliminates the need to enter credit card numbers or remember to write a check. It is the easiest, most budget-friendly way to support the cause they love.

The Power of Matching Gifts

You cannot talk about payroll giving without talking about matching gifts. The two are natural allies. Many companies that offer payroll deduction also offer to match those contributions, doubling the value of the employee’s gift.

When an employee sets up a recurring payroll deduction, they are often prompted right then and there to apply for a match. This makes the Payroll Giving process one of the most efficient ways to secure matching gift revenue because the donor doesn’t have to return later to submit a separate request.

Leveraging the Synergy

  • Education: explicitly tell donors that their payroll contributions are often match-eligible. “Your $50 paycheck donation could become $100 for our mission automatically”.
  • Search Tools: Provide a search tool (like Double the Donation) on your site where donors can check if their employer offers both payroll giving and matching gifts.
  • Campaigns: Run a “Double Your Impact” campaign specifically targeting workplace givers, encouraging them to activate the matching component of their payroll deduction.

Measuring Success and KPIs

Implementing a strategy is only the first half of the battle; tracking it is the second. To optimize your Payroll Giving process and strategy, you must monitor specific metrics that indicate health and growth.

Essential KPIs to Track

  • Total Revenue: Track the total dollar amount coming specifically from payroll giving sources to assess overall financial return.
  • Active Payroll Donors: Monitor the number of individuals contributing via payroll. Growth in this number indicates successful marketing awareness.
  • Donor Retention Rate: Compare the retention rate of payroll donors versus one-time donors. A high rate here signals strong program stickiness.
  • Employer Participation: Identify which companies employ the most payroll donors. This data tells you where to focus your corporate partnership efforts.

utilizing Reporting Tools

Don’t rely on guesswork. Use the analytics provided by the CSR platforms (like Benevity or YourCause) and your own CRM. Consolidate this data into a centralized dashboard to visualize trends over time. Regular reviews of this data—monthly or quarterly—will reveal if your messaging is working or if donors are dropping off at a specific point in the process.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

The Payroll Giving process offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to build a foundation of sustainable, recurring revenue. It transforms the act of giving from a transactional decision into a habitual part of a donor’s financial life. By lowering administrative overhead and increasing donor retention, payroll giving creates a win-win scenario for both the organization and the supporter.

However, these funds do not appear by magic. They require you to lay a strong foundation by registering with portals, actively marketing the opportunity, and guiding your donors through the steps of eligibility and registration. When you combine this with the power of matching gifts, you unlock a scalable revenue source that can fuel your mission for years to come.

Ready to get started?

  • Audit your registrations: Ensure you are listed on major platforms like Benevity and YourCause.
  • Build your hub: Create a dedicated workplace giving page on your website today.
  • Leverage technology: Explore tools like Double the Donation to help donors easily identify their eligibility and employer programs.

Take the first step toward predictable revenue today by integrating payroll giving into your core fundraising strategy. See how Double the Donation’s payroll giving module can help!

A Quick Look Back- Double the Donation’s Year in Review 2025

A Quick Look Back: Double the Donation’s Year in Review 2025

For Double the Donation, 2025 was a year of major progress. Our fundraising software continued to make corporate giving easier and more profitable for nonprofits and schools as we shifted our focus from simply finding matching gift opportunities to actually helping you secure those funds. This development empowered nonprofit teams to save time while raising more money than ever before.

By making the process simple and seamless for donors, we proved that the right tools can help you get the most out of every contribution. As a result, Double the Donation’s Year in Review 2025 is not just a collection of metrics. It’s a testament to the thousands of nonprofits that partnered with us to turn corporate giving potential into sustainable, mission-critical revenue. And that’s why, in this year-end overview, we’ll cover:

The past year’s innovations equipped nonprofits to integrate matching gift, volunteer grant, and payroll deduction information directly into their existing donor workflows. The end result? A dramatic increase in both donor participation and overall revenue, proving that when the giving process is simplified, supporters are significantly more likely to give.

Now, join us as we explore the key product enhancements, strategic insights, and client successes that defined a landmark year in workplace giving and helped thousands of causes amplify their impact with ease.

Recent product updates: how we continue to improve our platform

Today’s continuously developing corporate social responsibility landscape demands that technology solutions evolve even faster. As companies are becoming increasingly generous, it means more opportunities for nonprofits like yours. This year, our focus has shifted from simply tracking matching gifts to providing a unified workplace fundraising platform that maximizes all forms of corporate support.

Let’s take a look at the year’s new and improved solutions:

Payroll Giving Module

The newest addition to the Double the Donation platform is the highly anticipated Payroll Giving Module, currently in beta testing. This powerful module leverages the employment data already flowing in from the matching gift and volunteering modules to automatically cross-reference supporters against the database of corporate giving programs.

Payroll giving web page example

It is designed to surface eligible donors for payroll deduction, providing fundraising teams with a curated, actionable list of supporters to target for workplace-facilitated recurring giving campaigns. Furthermore, a dedicated search widget plugin is available for donors to easily check their own payroll giving eligibility directly on your website.

Sponsorships Added to the Database

Successful corporate engagement extends beyond employee-led giving. For this reason, Double the Donation has added numerous corporate sponsorships to our comprehensive corporate giving database, bridging the gap between traditional fundraising and corporate grants. This resource even integrates directly with popular auction and event platforms, instantly providing users with a searchable directory of companies offering corporate grant and in-kind donation programs.

Double the Donation's corporate sponsorships directory

Each listing comes complete with handy application links and submission guidelines, helping development teams identify high-value corporate partners who can donate products, services, or financial contributions for events and more.

Volunteering Module Enhancements

This year, Double the Donation’s Volunteering Module has received significant enhancements designed to improve visibility and increase the conversion rate of volunteer grant and Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) opportunities.

This includes:

  • New status updates that now allow nonprofit staff to track a volunteer’s grant request from the moment they identify an eligible employer through final payment or VTO usage.
  • Dedicated volunteer grant and VTO email streams that deliver company-specific next steps and reminders to volunteers at the optimal moment, which is typically after they have completed their required hours.
  • The addition of CSV upload functionality, which allows organizations to bulk import historical volunteer registration data from offline events or non-integrated systems. This allows for immediate cross-referencing of that data to uncover and pursue tons of retroactive volunteer grant opportunities.

FAQ_Corporate Volunteering

Quick Tip: The true power of these product updates lies in their shared data infrastructure. In order to power success, the Double the Donation system automatically connects one piece of donor data (like an employer name) to all available opportunities: matching gifts, volunteer grants, payroll giving, and more. This means you only need to collect the employment information once to unlock multiple revenue streams from a single supporter, ensuring you maximize every touchpoint.

Community growth: expanding adoption across nonprofits and schools

The fundraising landscape is rapidly shifting toward automation, and the surge in adoption of corporate giving solutions like Double the Donation highlights the growing necessity for nonprofits to integrate technology into their workplace giving programs. In 2025, Double the Donation saw remarkable growth in its client base, signaling a widespread recognition among organizations of all sizes that maximizing corporate matching and volunteer incentives requires a streamlined, automated approach.

This year’s growth demonstrates the nonprofit sector’s significant investment in corporate giving technology. From January 1, 2025, onward, our platform welcomed more than 2,355 new nonprofit and school users into the Double the Donation community. This figure underscores a maturing market in which access to employer program eligibility data is now seen as a fundamental requirement for effective fundraising.

This diverse expansion is also evident in the notable organizations that have adopted the technology this year, illustrating the broad geographical and mission-based utility of the solutions. The roster of new clients includes Community for Youth, Bethany Christian Services, Alaska Geographic, The Apostles’ House, Paws for Life, Interfaith Family Shelter, and more.

Overall matching gift success: the metrics that defined the year

The core mission of mastering workplace giving is simple: convert potential funds into realized revenue. When we look at the annual data, the scale of this opportunity is nothing short of colossal. This year, our tracking identified more than half a billion dollars ($542,026,668) worth of match-eligible donations. This figure represents hundreds of thousands of individual contributions that were eligible to be doubled, or even tripled, by corporate giving programs. To turn this massive financial potential into reality, organizations relied on sophisticated, automated outreach to guide donors toward completing their match requests.

The success of this outreach is best illustrated by the sheer volume of engagement and the efficiency of the communication pipeline. Key engagement metrics for the year include:

  • Total Emails Sent: 30,193,028 match opportunity notifications sent to eligible donors.
  • Total Emails Opened: 16,812,240 emails opened by recipients.
  • Total Clicks: 1,125,619 clicks on calls to action directing donors to their matching gift submission forms.
  • Average Open Rate: 55.68% (significantly higher than the nonprofit average, which typically hovers between 26% and 37%).
  • Average Click Rate: 6.7% (more than double the industry standard of 2.7% to 3.3%.).

These engagement rates tell a powerful story of efficiency that goes far beyond typical industry performance. This proves that when donors receive a personalized message immediately after giving, reminding them of a corporate benefit they have already earned, they are highly motivated to act.

New reviews + testimonials: what real users have had to say

In the technology-driven landscape of nonprofit fundraising, true success is often measured not just in dollars raised but in the satisfaction and confidence of the users who rely on the tools each day. Luckily, the past year has solidified automated workplace giving solutions’ reputation as the industry gold standard, backed by enthusiastic endorsements from the nonprofit community. Specifically, our platform has received an astonishing influx of positive feedback, gaining 133 new 5-star reviews this year alone.

This flood of satisfied customer testimonials has cemented an impressive track record. With a total of 244 reviews, the overall average rating is a perfect 5.0 stars. This rating, maintained across hundreds of reviews from diverse nonprofit professionals, is a rarity in the software industry.

Ultimately, the year’s glowing testimonials reflect a growing sentiment that automation is the most efficient, user-friendly, and high-ROI method for turning potential corporate funds into tangible support. Not to mention, what truly differentiates Double the Donation from other fundraising software providers (as reflected by the reviews below) is the dedicated partnership we offer through our hands-on Client Success team and our streamlined onboarding experience. In a sector where resources are often stretched thin, organizations need more than just a tool; they need a team that ensures a simple system setup and provides detailed instructions and ongoing support. And we’re here to provide it!

Take a look at a few standout reviews below to see what real Double the Donation users had to say about our product:

Partnerships + integrations: new network connections unlocked

The goal of modern corporate philanthropy is seamless connections, and that is most effectively achieved by expanding the network of integrations with the software platforms nonprofits use every day. This year, Double the Donation’s focus has been on deep integration across all core fundraising functions, from donation forms and CRMs to event management and more, dramatically broadening the reach of corporate giving automation.

Here’s what we’ve achieved over the last twelve months:

Matching Gift Module Connections

The Matching Gift Module, the core engine of corporate matching automation, has significantly expanded its integration footprint, with new partners spanning various giving and education platforms. New partners include (but are not limited to):

  • UCI Connect
  • Veracross
  • Frontstream
  • PledgeIt
  • Express Donate
  • Standard Springboard (Jackson River)
  • Nuclavis
  • Event.Gives
  • Kind Kiosk
  • DonorView
  • FireSpring

These additions ensure that, whether a donation comes through an advancement office, a peer-to-peer campaign, or a physical giving kiosk, the donor’s employer information is captured and the matching gift process is initiated immediately.

Furthermore, key enhancements were released for existing partnerships with Blackbaud Optimized Giving Forms, ClickBid, Affinaquest, iDonate, and more, improving the flow of donor data and the performance of matching gift outreach within those systems.

Volunteering Module Connections

The Volunteering Module, which connects volunteer time to corporate grants and VTO, also saw significant growth with new integrations targeting volunteer management software. New partners this year include:

  • Vome
  • Timecounts
  • MissionTracker
  • Summa

These integrations automate the collection of volunteer hours and employment data, making it easy to prompt eligible supporters for corporate incentives, thereby boosting the financial return on volunteer engagement programs.

CSR Platforms

Double the Donation’s network of connections expanded to key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and giving platforms with new partnerships this year, including:

  • Uncommon Giving
  • Field Day

These integrations are vital as they ensure seamless data exchange directly with the corporate portals where employees submit their workplace giving requests, offering a more complete picture of the donor journey and simplifying the final step of the corporate funding claim process.

Sponsorships Directory Connections

With the introduction of Double the Donation’s breakthrough Sponsorships Directory, a new integration category emerged, designed to support in-kind gifts and corporate grant solicitation. New partners in this space include event and auction platforms such as:

  • Bidding Owl
  • MyEvent
  • CharityAuctions
  • SchoolAuction
  • AlumnIQ.

These connections allow nonprofits to easily access corporate funding and in-kind donation directories when planning an event or other initiative, streamlining the process of securing corporate support even beyond employee-directed contributions.

For a closer look at our complete list of Double the Donation’s partnerships, check out the integration search tool here.

Database development: more companies, more opportunities

When it comes to maximizing corporate funding, the true foundation of an effective strategy lies in the depth and accuracy of an organization’s corporate giving database. The good news? 2025 saw an unprecedented expansion, solidifying Double the Donation’s database as the single source of truth for all things workplace giving.

By increasing company coverage and diversifying the types of programs tracked, the platform has unlocked millions of dollars in previously inaccessible grant, in-kind, and payroll revenue. In the past year, we’ve grown the number of companies in our database by more than 30.9%. With thousands of companies cataloged, the database provides unparalleled insight into the complex corporate landscape.

Meanwhile, the launch of the new Sponsorships Directory and Payroll Giving Module drove extensive research to map and document new program types, transforming the resource from a matching-gift directory into a comprehensive corporate philanthropy intelligence tool.

When translated to the employee base, this means over 29.5 million employees are eligible for matching gifts, nearly 29.1 million for corporate-sponsored volunteering, and 21.5 million for payroll giving, creating a massive, quantifiable universe of potential revenue for your mission. And beyond employee-led giving, the database now provides actionable intelligence on other high-value corporate programs, too.

Useful educational resources: knowledge that delivered

When it comes to maximizing corporate philanthropy, access to timely, comprehensive educational resources is non-negotiable for nonprofit success. For this reason, our comprehensive resource library grew exponentially in 2025, providing a wide array of learning opportunities for organizations at every stage of their giving journey.

These included:

Webinars

The year featured 98+ virtual presentations, offering deep dives into specific strategies, platform updates, and best practices for matching gifts, volunteer grants, payroll giving, and more. These live and on-demand sessions (often featuring big-name nonprofits like World Central Kitchen, Boys’ Town, Save the Children, and more) provided high-value, actionable training for development staff.

Check out a few of our top events here:

Blog Posts

An impressive total of 240+ articles were published on the Double the Donation blog, ensuring continuous coverage of industry trends, new corporate programs, and tactical guides for implementing automation.

Check out a few actionable blog posts here:

Downloadable Guides

Additionally, 5+ new downloadable resources, such as comprehensive guides and checklists, were released, offering in-depth, structured material for strategic planning.

Check out our new downloads here:

Video Content

Recognizing the need for concise, engaging learning, over 180 video shorts were produced for quick tips and social sharing, alongside 75+ full-length videos offering detailed tutorials and case studies.

Check out a few quick videos here:

Podcasts

While a newer venture, four podcast episodes were launched, marking the beginning of a fresh avenue for exploring thought leadership and strategic conversations in the workplace giving programs space.

Check out our educational podcast episodes here:

Summit Events

With two semi-annual Workplace Fundraising & Volunteering Summits, our team brought together thousands of professionals for collaborative learning this year. The spring event attracted more than 3,000 registrants and 20+ speakers, while the fall Summit brought in over 5,000 registrants and featured 28 expert speakers.

Check out our session recaps here:

All in all, this expansive library represents more than just a collection of content; it serves as a vital ecosystem of empowerment for the nonprofit community. By providing diverse, accessible avenues for learning, we ensure that all organizations have the actionable insights they need to turn corporate philanthropy into a sustainable revenue engine.


Wrapping up & looking to the future

Looking back at the Double the Donation Year in Review 2025, a clear narrative emerges. Nonprofits leveraged automation to simplify giving, expand their corporate revenue base, and free up their teams to focus on their core missions. As we turn our attention to the immediate future, the momentum built in 2025 sets the stage for even more significant breakthroughs in 2026.

For one thing, Double the Donation is planning additional educational events for the new year, including the return of the popular Workplace Fundraising Summits and brand new Corporate Volunteering Summit and User Conference experiences. Interested? Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to learn, network, and gain exclusive insights into the latest trends and product capabilities that will define your fundraising success in the year ahead.

Happy Holidays!

Inspired by Double the Donation's Year in Review 2025? Get started with our tools by the end of the year to start 2026 right.

Tips For Retaining Volunteer Grant Supporters Over Time

Tips For Retaining Volunteer Grant Supporters Over Time

Acquiring a new volunteer is exciting. Finding a volunteer who works for a company with a corporate giving program is a financial victory. But keeping that volunteer engaged, active, and consistently submitting grant requests year over year? That is the key to sustainable growth. Retaining volunteer grant supporters is one of the most effective ways to build a reliable pipeline of unrestricted revenue while simultaneously strengthening your community of advocates.

Many nonprofits view volunteer grants (also known as “Dollars for Doers”) as a one-off bonus. A volunteer logs their hours, the company cuts a check, and the transaction is viewed as complete. This transactional mindset leaves money on the table. When a supporter realizes that their time has a monetary value to your organization, they often feel a deeper sense of purpose and commitment. If you can nurture that feeling, you transform a casual volunteer into a recurring donor of both time and money.

The challenge lies in the mechanics. Supporters get busy, they forget to log hours, or they are unaware that their grant eligibility resets every year. Without a proactive retention strategy, you risk losing not just the volunteer’s labor, but the corporate funding attached to it.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

By implementing these strategies, you can move beyond one-time submissions and create a culture where volunteer grants are a standard, recurring expectation of service.

The Value of the Volunteer Grant Supporter

To understand why retention is so critical, you must first understand the financial weight these individuals carry. Volunteer grants are corporate philanthropy programs where companies provide monetary donations to nonprofits based on the number of hours their employees volunteer. These programs are more prevalent than many realize, with approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies offering them.

The financial impact is significant. 80% of companies with these programs offer between $8 and $15 per hour volunteered. Some are even more generous; for example, Microsoft provides $25 per hour, and ExxonMobil offers $500 for every 20 hours served.

When you retain a volunteer eligible for these grants, you are essentially retaining a mid-level donor. Let’s say a volunteer commits 50 hours a year at a company offering $20/hour. In that case, they are worth $1,000 in revenue plus the value of their labor. If that volunteer churns after one year, you lose that revenue stream. But if you retain them for five years, that relationship is worth $5,000 in unrestricted funds.

Did You Know? The average employee participation level for volunteer grants sits at just 3% . This low number is rarely due to a lack of interest but rather a lack of awareness. By retaining and educating your existing volunteers, you can significantly outperform this average.

Volunteer Grants as a Retention Tool

Interestingly, the relationship between grants and retention works both ways. Not only does retaining volunteers lead to more grants, but promoting grants actually helps retain volunteers.

Volunteers stay when they feel their contribution matters. When you educate a supporter about their eligibility for a volunteer grant, you are showing them that their time is literally twice as valuable as they thought. This realization can be a powerful motivator. It validates their effort and gives them a concrete metric of their impact beyond the physical work they perform.

Furthermore, participating in corporate volunteerism builds a stronger connection between the employee, their company, and your nonprofit. 96% of employees who participate in corporate volunteerism report having a positive company culture . By facilitating this connection, you become a partner in their professional satisfaction, making them more likely to stick with your organization over others.

Strategy 1: The “Double Thank You” Approach

Stewardship is the cornerstone of volunteer retention. For volunteer grant supporters, standard acknowledgement is not enough. You need a strategy that recognizes both their labor and their leverage.

The Immediate Acknowledgement

When a volunteer completes a shift or project, they should receive a thank-you for their time. This is standard practice. However, for grant-eligible volunteers, this communication should include a subtle reminder of their unique status.

  • Example: “Thank you for the 5 hours you spent with us today! We know your time is valuable, and thanks to [Employer Name], those hours are also worth $100 to our mission.”

The Grant Acknowledgement

When the check from the corporation actually arrives, you must thank the volunteer again. Do not just thank the company. The company only wrote the check because the employee did the work.

  • Example: “We just received a $500 grant from [Employer Name] in recognition of your service! This was entirely due to your hard work. Thank you for being a champion for us both in the field and at your workplace.”

This “double thank you” reinforces the behavior you want to see. It closes the loop and confirms to the volunteer that their administrative effort in submitting the request resulted in real money for the cause.

Strategy 2: Data-Driven Outreach

You cannot retain what you do not track. To effectively retain volunteer grant supporters, you need to know who they are and where they work. One of the most critical steps is to collect employment information as supporters engage with you.

Capture Data at Registration: Include an optional “Employer” field on all volunteer sign-up forms. This allows you to screen for eligibility before the volunteer even arrives. If you know a volunteer who works for Verizon, you know they are eligible for a $750 grant after 50 hours. You can then tailor your retention plan for that individual to ensure they hit that 50-hour threshold.

Segment Your Lists: Do not send generic appeals to your high-value corporate volunteers. Create a segment in your CRM for “Grant-Eligible Volunteers.” Communications to this group should always reference their unique ability to generate funds.

  • Generic email: “We need volunteers for our upcoming gala.”
  • Targeted email: “As an employee of [Company], your volunteer hours at our gala could unlock a $500 grant. Join us and double your impact!”

Strategy 3: The “Annual Reset” Campaign

Most volunteer grant programs operate on a calendar year. Limits reset, and hours must be logged within specific timeframes. A major reason for donor attrition is simply forgetting to submit hours before the deadline or forgetting to restart the habit in the new year.

The Year-End Push

In November and December, run a campaign specifically targeting volunteers who have logged hours but haven’t hit their grant thresholds or haven’t submitted their requests. Remind them that “money is being left on the table” and provide a direct link to their company’s submission portal.

The New Year Kickoff

In January, send a “Welcome Back” message. Remind your supporters that their grant potential has reset.

  • Message: “New Year, New Impact! Your 20 hours of VTO and volunteer grant eligibility have reset. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet.”

Quick Tip: Use deadlines to your advantage. Many companies have a submission deadline of January 31st or March 31st for the previous year’s hours. Send a countdown email (“Only 5 days left to claim your grant!”) to drive urgency and secure retention.

Strategy 4: Gamification and Milestones

Retaining volunteer grant supporters requires keeping them engaged over the long haul. Gamification—using milestones, badges, and progress bars—can be highly effective.

Track Progress Toward Grants

If you know a volunteer needs 20 hours to trigger a grant (like at ExxonMobil ), keep them informed of their progress.

  • Here’s an example: “[Volunteer Name], you have volunteered 15 hours! Just 5 more hours, and you unlock a $500 grant from ExxonMobil. Sign up for a shift this week to cross the finish line.”

Celebrate Milestones

When a volunteer hits a milestone, celebrate it publicly (with their permission). Feature them in your newsletter or on social media as a “Corporate Champion.” Highlighting their dual contribution of time and money creates a sense of pride and encourages them to maintain that status.

Strategy 5: Leverage Group Dynamics

People are more likely to stay engaged if they feel part of a community. Group volunteer events are excellent for this, but they are also a goldmine for volunteer grants.

The Corporate Team Approach

Encourage your existing grant-eligible volunteers to bring colleagues. If you have one retained volunteer from Home Depot, ask them to organize a “Home Depot Day” at your nonprofit. This not only recruits new potential supporters but solidifies the original volunteer’s role as a leader and advocate.

Foster Healthy Competition

If you have clusters of volunteers from different major employers (e.g., a group from Deloitte and a group from Bank of America), create a friendly challenge. “Which corporate partner can log the most grant-funded hours this quarter?” This taps into company pride and keeps volunteers coming back to ensure their team wins.

Strategy 6: Simplify the Process with Technology

The number one enemy of retention is friction. If submitting a volunteer grant request is difficult, volunteers won’t do it, and they might stop volunteering altogether if they feel their time isn’t being maximized.

Automate the Discovery: Invest in workplace giving software. Tools like Double the Donation allow you to integrate employer search functionality directly into your forms. This empowers volunteers to discover their own eligibility instantly, without your team needing to do manual research .

Provide Direct Access: Don’t just tell them to “submit a request.” Make sure to share the direct URL to their company’s specific portal. You can even provide a “Cheat Sheet” of instructions for the top 10 employers in your donor base. By removing the administrative burden, you make it easy for them to say yes to supporting you again and again.

Trigger Email Reminders: Use automation to send the right message at the right time. If a volunteer checks in for their 20th hour, your system should automatically trigger an email: “Congratulations on 20 hours! You are now eligible for the [Company Name] grant. Here is the link to submit it.” This timeliness prevents opportunities from slipping through the cracks.

Strategy 7: Communicate Impact Continuously

Retention is ultimately about relationships, and relationships are built on shared value. You must continuously prove to your volunteers that their grant makes a difference.

Specific Impact Reporting

Don’t just put the money in the general fund and stay silent. Tell the volunteer exactly what their grant bought.

  • Example: “The $500 grant from your volunteer hours purchased 50 new books for our literacy program.”

The “Insider” Feeling

Treat your volunteer grant supporters as insiders. Give them early access to event registration, exclusive updates from your Executive Director, or invites to special appreciation events. When they feel like an integral part of the team, they are far less likely to churn.

Did You Know? Supporters are more likely to get involved and continue their support over time when their time is compensated by their employer. By validating their financial contribution, you validate their personal time investment.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Retaining volunteer grant supporters is not a passive activity. It requires a deliberate strategy that combines data collection, personalized communication, and a culture of gratitude. By shifting your focus from simply filling volunteer slots to nurturing corporate advocates, you unlock a sustainable source of revenue that grows alongside your volunteer base.

Remember, every hour a grant-eligible volunteer gives you is an opportunity for double impact. Don’t let that opportunity walk out the door at the end of a shift. To get started, audit your current volunteer list. Identify who works for grant-making companies using a corporate giving database tool. Then, implement the “Double Thank You” strategy immediately for any new grants that come in.

Ready to take your corporate fundraising to the next level? Request a demo with Double the Donation Volunteering to see how our automation tools can help you identify, track, and retain your most valuable corporate supporters today.

Volunteer Grant Best Practices-What Nonprofits Should Know

Volunteer Grant Best Practices: What Nonprofits Should Know

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, there is an old adage that “time is money.” While usually meant metaphorically, in the realm of corporate philanthropy, this is quite literally true. Volunteer grants, or programs where corporations donate monetary funds to nonprofits based on the number of hours their employees volunteer, represent one of the most valuable yet underutilized revenue streams available. For organizations relying on the dedication of volunteers to keep operations running, these grants offer a unique opportunity to monetize that time and secure “free money” that requires no additional solicitation.

Despite the clear benefits, billions of dollars in corporate philanthropy go unclaimed every year, simply because organizations and volunteers alike are unaware these programs exist. To bridge this gap and unlock this funding, nonprofits must move beyond passive hope and adopt a proactive strategy. Implementing structured volunteer grant best practices can transform your volunteer program from a labor resource into a significant revenue driver.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Success in this arena does not require a massive overhaul of your current operations. Instead, it requires a shift in perspective and the application of a few key strategies. By treating volunteer grants with the same rigor as major gifts or matching donations, you can build a sustainable pipeline of corporate support that fuels your impact for years to come.

Understanding the Landscape of Volunteer Grants

Before diving into specific tactics, it is crucial to understand the mechanism and scale of the opportunity. Volunteer grants, often called “Dollars for Doers,” are corporate giving programs that award monetary grants to eligible nonprofits where employees volunteer. These programs recognize that time is a valuable asset and seek to support the organizations that their employees are passionate about.

The potential here is immense. Approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs. The rate of giving varies, but 80% of companies with these programs offer between $8 and $15 per hour volunteered. For a volunteer who commits just 20 hours a year (the average offered by companies with paid volunteer time off programs), this could translate into hundreds of dollars in additional unrestricted revenue for your nonprofit.

However, the challenge lies in participation. The average employee participation level for volunteer grants sits at just 3%. This low engagement rate is rarely due to a lack of willingness but rather a lack of awareness. Volunteers often do not know their employer offers such a program, or they are unsure of the eligibility criteria and submission process. This gap represents your greatest opportunity. By educating your supporters and simplifying the process, you can capture the revenue that is currently being left on the table.

Best Practice 1: Collect Employment Information Early and Often

The foundation of any successful corporate fundraising strategy is data. You cannot advocate for a volunteer grant if you do not know which of your volunteers work for grant-making companies. Therefore, one of the most critical volunteer grant best practices is to systematically collect employment information.

Integrate into Registration: Don’t wait until after an event to learn who your volunteers are. Incorporate an optional field for “Employer” or “Company” into your volunteer registration forms and sign-up sheets. If you use a digital volunteer management system, ensure this data field is active and reportable.

Screen Your Database: Just as you would screen donors for major gift capacity, you should screen your volunteer database for corporate eligibility. Identifying volunteers who work for companies like Microsoft, which offers $25 per volunteer hour , or ExxonMobil, which offers $500 for every 20 hours, allows you to prioritize your outreach.

Regularly Refresh Data: Employment status changes. Make it a habit to ask volunteers to update their contact and employment information annually. A simple “Update Your Profile” campaign can uncover new opportunities among your existing base. By maintaining accurate records, you can segment your communications and send targeted reminders to those most likely to qualify for a grant.

Did You Know? Companies like Disney, Verizon, and Dell are known for their generous volunteer grant programs. Identifying volunteers from these major employers can lead to immediate revenue wins.

Best Practice 2: Communicate the “Double Impact”

Your volunteers are already highly motivated individuals who care deeply about your cause. To drive grant submissions, you need to connect their service to the financial health of your organization. This involves communicating the concept of “double impact”—that their time is valuable, but their time plus a grant is transformative.

Monetize the Message. When promoting volunteer opportunities, explicitly state that volunteers can “monetize their volunteerism” through employer grants. Use language that empowers them: “Did you know your 10 hours of service could provide $150 in funding for our programs?” This reframes the grant request not as an administrative chore, but as a second, equally powerful donation.

Use Visuals and Storytelling. Incorporate graphics into your newsletters and social media that illustrate the equation: 1 Hour of Volunteering + Corporate Grant = Greater Impact. Share success stories of other volunteers who have secured grants. For example, “Thanks to Sarah’s volunteer grant from her employer, we were able to purchase new supplies for our after-school program.”

Educate on Eligibility. Many volunteers assume they must be full-time executives to qualify. Clarify that many programs extend eligibility to part-time employees and even retirees. By dispelling these myths, you broaden the pool of potential applicants and encourage more supporters to check their status.

Best Practice 3: Master the Post-Event Follow-Up

The period immediately following a volunteer event is the “golden hour” for securing a grant. Volunteers are feeling good about their contribution and are still mentally engaged with your organization. This is the perfect time to make your ask.

Send a Dedicated Thank You: Within 24 to 48 hours of an event, send a personalized email thanking the volunteer for their time. In this email, seamlessly pivot to the grant opportunity.

The “Soft Ask” Template: “Thank you so much for helping us at the [Event Name]! We couldn’t do this without you. Did you know that your hard work might also be eligible for a volunteer grant from your employer? Many companies will donate money to nonprofits where their employees volunteer. It’s an easy way to double your impact without taking any more of your time. Please check with your HR department or visit our corporate giving page to learn more.”

Provide Actionable Links: If you know the volunteer’s employer, provide a direct link to their company’s submission portal or guidelines. If you use a matching gift database tool, include a search link so they can look up their eligibility instantly. The fewer clicks it takes to find the form, the more likely they are to submit it.

Best Practice 4: Create a Dedicated Web Page

Your website should be the central hub for all information regarding corporate philanthropy. Creating a dedicated “Volunteer Grants” or “Corporate Community” page is a best practice that serves both education and SEO purposes.

Centralize Resources. This page should explain what volunteer grants are, list top local employers with programs, and offer a step-by-step guide on how to submit a request. Include a database search tool if you have one, allowing visitors to check their eligibility in real-time.

Link Across Your Site. Don’t hide this page. Link to it from your main “Volunteer” landing page, your “Ways to Give” section, and even your donation confirmation screens. The goal is to make the concept of volunteer grants ubiquitous across your digital presence.

Host Forms and Guidelines. If your organization requires verification of hours (a common step in the grant process), explain that procedure clearly on this page. Provide contact information for a staff member who can assist with verification forms, ensuring that volunteers know exactly who to turn to for help.

Quick Tip: Use your dedicated web page to highlight specific program guidelines. For instance, if you have volunteers from CarMax, note that they match donations for dependents up to age 26, creating a family-wide culture of giving.

Best Practice 5: Leverage Group Volunteering

Group volunteer events are a goldmine for volunteer grants. When a company sends a team of employees to volunteer together, they are often signaling a strong internal culture of corporate social responsibility (or CSR).

Pitch the “Team Grant.” Many companies offer specific “team volunteer grants” that are separate from individual quotas. When coordinating a group event, ask the company organizer if such a grant is available. Pitch the event not just as a service day, but as a strategic partnership opportunity.

Capture Data on Site. During group events, ensure you capture the contact information of every individual participant, not just the team lead. This allows you to follow up with each employee individually to request their personal volunteer grant, in addition to any corporate sponsorship the company may have provided.

Celebrate the Partnership. After the event, publicize the company’s support on your social media channels. Tag the company and mention the impact of the volunteer grant. This positive reinforcement encourages the company to return next year and validates its CSR efforts with its customer base.

Best Practice 6: Invest in the Right Tools and Software

Managing volunteer grants manually can be time-consuming. As your program grows, investing in the right technology becomes an essential best practice to scale your revenue without burning out your staff.

Automate the Search Process: Tools like Double the Donation allow you to integrate employer search functionality directly into your volunteer forms. This empowers volunteers to discover their own eligibility without your team needing to research every individual.

Implement Triggered Emails: Automation platforms can send triggered emails based on the employment data you collect. If a volunteer identifies as an employee of The Home Depot, the system can automatically send them the specific guidelines and forms for The Home Depot’s grant program, ensuring the right information reaches the right person at the right time.

Ensure Smart Tracking and Reporting: Dedicated software provides robust dashboards that help you track the status of grant submissions and identify revenue trends. Knowing which companies are generating the most grants allows you to focus your relationship-building efforts where they will yield the highest return.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Implementing these volunteer grant best practices is a strategic investment in your nonprofit’s financial sustainability. By shifting your approach from passive acceptance to active advocacy, you unlock a hidden revenue stream that complements your existing fundraising efforts. Volunteer grants not only provide essential, unrestricted funding but also deepen your supporters’ engagement, transforming them from one-time helpers into lifelong champions of your cause.

To get started, audit your current data collection methods and ensure you are capturing employment information from your volunteers. Build a dedicated page on your website to house your resources, and begin incorporating “double impact” messaging into your post-event follow-ups. With consistent effort and the right tools, you can turn volunteer hours into a powerful engine for growth.

Ready to streamline your corporate fundraising? Request a demo with Double the Donation to see how our industry-leading tools can help you identify, track, and secure more volunteer grants and matching gifts today. You won’t be sorry!

Corporate Volunteering Educational Resources-Ultimate List

Corporate Volunteering Educational Resources: Ultimate List

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the nonprofit sector. They power events, mentor beneficiaries, clean up communities, and provide the essential manpower that allows mission-driven organizations to thrive. But in today’s landscape, a volunteer’s value extends far beyond the hours they log. Through the power of corporate philanthropy, volunteer time can be converted into tangible financial resources and deeper corporate partnerships. The key to unlocking this potential lies in understanding corporate volunteering—a multifaceted ecosystem of Volunteer Grants, Volunteer Time Off (VTO), and team service opportunities.

However, navigating the world of employee volunteerism can feel like learning a new language. Terms like “Dollars for Doers,” “VTO,” and “skills-based volunteering” often float through development offices without a clear strategy attached. Many nonprofits are unaware that they are leaving thousands of dollars on the table simply because they don’t know how to identify or solicit these corporate incentives.

To bridge this knowledge gap, you need a curriculum. You need a centralized library of corporate volunteering educational resources that takes you from the basics of “what is a volunteer grant?” to the advanced strategies of pitching corporate partners.

In this guide, we have curated a comprehensive collection of articles, guides, webinars, and tools designed to help your nonprofit master corporate volunteerism. We’ll cover:

Whether you are a volunteer coordinator looking to boost engagement or a development director seeking new revenue streams, these resources will equip you with the knowledge to transform your volunteer program into a corporate fundraising engine.

Why Corporate Volunteering Education Matters

Before diving into the resources, it is vital to understand the stakes. Corporate volunteering is not just a “nice-to-have;” it is a rapidly growing revenue channel. Companies are increasingly integrating volunteerism into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies to attract talent, improve employee retention, and build brand reputation.

  • Volunteer Grants are Ubiquitous: Approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs, where they donate money to nonprofits based on the hours their employees serve.
  • The Value is Significant: 80% of companies with these programs offer between $8 and $15 per hour volunteered. For a super-volunteer contributing 100 hours a year, that is a significant donation check, generated entirely by labor you are already receiving.
  • VTO is Expanding: The number of companies offering Volunteer Time Off (VTO) has increased by two in three over the last decade, with 66% of employers now providing some form of paid release time for volunteering.

Despite these numbers, many eligible funds go unclaimed because nonprofits don’t know who to ask or how to process the requests. Thus, strategic education is the antidote to this missed opportunity. And we’ll provide you with some of our top-recommended resources below!

Essential Guides and Blog Posts

These articles provide the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the landscape of corporate service. From high-level overviews to deep dives into specific programs, these posts are your “textbooks” for mastering the subject.

The Fundamentals

Volunteer Grants (Dollars for Doers)

Volunteer grants are perhaps the most direct way to monetize volunteer time. These resources explain how to identify eligible volunteers and guide them through the submission process.

  • Volunteer Grant Basics: A focused guide on the mechanics of these grants. Learn about minimum hour thresholds, how you can verify your organization’s eligibility, and understand the payout cycles.
  • Top Volunteer Grant Companies List: A crucial reference tool. This list highlights major employers with generous programs (e.g., Verizon, Allstate, Disney, and Dell). Share this with your volunteer coordinators so they can spot these companies in your volunteer database.
  • Securing Team-Wide Volunteer Grant Buy-In: Discover strategies to educate your staff and board on the value of volunteer grants, ensuring your entire organization is ready to capture this revenue.

Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

VTO is a policy where companies pay their employees to volunteer during work hours. These guides help you market your opportunities to employees with this benefit.

Downloadable Resources and Cheat Sheets

Sometimes you need a complete overview resource rather than a single blog post. These downloadable resources are designed to be saved, printed, or shared with your team for immediate use. Here are a few of our favorites regarding corporate volunteering:

  • Strategies for Leveraging Corporate Volunteer Incentives: This comprehensive strategy guide is designed for nonprofits and schools looking to maximize the ROI of their volunteer programs. It covers the corporate volunteer landscape, standout strategies for pursuing high-value incentives like volunteer grants and VTO, and how technology can simplify these efforts.
  • Ultimate Guide to Volunteer Grant Programs: This is your go-to resource for understanding and leveraging “dollars for doers” programs. It covers everything from the basics and eligibility requirements to actionable tips for increasing participation and tracking hours, along with examples of companies with generous programs.
  • Ultimate Guide to Volunteer Time Off: Dive deep into the world of paid volunteer time off (VTO) with this guide. It explains the different types of VTO policies, highlights top companies that offer this benefit (like Patagonia and Thomson Reuters), and teaches nonprofits how to position themselves as ideal partners for these programs.

Expert Webinars and Video Training

The landscape of corporate philanthropy changes rapidly, and webinars offer the most up-to-date insights on trends and strategies. These expert-led sessions explore the nuances of corporate engagement in employee volunteer programs. Here are a few leading sessions from Double the Donation:

  • (Video) A Quick Overview: Double the Donation Volunteering:Watch this product overview to see how automation can increase volunteer grant revenue and engagement. It demonstrates how to integrate employer search tools into your registration forms and use automated email streams to guide volunteers through the grant submission process.
  • (Video) Boost Volunteer Grants with Double the Donation:This video explains how to harness the benefits of volunteer incentive programs for simple recruitment and increased engagement. Learn how the Double the Donation database helps supporters identify their eligibility and offers turnkey integrations with leading volunteer management solutions.
  • (On-Demand Webinar) 4 Strategies to Unlock Corporate Volunteerism: In this session, you will learn quick and easy strategies to begin maximizing benefits from employee volunteer incentive programs. It moves beyond theory into practice, offering actionable tactics for identifying, engaging, and retaining corporate volunteers.
  • (On-Demand Webinar) Trends in Corporate Volunteerism: How to Benefit: Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the latest trends in volunteer grants and volunteer time off. This webinar analyzes shifting corporate priorities so you can align your pitch with what companies are looking for right now to unlock new support.
  • (On-Demand Webinar) Smart Strategies for Corporate Volunteer Requests: This session focuses on shifting your nonprofit’s approach from “asking” to “offering.” Learn how to frame your volunteer opportunities as a solution to a company’s employee engagement needs, making your requests more strategic and successful.

Pro Tip: Schedule “Lunch and Learn” sessions for your development team using these videos. Watch one session a month together and brainstorm how to apply the takeaways to your specific donor base.

Tools to Automate Your Strategy

Knowledge is power, but execution is revenue. Managing corporate volunteerism manually can be administratively burdensome. Technology can automate these workflows, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.

  • Double the Donation Volunteering Module Overview: See how Double the Donation’s innovative Volunteering module makes corporate volunteerism for nonprofits easier than ever before. Explore key features and see how your organization can benefit!

How Automation Helps:

  • Identification: Seamless volunteer management software integrations prompt volunteers to search for their employer while signing up.
  • Education: The database connects eligible supporters to volunteer grant and VTO opportunities, providing actionable next steps immediately.
  • Follow-Up: Automated email streams drive supporters to claim volunteer grants after they have completed their service.

By automating the “ask,” you ensure that every eligible hour is identified and pursued, maximizing your revenue without adding to your workload.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Investing time in these corporate volunteering educational resources is one of the highest-ROI activities a nonprofit can undertake. By understanding the mechanisms of Volunteer Grants and VTO, you can transform your volunteer program from a cost center into a revenue generator.

The corporate funds are there; billions of dollars are set aside by companies like Microsoft, Disney, and Verizon specifically to reward the charitable work of their employees. It is your job to build the bridge between that funding and your mission.

Ready to get started?

  • Read the Basics: Start with the Corporate Volunteerism and Volunteer Grant Basics guides to build your foundation.
  • Watch a Webinar: Pick one of the pre-recorded webinar sessions to get inspired by current trends.
  • Audit Your Data: Look at your current volunteer list. Do you know where they work? Use the Top Companies lists to spot potential matches.
  • Explore Tech: Check out Double the Donation’s tools to see how automation can help scale your efforts.

Don’t let your volunteers’ hard work go unmonetized. Dive into these resources today and start unlocking the full potential of corporate philanthropy. Plus, see how resources like Double the Donation Volunteering can help!

Corporate Volunteering Insights From the Recent Summit

7 Corporate Volunteering Insights From the Fall 2025 Summit

Corporate volunteering is an essential part of many businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies, and nonprofits that understand how to tap into this resource can reap significant benefits. However, effectively engaging corporate volunteers requires strategy, communication, and adaptability.

At the recent Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, nonprofit and corporate leaders shared valuable insights on how organizations can leverage workplace volunteering to boost engagement, strengthen partnerships, and maximize their impact. In this blog post, we’ll break down seven key takeaways from this event that nonprofits can apply to make the most of corporate volunteer opportunities.

  1. There’s a growing focus on volunteerism among companies.
  2. Companies and nonprofits are looking for sustainable partnerships.
  3. Employee Resource Groups can be an invaluable asset.
  4. Proactive engagement is key.
  5. Virtual and on-site opportunities go hand-in-hand.
  6. Using your data can go a long way.
  7. Marketing corporate volunteer opportunities is a must.

Of course, these strategies weren’t developed in a vacuum; they were born from the real-world experiences of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders. The most recent Summit event brought together a dynamic lineup of CSR directors, nonprofit executives, and social impact strategists who are actively redefining how companies and causes collaborate. Before we unpack the specific lessons learned, let’s meet the experts whose knowledge and vision shaped these conversations.

  • Jim Starr of America’s Charities

    The President & CEO of America’s Charities, Jim Starr leads initiatives to help nonprofits engage employees in workplace giving and matching gifts.

    Add him on LinkedIn.

  • Fernando Lorence of JPMorgan Chase

    As Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase, Fernando leads the company’s efforts in volunteerism and workplace giving.

    Add him on LinkedIn.

  • Joni Celiz of Martha’s Table

    Joni Celiz is the Director of Institutional Development at Martha’s Table, where she leads fundraising and community engagement efforts, including volunteerism.

    Add her on LinkedIn.

  • Marlene Lee of Alex’s Lemonade Stand

    Marlene is the Development Coordinator at Alex’s Lemonade Stand, where she builds partnerships to drive funding for childhood cancer research.

    Add her on LinkedIn.

  • Beth Amodio of One Warm Coat

    Beth Amodio is the President and CEO at One Warm Coat, where she oversees fundraising and donor relations, including matching gifts and volunteerism.

    Add her on LinkedIn.

As businesses increasingly prioritize social responsibility initiatives, corporate volunteering has emerged as a powerful tool for nonprofits seeking to build meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. Let’s find out how your team can tap into this opportunity as effectively as possible!

Access more corporate volunteering insights with presentation replays.

1) There’s a growing focus on volunteerism among companies.

Corporate volunteering programs are no longer just a nice-to-have; they are becoming a core part of many companies’ strategies to engage employees and give back to the community. During the summit, Jim Starr from America’s Charities and Fernando Lorence from JPMorgan Chase highlighted the increasing importance of volunteerism as a tool for employee engagement, corporate reputation, and community impact alike.

Fernando explained that large corporations, such as JPMorgan Chase, are increasingly focusing on skills-based volunteering, in which employees use their professional expertise to benefit nonprofit organizations. This type of volunteering is highly valuable to both the employee and the company, as it allows team members to make a meaningful impact while also developing their skills.

Looking to tap in? Aim for opportunities to engage corporate volunteers in areas such as mentoring, project management, financial planning, or technical support. These skills-based volunteer engagements are highly sought after and often offer more substantial and lasting contributions to nonprofits.

2) Companies and nonprofits are looking for sustainable partnerships.

Corporate volunteer programs are most effective when built on sustainable, long-term partnerships between companies and nonprofits. Fernando stressed that nonprofits should aim to develop relationships with corporate partners that go beyond just one-off volunteer events. By aligning volunteer opportunities with the company’s mission and values, nonprofits can ensure that their partnership is meaningful and long-lasting.

A significant part of this strategy involves constant communication and feedback. Therefore, companies and nonprofits must continually engage with one another to ensure that volunteer programs remain relevant and impactful. After a volunteering event, nonprofits should provide feedback to corporate partners to demonstrate the value of their employees’ efforts. Using surveys, testimonials, and media like photos and videos can help capture the success of these events and show companies how their employees’ contributions are making a real difference.

For more insights into what companies want when it comes to volunteer partnership, watch the Summit session on-demand here.

3) Employee Resource Groups can be an invaluable asset.

One powerful way to engage with corporate volunteer programs is through Employee Resource Groups (or ERGs).

As Fernando Lorence, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase, shared, “ERGs within companies can be a valuable entry point for nonprofits looking to engage with companies for volunteer opportunities.”

ERGs are groups within a company that are typically focused on a shared characteristic or cause, such as race, gender, or community involvement. They often have a dedicated pool of motivated employees who are eager to give back to the community.

By understanding the values and focus areas of these groups, nonprofits can form tailored, targeted volunteer opportunities that resonate with these employees. Session presenters emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with ERGs and finding ways to align nonprofit missions with the interests of these groups.

4) Proactive engagement is key.

To maximize the impact of corporate volunteerism, nonprofits must take a proactive approach to engaging with companies. For this reason, Fernando advised nonprofits not to wait for companies to approach them, but rather to research companies, understand their volunteer culture, and pitch relevant volunteer opportunities.

For large organizations, it’s essential to understand which departments or business units are responsible for different types of volunteer programs.

Jim Starr, President & CEO of America’s Charities, emphasized, “It’s crucial to align a company’s volunteer programs with its strategic priorities, such as community growth, small business support, and youth development.”

Companies are more likely to participate in volunteer initiatives that align with their mission and focus areas, so nonprofits should tailor their proposals accordingly.

Actionable Insight: Don’t wait for companies to come to you; instead, research potential partners and proactively pitch relevant volunteer opportunities.

5) Virtual and on-site opportunities go hand-in-hand.

The future of corporate volunteering will be a combination of both virtual and on-site opportunities.

Beth Amodio, President and CEO from One Warm Coat, shared, “Offering both physical and virtual volunteer opportunities has significantly expanded our nonprofit’s reach.”

While traditional coat drives remain popular, the organization has also adapted by offering virtual drives at times when in-person engagement was on hold. This flexibility allows corporate volunteers to participate in ways that suit their schedules, preferences, and locations.

Beth further emphasized the importance of making volunteer opportunities local to employees, as this strengthens their connection to the community they are serving. Even for virtual events, having a local impact, such as providing coats to a specific region, increases the sense of connection between volunteers and the cause.

For even more corporate volunteer management tips, watch the on-demand presentation here.

6) Using your data can go a long way.

Data is a valuable resource when managing corporate volunteer programs.

As Joni Celiz, Director of Institutional Development from Martha’s Table, discussed, “Our team uses tools like Double the Donation to identify which companies offer volunteer time off (VTO) or volunteer grants.”

By tracking this data, nonprofits can then target the right corporate partners and encourage them to use these benefits for volunteering activities. Joni also explained that identifying which companies already offer VTO and other volunteer incentives helps nonprofits maximize engagement and participation.

Sara Herring, National Operations Manager from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, noted, “Using CRM systems to track volunteer hours, matching gifts, and other corporate engagement efforts is crucial for maximizing impact.”

Tracking this data enables nonprofits to efficiently manage volunteer activities and leverage the information for future outreach.

7) Marketing corporate volunteer opportunities is a must.

Marketing is an essential aspect of corporate volunteer engagement. Marlene Lee and Joni Celiz both highlighted the importance of making volunteer opportunities visible and accessible. Whether through emails, event QR codes, or social media engagement, nonprofits need to ensure that corporate employees know how to get involved.

Marlene, Development Coordinator at Alex’s Lemonade Stand, shared, “Our team uses omni-channel marketing, including email, social media, and digital ads, to engage a wide audience.”

People consume information in different ways, so having consistent messaging across multiple channels ensures that employees can easily access volunteer opportunities. Joni also pointed out that using QR codes on event and promotional materials makes it easy for employees to access volunteer information and sign up directly from their phones. The easier it is to get involved, the more likely people actually will!


Wrapping Up

Corporate volunteering offers nonprofits a wealth of opportunities to engage with companies, build lasting partnerships, and maximize their impact. By understanding the evolving landscape of volunteerism, proactively engaging with corporate partners, and using data and effective marketing strategies, nonprofits can tap into the full potential of corporate volunteer programs.

The key to success lies in creating sustainable, long-term partnerships with companies that align with your mission, offering a combination of virtual and on-site volunteer opportunities, and leveraging technology to streamline the process. As corporate volunteering continues to grow in importance, nonprofits that embrace these strategies will be well-positioned to harness the full power of employee engagement and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Access more corporate volunteering insights with presentation replays.

Actionable Matching Gift Insights From the Recent Summit

6 Actionable Matching Gift Insights From the Recent Summit

Matching gifts are an untapped resource for many nonprofits. They provide an opportunity to maximize fundraising efforts by leveraging corporate dollars, and when done right, they can significantly boost revenue.

At the recent Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, several experts shared their best practices for driving matching gift revenue, offering actionable insights for nonprofits looking to raise more through matching gifts. Let’s dive into six key takeaways that can help nonprofits supercharge their matching gift strategies.

  1. Register with CSR platforms.
  2. Centralize your matching gift processing.
  3. Tell engaging, impact-driven stories.
  4. Leverage seasonal campaigns.
  5. Ensure effective matching gift tracking and attribution.
  6. Look to the future of matching gifts.

Meet the Speakers:

  • Detra Foster of the American Heart Association

    Detra Foster is the Senior National Matching Gift Operations Lead at the American Heart Association. With years of experience in fundraising and workplace giving, she is dedicated to expanding the impact of matching gifts and workplace giving.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

  • Stacy Devivo of Lehigh University

    Stacy DeVivo serves as the Assistant Director of Information Processing at Lehigh University, where she leads efforts to enhance the university’s matching gift program. Stacy has developed innovative strategies that increase participation in matching gifts.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

  • Karen Bergin of Microsoft

    Karen Bergin is the Senior Director of Global Employee Engagement at Microsoft. There, Karen has helped Microsoft raise billions of dollars for nonprofits worldwide. Her team focuses on empowering employees to support causes they care about, with matching gifts playing a critical role.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

  • Annemarie Dillon of the American Cancer Society

    Annemarie Dillon is the Director of Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts at the American Cancer Society. With extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and matching gifts, Annemarie has played a key role in streamlining and expanding ACS’s matching gift initiatives.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

As nonprofits continue to explore new ways to amplify their fundraising efforts, matching gifts remain an underutilized opportunity that can yield significant returns. With the right strategies in place, organizations like yours can tap into the full potential of workplace giving programs, unlocking a steady stream of additional revenue. Let’s begin.

Access more matching gift insights with presentation replays.

1) Register with CSR platforms.

One of the first steps nonprofits should take to increase their matching gift revenue is to register with leading CSR platforms. These dedicated software solutions, such as Benevity, YourCause, and CyberGrants, are commonly used by corporations to manage employee giving and match donations. By registering with these platforms ahead of time, nonprofits become eligible to receive matching gifts from the companies that use them.

Laurel Palmer, Director of the Kalamazoo College Fund, shared that partnering with these platforms is vital for raising matching gifts. She emphasized the importance of ensuring your nonprofit is listed and optimized on platforms like Benevity to access matching gifts from a wide range of corporate partners. By doing so, nonprofits open the door to significant contributions from employees of companies already engaged in matching gift programs.

If you’re not already listed on these platforms, Benevity is a great place to start. Many large companies, including keynote speaker Microsoft, use Benevity to manage their employee-giving programs, making it a critical tool for boosting workplace donations. Getting listed on these platforms not only provides access to these funds but also integrates your organization into a well-established and trusted giving process.

We recommend establishing an up-to-date account with each of the major CSR platforms, along with other CLMA-certified solutions. Here are a few popular names to help you get started:

  • Largest CSR Platforms
  • America’s Charities
  • Benevity
  • CyberGrants
  • YourCause
  • CLMA-Certified Platforms
  • Givinga
  • Millie
  • Selflessly
  • Uncommon Giving

To hear more from Microsoft’s keynote presentation, access the recording here.

2) Centralize your matching gift processing.

When it comes to matching gifts, centralizing your processing can make a world of difference in terms of efficiency and accuracy.

Centralizing our matching gift operations helped streamline our efforts, reduce errors, and ensure that all matching gifts were properly tracked and credited.” – Annemarie Dillon, Director of Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts at the American Cancer Society

Before centralization, the American Cancer Society had local chapters handling matching gift confirmations, leading to process inconsistencies and missed opportunities going unclaimed. By consolidating the process at the national level, however, they were able to improve communication, set clear roles, and ensure accurate tracking across the organization.

For smaller nonprofits, starting small by centralizing matching gift communications can be a first step. As Sara Herring from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation explained, even something as simple as creating a dedicated matching gift email address or inbox can be a game-changer. This allows for better communication and organization, reducing the chances of missing out on matching gift opportunities.

3) Tell engaging, impact-driven stories.

Incorporating storytelling into your matching gift campaigns can significantly boost engagement and donor participation. Stacy DeVivo of Lehigh University shared how a compelling donor story about a couple who met at the university and are passionate about supporting their alma mater through matching gifts resonated with their audience.

As Stacy DeVivo, Assistant Director of Information Processing at Lehigh University, shared, “A compelling donor story about a couple who met at the university and are passionate about supporting their alma mater through matching gifts really resonated with our audience.”

By showcasing real-life examples of how matching gifts have made a difference, nonprofits can build stronger emotional connections with their supporters. This personal touch has measurable results. Lehigh University saw a 430% increase in email click-through rates and a 563% increase in web traffic after sharing the donor story. In other words, storytelling humanizes the matching gift process and motivates donors to engage with the program.

For nonprofits, communicating stories of real donors or corporate partners can inspire others to follow suit in matching gifts. Highlight the personal impact that matching gifts have on your mission, and share those stories across your communication channels, including email, social media, and on your website.

4) Leverage seasonal campaigns.

Another key insight from the summit was the importance of leveraging seasonal campaigns to drive matching gift participation. For example, Detra Foster from the American Heart Association shared how matching gift marketing aligns well with the timing of major fundraising events like Giving Tuesday and year-end giving campaigns.

At Lehigh University, Stacy DeVivo’s team capitalized on the Match Month opportunity (also known as February) by promoting matching gifts through social media, email, and custom graphics. Additionally, they utilized Matching Wednesday, a campaign initiative following giving day Giving Tuesday, to sustain momentum and encourage additional giving.

For nonprofits, aligning matching gift appeals with these high-traffic giving days creates urgency and encourages donors to take advantage of matching opportunities before the year ends. Whether it’s Giving Tuesday, Year-End Giving, or Match Month, seasonal campaigns provide an excellent platform for promoting matching gifts. By timing your campaigns around these major events, you can maximize the impact of matching gift opportunities and create a sense of urgency that motivates donors to act. Don’t forget to remind donors of the matching gift deadline around these key dates!

For more on marketing matching gifts and what your peers are doing, access the on-demand panel discussion here.

5) Ensure effective matching gift tracking and attribution.

Tracking and attributing matching gifts can be one of the biggest challenges for nonprofits. As Jessica Otto Guay from the Pan-Mass Challenge explained, many nonprofits face difficulties when donations come in bulk, without clear breakdowns of which donations are being matched. Annemarie Dillon echoed this point, sharing how her team has become adept at tracking down matching gift donations through detective work, including cross-referencing payments with donor records and checking remittance slips.

Effective data management is crucial in ensuring that matching gifts are attributed to the correct donors. Sara Herring from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation recommended using CRM systems to track and organize matching gifts. They use a unique identifier system to ensure each donation is correctly categorized and attributed, and they flag matching gift data early in the process to avoid confusion later.

By implementing clear tracking systems, using CRM tools, and developing processes for handling bulk donations, nonprofits can reduce errors and ensure donors are properly credited for their contributions. This not only helps with reporting but also strengthens donor relationships by accurately acknowledging their participation.

For more insights and best practices for matching gift processing, watch the presentation recording here.

6) Look to the future of matching gifts.

Looking ahead, Detra Foster from the American Heart Association shared her thoughts on the future of matching gifts, particularly in terms of technology and evolving donor behavior.

“The future of workplace fundraising will likely involve integrating AI and generative tools to personalize outreach and improve marketing strategies,” she pointed out.

These tools could help nonprofits create more effective, targeted campaigns that resonate with donors.

Another key trend is the rise of corporate volunteer programs, in which employees’ volunteer hours are converted into financial contributions to nonprofits. Microsoft has been at the forefront of this trend, offering $25 per hour for every hour its employees volunteer.

As Karen Bergin, Senior Director of Global Employee Engagement at Microsoft, stated, ‘This volunteer time donation model is an exciting avenue for nonprofits to explore, especially as more companies invest in volunteer programs.”

As the landscape of workplace giving continues to evolve, nonprofits must stay adaptable and leverage new technologies to streamline processes, personalize outreach, and engage employees in new ways. Whether through AI, volunteer time conversion, or more personalized marketing strategies, nonprofits should continue to innovate and adapt to the changing dynamics of workplace giving.


Wrapping Up

Matching gifts are a powerful, yet often underutilized, tool for nonprofits looking to maximize their fundraising efforts. By following the actionable insights shared by experts during the summit (such as registering with CSR platforms, centralizing matching gift processes, telling engaging stories, leveraging seasonal campaigns, ensuring accurate tracking, and looking to the future), nonprofits can significantly boost their matching gift revenue and deepen their relationships with donors.

It’s important to remember that matching gifts are not a one-time effort, but an ongoing process. By staying organized, collaborating across teams, and continuously refining strategies, nonprofits can create a sustainable and effective workplace giving program that drives long-term success.

Access more matching gift insights with presentation replays.

Workplace Giving Insights From the Recent Summit

6 Workplace Giving Insights From the Fall 2025 Summit Event

According to the latest Giving USA report, corporate giving has reached an all-time high, signaling a tremendous opportunity for nonprofits and schools to tap into workplace giving programs. Yet, workplace giving remains an underutilized avenue for many organizations. By strategically engaging with these programs, however, fundraisers can unlock new levels of growth and support, ensuring they continue to innovate and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

At the recent Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, industry experts shared actionable strategies for nonprofits and educational institutions to make the most of these programs. Here, we explore six key insights that can help social causes raise more through workplace giving. These include:

  1. Collaborating Across Departments
  2. Utilizing Existing Platforms and Tools
  3. Enlisting Multi-Channel Engagement for Workplace Giving
  4. Leveraging Employer Data to Enhance Outreach
  5. Establishing Consistent Acknowledgments
  6. Testing and Scaling Your Efforts

Meet the Speakers:

  • Gillian Wagner of Global Impact

    As the Senior Fundraising Manager at Global Impact, Gillian is dedicated to fostering relationships between organizations and corporate partners, ensuring that workplace giving plays a central role in achieving both parties’ philanthropic goals.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

  • Laurel Palmer of Kalamazoo College

    Laurel Palmer serves as the Director of the College Fund at Kalamazoo College. Over the years, she has developed effective strategies that bridge the gap between alumni engagement and donor support, leading to substantial growth in Kalamazoo’s matching gift initiatives.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

  • Erica Tolentino of the CCF

    Erica Tolentino is a Senior Manager of National Operations at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. With a passion for matching gifts and employee giving engagement, Erica works tirelessly to enhance the foundation’s workplace giving programs.

    Add her on LinkedIn here.

As nonprofits and schools face increasing competition for corporate donor attention and support, workplace giving programs offer a unique and scalable opportunity for growth. These strategies not only help fundraisers maximize revenue but also provide a structured approach to developing sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Let’s begin.

Access more workplace giving insights with presentation replays.

1) Collaborating Across Departments:

One of the most significant insights from the summit was the importance of collaboration across departments within nonprofits and schools. As Erica Tolentino, Senior Director of National Operations at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, explained, “Successful workplace giving programs require cross-department collaboration.” At her organization, the matching gift team works closely with events, fundraising, volunteering, and marketing departments to integrate matching gift information into various campaigns.

Erica also emphasized the importance of creating resources that simplify the matching gift process for both staff and donors.

“We developed email templates for common matching gift questions, FAQs, and a Workplace Giving Toolkit,” Erica Tolentino, Senior Director of National Operations at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, shared.

These resources not only reduce confusion but also make it easier for volunteers and staff to engage in matching gift activities, driving increased donor participation. This collaboration creates a unified approach that maximizes efficiency and enhances the donor experience.

Learn even more about building a workplace fundraising team with the on-demand presentation available here.

2) Utilizing Existing Platforms and Tools

Another valuable takeaway was the importance of fully utilizing existing workplace giving platforms. Gillian Wagner, Senior Fundraising Manager at Global Impact, encouraged nonprofits and schools to optimize the tools available through workplace giving solutions like Benevity, Your Cause, and Double the Donation. Together, these platforms provide fundraisers with powerful tools to track donations, engage with corporate partners, and automate thank-you messages.

At Kalamazoo College, for example, Laurel Palmer shares how they use Double the Donation’s workplace giving widget on their website to encourage donors to check if their companies offer matching gifts.

From there, by ensuring their free profiles are fully updated on CSR platforms like Benevity and Your Cause, the school has streamlined the process of identifying matching gift opportunities, making it easier to track and engage with workplace donors.

Gillian also emphasized the value of automation in workplace giving, noting that while these programs require sustained effort, automation helps ease the workload. In other words, automated thank-yous and communication systems can ensure that workplace donors are regularly acknowledged without overwhelming the fundraising team.

Looking for instructions on registering with leading CSR platforms? Check out this handy guide.

3) Enlisting Multi-Channel Engagement for Workplace Giving:

Engaging workplace donors effectively requires reaching them through multiple channels, ensuring that your message resonates with them no matter how they prefer to receive information. Kalamazoo College has mastered this strategy by incorporating a combination of communication methods, each designed to reach a broad spectrum of workplace donors.

One key element of the college’s multi-channel approach is its website. Kalamazoo College uses its main site not only to provide detailed information about workplace giving opportunities but also to include tools that make the giving process as seamless as possible. By integrating a matching gift lookup tool into their donation page, the college allows donors to easily check if their employers participate, making it effortless for them to initiate or increase their donations.

Workplace Giving Insights from Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College also utilizes direct mail to reach workplace donors. To enhance the impact of direct mail, the college has included QR codes in its mailers, allowing recipients to quickly scan the code and access online resources, including details about matching gifts and donation forms. This small yet powerful addition makes it easier for donors to take action immediately, thereby increasing conversion rates.

Email campaigns also play a pivotal role in Kalamazoo’s workplace giving strategy. Email provides a direct, personalized method of communication. Regularly scheduled email communications keep supporters informed about upcoming giving opportunities while also promoting the value of matching gifts. Kalamazoo College leverages automation within these email campaigns to send timely reminders.

Social media is another key component of Kalamazoo’s multi-channel engagement strategy. The college taps into the power of platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to spread awareness about workplace giving. Engaging content, such as testimonials from alumni and employees who have benefitted from workplace giving, helps to humanize the process and shows potential donors the tangible impact of their contributions.

4) Leveraging Employer Data to Enhance Outreach:

One of the most effective ways to boost workplace giving is by leveraging employer data to identify potential matching gift opportunities.

As Laurel Palmer, Director of the College Fund at Kalamazoo College, explains, “At Kalamazoo College, we used Double the Donation to cross-reference our donor database with workplace giving data, helping us identify spouses or partners of alumni who could access matching gift programs.'”

This strategic use of data helped the college enhance its outreach and tailor its messaging to specific companies, making its appeals more targeted and effective.

By identifying companies where they had a high concentration of alumni, Kalamazoo College was able to engage directly with these employees and encourage them to take part in the college’s Giving Tuesday campaign. This data-driven approach helped the college maximize matching gift opportunities and raise more funds.

Looking to learn more about employer data for workplace giving? Watch the presentation replay here.

5) Establishing Consistent Acknowledgments:

One of the challenges that many nonprofits and schools face is ensuring that workplace donors are properly acknowledged.

As Gillian Wagner, Senior Fundraising Manager from Global Impact pointed out, “Most workplace giving platforms send a tax receipt without any personal messaging or branding from the nonprofit.”

This lack of acknowledgment can lead to donor disengagement. Instead, organizations need to establish a clear, consistent process for thanking workplace donors and ensuring they feel appreciated for their contributions.

Gillian also stressed the importance of creating a personalized acknowledgment system, saying, “Workplace giving isn’t about immediate conversions or instant donations. It’s about building long-term relationships.” Acknowledging donors promptly and personally helps build trust and encourages ongoing participation.

For more tips on workplace donor cultivation, check out the full Summit presentation here.

6) Testing and Scaling Your Efforts:

For nonprofits and schools that are new to workplace giving or looking to optimize their efforts, Gillian advised starting small and testing strategies. “Start with a small group of corporate partners or high-value donors, test your strategies, refine your processes, and then scale up as you gain more confidence,” she said. For the best results, organizations should focus on experimenting with different engagement methods and communication strategies to identify what resonates best with workplace donors.

Laurel shared that Kalamazoo College used this approach by focusing on a small group of donors who were most likely to engage with matching gift opportunities. Once they gained more experience, the school’s development team expanded its efforts and continuously optimized its strategies. This step-by-step approach allows nonprofits and educational institutions to test the waters without overwhelming their resources and ensures that they can scale up their efforts once they’re confident in their process.


Wrapping Up

Workplace giving presents a unique opportunity for nonprofits and schools to tap into a steady stream of revenue, build lasting relationships with donors, and enhance their overall fundraising efforts. By collaborating across departments, utilizing existing platforms, engaging donors through multiple channels, and leveraging employer data, organizations can maximize their workplace giving programs.

It’s important to remember that workplace giving is a long-term strategy. Schools and nonprofits must focus on building strong relationships with workplace donors through consistent acknowledgment, personalized communication, and targeted outreach. And while testing and scaling efforts may take time, the results can be well worth the investment.

Access more workplace giving insights with presentation replays.