At Double the Donation, we’re always looking for ways to help organizations maximize their corporate giving potential. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Corporate Volunteer Email Streams, a new functionality within our dedicated volunteering module.
Here, we’ll review the new features and their advantages for volunteer-driven organizations—specifically covering:
All in all, our new automated email streams empower organizations using our software to seamlessly communicate with volunteers based on their corporate volunteer incentive eligibility.
By providing company-specific guidelines and instructions for submitting volunteer grants and VTO (or Volunteer Time Off) opportunities, this functionality helps organizations drive greater engagement and ensure volunteers take full advantage of their corporate benefits.
Double the Donation Volunteering: An Overview
At Double the Donation, we’re committed to helping organizations maximize the impact of corporate philanthropy. Our volunteering module is designed to streamline volunteer engagement, making it easier for nonprofits and companies to connect employees with meaningful service opportunities while maximizing corporate volunteer incentives.
With Double the Donation’s volunteering functionality, organizations can:
Identify corporate volunteer incentives such as volunteer grants and Volunteer Time Off (VTO) eligibility for each participant.
Encourage greater participation by simplifying the process of accessing corporate volunteer benefits.
Automate volunteer engagement with features like our new Corporate Volunteer Email Streams, ensuring employees receive company-specific guidelines on how to submit for volunteer grants and take advantage of VTO programs.
By integrating these tools into one powerful platform, Double the Donation helps organizations increase volunteer engagement, unlock additional funding through corporate volunteer grants, and drive greater community impact.
Available Corporate Volunteer Email Streams
Currently, Double the Donation offers two corporate volunteer email streams for organizations to engage with their audiences. As volunteers register for events, they’re automatically sorted into one of these groups:
Volunteer Incentives Available Stream (Known Eligibility)
When volunteers provide employment data, this email stream automates the process of informing individuals with known employers about their eligibility for corporate volunteer programs like volunteer grants and paid volunteer time off (VTO).
By delivering personalized messages directly to supporters’ inboxes, organizations can:
Provide customized eligibility details, increasing engagement
Simplify the process for volunteers, eliminating the need for manual searches
Maximize volunteer grant revenue and VTO hours used
Even when volunteers are unaware of their corporate volunteer benefits, this stream ensures no funding or paid volunteer opportunities slip through the cracks.
By reaching out to supporters who may be eligible for corporate incentives, this email stream helps:
Identify new volunteer grant and VTO opportunities
Connect volunteers to next steps, driving program participation
Strengthen volunteer recruitment and retention through employer engagement
For the best results, organizations are encouraged to adopt both email streams in order to ensure maximal coverage of available volunteer incentives. This way, the platform can segment volunteers into one of the two flows in real-time, providing the most tailored and relevant information at any given point.
Benefits of Triggering Automated Volunteer Outreach
Effective volunteer engagement requires timely communication and clear guidance—and that’s where automated volunteer outreach makes a difference. By leveraging automated email streams, organizations can provide volunteers with the information they need at the right time, ensuring they maximize their impact while taking full advantage of corporate volunteer incentives.
Here are some key benefits of triggering automated volunteer outreach:
Personalized Communication: Automated email streams segment volunteers based on their corporate volunteer incentive eligibility, delivering company-specific instructions for submitting volunteer grants and VTO requests.
Increased Volunteer Grant Utilization: Many employees are eligible for volunteer grants but may not be aware of them. Automated outreach helps bridge this gap by reminding volunteers to log their hours and submit for corporate matching.
Time-Saving for Organizations: Instead of manually tracking and notifying volunteers, nonprofits and companies can rely on automation to handle outreach, freeing up valuable time for other engagement efforts.
Higher Volunteer Engagement: Regular, well-timed emails keep volunteers informed, motivated, and connected to opportunities, resulting in increased participation and a stronger culture of giving.
Seamless Corporate Philanthropy Integration: Automated communication ensures that employees understand how to navigate their company’s corporate giving programs, leading to more funds directed toward nonprofit initiatives.
By implementing automated volunteer outreach, organizations can foster deeper engagement, enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, and unlock additional funding—all while making the volunteer experience smoother and more rewarding for participants.
Getting Started With Double the Donation Volunteering
Whether you’re already a Double the Donation client or are exploring ways to enhance your organization’s volunteer engagement, our volunteering module makes it easy to maximize corporate volunteer incentives and streamline participation.
Here’s how you can get started:
For Current Double the Donation Matching Clients: If you’re already using Double the Donation’s matching gift solution, it’s easy to add on our complete volunteer functionality—including our new corporate volunteer email streams. This allows you to identify corporate volunteer incentives and take advantage of automated features like Corporate Volunteer Email Streams—all within the same platform. Reach out to your client representative to see how you can upgrade your account today!
For Organizations New to Double the Donation: If you’re not yet a client but are interested in leveraging our volunteering module, we’d love to show you how it works! Explore pricing and schedule a demo with our team to explore how Double the Donation can help your organization increase volunteer engagement and unlock more corporate funding through volunteer grants and VTO programs.
Getting started is simple—whether you’re an existing client or new to our solutions, our team is here to help you maximize the impact of corporate philanthropy.
Reach out today to learn more!
Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts
With the launch of Corporate Volunteer Email Streams, organizations can now take a more targeted approach to volunteer engagement, ensuring participants have the information they need to maximize their impact. By streamlining communication and simplifying the process for submitting volunteer grants and VTO, we’re making it easier than ever for employees to give back—and for organizations to benefit from corporate volunteer incentives.
Stay tuned for even more impactful updates as we continue enhancing our volunteering module to drive greater social impact!
As an association leader, your plate is full. Juggling member retention, event planning, and operational efficiency often feels like a delicate balancing act. If your current tools aren’t pulling their weight, managing your day-to-day operations only gets harder.
Enter association management software (AMS): a transformative tool designed to streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and free up time. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right platform?
This guide will demystify the process and help you find your perfect AMS. That way, your organization can invest in a system that meets your needs today and evolves with you tomorrow. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Whether you go with an association management platform on our list or choose a different one, you’ll have the knowledge you need to navigate your options confidently. Let’s dive in.
Association Management Software FAQ
Before diving into specific picks, let’s answer a few questions executive directors, chief technology officers, and membership directors typically have about this type of software.
What Is Association Management Software?
Association management software (AMS) is a specialized platform designed to help membership organizations manage their operations. It centralizes key functions like member management, event planning, fundraising, communication, website management, and financial tracking into one cohesive system.
With an AMS, you can streamline administrative tasks, such as:
Maintaining a searchable member database.
Processing online payments, membership dues, and donations.
Designing online event registration pages and automating event reminders.
Building and maintaining a website to share announcements, resources, events, a member directory, industry news, and more.
Communicating with members via email or other online platforms.
Generating detailed financial reports, insightful analytics, and membership overviews.
By automating routine tasks and providing valuable insights, an AMS empowers organizations to enhance member engagement, streamline processes, and focus on achieving their mission.
What’s The Difference Between an AMS and a Community Platform?
While association management software and community platforms both support member engagement, they have distinct purposes and focus areas:
Purpose: Association management software handles operational and administrative needs for membership-based organizations. Community platforms foster interaction among members.
Core Features: Common AMS features include member databases, dues collection, event registration, and financial reporting. Meanwhile, common features in community platforms include discussion forums, content sharing, messaging tools, and gamification to encourage community participation.
Goal: While an AMS streamlines and centralizes organizational processes for efficient administration, a community platform creates a vibrant space for members to share ideas and build relationships.
Examples of Use: Leverage an AMS to track membership dues, send targeted emails, and keep a centralized database of members’ engagement history and contact information. Meanwhile, use your community platform to host online discussions, conduct polls or surveys, and provide members with access to shared documents and training materials.
Trade and professional associations often use both systems together. While an AMS meets operational needs, a community platform deepens member connections and engagement.
Why Should We Invest in an Association Management Platform?
An association management platform offers transformative benefits for your organization by streamlining operations, enhancing member satisfaction, and driving long-term growth. Here’s why it’s a smart investment:
Save time and money by simplifying administrative tasks. Association management platforms automate routine tasks like tracking membership dues, processing payments, and managing event registrations. This reduces your team’s administrative burdens, freeing up time to focus on strategic initiatives.
Enhance member engagement. With tools like personalized communication, member portals, and event management, an AMS helps you create an engaging member experience. From welcoming new members to consistently promoting benefits, actively engaging members leads to greater participation and more renewals.
Centralize member and financial data. An association management platform serves as a single source of truth for all your organizational data, from member profiles to financial records. This makes it easy to access, analyze, and act on insights, improving decision-making and efficiency.
Enhance professionalism. An AMS enables you to maintain a polished online presence with customizable websites, event pages, and member portals. This helps build credibility with current and prospective members.
Instead of using disparate systems, invest in a single platform that helps your association operate efficiently, engage members, and achieve its mission. An investment in the right platform is an investment in your organization’s growth and long-term success.
What Features Should My Association Look For?
As with any software, focus on features that align with your organization’s specific needs and budget. A few key features to prioritize in your AMS search include:
Membership management tools, including a centralized member database to organize member profiles, advanced search and filtering capabilities for easy data retrieval, and automated membership renewal reminders and processing.
Event management to create registration pages, automate attendee tracking, maintain event calendars, and host virtual events.
Member engagement tools, such as a self-service member portal, an online community, and gamification features like badges or leaderboards.
Financial management to process dues, event fees, and donations. Ensure you have invoicing, automated receipt generation, and robust financial reporting tools.
Communication tools such as newsletter creation, email segmentation capabilities, and feedback collection features.
Website and content management, such as a website builder and member-only portals for exclusive content, resources, or forums.
Reporting, including customizable dashboards to monitor metrics like membership growth and event attendance as well as detailed financial reports.
Integrations with other popular association tools, such as your accounting software, marketing platform, or community engagement software.
Before investing in an AMS, ensure it also has a supportive vendor. A vendor that offers comprehensive training and support will help you get your system up and running without a hitch.
20+ Association Management Platforms
The following list isn’t exhaustive but should provide a solid place to start your search for the right association management platform. Be sure to check customer reviews on platforms like G2 and Capterra to get a better sense of each system’s practical applications.
Tradewing: Best for Online Communities
Tradewing is a community management platform designed to boost membership growth, retention, and engagement by creating dynamic online communities. Built for trade and professional associations, the platform creates a user-friendly online space where members can connect with one another, attend virtual events, access valuable resources, and stay engaged with your community, all without ever leaving the Tradewing platform.
Depending on your needs, you can purchase either Tradewing’s full AMS platform or just the community engagement tools. The community platform integrates with popular AMSs, so if you want to extend another platform’s functionality, Tradewing is a great option!
Recommended for: Small to mid-sized trade and professional associations that prioritize community engagement and networking
Pricing: Tradewing prices vary based on the size and needs of your association. Pricing depends on selected features and membership size, so request a demo for more information.
ClubExpress: Best for Small Clubs and Local Chapters
ClubExpress is an AMS tailored to small clubs, local chapters, and volunteer-led organizations seeking an affordable solution to manage operations. It simplifies administrative tasks and helps organizations build stronger connections with members through intuitive tools for communication, events, and website management.
Recommended for: Small to mid-sized clubs, local chapters, and volunteer-driven associations across various industries, including hobby groups, sports clubs, and professional networks
Top Features: ClubExpress offers users a member database, website creation tools, a member mobile app, and integrated event management with online registration and payment options. Additional features include forums, email campaigns, text messaging, and financial tracking.
Pricing: ClubExpress has a flexible pricing model based on your number of active members. Pricing per member goes down as your organization grows. For instance, pay $0.42 per member monthly if you have 1-200 members, $0.38 per member if you have 201-300 members, $0.34 per member if you have 301-500 members, or $0.30 per member if you have 501-1,000 members.
Dash: Best for Content Management
Dash is a stress-free association management software solution designed to handle every aspect of running an association. With 50+ years of experience in association management, the Dash team has developed a platform that centralizes tasks such as member sign-up, event registration, and invoicing within a cloud-hosted environment.
Recommended for: Associations across various industries aiming to enhance operational efficiency and member engagement
Top Features: Dash offers an intuitive CMS for website creation, including blogs, news feeds, and member-only content. The CMS integrates with the association’s database, providing members with a seamless experience when purchasing merchandise, registering for events, or accessing digital resources. You’ll also gain features for managing members, communicating with your community, managing events, tracking finances, and accepting sponsorships.
Pricing: Dash offers three packages with varying features. Contact their team for pricing details.
Fonteva: Best for Salesforce Users
Fonteva is a robust association management software platform built on Salesforce, the world’s most popular CRM. It leverages the power of Salesforce with specialized features for associations, making it ideal for organizations interested in Salesforce.
Recommended for: Medium to large associations in industries that use Salesforce for customer and member relationship management
Top Features: Fonteva provides advanced member management, event registration, and e-commerce capabilities. Saleforce’s flexibility allows for deep customization, and the app marketplace expands functionality further.
Pricing: Fonteva requires a Salesforce subscription and custom pricing based on the size and complexity of your association’s needs.
Forj: Best for Virtual Engagement and Learning
Forj is a virtual engagement platform focused on enhancing member collaboration in an online environment. Designed for professional associations and communities, Forj helps organizations foster connections through virtual events, networking opportunities, and collaborative tools. Forj is a dual AMS and learning management system that combines community building and learning with the goal to modernize association membership.
Recommended for: Associations and professional networks prioritizing virtual engagement, community collaboration, and learning outcomes
Top Features: Forj offers tools for hosting interactive virtual events, managing discussion forums, and creating content hubs for members. Its analytics help track member engagement, event attendance, and content consumption to measure virtual initiatives’ effectiveness.
Pricing: Forj provides custom pricing based on organization size and requirements
Glue Up: Best for Event-Driven Organizations
Glue Up is an all-in-one association management platform designed for event-driven organizations. It includes membership management, event management, and email marketing tools, giving you the ability to monetize your professional community within minutes. However, it really shines in its event functionality, which makes it easy to plan, promote, and execute online and offline events.
Recommended for: Associations and organizations that rely heavily on events for member engagement and revenue
Top Features: Glue Up is a top event management with tools for online registration, ticketing, and payment processing. It also offers CRM functionality, email campaigns, and a mobile app for on-the-go management. Leverage surveys, financial tracking, and a website builder to streamline operations further.
Pricing: Glue Up uses a tiered pricing model based on selected features, starting at $2,500 annually.
GrowthZone: Best for Membership Growth
GrowthZone is an all-in-one platform designed to drive membership growth through innovative tools for recruitment, retention, and engagement. It simplifies operations for associations by automating processes and providing insights to improve member acquisition strategies. From managing certifications to providing a secure online community, you’ll have all the features you need to scale your membership base.
Recommended for: Associations of all sizes looking to grow their membership base
Top Features: Grow revenue with robust membership offerings, events, merchandise sales, and sponsorships. You can also access built-in marketing automation and sales funnel management tools. The AI-Powered Newsletter feature allows you to curate newsletters based on members’ unique interests and engagement history.
Pricing: Subscriptions start at $4,985 annually based on your chosen package, and there’s an onboarding fee.
iMIS: Best for Large Associations
iMIS is a powerful association management software solution designed to meet the needs of large organizations with complex operations. It combines member management, learning, fundraising, and event planning tools into a unified cloud-based platform.
Recommended for: Large associations, nonprofits, and organizations with diverse membership needs and high-volume data management
Top Features: iMIS offers advanced CRM capabilities, member management tools, learning management systems, website building functionality, and robust event planning features. Its analytics and reporting tools provide real-time insights, and its integrations allow for customized organizational workflows.
Pricing: iMIS pricing is customized based on the size and complexity of your organization. iMIS Professional starts at $7,200 annually, while iMIS Enterprise requires a custom quote.
MemberClicks: Best for Small to Mid-Sized Associations
MemberClicks is an all-in-one membership management software platform tailored for small to mid-sized associations and nonprofits. It simplifies member management and saves time with tools designed for administrative tasks. It hones in on online engagement by providing tools for custom websites, digital member communities, and online databases.
Recommended for: Small to mid-sized associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution
Top Features: MemberClicks offers a member database, email marketing, and event registration tools. Its drag-and-drop website builder and customizable member portal ensure a branded online presence.
Pricing: MC Professional is ideal for individual-based member types and small associations, starting at $4,500 annually. MC Trade is best for organization-based member types, chambers, and large associations, starting at $3,500 annually. Special pricing structures are available for chambers.
MemberLeap: Best for Customizable Membership Management
MemberLeap is a flexible association management software solution that adapts to the unique needs of each organization. It empowers associations with tailored workflows and robust tools to manage members, events, website content, communications, and financial processes. MemberLeap is an excellent choice for associations seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform that addresses specific operational challenges while fostering member engagement and organizational growth.
Recommended for: Associations that require customizable membership management tools
Top Features: MemberLeap includes a member database, automated billing, robust event planning, volunteer management, and communication tools. Its website management capabilities and financial tracking features provide additional value.
Pricing: Pricing scales based on the association’s needs and number of active records, starting at $80 per month for the Copper Plan for organizations with 1-200 active records.
Nimble AMS: Best for Advanced CRM Capabilities
Nimble AMS is a Salesforce-based association management platform offering powerful CRM capabilities. Built on Salesforce, it enables associations to leverage advanced analytics and automation for member engagement and operational efficiency. Nimble AMS customers receive seamless upgrades three times a year, ensuring you’re always using the latest tools.
Recommended for: Medium to large associations using Salesforce and seeking robust CRM functionality
Top Features: Nimble AMS provides member management, accounting, a member portal, fundraising tools, and event management. It also supports custom workflows, AI-driven analytics through Salesforce Einstein, and mobile-friendly features for on-the-go management.
Pricing: Nimble AMS pricing is custom and requires a Salesforce subscription. Costs depend on your organization’s size and feature needs.
Novi AMS: Best for QuickBooks Integration
Novi AMS is built with deep QuickBooks integration, making it the perfect choice for associations prioritizing financial management. It streamlines time-consuming accounting processes, so your team can focus on serving your association’s members.
Recommended for: Small to mid-sized associations that use QuickBooks and need an AMS to simplify financial tracking
Top Features: Novi AMS includes a two-way sync with QuickBooks’ automated invoicing and financial reporting tools. Additionally, it offers member portals, event registration, and directory management features to simplify member management. Other key features include eCommerce and website management.
Pricing: Novi AMS pricing starts at $790 per month with an onboarding fee of $3,360 for organizations with annual revenue up to $400K. Pricing scales based on your organization’s annual revenue.
Protech: Best for Microsoft Users
Protech is a powerful AMS designed to integrate with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, making it an excellent choice for organizations using Microsoft tools. Manage every detail of the member journey, bring your data to life with cutting-edge reports, and boost productivity by automating administrative tasks like billing.
Recommended for: Medium to large associations that rely on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure True Cloud
Top Features: Protech offers advanced CRM capabilities, automated workflows, and financial tracking through an integrated suite of financial, eCommerce, analytics, and database tools. Thanks to its comprehensive features, you can manage events, generate insightful reports, and personalize the member experience.
Pricing: Protech pricing is based on your organization’s size and needed features, with additional costs for Microsoft Dynamics 365 licensing.
Raklet: Best for Community Fundraising and Events
Raklet is a versatile platform focused on helping associations and nonprofits engage their communities through fundraising and community management tools. It combines a user-friendly interface with features that build and sustain strong member relationships, such as a branded mobile app, dues collection, newsletters, and job boards. With 4,000+ integrations via Zapier and Make, you can connect Raklet with your favorite apps to improve your association management software’s functionality.
Recommended for: Associations, nonprofits, and clubs focused on fundraising
Top Features: Raklet includes tools for organizing online and offline events. You can also provide more value to your community with discussion boards, job boards, and a searchable member directory.
Pricing: Raklet offers tiered pricing plans starting at $49 per month, with additional features and capabilities available at higher tiers. There’s also a free option with limited features.
SilkStart: Best for Multi-Chapter Organizations
SilkStart is a comprehensive association management platform tailored for multi-chapter organizations, allowing centralized management while empowering autonomous local chapters. It streamlines operations for organizations with complex structures and diverse membership bases.
Recommended for: Associations and organizations with multiple chapters, branches, or regional divisions
Top Features: SilkStart provides a centralized database for member management, robust chapter management tools, and event coordination across chapters. It also includes website building and communication tools for consistent branding.
Pricing: SilkStart’s pricing includes a one-time setup fee and recurring charges based on active members or chapters. The Standard Plan starts at $220 per month (billed annually) for up to 500 members. Meanwhile, the Multi-Chapter Plan starts at $665 per month (billed annually) for up to 10 chapters, and custom pricing is available for larger organizations or additional needs.
Springly: Best for Nonprofits and NGOs
Springly is an all-in-one solution that simplifies operations for nonprofits, NGOs, associations, churches, and other member-based organizations. It focuses on enhancing supporter engagement, strengthening communications, and streamlining fundraising.
Recommended for: Nonprofits, NGOs, and mission-driven organizations in a variety of sectors
Top Features: Springly includes membership management, donation tracking, website creation, and automated email marketing tools. The platform’s integrated event registration and financial reporting features make it easy to manage operations while staying mission-focused.
Pricing: Springly offers tiered pricing plans starting at $45 per month, with higher tiers offering advanced features like CRM tools and custom reporting. There’s also a free plan that offers basic fundraising, event, and membership capabilities.
StarChapter: Best for Local Chapters of National Associations
StarChapter is a user-friendly association management software solution designed to help local chapters of national associations manage operations, events, and communication. It simplifies administrative tasks while maintaining alignment with overarching goals and branding. It also empowers users to leverage the software based on their responsibilities, whether they’re a board president, treasurer, or other leader.
Recommended for: Local chapters of national or parent associations seeking streamlined tools for chapter management
Top Features: StarChapter includes event registration, membership management, email marketing, and content management tools, all integrated into a customizable chapter website. It also provides reporting features to share chapter performance with national organizations.
Pricing: StarChapter’s pricing starts at $53 per month, with plans varying based on chapter size and selected features. Expect to pay a setup fee ranging from $599-$3,041 based on your number of members.
ToucanTech: Best for Educational and Alumni Associations
ToucanTech is a specialized platform for educational and alumni associations, offering a unique blend of member engagement and database management tools. Its intuitive interface helps associations connect with alumni, donors, and members while streamlining administrative tasks.
Recommended for: Mid-sized educational institutions and alumni associations with up to 200K database records and looking to invest about $10K annually in new software
Top Features: ToucanTech includes tools for creating member portals, managing communications through email and social media, and processing donations with built-in fundraising features. It also makes it easy to plan events and promote job and mentoring opportunities.
Pricing: ToucanTech pricing is customized based on your organization’s size and needs, with flexible options available for different budgets.
Wild Apricot: Best Budget-Friendly AMS
Wild Apricot is affordable, user-friendly association management software designed for small associations and member-based nonprofits. Trusted by 15,000+ organizations, Wild Apricot offers a comprehensive suite of features at a competitive price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious organizations.
Recommended for: Small to mid-sized associations, nonprofits, clubs, or other member-based organizations seeking a cost-effective solution
Top Features: Wild Apricot provides membership management features, event registration capabilities, and a drag-and-drop website builder. Its self-service member portal and email marketing tools make it easy to engage members and maintain an online presence.
Pricing: Wild Apricot has a free trial and tiered pricing starting at $60 per month, based on your number of members. Save 10% by pre-paying for a year and 15% by pre-paying for two years. They also have multi-chapter pricing options.
YourMembership: Best for Member Engagement
YourMembership is a powerful association management system designed to boost member engagement. With a suite of customizable tools, it helps associations build strong member connections while automating administrative workflows, such as event management, membership renewals, and communication.
Recommended for: Small associations across industries that prioritize member engagement and retention
Top Features: YourMembership includes a member portal, learning management capabilities, event management, and email marketing tools for targeted communication. It also offers community forums, mobile-friendly features, and reporting tools to monitor engagement.
Pricing: Request a personalized quote for this association management platform.
How To Select the Best Association Management Software
Looking at this list of popular association management platforms, you might be unsure how to narrow down your options. Start by assembling a committee to evaluate different platforms. Having diverse perspectives will help you review your options objectively while considering each platform’s impact on various aspects of your association.
The buying process looks similar to any software your association might need. Follow these steps to select the best AMS for your team:
Evaluate your existing tools. List the tools your organization currently uses and their key features. Identify gaps or inefficiencies that an AMS could address to enhance productivity and member engagement.
Define your needs. Decide which features are essential for your association and which would be optional but beneficial. Focus on tools that simplify workflows, whether your priorities are managing members, member networking, events, communications, finances, or educational programs.
Set a budget. Establish a clear budget for your AMS, factoring in both upfront costs and ongoing expenses.
Research and compare options. Create a shortlist of vendors that align with your needs. Evaluate their features, pricing, and customer reviews to find the best match.
Request demos. Contact your top candidates to schedule demos. Use this opportunity to see the platform in action and ask detailed questions about how their solutions address your specific challenges.
Decide and implement your AMS. Present your final choice to leadership. Once approved, sign the contract and collaborate with the vendor to plan a smooth implementation process.
Adding association management software to your toolkit is an investment in your organization’s future, so take the time to assess your options thoroughly. You’ll be well-positioned to select a platform that fulfills your needs both today and down the road.
Choose Your Association Management Platform
The right association management software can be a lifeline, offering you the tools to work smarter, not harder. With so many choices, navigating the crowded market of AMS options can be overwhelming. Now, you know what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make a confident choice.
To learn more about association management, check out these free resources:
Double the Donation and Uncommon Giving have partnered to release a new integration that improves the matching gift process for employee donors, nonprofits, and corporations. The integration now introduces matching gift auto-submission, a revolutionary program to speed up the matching gift submission process.
“Auto-submission is a prime example of Uncommon Giving’s commitment to innovation in the name of improving experiences,” said Andy Howell, CEO at Uncommon Giving. “Our partnership with Double the Donation clears a path for our companies to broaden their impact and support their employees’ philanthropic passions.”
With matching gift auto-submission, donors who give to nonprofits using Double the Donation can not only discover their match eligibility in real time as they give, but can also immediately submit their matching gift request – no redirect required.
“We have spent years improving matching gift automation efforts for nonprofits. Now, we’re ready to take the next step via a partnership with Uncommon Giving,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Our auto-submission integration allows nonprofits to receive more in matching gifts, and gain more insight into the process. It’s a major win for fundraisers everywhere.”
Read on to learn more about how auto-submission between Double the Donation and Uncommon Giving works.
The Matching Process Made Easy for Donors, Companies, and Nonprofits
With auto-submission, donors can immediately submit their matching gift request directly from the nonprofit’s donation confirmation page after making a gift. Uncommon Giving processes the requests as offline matching gift requests for companies to complete their approval and disbursement process.
As the matching gift request goes through that process, the nonprofit receives real-time updates for when a matching gift request is approved and when funds are ready to go back to the nonprofit. Long hours reconciling matches will be a thing of the past with automatic status updates in Double the Donation.
Making Corporate Philanthropy Better, One Match at a Time
Uncommon Giving and Double the Donation’s partnership brings donors, companies, and nonprofits closer together by streamlining the workplace giving process and connecting donation spaces with corporate giving interfaces. If you want to learn more about our matching gift auto-submission initiative, read more here–and if you’re just getting started with matching gifts as a nonprofit or higher education institution, request a demo from Double the Donation today!
About Uncommon Giving: Uncommon Giving is a corporate social responsibility platform that helps businesses improve employee engagement, inspire brand loyalty and boost revenues – all while doing more good in the world. The Uncommon Giving platform enables corporate giving, employee giving, volunteering and other corporate social responsibility programs with less overhead than traditional solutions. The intuitive platform and fun-to-use, full-function mobile app enable companies of all sizes to quickly deploy a social impact program, engage employees, measure results, and evolve the program for sustainable success. Visit uncommongiving.com.
About Double the Donation: Double the Donation helps nonprofits and schools raise more from matching gift and workplace giving programs. We believe it should be easy for fundraisers to grow mission support by offering supporters actionable next steps for harnessing workplace giving programs. That’s why our robust database of workplace giving programs and our native platform integrations enable fundraisers to pursue matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other workplace giving programs with less effort and more confidence.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DTD-Blog_Uncommon-Giving_Feature.png5801550Erin Lavenderhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgErin Lavender2025-01-15 10:05:322025-01-14 15:58:59Uncommon Giving and Double the Donation Unveil Matching Gift Auto-Submission Partnership
Double the Donation is thrilled to launch a new partnership with volunteer management software Bugle, aimed at energizing volunteers through corporate volunteering incentives. The seamless volunteer integration between Double the Donation Volunteering and Bugle enables nonprofits and schools to maximize their volunteers’ impact by unlocking corporate incentives like volunteer grants and volunteer paid time off.
With the new integration, organizations can now include Double the Donation’s employer search tool directly within the Bugle volunteer signup forms and inform volunteers of their eligibility for corporate volunteer incentives as they register for a shift. Educating supporters about their corporate incentive programs at the time of signup encourages them to engage with organizations in new ways, boosting volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention.
“Our core goal at Bugle is to equip those who want to help with the right tools for making an impact. Our integration with Double the Donation’s volunteer module illustrates our commitment to that goal,” said Ryan Johnson, Co-Founder of Bugle. “We’re excited to see the Double the Donation Volunteering integration help our mutual clients deepen their volunteers’ support through volunteer grant and volunteer time off programs.”
Once volunteers discover their incentive program eligibility, Double the Donation Volunteering directs them to their employer’s next steps in claiming volunteer grants and time off, helping nonprofits drive more volunteer incentives to completion.
“With corporate social responsibility programs rising in recent years, volunteer incentive programs are now a fundamental tool for nonprofits to leverage in their fundraising and volunteer strategies,” said Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “The integration between Double the Donation Volunteering and Bugle will help more nonprofits utilize these programs to increase volunteer hours, claim more corporate donations, and motivate their supporters.”
The Bugle and Double the Donation Volunteering integration is now available for mutual clients of Double the Donation and Bugle. Follow our integration guide to get connected.
Ready to enhance volunteer engagement with corporate incentives? Request a personalized demo with the Double the Donation team today. Be sure to mention you use Bugle!
About Bugle
Bugle is a Nashville-based volunteer management software company that specializes in empowering nonprofit community outreach. Focused on providing innovative solutions to streamline volunteer coordination, our software enables nonprofits to significantly increase their efficiency and impact. Our unique platform allows nonprofits to quickly organize events, capture volunteer data, and turn community outreach into fundraising success. For more information, please visit Bugle.
About Double the Donation:
Automate your matching gift fundraising and corporate volunteering with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify individuals who qualify for corporate philanthropy initiatives, drive increased participation, and gain actionable insights from the programs. Double the Donation integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, volunteer management platforms, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up with donors accordingly. To learn more, visit Double the Donation.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bugle.png5801550Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-12-16 13:24:292024-12-16 14:19:20New Integration: Double the Donation and Bugle Team Up to Boost Volunteer Impact
What is the Guide to Securing Matching Gift Buy-In?
Double the Donation’s Guide to Securing Matching Gift Buy-In is designed to be your go-to resource for understanding, leveraging, and maximizing corporate matching gift opportunities for your organization. Matching gifts, often overlooked, supply an incredible source of funding for nonprofits—offered by companies to financially reward the causes their employees care about. However, many teams aren’t fully aware of how these programs work or how to tap into them effectively.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about matching gifts, from understanding the basics and eligibility requirements to actionable tips on how to increase participation and track results. We provide examples of companies offering generous matching gift programs, best practices for educating and engaging donors, and strategies for fostering relationships with corporate partners.
Whether you’re new to the concept of matching gifts or looking to refine your existing approach, this resource offers detailed insights to help you unlock additional funding and deepen your engagement with both individual and corporate supporters.
Why download the Guide to Securing Matching Gift Buy-In?
Maximize fundraising potential.
Access actionable strategies to significantly boost donation revenue by leveraging corporate matching gift programs. By understanding how to tap into this often underutilized resource, nonprofits can unlock additional funding.
Streamline matching gift processes.
Uncover clear steps for optimizing the management of matching gifts, from identifying eligible donors to simplifying the follow-up process. This helps organizations save time and effort while ensuring they don’t miss out on match-eligible contributions.
Enhance donor engagement.
Donors are more likely to give if they know about matching gifts. Unleash best practices for educating and motivating donors to participate in matching gift programs, strengthening donor relationships and increasing engagement with your cause.
Incorporating matching gifts into your nonprofit’s marketing strategy can unlock significant fundraising potential year-round. However, timing is everything when it comes to making a matching gift impact. By aligning your campaigns with key dates, seasons, and donor behaviors, you can ensure your message resonates at just the right moments. And lucky for you, a matching gift content calendar can help you stay organized, intentional, and proactive in promoting these valuable opportunities.
That’s why, in this blog post, we provide a year-round guide to crafting a strategic matching gift marketing calendar. This includes key promotional opportunities, such as:
From New Year’s resolutions to year-end giving, we’ll explore how to integrate matching gifts into your outreach efforts, ensuring your nonprofit maximizes donor participation and doubles impact throughout the year.
Let’s get started—at the beginning!
Start-of-year follow-ups
When: January
The beginning of the year is a golden opportunity to follow up with donors from the previous year, especially those who contributed during the busy holiday giving season. Many donors may not have submitted their matching gift requests yet, and corporate deadlines for these submissions often fall early in the year.
(Fun fact: Companies like Best Buy, A&E Television Networks, H&R Block, Home Depot, and Fifth Third Bank have established matching gift deadlines the following year after a gift is made, allowing for a few-month grace period.)
By encouraging donors to act promptly at the start of the new year, nonprofits can tap into unclaimed matching gift revenue while it’s still accessible.
Here’s an example social media post you can use to get started:
To make the most of this opportunity, nonprofits should send personalized emails to donors who gave in the last year. For the best results, these messages should include clear instructions for submitting matching gift requests and provide links to tools that simplify the process. Highlighting the additional impact their match could create—such as doubling the number of meals provided or trees planted—can also inspire action.
Matching Gift Month
When: February
February is recognized as Matching Gift Month, which offers a perfect platform to amplify awareness of corporate matching programs. This dedicated month gives organizations an opportunity to focus their messaging on educating donors and building momentum around matching gift opportunities.
Many donors remain unaware of their employers’ programs, making this an ideal time to bridge that knowledge gap.
Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:
To leverage Matching Gift Month effectively, nonprofits can host educational initiatives like webinars or Q&A sessions to demystify the matching gift process. Sharing success stories and testimonials from past matches can also inspire donors by showing the tangible results of their contributions. Meanwhile, creative campaigns using themed hashtags, such as #MatchingGiftMonth, can expand reach on social media and encourage sharing among supporters.
Match Madness
When: March
March is synonymous with the excitement of college basketball’s March Madness, and nonprofits can use this energy to create their own “Match Madness” campaigns. These themed initiatives add a sense of urgency and fun to matching gift outreach, appealing to donors’ competitive spirits and encouraging them to take action.
Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:
An effective Match Madness campaign involves setting a fundraising goal and tracking progress in real time, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for supporters.
Not to mention, borrowing sports-inspired messaging and graphics can make the campaign visually appealing and memorable.
Spring matching gift reminders
When: April-May
Spring is a season of renewal—and an excellent time to remind donors about matching gift opportunities. Donors may still be eligible to submit matching gift requests for contributions made in the previous year, and you’ll likely have received a good amount of new-year gifts, too. This makes spring an ideal period to encourage matching gift follow-through.
Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:
To capitalize on this season, nonprofits should send bright, cheerful reminders to donors, encouraging them to “spring into action” and double their impact.
Plus, newsletters and event follow-ups can be great places to incorporate matching gift messaging. Collaborating with companies to host spring workplace giving or volunteer events can further engage donors and employers in the matching gift process, too!
Summer matching gift reminders
When: June-August
Summer may be a slower season for fundraising, but it offers an opportunity to maintain donor engagement when they may have more downtime.
Reminders sent during the summer months can keep matching gifts at the top of mind and ensure nonprofits remain part of their supporters’ giving priorities.
Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:
Summer campaigns can stand out by incorporating fun, vacation-themed messaging, such as “Make a splash this summer by doubling your gift!”
Multi-channel outreach, including social media posts, postcards, and emails, can effectively engage donors who may not be checking traditional communication channels as frequently during this period.
Fall matching gift reminders
When: September-October
As the year transitions into fall, donors begin preparing for year-end giving. This makes it an ideal time to educate them about matching gifts and how they can get involved.
Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:
Nonprofits can maximize this opportunity by hosting donor appreciation events that include discussions about matching gifts. These events, whether virtual or in-person, provide a platform to educate donors while thanking them for their support.
End-of-year matching gift follow-ups
When: November-December
The end-of-year giving season is a critical time for nonprofits, and matching gift follow-ups can significantly boost revenue during this period. Many donors give generously in December, making it essential to remind them to submit matching gift requests while the contributions are still fresh in their minds.
As the year comes to a close, time-sensitive reminders should emphasize submission deadlines and the potential for doubled impact of their gift.
(Fun fact: Companies like UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, 3M, AAA, and Subway all have enacted end-of-year matching gift deadlines, adding a layer of urgency to year-end submission reminders.)
Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:
Nonprofits can also highlight the tax benefits of year-end giving and matching gifts, providing donors with an extra incentive to take action.
Giving Tuesday matching gift outreach
When: Giving Tuesday and Matching Wednesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity—and one of the most important days for nonprofit fundraising. Pairing matching gifts with Giving Tuesday outreach is a powerful way to encourage donors to maximize their impact. Not to mention, the day following Giving Tuesday has been dubbed Matching Wednesday, a powerful opportunity to get the previous day’s gifts matched while momentum is high.
Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:
Nonprofits can promote matching gifts through Giving Tuesday (and Matching Wednesday) emails, social media posts, and campaign landing pages. Meanwhile, real-time impact updates and countdowns can establish a sense of urgency and excitement, driving donors to act.
Partnering with corporate sponsors to offer special (or one-off) matches on this day can further amplify results, inspiring supporters to give and share the campaign with their networks.
Bonus: Affinity day/week/month messaging
When: Your organization’s affinity day, week, or month
Affinity days, weeks, or months, such as Earth Day or Pride Month, provide nonprofits with a unique opportunity to align matching gift messaging with causes that resonate deeply with their donors. These special occasions create a natural connection between corporate giving and a specific mission, inspiring supporters to participate.
To make the most of these opportunities, nonprofits should tailor their messaging to the themes of the event. For example, during Earth Day, a nonprofit focused on environmental causes could highlight how matching gifts double the number of trees planted or acres of land restored.
Meanwhile, partnering with corporate sponsors that share the same values can also increase visibility and participation in matching gift programs.
Wrapping up & additional resources
A well-executed matching gift content calendar empowers your nonprofit to stay ahead of the curve. This allows organizations to make the most of every opportunity to promote corporate matching programs. Start planning your matching gift content strategy today, and watch as your nonprofit’s impact grows month by month.
Remember, each reminder, campaign, or social media post is a chance to connect donors with the power of doubling their contributions—and fueling your mission more.
Interested in learning more about matching gift strategies? Check out these recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge:
The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Take a deep dive into everything you need to know about marketing matching gifts. This comprehensive guide covers strategies for promoting matching gift opportunities through email, social media, direct mail, and more.
How to Get Matching Gifts Trending at Your Organization. Looking to boost matching gift awareness within your nonprofit? Learn to engage staff, educate donors, and leverage technology to create a culture of matching gifts that drive long-term results. Get the guide to learn how!
Top 20+ Matching Gift Companies: Leaders in Corporate Giving. Discover the companies setting the standard in corporate philanthropy. This resource highlights over 20 top employers with generous matching gift programs, including program details, eligibility requirements, and key insights.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DTD_Matching-Gift-Content-Calendar-Marketing-Through-the-Year_Feature.png6001600Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-11-22 17:05:542024-11-26 21:00:34Matching Gift Content Calendar: Marketing Through the Year
The template provides a comprehensive framework with a clear structure for planning and presenting a matching gift marketing plan, including goals, strategies, and actionable steps. Not to mention, each slide is designed to be easily tailored to fit a nonprofit’s unique needs, branding, and matching gift goals.
Why download the Matching Gift Marketing Plan?
Maximize fundraising potential.
Access actionable strategies to significantly boost donation revenue by leveraging corporate matching gift programs. By understanding how to tap into this often underutilized resource, nonprofits can unlock additional funding.
Streamline matching gift processes.
Uncover clear steps for optimizing the management of matching gifts, from identifying eligible donors to simplifying the follow-up process. This helps organizations save time and effort while ensuring they don’t miss out on match-eligible contributions.
Enhance donor engagement.
Donors are more likely to give if they know about matching gifts. Unleash best practices for educating and motivating donors to participate in matching gift programs, strengthening donor relationships and increasing engagement with your cause.
Did you know that the value of a single volunteer hour (according to the benefit it produces for an organization) is estimated to be $29.95? Or that thousands of companies offer generous volunteer grant programs to encourage staff to support philanthropic efforts? Volunteerism trends like these can shed significant light on an invaluable opportunity for your team.
To help your nonprofit understand your volunteers a bit more, this guide will conduct a deep dive into the following essential volunteer trends and patterns:
Volunteers play an integral role in your nonprofit, handling responsibilities from behind-the-scenes bookkeeping to on-the-ground work at your program sites. When solidifying your volunteer program’s recruitment strategies, understanding the nonprofit landscape allows you to source powerful insights from broader trends in volunteer behavior and motivations. Then, you can use the insights to adjust your strategy and better attract and retain a solid group of volunteers.
Ready? Let’s begin with the first trend!
One-third of the nonprofit workforce is made up of volunteers.
For U.S.-based nonprofits, volunteers are everywhere. In fact, recent reports indicate that an estimated 63 million Americans volunteer their time and energy with organizations like yours.
That said, your nonprofit’s staff is instrumental in providing beneficiaries with the services they need. However, most nonprofits have tight budgets and often rely on volunteer labor to get work done. This is so much the case that an astounding one-third of all nonprofit workers are volunteers.
Of course, the ratio of paid employees to volunteers will vary from one nonprofit to the next. For example, many small organizations do incredibly important work but are entirely made up of volunteers. In contrast, enterprise-size nonprofits often have entire departments of paid employees.
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
Because so much labor at charitable organizations goes unpaid, calculations of the nonprofit sector’s economic value will always be off. Don’t let this impact how your nonprofit values your volunteers. Instead, show your appreciation and ensure your volunteer staff feel like they’re a real part of your team. Ultimately, they are!
This also means that, by sourcing new volunteers, organizations can often expand their capabilities and do even more for their missions.
Most U.S.-based volunteers are between the ages of 35 and 44.
Reports show that the average U.S. volunteer is a woman between the ages of 35 and 44, usually with a child less than 18 years of age.
It’s important to recognize that non-women, along with people of other age groups, certainly volunteer, as well. However, there are a few key assumptions we can draw from the average organization’s volunteer profile.
For example, middle-aged mothers are likely to volunteer at their children’s school, church, and neighborhood activities. This assessment also holds true for reports of informal volunteering—such as cooking for neighbors, taking care of children, and improving the state of their communities.
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
Assess your current supporter base to see if your nonprofit’s average volunteer fits this profile. Then, use the information to tap into audiences your nonprofit may have previously neglected.
For example, how can you reach more families? Do you offer volunteer positions that are convenient for working professionals? Be sure to assess not just your volunteer marketing but the overall accessibility of your volunteer program for individuals with differing circumstances, needs, and opportunities.
Regular volunteerism offers numerous benefits for individuals.
Partaking in volunteerism provides numerous and widespread benefits for volunteers, the organizations with which they devote their time, and their communities as a whole. For volunteers themselves, the value includes personal fulfillment, a deepened sense of purpose, and professional skill development.
When asked why they volunteer, 35% of individuals indicated their primary reason was to socialize. However, the majority of volunteers (83%) say their main motivator is helping a cause they care about.
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
It’s easy to focus solely on how volunteering helps the nonprofit recruit supporters. However, while volunteers do want to help causes they care about, it never hurts to mention the benefits they can receive in addition to making a positive impact.
Be upfront about the skills and experience supporters can gain from volunteering. This can include anything from customer service experience, data management, specific labor and technical skills, or anything else related to your programs that’s also applicable in the workplace.
Formal volunteerism rates are declining in most states.
Nonprofits need volunteers to staff events, help during fundraisers, and complete tasks that keep their programs running. However, finding enough people to fill all available volunteer positions isn’t always easy, and 62% of nonprofit CEOs state that recruiting enough volunteers is an issue. This goes hand-in-hand with additional data reporting that the demand for many nonprofit services is up.
If your nonprofit has had trouble filling volunteer positions, know that you’re not alone. The majority of U.S. states have seen a decrease in the percentage of their population that formally volunteers. How much volunteering has declined varies from state to state, with some following routine ebbs and flows, while others have experienced as much as a 10% drop. For example, in Florida, already a state with low volunteering rates, 22.8% of the population volunteered in 2017. Four years later, it’s just 15.9%.
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
While volunteer rates can shift for a number of reasons, there are several factors your nonprofit can control. For example, consider what roles you have open for volunteers. How do you promote these opportunities? Are these roles volunteers would be interested in, or are they positions that are mostly rote work? Is your team sourcing support through corporate volunteer initiatives?
Additionally, if you’re constantly having to find new volunteers, that might be a sign to take a step back and assess your volunteer retention strategy. Talk with these volunteers about improvements to your program they’d like to see and show your appreciation. Even if you’re low on staff, make sure not to overwork them to avoid volunteer burnout, too.
Companies are increasingly encouraging their staff to partake in volunteerism.
More and more, companies are actively encouraging their employees to engage in volunteerism, recognizing the benefits of such initiatives for team building, employee satisfaction, corporate social responsibility, and more.
For example, 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grants, where they encourage their employees to volunteer by donating to the nonprofits their employees support. It generally works like this:
An employee volunteers at an eligible nonprofit.
The employee reports their volunteer hours and other needed information. Most employee volunteer grant programs are based on the hours an employee volunteers. Some provide a per-hour rate, while others require a certain number of hours to be met before donating a flat amount. Additionally, employers often require the nonprofit’s name, tax ID, and mailing address.
The company donates to the nonprofit. Once a volunteer grant application is submitted, the company reviews it. If the nonprofit and hours requirements have been met, the grant application is improved, and the nonprofit receives a donation.
While the amount offered will vary from one company to another, 80% of employers report offering grants worth $8 to $15 per hour a team member volunteers.
Another way companies incentivize volunteerism is through volunteer time off (VTO), generally offering between 8 and 40 hours each year. Around 60% of companies currently provide employees with paid VTO, with an additional 21% planning to implement a VTO policy in the coming months.
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
Your supporters’ time is already an invaluable resource for your organization. When you consider that your nonprofit may qualify for grant funding in addition to the hours volunteers donate, you’re presented with an excellent opportunity to maximize this group’s support. Every hour a volunteer spends with your organization not only contributes their time and skills (which is currently worth an estimated $29.95), but also translates into direct financial support.
Therefore, start educating your volunteers about the power of volunteer grants and other incentives. Keep careful track of their hours, and help them discover if they’re eligible for employer-sponsored programming. Most companies will have the relevant information accessible through their CSR portal or in their office handbook. If you can’t find any information there, it also never hurts to ask!
Meanwhile, Volunteer Time Off programs provide employees with the opportunity to volunteer during work hours without sacrificing their income. And 67% of survey respondents say having paid time off to volunteer would make for a positive engagement experience! Take a look at the supporters in your network, and see if any work for companies that offer these programs.
There’s a significant overlap between companies offering matching gifts and ones offering volunteer incentives.
You may have heard that more than 24,000 companies offer matching gifts for their employees. But did you know that companies contributing matching gifts often overlap significantly with those offering volunteer grant programs? In fact, recent studies indicate that over 85% of the top matching gift companies also offer volunteer grants.
In other words, philanthropic-minded employers generally offer more than one opportunity for staff to get involved. If you know a company matches monetary donations, the chances are good that it’ll match volunteer time as well—and vice versa!
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
If you’re looking for volunteer grant opportunities to pursue, identifying well-known matching gift companies can give your organization the boost you need. This can also provide an excellent chance to pitch volunteer activities to matching gift donors and matching gift opportunities to “Dollars for Doers” volunteers.
This also means that a dual approach to marketing can further amplify fundraising efforts. When engaging with donors, it’s beneficial to educate them about both matching gift and volunteer grant opportunities. You don’t want to let either program fall by the wayside!
Many corporate volunteer incentives continue to be underutilized.
Despite the rise in corporate encouragement for volunteerism, many corporate volunteer incentives remain underutilized. Why? Unfortunately, awareness rates are often low, suggesting a need for better promotion around the program to maximize the opportunities.
Today, the average employee participation level for volunteer grants, or Dollars for Doers, is a mere 3%. Like matching gifts, there’s a significant knowledge gap when it comes to eligible volunteers being aware of the opportunities.
Meanwhile, the average corporate volunteer participation rate stands at 33%. Although not all employees participate in existing volunteer incentive programs, it’s worth noting that companies with fewer than 10,000 employees achieved a higher-than-average participation rate of 39%. At the same time, those with more than 50,000 employees had a participation rate of 24%.
What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?
For nonprofits, a steadily low participation rate represents an opportunity to increase awareness and, subsequently, engagement in the programs. Volunteers who don’t know about their companies’ existing programming won’t know to request volunteer grant funding on your organization’s behalf, thus leaving dollars on the table.
By actively promoting the benefits of volunteer grants and other corporate incentives to volunteers, donors, and partners alike, your nonprofit can encourage higher participation and secure more employee giving revenue than before.
Wrapping Up & Additional Philanthropy Resources
As the volunteer landscape continues to evolve, nonprofits like yours face a unique opportunity to make the most of your supporter base. Companies are recognizing the dual benefits of volunteer programs: enhancing corporate social responsibility while fostering employee engagement. Meanwhile, innovations in technology are making it easier than ever for individuals to find and participate in volunteer activities that align with their passions and skills.
Incorporating these trends into your organization’s volunteer strategy can lead to more robust and effective programs. By staying ahead of these developments, businesses and nonprofits alike can maximize their impact, build stronger communities, and create a more engaged and fulfilled workforce.
Interested in learning more about volunteerism trends and other philanthropy opportunities? Check out these recommended resources:
Essential Corporate Giving and Matching Gift Statistics. Dive into the world of corporate giving and employee matching gifts with a look at our key research. Uncover must-know statistics and see how these findings can impact your team.
Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Volunteer Grants. Make the most of volunteerism for your organization by leveraging corporate volunteer grants. Learn everything you need to know about Dollars for Doers programs, and how your cause can benefit.
Winning Workplace Giving Strategies & How to Leverage Them. Explore top workplace giving strategies offered by companies across the globe. From volunteer incentives to matching gifts and more, these programs can significantly elevate your fundraising.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DTD_Volunteerism-Trends-Corporate-Incentives-and-More_Feature.png6001600Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-11-19 02:10:082025-01-03 18:52:42Volunteerism Trends in 2025 | Corporate Incentives and More
Corporate sponsorships are a cornerstone for many nonprofits, providing vital financial support and fostering meaningful partnerships. However, to truly understand the impact and potential of corporate sponsorships, it’s essential to examine the facts and figures that drive these relationships. From industry trends to the return on investment for nonprofits and companies alike, corporate sponsorship statistics offer valuable insights into how sponsorships are evolving, the types of partnerships that are thriving, and how nonprofits can optimize their sponsorship strategies.
In this post, we’ll explore key corporate sponsorship statistics that every nonprofit should know to better navigate and leverage these partnerships.
Sponsorship makes up 12% of a brand’s marketing budget on average.
Key Takeaway 🔑
With sponsorships accounting for such a significant portion of a brand’s marketing budget, nonprofits have a valuable opportunity to secure funding by aligning with companies looking to invest in high-impact partnerships. By demonstrating how your organization can provide meaningful exposure and engagement, you can attract sponsors who see the value in supporting your cause.
In 2022, global brands invested an astounding $97.4 billion in corporate sponsorships, with the figure expected to reach $189.5 billion by 2030.
Key Takeaway 🔑
The substantial growth in corporate sponsorships, projected to nearly double by 2030, presents a significant opportunity for nonprofits. By strategically aligning with corporate sponsors and demonstrating measurable impact, nonprofits can tap into this growing funding stream to support their missions and expand their reach.
The largest portion of global sponsorship spending comes from North America, totaling over $22.3 billion annually. North America also had the highest growth of global sponsorship spending, increasing by more than $4.2 billion over five years.
Key Takeaway 🔑
North America’s dominance and rapid growth in global sponsorship spending highlight a prime opportunity for nonprofits in the region. By targeting corporate sponsors in this thriving market and showcasing the mutual benefits of partnership, nonprofits can secure a larger share of this expanding investment to fuel their missions.
KPIs companies track to demonstrate sponsorship value:
Sales leads – 48%
Booth traffic – 46%
Attendance/participation – 38%
Social media impressions – 28%
Return on investment – 24%
Brand impressions – 23%
Website traffic – 23%
Post-event surveys - 17%
Media coverage – 12%
Key Takeaway 🔑
Companies prioritize measurable KPIs, such as sales leads, booth traffic, and social media impressions, to evaluate sponsorship success. Nonprofits can attract and retain sponsors by aligning partnership opportunities with these metrics, providing data-driven results, and demonstrating clear value for the company’s investment.
52% of companies that purchase sponsorships prefer to select from a la carte options rather than packages that bundle multiple items at a fixed price.
Key Takeaway 🔑
In order to best attract companies for partnerships, nonprofits should offer customizable sponsorship opportunities. Tailoring packages to meet specific corporate goals can increase appeal, foster flexibility, and maximize sponsorship revenue.
Corporate survey respondents ranked the following sponsorship opportunities as the mosteffective in terms of marketing potential:
Speaking opportunities
Networking events
Social media
E-blasts
Boards/graphics
Official receptions
Event apps
Hospitality lounges
Show directories
Badge lanyards
Corporate survey respondents ranked the following sponsorship opportunities as the leasteffective in terms of marketing potential:
Headrest covers
Taxi toppers
Public transit graphics
Hotel in-room television
Yoga/wellness activities
Hotel room door hangers
Cups/napkins
Shuttle bus wraps
Hotel room drops
Hotel key cards/sleeves
Key Takeaway 🔑
Sponsors prioritize opportunities with high visibility and direct audience engagement, such as speaking opportunities, networking events, and social media. Nonprofits should focus on these high-impact sponsorship offerings while being strategic with alternative options to ensure sponsors see value in their investments.
81% of corporate survey respondents indicated a belief that sponsorships have moderate or significant potential in terms of business value.
Key Takeaway 🔑
With the vast majority of corporate respondents recognizing sponsorships as valuable for their business, nonprofits have a strong case for presenting sponsorships as win-win opportunities. Highlighting measurable benefits like brand visibility, audience engagement, and alignment with social impact goals can help secure corporate partnerships, too!
Roughly 4 in 10 corporate survey respondents who do not invest in sponsorships say their lack of doing so is driven by inadequate budgets and/or personnel. Meanwhile, an additional 40% opted out of sponsorship investments due to insubstantial previous sponsorship results.
Key Takeaway 🔑
Budget constraints and past performance concerns are key barriers for companies not investing in sponsorships. Nonprofits can address these hesitations by offering scalable, cost-effective options and presenting data-backed success stories that demonstrate the tangible value of sponsorships.
When asked what they considered important actions when meeting with a sponsorship representative, corporate sponsors ranked the following most essential:
Being well-prepared
Presenting creative ideas
Asking relevant questions to understand needs
Customizing sponsorship programs to meet the company’s objectives
Providing relevant research data and insights
Key Takeaway 🔑
Corporate sponsors value preparation, creativity, and customization in sponsorship proposals. Nonprofits should focus on understanding a sponsor’s goals, presenting tailored opportunities, and backing their pitch with relevant data to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Interested in learning how? Check out our webinar replay on building a corporate development strategy here!
Corporate marketers reported strong growth in sponsorship spending for the year, with 44% increasing their budgets over 2022.
Nearly 3 in 10 sponsors increasing their spending did so by more than 40%, while another 4 out of 10 grew their budgets by between 20% and 40%.
69% of corporate sponsors reported that their sponsorship departments would “gain more attention/have an increasingly important role” within their organizations in the next few years.
Key Takeaway 🔑
With nearly half of corporate marketers increasing sponsorship budgets and a majority anticipating greater organizational focus on sponsorships, nonprofits have a prime opportunity to engage with sponsors eager to invest in impactful partnerships. By showcasing measurable results and aligning with corporate goals, nonprofits can secure a share of this growing investment.
Corporate sponsorships continue to be a significant driver of growth for nonprofits, with trends pointing toward increased investment in cause-driven partnerships. By understanding the statistics behind corporate sponsorships, nonprofits can make better-informed decisions, craft more compelling proposals, and engage with potential sponsors in ways that deliver mutual value.
With the right data in hand, nonprofits are better positioned to build strong, long-lasting relationships that support their mission and drive their success. Stay informed, adapt to emerging trends, and leverage the power of corporate sponsorships to elevate your organization’s impact with ease.
Ready to learn more about corporate sponsorships and beyond? Check out these recommended blog articles:
Corporate sponsorships play a vital role in helping nonprofits achieve their missions. After all, these partnerships provide much-needed financial resources, increase visibility, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships between fundraising organizations and the companies that support them. However, to fully leverage the opportunities, nonprofits must track corporate sponsorships effectively to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term success.
Lucky for you, this guide is here to provide actionable strategies, tools, and best practices for tracking sponsorships with ease.
Whether you’re new to corporate fundraising or are looking to refine your processes for better results, this post will equip you with the knowledge to manage your sponsorships like a pro.
Why is tracking corporate sponsorships essential?
Tracking corporate sponsorships ensures effective management of these valuable partnerships—not to mention maximizes their benefits. Here’s why it’s so important for organizations like yours:
Strengthening Relationships with Sponsors. Corporate sponsorships thrive on strong relationships. By keeping detailed records of contributions, obligations, and communications, nonprofits can ensure consistent and meaningful engagement with sponsors.
Growing Accountability and Transparency. Nonprofits have a responsibility to show how sponsorship funds are used. Tracking enables organizations to provide detailed reports to sponsors, demonstrating that resources are allocated appropriately and in line with agreed-upon objectives.
Measuring Impact. Tracking allows nonprofits to assess the success of sponsorships. This includes evaluating the financial support received, the success of sponsored initiatives, and the value delivered to the sponsor, such as brand visibility or audience engagement.
Streamlining Reporting. Accurate tracking simplifies the reporting process for internal use, sponsors, and regulatory bodies. Well-documented sponsorships save time and reduce errors when creating financial reports, filing taxes, or preparing performance updates for stakeholders.
Improving Strategy. A thorough tracking system provides insights into which sponsorships are the most effective. Nonprofits can use this data to refine sponsorship packages, enhance proposals, and focus on partnerships that align with their mission and generate the most value.
Avoiding Missed Opportunities. Corporate sponsorships often come with deliverables such as event branding, media mentions, or reporting requirements. Tracking these commitments ensures nonprofits meet their obligations, maintain credibility, and avoid jeopardizing future sponsorships.
By prioritizing the tracking of corporate sponsorships, nonprofits can maintain organized, impactful, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Remember: it’s not just about managing sponsorships effectively—it’s about setting the stage for growth, trust, and ongoing wins.
Core steps in the corporate sponsorship tracking process
For the best results, tracking should occur at every stage in the corporate sponsorship process. Here’s a look at how your organization can begin implementing partnerships—and what to track for each phase:
1. Identify Potential Sponsors
Targeting the right sponsors increases the likelihood of securing partnerships and ensures a good mission fit. That said, this first step in the partnership process involves researching and identifying companies that align with your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and target audience.
We recommend looking for companies with a history of philanthropy or partnerships with nonprofits like yours. Then, analyze their marketing or corporate social responsibility goals to ensure alignment with your organization. From there, you can use tools like LinkedIn, networking events, or local business directories to identify and engage with prospective sponsors. And don’t forget to look for companies with existing relationships to your cause, such as employee giving engagement, either! Your donors’ employers are going to be some of your greatest prospects, while you can use other components to narrow down your list and target your focus.
What to track at this stage: Potential sponsors, companies to reach out to, your donors’ employers
2. Develop a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal
A sponsorship proposal serves as your pitch to potential sponsors, outlining the benefits and specifics of the partnership you seek. A strong, tailored proposal shows potential sponsors how a partnership would meet their objectives and add value to their bottom line.
As you craft your proposal, include details about your nonprofit’s mission, audience demographics, and past successes. Plus, offer sponsorship packages that highlight visibility opportunities, such as logo placements, event sponsorships, or media mentions. You can even personalize proposals based on the sponsor’s interests, whether it be employee engagement or brand alignment.
After all, the best sponsorships occur when both parties’ needs are being met, allowing the relationship to co-create value on all sides.
What to track at this stage: Outreach to potential sponsors, as well as any responses you receive
3. Secure Sponsorship Agreements
Once a sponsor agrees to work with you, you’ll want to formalize the arrangement through a written agreement that outlines specific expectations. After all, a clear agreement protects both parties and ensures transparency and accountability throughout the partnership.
In the arrangement, start by clearly defining any financial or in-kind contributions, timelines, and deliverables. Specify how and when the sponsor will receive agreed-upon benefits and include terms for any modifications that may arise.
What to track at this stage: Partnership expectations and timelines
4. Deliver on Commitments
Delivering on your promises strengthens relationships and boosts the likelihood of companies ultimately renewing their sponsorships. This next step ensures that all obligations outlined in the agreement are fulfilled to maintain the sponsor’s trust and satisfaction.
To do so, be sure to track milestones and deadlines to ensure timely execution. Provide promised benefits, such as branding opportunities, event access, or social media mentions, and document the process to show proof of fulfillment throughout.
What to track at this stage: Tangible deliverables agreed upon through the sponsorship
5. Measure and Report Impact
At this point, it’s time to evaluate the outcomes of the sponsorship to demonstrate its success to the sponsor—and inform future partnerships. Sponsors want to see the value and impact of their support, which justifies their investment and builds trust.
For the best results, track metrics like funds raised, audience engagement, or the number of beneficiaries served (but there’s more on that below). You can even use visuals such as charts, photos, or testimonials to make reports engaging, highlighting key achievements and alignment with the sponsor’s overall goals.
What to track at this stage: Mission impact through funds raised or collected
6. Maintain and Strengthen Relationships
This final step focuses on nurturing the sponsor relationship to foster loyalty and future collaborations. After all, strong relationships lead to repeat sponsorships, referrals, and long-term partnerships.
Keep in regular contact with sponsors even after their engagement ends, sharing updates and thanking them for their contributions. Plus, you’ll want to actively seek feedback to improve their experience and explore ongoing sponsorships.
What to track at this stage: Sponsor feedback, opportunities for future improvements or engagement
Metrics & KPIs for tracking corporate sponsorship success
Tracking the success of corporate sponsorships involves the measurement of both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Here are some key metrics and KPIs nonprofits can use to evaluate and optimize their sponsorships:
Sponsorship revenue
Total monetary contributions received from sponsors.
Percentage of goal achieved
How much the sponsorship helped reach specific campaign or event fundraising goals.
Return on investment (ROI)
Sponsorship income compared to costs incurred in delivering the partnership (e.g., branding, events, or communications).
Audience reach
The number of people exposed to the sponsor’s brand through the partnership (e.g., event attendance, social media impressions, or website traffic).
Social media mentions
Posts, shares, or comments that highlight the sponsor or partnership.
Media coverage
Articles, press mentions, or interviews that reference the sponsorship.
Campaign performance
Results from co-branded marketing campaigns, including click-through rates, conversions, and lead generation.
Event participation
Number of sponsor representatives or employees attending events or engaging in sponsored activities.
Beneficiaries served
The number of people or communities positively impacted due to the sponsorship.
Program outcomes
Tangible results of the sponsorship, such as meals provided, scholarships awarded, or shelters built.
Sponsor retention rate
Percentage of sponsors who renew their support year after year.
By consistently monitoring these metrics, nonprofits can assess the effectiveness of their corporate sponsorships, demonstrate value to their sponsors, and identify areas for improvement to build stronger, more impactful partnerships in the long term.
Next steps & additional resources
Tracking corporate sponsorships effectively is the key to building stronger relationships. By implementing the right tools, following our recommended best practices, and analyzing KPIs to calculate corporate partner success, your organization can foster lasting relationships with sponsors while achieving its mission better.
Remember, the effort you put into tracking today will pay off in future sponsorship opportunities and increased trust with your partners. Take the next step: evaluate your current tracking processes, explore new tools, and refine your strategy to unlock the full potential of your corporate sponsorships.
With the right approach, you’ll not only meet your goals but also create a sustainable framework for long-term success.
Interested in learning more? Check out these additional resources on corporate sponsorships and other forms of workplace giving:
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