Corporate Volunteering Insights From the Recent Summit

7 Corporate Volunteering Insights From the Fall 2025 Summit

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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.

Meet the Speakers:

  • 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

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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

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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.

Boost Corporate Giving Revenue with Our New Volunteering Features!

Boost Corporate Giving Revenue with Our New Volunteering Features!

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The Double the Donation team is excited to announce two major updates to our Volunteering Module designed to help nonprofits deepen engagement with supporters and unlock more volunteer grant revenue. With the addition of volunteer grant process statuses and targeted messaging streams with customizable email templates, organizations can now track every step of the volunteer grant journey and connect with volunteers at the right time in the right way.

These updates deliver greater visibility, actionable insights, and scalable automation to help you maximize impact without adding administrative burden. Let’s dive into each one in greater detail below.

Improved Visibility with Detailed Volunteer Grant Statuses

Tracking volunteer grants can be complex and time-consuming. Nonprofits frequently struggle to keep track of where each volunteer stands in their grant journey, from registration to payment. The good news? Double the Donation now offers a solution: New Volunteer Grant Process Statuses, providing a clear and structured view of each volunteer’s progress throughout the grant lifecycle.

How It Works

With our new Volunteer Grant Process Statuses, you can now see at a glance where each volunteer is in the process and quickly identify next steps. Every volunteer record in Double the Donation includes two key elements:

  • Volunteer Grant Stage – The current step the volunteer is in within the grant process.
  • Employer Identification – The status of confirming the volunteer’s employer information.

These statuses offer actionable insights that empower your team to pinpoint areas needing follow-up, identify stalled grants, and track when funds are expected, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.

For more details on what each status means, check out the complete Knowledge Base article now.

Transforming the Volunteer Grant Journey

Double the Donation provides a full view of the volunteer’s journey, helping you prioritize outreach and ensure no potential revenue is overlooked. With clear visibility into where volunteers are in the grant process, you can strategically target those who are eligible but have not yet completed key steps, making sure you don’t miss out on funding opportunities.

For example, you can see when a volunteer is eligible but still hasn’t taken action, allowing your team to reach out and encourage them to move forward. Or, if a volunteer has completed the majority of the steps but is waiting for employer verification, you can follow up to ensure the process continues smoothly. This enables smarter volunteer outreach, helping you convert more eligible volunteers into completed grants and turning their time into critical funding for your organization.

The Outcome: Smarter Outreach, Greater Impact

With these enhanced tracking tools, your team gains complete visibility into the volunteer grant process. This clarity allows you to prioritize communication with supporters who have the highest potential for grant approval, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. By focusing on these high-impact volunteers, you can maximize conversions and turn more volunteer hours into real funding for your cause. It’s a streamlined, data-driven approach that drives both engagement and revenue, helping you achieve greater success.

 

Prefer to hear our Product Manager, Erin Lavender, speak about the updates? Check out our highlight video below!

 

Personalized Communication Through Automated Messaging Streams

Engaging volunteers is key to driving action, and personalized outreach plays a central role in fostering that engagement. With the latest update to the Volunteering Module, we’ve expanded our automated messaging streams and email templates, giving nonprofits even more control over their volunteer communications and enabling them to increase conversions across the board.

Expanded Automated Email Streams: Tailored Outreach for Every Volunteer Program

Our expanded email streams provide greater flexibility and more targeted outreach, ensuring your organization can connect with volunteers in the most effective way, no matter your program or goals. Whether you’re working with volunteers who have employer grant incentives or those exploring new opportunities, our messaging tools are designed to streamline communication, maximize engagement, and drive action.

Volunteer Grant & Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Incentives

These core email streams are designed for volunteers who are already connected to a company offering volunteer-related incentives or need to identify their employer to unlock these opportunities. The emails are tailored to encourage them to take action, whether that’s initiating a grant request or exploring available corporate programs.

Each email in this stream includes:

  • Personalized information based on the volunteer’s employer details.
  • Direct links for initiating grant requests or searching for employer programs.
  • Motivating language to encourage them to act now and maximize their volunteer impact.

Discover Volunteer Incentives

This stream is for volunteers who haven’t yet provided employer details or used the company search tool. These emails guide them in exploring potential corporate volunteer incentives, encouraging them to complete the process and start unlocking new opportunities.

Emails in this stream include:

  • A reminder of the benefits of corporate volunteer programs.
  • A simple call to action to search for their employer.
  • Encouraging language that emphasizes the value of completing this step and amplifies their impact.

Each of these email streams plays a vital role in guiding your volunteers through the process and increasing their chances of securing corporate funding, with each option serving a distinct purpose. This ensures that no volunteer is left behind, regardless of where they are in the process.

By providing tailored, actionable information at each stage, these communications work together to drive volunteers through the pipeline, increasing both engagement and the likelihood of securing funding.

Customization Options: Complete Control for Your Team

To ensure your outreach aligns with your nonprofit’s unique voice, timing, and goals, all email templates are fully customizable. This means administrators can:

  • Enable or disable individual email streams to tailor outreach to your specific needs.
  • Adjust send times to optimize message delivery based on volunteer behavior or engagement patterns.
  • Personalize content by editing subject lines and email copy using dynamic fields, such as [Volunteer First Name].
  • Preview and test emails before sending to ensure brand consistency and relevance.

This level of detailed customization means that your communications can be as tailored as your organization’s mission while still benefiting from the efficiency of automated outreach. It’s a win-win!

The Result: More Control, Smarter Outreach

By expanding your email stream options, we’re giving your nonprofit more control over corporate volunteer outreach than ever before. Now, you can strategically focus on the most valuable opportunities, whether that means engaging volunteers with active employer grants or guiding others to take the necessary steps to unlock time-off incentives.

With greater control over your messaging, you can focus on what matters most to your team, ensuring your outreach is both personalized and effective. This ensures that no opportunity is missed and your volunteer efforts drive maximum impact for your mission.

Why These Updates Matter

Double the Donation is always on the lookout for new ways to provide value for our nonprofit and educational clients. Here’s why this recent batch of updates matters for teams like yours:

1. Increased Funding Potential

Volunteer grants represent a significant but often underutilized source of funding. By improving visibility and communication around the programs, these updates empower nonprofits to convert more eligible volunteer hours into corporate dollars.

2. Smarter Engagement

Personalized outreach ensures volunteers feel recognized and valued. By sending messages that reflect each volunteer’s progress and company eligibility, you can strengthen relationships and encourage repeat engagement.

3. Streamlined Administration

Volunteer grant automation reduces manual work while increasing precision. Real-time tracking and triggered messaging allow staff to focus on relationship building rather than administrative follow-up. In other words, your team’s limited staff time can be invested in other valuable activities!

4. Actionable Insights

The new statuses and message streams provide data you can use to identify trends, measure outreach effectiveness, and optimize your engagement strategies over time. The more you know about your volunteers and how they’re engaging with volunteer grants, the better you can encourage smart follow-through.

How to Get Started

The new features in the Volunteering Module are now available to all users of Volunteer Standard. If you’re currently using the Matching Gifts Module but haven’t yet upgraded to Volunteer Standard, you can easily upgrade your account by following the instructions outlined here.

Once you’re on Volunteer Standard, here’s how you can kick off with the new enhancements:

  1. Log in to your Double the Donation account and navigate to the Volunteering tab at the top of the page.
  2. Review your volunteer records to explore the new status-tracking fields.
  3. Enable and customize your automated email streams under the Messaging tab.
  4. Test and preview your email templates to ensure they align with your outreach goals.
  5. Monitor volunteer engagement and adjust your communication based on volunteer behavior and outcomes.

If you’d like to dive deeper into these updates or discuss how to optimize your volunteer engagement strategy, we’re ready to assist you.

Talk to our team →

Next Steps

These updates mark an important milestone in our ongoing effort to help nonprofits transform volunteer engagement into measurable impact.

If you’re ready to:

  • Increase participation in volunteer grant programs,
  • Improve visibility into your volunteers’ actions, and
  • Automate personalized communication that drives results,

Now is the perfect time to explore Double the Donation’s enhanced Volunteering Module.

Not a Double the Donation user yet? Schedule a demo to see how these new features can strengthen your volunteer program and unlock new funding opportunities.

How to Market Volunteer Grants at Your Cultural Heritage Org

How to Market Volunteer Grants at Your Cultural Heritage Org

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Volunteer grants offer a remarkable opportunity for cultural heritage organizations to enhance their funding while strengthening ties with their community of supporters. These grants are corporate-sponsored donations that companies provide to nonprofits when their employees volunteer a certain number of hours. For cultural heritage organizations, which often depend heavily on volunteer efforts to preserve and promote history, art, and traditions, effectively marketing volunteer grants can unlock new streams of revenue and engagement.

Understanding how to communicate the value of volunteer grants to your volunteers and donors is essential. It not only encourages more volunteer participation but also educates supporters about how their time can translate into financial support for your mission. This article explores why marketing volunteer grants matters for cultural heritage organizations, strategies to promote them, key messaging tips, and how to overcome common challenges in this area:

Volunteer grants are a powerful tool for cultural heritage organizations to boost funding and deepen their connection with the community. By highlighting the value of volunteer hours, these grants offer a unique opportunity to generate additional resources while engaging supporters in meaningful ways. For nonprofits focused on preserving culture and history, marketing volunteer grants effectively can unlock significant new avenues for growth and sustainability, strengthening both financial and volunteer support.

Why Marketing Volunteer Grants Matter for Cultural Heritage Orgs

Volunteer grants are a unique form of corporate philanthropy that can significantly enhance the financial health of cultural heritage organizations. These grants provide a way to monetize volunteer hours, turning the time and effort of your supporters into tangible funding. For organizations dedicated to preserving cultural artifacts, historical sites, or traditional arts, this additional funding can be crucial for sustaining programs and expanding outreach.

Moreover, marketing volunteer grants help raise awareness among your volunteers about the hidden value of their contributions. Many volunteers may not realize that their employers offer these programs or how to access them. By promoting volunteer grants effectively, cultural heritage organizations empower their supporters to maximize their impact beyond just volunteering.

Another important reason to market volunteer grants is the potential to increase retention and engagement. Volunteers who know their hours can lead to financial support often feel more motivated and appreciated. This sense of recognition can foster long-term loyalty, which is vital for organizations that depend on consistent volunteer involvement to maintain collections, run educational programs, or host cultural events.

Finally, volunteer grants can help diversify your funding sources. Cultural heritage organizations often face fluctuating public funding and limited grant opportunities. Volunteer grants offer a corporate giving avenue that complements traditional fundraising efforts, helping to stabilize your financial base and support innovative projects.

Understanding the Volunteer Grant Landscape

Volunteer grants vary widely by company in terms of eligibility, minimum volunteer hours required, and grant amounts. Some corporations offer grants for as few as 10 volunteer hours, while others require 20 or more. The grant amounts, too, can range from $250 to $1,000 or more per volunteer per year. Knowing these details helps your organization tailor communications and guide volunteers effectively.

Many large corporations, especially those with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, maintain volunteer grant programs. These include companies in sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Cultural heritage organizations should research which companies are most common among their volunteer base to target marketing efforts strategically.

The Impact on Cultural Heritage Preservation

Volunteer grants can directly support the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage by funding essential activities. These may include conservation projects, educational workshops, digitization of archives, and community outreach initiatives. By converting volunteer hours into financial resources, organizations can undertake more ambitious projects that might otherwise be out of reach.

Additionally, volunteer grants can help cultural heritage organizations invest in volunteer management systems and training, improving the overall volunteer experience. This investment can lead to higher-quality volunteer contributions and better stewardship of cultural assets.

Strategies for Marketing Volunteer Grants to Cultural Heritage Orgs Supporters

Effectively marketing volunteer grants requires a multi-channel approach that educates, motivates, and supports your volunteers throughout the process. Here are a few things you can do to begin promoting the opportunities to your volunteers and other supporters:

Integrating Volunteer Grant Information Into Onboarding

Start by integrating volunteer grant information into your volunteer onboarding materials. Clearly explain what volunteer grants are, how they work, and the benefits to both the volunteer and the organization.

Providing Helpful Resources on Your Nonprofit Website

Use your website as a central hub for volunteer grant resources. Create a dedicated page that outlines the steps volunteers need to take to qualify for grants, including tracking hours and submitting requests to their employers. Include FAQs, downloadable guides, and links to corporate volunteer grant policies when possible.

Implement Ongoing, Relevant Communications

Regular communication is key. Incorporate volunteer grant reminders and success stories into your newsletters, social media posts, and volunteer meetings. Highlight volunteers who have successfully secured grants and explain how those funds have supported your cultural heritage mission. This storytelling approach can inspire others to participate.

Leveraging Technology for Volunteer Grant Marketing

Utilizing volunteer management software that integrates volunteer grant tracking can streamline the process for both your organization and your volunteers. These platforms can automate reminders, track hours, and even facilitate grant requests. This reduces administrative burden and increases the likelihood that volunteers will follow through.

Social media platforms also offer opportunities to engage volunteers with volunteer grant content. Use targeted ads or posts to reach specific demographics within your volunteer base. Encourage volunteers to share their experiences and tag your organization to amplify reach.

Creating Incentives and Recognition Programs

In addition to corporate volunteer grants, consider developing your own recognition programs that celebrate volunteers who participate in grant programs. Public acknowledgment through awards, certificates, or special events can motivate volunteers to log their hours and apply for grants.

These incentives reinforce the value of volunteer contributions and create a culture of appreciation that aligns with the goals of volunteer grant marketing.

Key Tips for Volunteer Grant Messaging that Resonates with Cultural Heritage Orgs

When crafting messages about volunteer grants, it’s important to connect the concept to the passion and values of your cultural heritage supporters. Emphasize how their volunteer hours not only help preserve history and culture but also translate into financial support that sustains these efforts. From there, we also recommend:

  • Using clear, jargon-free language that explains the volunteer grant process step-by-step. Avoid overwhelming volunteers with complex details upfront; instead, provide easy-to-follow instructions and offer assistance as needed.
  • Highlighting the dual impact of volunteering: the immediate benefit of contributing time and the extended benefit of securing funding through grants. This dual message can motivate volunteers who want to maximize their impact.
  • Incorporating testimonials from volunteers who have successfully obtained grants. Personal stories build trust and demonstrate the real-world benefits of participating in volunteer grant programs.
  • Tailoring messages to different volunteer segments. Recognize that your volunteer base may include diverse groups with varying motivations. For example, younger volunteers might respond well to messages about social impact and community involvement, while corporate professionals may appreciate the financial benefits and recognition aspects.
  • Using visuals and infographics. Visual aids can simplify complex information about volunteer grants. Infographics that outline the steps to qualify, the benefits, and the impact on your organization can be powerful tools. Use images that reflect your cultural heritage mission to maintain emotional connection. Double the Donation even provides its users with free, customizable marketing templates to help you get started!

When you incorporate these expert-proven best practices in your outreach efforts, your cultural heritage organization’s supporters will be more likely to follow through with the volunteer grant process, ultimately securing additional revenue on behalf of your cause.

Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Marketing Challenges for Cultural Heritage Orgs

Volunteer grants are a powerful funding opportunity for cultural heritage organizations, but they can also present some key challenges that nonprofits like yours must work to overcome in order to maximize your impact. Here are a few common obstacles, and our recommended approaches to minimize them:

Lack of Supporter Knowledge

One common challenge is the lack of awareness among volunteers about volunteer grant programs. Many volunteers simply do not know that their employers offer these opportunities or how to access them. Overcoming this requires consistent education and clear communication.

Volunteer skepticism or confusion about the process can also hinder participation. Some volunteers may perceive the grant application as too time-consuming or complicated, but providing step-by-step guides, offering one-on-one support, and simplifying the process as much as possible can help your team rise above these barriers.

Expectations Around Grant Availability

Not all volunteers will be eligible for grants, and not all companies offer volunteer grant programs. Setting realistic expectations helps prevent disappointment. Emphasize that volunteer grants are an added benefit but that every volunteer hour contributes meaningfully to your mission, regardless of grant outcomes.

Administrative Complexity

Another challenge is the administrative complexity involved in tracking volunteer hours and submitting grant requests. Cultural heritage organizations often operate with limited staff and resources, making it difficult to manage these processes efficiently. Investing in volunteer management tools or partnering with platforms that specialize in volunteer grants can alleviate this burden.

Data Privacy and Compliance Concerns

When collecting volunteer data for grant applications, it’s important to maintain transparency about how information will be used and stored. Cultural heritage organizations should adhere to data privacy regulations and reassure volunteers that their information is secure. Clear policies and communication about data handling can build trust and encourage more volunteers to participate in grant programs.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Marketing volunteer grants effectively can transform the way cultural heritage organizations engage with their supporters and fund their vital work. By educating volunteers, leveraging technology, and crafting compelling messages, your organization can unlock new revenue streams and deepen community involvement.

Addressing common challenges proactively ensures that your volunteer grant program runs smoothly and delivers maximum impact. As you move forward, consider how volunteer grants fit into your broader strategy for volunteer engagement and fundraising to create a cohesive and sustainable approach.

Discover How Double the Donation Volunteering Can Help Your Cultural Heritage Org

Double the Donation Volunteering specializes in helping nonprofits tap into corporate volunteer incentive programs to boost engagement and revenue. Our innovative volunteer grant software seamlessly integrates with your existing fundraising tools, making it easier than ever to identify eligible volunteers, educate them about grant opportunities, and streamline the application process.

With Double the Donation’s platform, fundraising organizations can eliminate data silos, gain valuable insights, and increase funding without additional donation asks. If your nonprofit is ready to grow its volunteer grant revenue and deepen supporter relationships, request a demo of Double the Donation Volunteering to get started!

5 Reasons to Attend Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising Summit

5 Reasons to Attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit

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With the recent Giving USA report indicating corporate giving is up by 9.1%, it’s critical for your nonprofit to develop strategies for tapping into this revenue. Whether you’re looking to enhance your matching gift programs, build stronger business partnerships, or develop more effective corporate volunteering strategies, there’s one event you can’t afford to miss: Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit.

This event, featuring expert speakers with real-world experience, is designed to provide nonprofit professionals such as yourself with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to enhance workplace giving programs.

And don’t just take our word for it, either. Here’s what a few leading nonprofits have had to say about past Summits:

  • “I have absolutely LOVED this content!”
  • “I got a ton of value out of the [Corporate Relations session]!”
  • “Unbelievably helpful!”
  • “It provided great information.”
  • “Very useful sessions!”

Below are the top 5 reasons you should attend this year’s upcoming summit, taking place October 29th-30th, 2025.

Reason #1: It provides opportunities to learn from fundraising + corporate peers.

One of the most compelling reasons to attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is the chance to learn directly from the leading voices in the industry. This summit brings together a remarkable roster of speakers who are shaping the future of workplace giving and corporate partnerships. You’ll gain access to actionable insights and strategies from some of the most successful professionals in the field, providing invaluable knowledge for your own organization’s fundraising and volunteering efforts.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the experts you’ll be hearing from:

  • Karen Bergin of Microsoft will kick off the summit with an exclusive keynote session on “Workplace Giving as Seen By Microsoft.” Karen will share the company’s journey in building a strong giving culture and offer practical strategies that nonprofits can implement to maximize the impact of workplace giving.
  • Savannah Gregorchik Menendez from the Kentucky Humane Society, Jasmine White from Central Texas Food Bank, Uneka King of Martha’s Table, and Christie Simons from Atlanta Angels will provide insights on “Connecting & Collaborating with Corporate Partners.” This panel will give you tips on how to build relationships with corporate partners and secure valuable gifts from these entities.
  • Erica Tolentino of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation will delve into how organizations can build a strategic fundraising team and foster collaboration across departments to streamline processes, helping you maximize workplace fundraising potential.
  • Anna Adams and Hannah Hourmouzis from Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) will discuss “Developing a Workplace Volunteering Strategy,” offering advice on how to leverage workplace volunteering to boost both revenue and donor engagement.
  • Tracy Nilles and Franny Kavin from ALSAC/St. Jude will share strategies for increasing matching gift conversions, offering real-world advice on how to drive more revenue from special events.
  • Annemarie Dillon from the American Cancer Society and Jessica Otto Guay from the Pan-Mass Challenge will tackle the complexities of processing matching gifts effectively, providing crucial insights into tracking gifts and ensuring correct donor credit.

Reasons to attend the Workplace Fundraising Summit: To hear from these speakers!

Whether you’re looking to improve your workplace giving program, foster corporate partnerships, or streamline your volunteer engagement efforts, the summit offers a unique opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of those who have successfully navigated these challenges. By learning from your peers and corporate leaders, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies that can immediately benefit your organization’s fundraising efforts.

Reason #2: It’s FREE.

Another key reason to attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is simple: it’s completely free. That’s right: no registration fees, no hidden costs. In the nonprofit sector, where every dollar counts, having access to an event like this at no cost is a huge advantage.

By attending this summit, you’ll receive high-quality, valuable content without the financial burden. Plus, you’ll get to participate in engaging sessions, watch live demos, and take part in interactive discussions, all free of charge. Registrants can even access session recordings, too, to get back, watch, and share insights whenever they’d like, so they can implement best practices all year-round.

There’s no better opportunity to access expert knowledge and industry insights at no cost, making this summit an incredibly accessible resource for nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

Reason #3: It’s virtual.

The next significant benefit of the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is that it’s entirely virtual. This means you can attend from anywhere, whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or at home, without worrying about travel expenses, time constraints, or other logistics. Virtual events allow you to enjoy all the content from the summit from the comfort of your own space, making it easier to integrate into your busy schedule.

The virtual format of the summit also means that you have access to content on demand. You can attend live sessions, or if you can’t make them, you can catch up with recorded sessions at a later time. This flexibility allows you to absorb the material at your own pace, revisit key insights, and apply them directly to your workplace fundraising initiatives.

Check out the on-demand recording sessions from the last Summit event here!

Reason #4: It empowers you to boost your organization’s workplace revenue.

If you’re looking to boost your nonprofit’s revenue through workplace fundraising, the summit is the place to be. After all, workplace giving programs are some of the most effective ways to generate significant revenue for nonprofits. This summit will provide you with proven strategies to maximize these programs and increase the funds flowing to your organization by…

  • Maximizing funding through matching gifts.
  • Boosting payroll giving participation.
  • Leveraging employee volunteer grants.

By attending the summit, you’ll gain a clear roadmap for boosting workplace revenue through strategic fundraising initiatives. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current programs, the insights you’ll gather will empower you to increase your impact and elevate your organization’s revenue streams.

Reason #5: It educates you about the latest trends in workplace giving.

Workplace giving is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for nonprofits to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and happenings in the sector. By attending the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, you’ll gain insights into the most current and emerging trends in workplace giving, fundraising, and volunteering.

Staying informed about these trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your nonprofit for success in the ever-changing landscape of workplace-based fundraising.

Wrapping Up

The upcoming summit event is the ultimate resource for nonprofits looking to enhance their workplace giving programs. Whether you’re aiming to increase workplace revenue, streamline your operations, or engage donors more effectively, this experience offers everything you need to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. With access to expert insights, valuable tools, and exclusive networking opportunities, you’ll leave equipped to drive long-term success for your nonprofit’s workplace fundraising initiatives.

You don’t want to miss out on this free, virtual event. Register today for the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, and start transforming your nonprofit’s workplace giving program!

About the Host:

Double the Donation is a leader in providing comprehensive workplace giving solutions, helping nonprofits streamline and enhance their fundraising efforts. With a powerful platform designed to automate key aspects of workplace giving, Double the Donation enables organizations to focus less on administrative tasks and more on what truly matters: engaging with supporters and growing their programs.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your processes, boost engagement, or track workplace donations seamlessly, Double the Donation’s comprehensive platform offers the resources and technology to take your workplace giving programs to the next level.

Now in Beta: Grow Revenue with Double the Donation's Payroll Giving Module

Now in Beta: Grow Revenue with Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving Module

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In today’s fundraising landscape, corporate giving is growing in scale and impact. Since Double the Donation’s inception, we’ve remained committed to helping nonprofits and schools tap into that sustainable support through matching gifts and volunteer grants. Over the years, we’ve identified over $1 billion in workplace giving opportunities for over 6,000 fundraising organizations in our network. 

We’re proud of these results, and we’re excited to take that even further with the beta launch of our Payroll Giving Module. This newest module is a first-of-its-kind solution, designed to enhance your workplace giving strategy by helping you uncover recurring, payroll donations with ease.

Why Payroll Giving Is a Missed Opportunity

While payroll giving is one of the most common employer-sponsored giving programs, it’s also one of the most underutilized. In fact, 59% of donors are unaware it even exists.

This represents a missed opportunity for nonprofits to grow funding and engage supporters meaningfully. When donors can give directly from their paycheck, it creates a habitual, easy giving experience for them that brings long-term value and health to your organization. 

How this Newest Module Enhances the Double the Donation Workplace Giving Suite

Our new Payroll Giving Module works alongside your existing matching gift tools and volunteer grant tools to give you a complete picture of a supporter’s workplace eligibility. Collectively, the tools enable smarter workplace giving outreach so that you can tap into new revenue channels and strengthen your relationships. 

Here’s what you can accomplish with the payroll giving module:

  • Make it easy for supporters to discover payroll giving 

Embed our newest payroll giving plugin on your website in minutes. Then, supporters can type in their employer’s name and instantly see whether payroll giving is available along with any relevant match or volunteer grant opportunities. 

Tip: Effectively market workplace giving on your website by placing this plugin on your payroll giving page, while using our matching gift and volunteer plugins on their respective pages. This ensures each supporter sees the most relevant opportunity first. 

  • Unlock payroll gifts from your existing supporters

The payroll giving module relies on cross-module insights, so no manual upload is needed. Whenever a donor record enters your Double the Donation Matching account, we automatically screen it for payroll giving eligibility, too. That means you’ll see eligible supporters surfaced in your payroll giving dashboard for easy segmentation and follow-up. 

Tip: Leverage our integrations to connect your donation forms and volunteer management system (VMS) with Double the Donation so that you can pass more supporter data into your account. The more supporter records in your account, the more opportunities you can uncover across programs!

What it means for your organization

The Payroll Giving Module gives you a new, easy path to grow recurring revenue without adding complexity. 

By using our full suite of solutions, including our Matching module, Volunteering module, and newest Payroll Giving module, you can:

  • Uncover multiple revenue streams from a single piece of supporter employment data
  • Engage supporters meaningfully, based on their employer’s giving programs
  • Expand your corporate fundraising with smarter tools and insights

If you’re already investing in workplace giving, this module can help you scale your success and grow funds. 

How to get started 

The payroll giving module is available in open beta to all current Double the Donation clients at no extra cost.

Current user? Log into your account and follow the self guided tour. 

Not using Double the Donation yet? Connect with our team to learn how you can start growing your workplace giving revenue using our full suite of tools. 

How Environmental Conservation Orgs Can Secure In-Kind Donations

How Environmental Conservation Groups Can Secure In-Kind Donations

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Environmental conservation organizations play a vital role in protecting natural habitats, preserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices. To carry out their mission effectively, these nonprofits often require a diverse range of resources beyond traditional cash donations. In-kind donations—or non-cash gifts of goods or services—can provide critical support that directly advances conservation efforts while helping organizations manage costs.

Unlike monetary contributions, in-kind donations include tangible items such as outdoor gear, technology, planting materials, or educational resources, as well as professional services like graphic design or legal advice. These gifts can fill specific operational needs, enhance program delivery, and enable nonprofits to allocate their financial resources more strategically.

For environmental conservation groups, in-kind donations are especially impactful because they often require specialized equipment and materials to conduct fieldwork, restoration projects, and community education. By securing these donations, nonprofits can expand their capacity, improve efficiency, and deepen their environmental impact. This article examines how environmental conservation organizations can identify, request, and effectively leverage in-kind donations to support their missions.

Table of Contents

  • What Are In-Kind Donations for Environmental Conservation?
  • Types of In-Kind Donations for Environmental Conservation
  • Where Environmental Conservation Should Look for In-Kind Support
  • How Environmental Conservation Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask
  • Tools and Resources to Help Environmental Conservation Get Started

What Are In-Kind Donations for Environmental Conservation?

In-kind donations refer to non-monetary gifts provided to nonprofits, including goods, services, or expertise. These donations differ from traditional cash gifts in that they are specific items or support rather than funds that can be allocated flexibly. Examples include donated office supplies, equipment, professional services, or materials needed for program implementation.

Across all nonprofit sectors, in-kind donations serve as a valuable complement to financial contributions by addressing tangible needs that might otherwise require budget expenditures. They can reduce operational costs, enhance program quality, and foster partnerships with businesses and community members.

For environmental conservation organizations, in-kind donations hold particular relevance. These nonprofits often rely on specialized outdoor gear and restoration materials to conduct habitat preservation, wildlife monitoring, and reforestation projects. Additionally, technology donations such as GPS devices or drones can improve data collection and environmental analysis. Educational materials help raise awareness and engage communities in conservation efforts.

By securing in-kind donations, environmental nonprofits can stretch their budgets further, access high-quality resources, and build relationships with companies aligned with their mission. This strategic approach to fundraising supports sustainable growth and maximizes impact in protecting the environment.

How In-Kind Donations Differ from Cash Gifts

While cash gifts provide flexibility, in-kind donations offer specificity and direct utility. For example, a cash donation might be used to purchase planting materials, whereas an in-kind gift could be a direct donation of native plants or seeds. This specificity ensures that nonprofits receive exactly what they need, often at no cost, which can be especially beneficial when budgets are tight.

Why In-Kind Donations Matter for Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation projects frequently require equipment and materials that are costly or difficult to procure. In-kind donations help fill these gaps, enabling nonprofits to focus resources on program delivery and community engagement. Moreover, these donations often come from companies with expertise or products that align closely with conservation goals, fostering meaningful partnerships.

Types of In-Kind Donations for Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation nonprofits benefit from a wide variety of in-kind donations that support their diverse activities. Below are some specific examples of valuable in-kind gifts and how they benefit these organizations:

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

Donations of tents, backpacks, hiking boots, GPS devices, and other outdoor gear are essential for field staff and volunteers conducting habitat restoration, wildlife surveys, or trail maintenance. High-quality equipment ensures safety and efficiency in often remote or rugged environments.

Technology

Devices such as laptops, tablets, drones, and GPS trackers enable data collection, mapping, and remote monitoring of conservation sites. Software licenses for GIS mapping or project management tools also enhance operational capacity and program effectiveness.

Office Supplies

Basic supplies, such as printers, paper, ink cartridges, and office furniture, support administrative functions, fundraising efforts, and volunteer coordination. These donations help nonprofits maintain smooth day-to-day operations without diverting funds from programmatic work.

Planting & Restoration Materials

Native plants, seeds, soil amendments, mulch, and tools such as shovels or watering systems are essential for reforestation, wetland restoration, and erosion control projects. These materials directly contribute to habitat improvement and biodiversity conservation.

Educational Material

Books, brochures, posters, and digital content about environmental stewardship help nonprofits educate the public, schools, and community groups. These resources support outreach campaigns and foster a culture of conservation.

Professional Services

Skilled volunteer work or pro bono services such as legal advice, graphic design, marketing, or event planning can significantly reduce costs and improve the quality of nonprofit initiatives. For example, a graphic designer might create compelling materials for a fundraising campaign or awareness event.

Where Environmental Conservation Should Look for In-Kind Support

Identifying potential sources of in-kind donations requires strategic research and relationship-building. Environmental conservation nonprofits should start by exploring companies with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that align with their mission. Many businesses prioritize environmental sustainability and community impact, making them natural partners.

Below is a list of companies known for supporting environmental causes through in-kind donations, along with the types of gifts they typically offer and why they are a good fit for conservation nonprofits:

Patagonia

Patagonia offers high-quality outdoor clothing and gear donations. The company’s strong environmental advocacy and sustainable business practices resonate with conservation organizations, supporting efforts to protect natural ecosystems.

The North Face

The North Face provides outdoor equipment and apparel donations. Their focus on environmental responsibility and community engagement makes them a valuable source of in-kind support for fieldwork and outreach activities.

Dell

Dell offers discounted technology including laptops, monitors, and software licenses. These resources enhance data management, communications, and operational efficiency for environmental nonprofits.

GoPro

GoPro offers action cameras that enable nonprofits to document fieldwork, create compelling storytelling content, and engage supporters through visual media.

Vistaprint

Vistaprint provides product templates for brochures, posters, and event materials, supporting outreach and fundraising campaigns with professional-quality collateral.

Canva

Canva offers graphic design tools and templates that help nonprofits create visually appealing marketing materials, social media content, and presentations without needing extensive design expertise.

How Environmental Conservation Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask

Making a successful in-kind donation request requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Building long-term relationships with corporate partners is key, as is aligning the nonprofit’s needs with the company’s mission and giving priorities. A well-crafted ask increases the likelihood of a positive response and ongoing support.

Personalizing Your Outreach

Address the company by name and reference their environmental commitments or previous donations. This shows you’ve done your homework and value their specific partnership.

Clearly Stating Needs and Impact

Be specific about the items or services requested and describe how they will support your programs. For example, “We are seeking GPS units to improve our wildlife tracking efforts, which will enhance conservation outcomes.”

Explaining Benefits to Donors

Outline how the company will gain from supporting your nonprofit, such as recognition on your website, social media shout-outs, or invitations to events.

Offering Flexible Giving Options

Allow donors to choose how they contribute, whether through product donations, gift cards, or sponsoring a specific project or event.

Making It Easy to Give

Provide all necessary details upfront, including where to send donations, deadlines, and contact information for follow-up questions.

Tools and Resources to Help Environmental Conservation Get Started

Securing in-kind donations can be a complex and time-consuming process; however, dedicated tools can streamline the research and outreach process. Many companies have established in-kind donation programs with specific application processes, eligibility criteria, and guidelines that are not always easy to find.

Using a comprehensive platform like Double the Donation helps environmental conservation nonprofits quickly and efficiently uncover corporate giving programs that align with their mission. This saves valuable time by consolidating application links, program details, and contact information in a single location.

Additionally, such tools enable nonprofits to track outreach efforts, organize potential donors, and expand their network of corporate partners. This organized approach increases the chances of securing meaningful in-kind support and building lasting relationships.

Double the Donation’s corporate giving program database is a top-tier solution that includes thousands of verified programs offering in-kind donations, grants, and workplace giving opportunities. By leveraging this resource, environmental nonprofits can gain a data-driven edge in identifying and securing the support they need to advance their mission.

Uncovering Aligned Donation Programs

Double the Donation helps nonprofits find companies with CSR initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, ensuring a strong mission fit.

Saving Time with Centralized Information

Access application links, eligibility criteria, and program details all in one place, reducing the effort required to research each potential donor.

Tracking and Organizing Outreach

Manage communications and follow-ups efficiently to maintain momentum and build relationships.

Expanding Corporate Networks

Discover new potential partners beyond your existing contacts to diversify and strengthen your in-kind donation pipeline.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Securing in-kind donations is a powerful strategy for environmental conservation nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact while managing costs. By identifying specific needs, researching aligned corporate partners, and making thoughtful, personalized donation requests, organizations can access valuable resources that directly support their mission.

Leveraging tools like Double the Donation streamlines this process, helping nonprofits uncover opportunities, organize outreach, and build lasting relationships with companies committed to environmental stewardship. Taking these first steps empowers conservation groups to expand their capacity, enhance program delivery, and drive meaningful change for the planet.

Unlock More Corporate Support with Double the Donation

Corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations are critical to the success of nonprofit events and programs—but sourcing the right partners can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Luckily, Double the Donation streamlines the entire process, helping your team find, secure, and manage corporate support with ease. With our industry-leading corporate giving database, you can quickly identify companies that offer financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, and corporate grants—giving you a data-driven edge in building meaningful partnerships. Get a demo today to see how your team can benefit!

How Animal Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations

How Animal Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations

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Animal shelters play a vital role in caring for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals, providing them with shelter, medical care, and a chance for adoption. To sustain these essential services, shelters often rely on a mix of funding sources, including cash donations and in-kind contributions. In-kind donations, which consist of goods and services rather than money, can be a game-changer for animal shelters by directly supplying the resources needed to care for animals and maintain operations.

Securing in-kind donations requires a strategic approach tailored to the unique needs of animal shelters. Unlike cash gifts, in-kind donations can include pet food, veterinary supplies, cleaning products, and even professional services that reduce operational costs and improve program delivery. Understanding how to identify, request, and manage these donations effectively can significantly enhance a shelter’s capacity to serve its community.

In this article, we will explore what in-kind donations are, why they matter specifically for animal shelters, the types of donations that are most valuable, where to find potential donors, and how to make compelling donation requests. We will also introduce tools and resources designed to help animal shelters maximize their in-kind fundraising efforts.

Table of Contents

  • What Are In-Kind Donations for Animal Shelters?
  • Types of In-Kind Donations for Animal Shelters
  • Where Animal Shelters Should Look for In-Kind Support
  • How Animal Shelters Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask
  • Tools and Resources to Help Animal Shelters Get Started

What Are In-Kind Donations for Animal Shelters?

In-kind donations refer to non-cash gifts that a nonprofit organization receives to support its mission. These can include physical goods, professional services, or volunteer time that directly benefit the organization’s programs or operations. Unlike traditional cash donations, which provide flexible funding, in-kind donations supply specific resources that can reduce expenses or enhance service delivery.

Across all nonprofit sectors, in-kind donations are valued for their ability to meet tangible needs without requiring immediate financial outlay. For example, a nonprofit might receive donated office furniture, printing services, or event catering. These contributions help stretch limited budgets and allow organizations to allocate cash donations toward other priorities.

For animal shelters, in-kind donations are especially impactful because they often address critical, ongoing needs. By securing in-kind donations, animal shelters can reduce operational costs, allowing more funds to be directed toward medical care, adoption programs, and community outreach. These donations also foster partnerships with businesses that share a commitment to animal welfare, creating opportunities for long-term collaboration and community engagement.

Understanding the Difference Between Cash and In-Kind Donations

While cash donations offer flexibility, in-kind gifts provide specific resources that might otherwise be costly or difficult to procure. For animal shelters, this means receiving exactly what is needed to care for animals and maintain facilities without diverting funds from other critical areas. Both types of donations are complementary and essential for a balanced fundraising strategy.

The Unique Value of In-Kind Donations to Animal Shelters

Animal shelters operate with a constant demand for supplies that directly impact animal health and well-being. In-kind donations help meet these demands efficiently. For example, receiving donated veterinary supplies can enable shelters to provide vaccinations and treatments without incurring high costs. Similarly, pet food donations ensure animals receive proper nutrition daily, which is fundamental to their recovery and adoption readiness.

Maximizing Impact Through Smarter Fundraising Strategies

In-kind donations are a strategic asset for animal shelters looking to maximize their impact. By identifying and cultivating relationships with companies that can provide relevant goods and services, shelters can build a sustainable support network. This approach aligns with best practices in nonprofit fundraising, emphasizing mission-focused partnerships and resource optimization.

Types of In-Kind Donations for Animal Shelters

Animal shelters benefit from a wide range of in-kind donations that support both animal care and organizational operations. Below are some of the most valuable types of in-kind gifts, along with explanations of their importance:

Pet Food & Treats

Donations of pet food and treats are among the most critical in-kind gifts for animal shelters. High-quality food ensures animals receive proper nutrition, which is essential for their health, recovery, and adoption readiness. Treats can also be used for training and enrichment, helping animals adjust to shelter life and improve their behavior for potential adopters.

Pet Supplies

Items such as bedding, collars, leashes, crates, toys, and grooming tools greatly enhance the daily care and comfort of shelter animals. These supplies contribute to animal welfare by providing safe, comfortable living conditions and opportunities for mental stimulation, which are crucial for reducing stress and promoting well-being.

Cleaning & Sanitation Products

Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial to preventing the spread of disease and ensuring the health of animals and staff. Donations of cleaning agents, disinfectants, gloves, and other sanitation supplies help shelters uphold high standards of hygiene without straining their budgets.

Veterinary Supplies

Medical supplies such as vaccines, medications, bandages, syringes, and diagnostic tools enable shelters to provide essential veterinary care on-site. These donations reduce the cost of medical treatments and support timely interventions that improve animal outcomes.

Office Supplies

Operational efficiency is supported by donations of office supplies like paper, printers, computers, and software. These resources help shelter staff manage records, coordinate adoptions, and communicate with donors and volunteers effectively.

Professional Services

Beyond physical goods, shelters can benefit from donated services such as legal advice, marketing support, transportation, and skilled volunteer work. For example, legal assistance can help with compliance and contract management, while marketing services can enhance adoption campaigns and strengthen fundraising efforts.

Event Support and Venue Sponsorship

Donations of event space, catering, or auction items from local businesses can enhance fundraising events, increasing revenue and community engagement. These contributions reduce event costs and add value for attendees.

Where Animal Shelters Should Look for In-Kind Support

Identifying the right sources for in-kind donations is a strategic process that involves researching companies whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives align with animal welfare. Animal shelters should focus on businesses that have a history of supporting nonprofits or whose products and services naturally complement shelter needs.

Local businesses engaged in community impact efforts are often eager to support shelters, especially when they see a direct connection to their brand or customer base. Industry-relevant retailers, manufacturers, and service providers are prime candidates for partnerships because their offerings match shelter requirements.

Below are some companies known for providing in-kind donations that align well with animal shelters’ missions:

Purina

Purina frequently donates pet food, litter, and nutritional products to animal shelters. Their support helps ensure animals receive balanced diets, which is fundamental to health and adoption success. Purina’s commitment to animal welfare makes them a natural partner for shelters seeking food donations.

Petco

Petco offers a variety of in-kind donations, including pet supplies, grooming products, vaccines, and sometimes event sponsorships. Their retail presence and focus on pet care align closely with shelter needs, making them a valuable source of support.

Chewy

Chewy is known for donating pet food, treats, toys, and supplies. Their extensive product range and focus on pet care make them a strong partner for shelters looking to stock up on essential items.

Kong

Kong donates durable pet toys that provide enrichment and mental stimulation for shelter animals. These toys help reduce stress and improve animal behavior, aiding in successful adoptions.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo offers premium pet food and treat donations that support animal nutrition and health. Their commitment to quality aligns with shelters’ goals of providing the best care possible.

Ecolab

Ecolab specializes in sanitation and hygiene products and services. Their donations help shelters uphold rigorous cleaning standards, protecting both animals and staff from infections.

How Animal Shelters Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask

Making a successful in-kind donation request requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Building long-term relationships with corporate donors is essential, as is aligning the shelter’s needs with the company’s mission and CSR goals. A well-crafted ask increases the likelihood of a positive response and fosters ongoing support.

Personalize Your Outreach

Address the company by name and reference specific programs or initiatives they have supported. Show that you understand their values and explain how your shelter’s mission aligns with their goals.

Be Clear and Specific About Needs

Detail the exact items or services you are requesting and how they will be used. For example, specify the quantity and type of pet food or the kind of veterinary supplies needed.

Highlight Mutual Benefits

Describe how the company’s support will be recognized, such as through social media shoutouts, logo placement at events, or employee volunteer opportunities. Emphasize the positive impact on the community and the company’s brand.

Offer Flexible Giving Options

Allow donors to choose how they want to contribute, whether through product donations, services, or sponsorships. This flexibility can increase participation.

Make It Easy to Give

Provide clear instructions for donation delivery or service scheduling. Include contact information for follow-up questions and express gratitude in advance.

Tools and Resources to Help Animal Shelters Get Started

Using dedicated tools can greatly streamline the process of identifying and securing in-kind donations. Many companies have formal donation programs, but these opportunities are often scattered across websites and difficult to track manually. Leveraging technology helps animal shelters save time and expand their network of potential donors.

Tools designed for nonprofit fundraising can help shelters uncover company donation programs that align with their mission, provide direct application links, and clarify eligibility criteria. For example, one of the top solutions in this space is Double the Donation’s corporate giving program database. This comprehensive resource includes thousands of verified corporate giving programs, covering in-kind donations, grants, and workplace giving opportunities. By using this platform, animal shelters can quickly identify companies that offer relevant support and access detailed information to guide their outreach.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Securing in-kind donations is a powerful way for animal shelters to enhance their capacity to care for animals and operate efficiently. By understanding the types of donations that are most valuable, identifying the right corporate partners, and making thoughtful, personalized asks, shelters can build sustainable support networks that amplify their mission.

Using tools like Double the Donation’s corporate giving database can simplify the research and outreach process, helping shelters connect with companies ready to provide meaningful in-kind support. Taking these first steps (assessing your needs, researching donors, and leveraging technology) can transform an animal shelter’s fundraising strategy and ultimately improve outcomes for the animals they serve.

Unlock More Support with Double the Donation

Corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations are critical to the success of nonprofit events and programs, but sourcing the right partners can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Luckily, Double the Donation streamlines the entire process, helping your team find, secure, and manage corporate support with ease.

With our industry-leading corporate giving database, you can quickly identify companies that offer financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, and corporate grants, giving you a data-driven edge in building meaningful partnerships. Whether you’re planning a gala, community fundraiser, or shelter initiative, Double the Donation makes it simple to source high-value in-kind donations so you can focus on what matters most: delivering impact.

Raise more with corporate grants and in-kind gifts; get a demo today!

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: What to Know

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Appends: What to Know

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Employment information is a valuable asset in nonprofit fundraising. It can help identify matching gift opportunities, uncover potential corporate partners, and personalize donor outreach. But how should your organization go about collecting this data? That’s where the question of asking for employer info vs. using appends comes in.

In other words, should you rely on donors to self-report where they work, or use a data append service to fill in the blanks?

Each method has its benefits and limitations, and understanding these differences is crucial for building a strong, complete, and accurate donor database. In this post, we’ll break down what nonprofits should know about both approaches and how to decide which is right for your organization. Specifically, we’ll cover:

Whether you’re just starting to collect employment data or are looking to refine your current approach, this guide will help you weigh your options and make informed decisions about how you do so.

By understanding how to gather and use this information effectively, your nonprofit can unlock new opportunities for engagement, funding, and long-term donor relationships. Let’s dive in!

The value of employer info in nonprofit fundraising

Understanding where your donors work is more than a data point; it’s a strategic advantage. Employer information opens the door to a range of fundraising opportunities that can significantly amplify donor impact and deepen engagement.

After all, tons of companies offer employee-led giving programs. When you know where your supporters work, you can easily determine if they qualify for these programs and configure targeted next steps accordingly.

Here are just a few of the opportunities that employment information can help uncover:

  • Matching Gifts: Many companies match donations their employees make to nonprofits, often doubling or even tripling the original gift. Knowing a donor’s employer helps identify matching gift eligibility and streamline follow-up accordingly.
  • Volunteer Incentives: Some employers offer monetary grants or other incentives in exchange for volunteer hours logged by their employees. Capturing employer info allows you to promote these volunteer programs to the right supporters.
  • Payroll Giving: Payroll giving programs enable employees to donate directly from their paychecks. Identifying where a supporter works enables you to guide them toward these convenient giving options.
  • In-Kind Support and Sponsorships: Employer data can reveal connections to businesses that may offer non-cash support, such as products, services, or corporate sponsorships.
  • Targeted Engagement: With accurate employer information, you can personalize outreach and suggest relevant corporate giving options, maximizing impact for both your organization and your supporters.

In short, employer information helps nonprofits move from one-size-fits-all fundraising to smarter, more strategic engagement. The more you know about where your donors work, the better positioned you are to connect their personal giving to broader opportunities through their employer.

Method #1: Asking for employer info directly

One of the most straightforward and effective ways to gather employment data is to ask donors directly. This method relies on self-reporting, or inviting donors to share their employer information at specific points in their journey with your organization.

What it means:

Asking for employer info directly means including a field in your donation form, event registration, volunteer sign-up, or post-gift follow-up where donors can share where they work. This approach is entirely opt-in and allows you to gather current, self-reported data straight from the source.

Collecting employment information directly from donors

Pros:

  • High Accuracy: Because the data comes directly from the donor, it’s more likely to be correct and up to date. Asking each time an individual engages with your cause reduces the odds of the information going stale, too.
  • Opportunities to Connect Supporters to Next Steps: When you ask donors where they work during or immediately after a donation, it’s easier to connect them to the next opportunity, like submitting a matching gift or volunteer grant request.
  • Gets Individuals Thinking About Eligibility As They Give: The point of donation is often the height of supporter engagement. Requesting employment info at this time gets donors and other supporters thinking about their eligibility as they give, which can even function as a generosity motivator or giving catalyst.

Cons:

  • Gaps in Completion: Donors may skip optional form fields, especially during a streamlined donation or registration process, while others may opt to give offline. This would leave your organization with blank lines in your database, unless you had a backup method in place for collecting this information.

Best practices for success:

  • Make It Optional and Simple: Keep the question brief. For example, consider an additional form field asking “Where do you work?”—and don’t require the information to complete a transaction.
  • Explain the Why: Let donors know why you’re asking by providing context around the form. A simple note like “Your employer may match your gift and increase your impact” encourages participation.
  • Include It Strategically: Add the field to donation forms, confirmation pages, volunteer registrations, and thank-you emails where engagement is already high. It’s easy to do with Double the Donation’s integration options!
  • Follow Up: If the employer field is left blank, consider a polite follow-up email asking for the information and explaining the benefits to both the donor and your mission.
  • Use the Data Promptly: If you collect employer info, make sure it’s tied to direct action, like checking for match eligibility or tracking corporate volunteer hours.

💡 Key Takeaway: Asking for employer information directly can be a highly effective way to gather accurate data and engage donors more deeply. This is especially true when paired with a clear purpose and thoughtful timing.

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: Getting Started With Double the Donation

Method #2: Utilizing employer appends and employer data enrichment

When donor records lack employment information, a data append can help fill in the blanks at scale. This method uses external databases to match donor records with publicly available or proprietary employment data, giving your organization a broader view of where your supporters work.

What it means:

An employer append essentially involves sending a list of donor names, email addresses, and other identifying details to a trusted data provider. The provider then returns employment information for matched records, typically including company name, industry, and even workplace giving eligibility and next steps. This process can enrich your CRM without requiring any action from the donor.

Pros:

  • Efficient and Scalable: Append hundreds or thousands of donor records in a single batch, saving time and manual effort while scaling up the information available to you.
  • Fills in Gaps: Even with a robust data-collection strategy, you’re not likely to have employment data for every individual in your supporter base. An employer append is perfect for uncovering employer information in legacy data, unresponsive donors, or those who skip form fields.
  • Revenue-Driving Potential: Appending helps connect supporters to their workplace giving programs quickly, leading to more matching gifts, volunteer grant opportunities, and stronger corporate partnership leads.
  • No Disruption to the Donor Journey: Because this method functions entirely behind the scenes, there’s no negative impact on the donor experience or giving flow.

Cons:

  • Potential for Inaccuracy: Matches are based on probability and third-party sources, which can occasionally return outdated or incorrect data.
  • Cost: Most employer append services charge based on volume or subscription, making it a significant investment you’ll need to plan for.

Best practices for success:

  • Start with Clean Data: Ensure your existing donor records (i.e., names, emails, addresses) are accurate and up to date before submitting them for an append.
  • Use a Trusted Provider: Work with a reputable vendor that specializes in nonprofit employment data and can deliver high-confidence matches.
  • Validate Where Possible: If a donor responds or updates their info later, compare it to appended results and adjust the results accordingly.
  • Combine with Workplace Giving Tools: Integrate your new employment data with workplace giving software to automatically prompt eligible supporters with next steps following the donation or volunteer registration flow.
  • Refresh Regularly: Employment changes over time. Consider appending your file annually or semi-annually to keep your data fresh and relevant.

💡 Key Takeaway: Utilizing employer appends allows nonprofits to dramatically expand their understanding of who their donors are without relying solely on self-reported information. When done strategically, it can accelerate your workplace giving efforts and turn hidden data into new revenue opportunities.

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: Getting Started With Double the Donation

Method #3: Taking a combined approach

The most effective strategy for collecting employment data often isn’t choosing between asking supporters or using appends; it’s combining both. By blending direct collection with employer appends, your nonprofit can build a more complete, accurate, and actionable database while maximizing both reach and reliability.

What it means:

A combined approach involves collecting employer information directly from donors through forms, surveys, and follow-ups, while also running periodic employer appends to fill in the blanks or update existing records. This method leverages the strengths of both strategies and minimizes their individual limitations.

For example, you might collect employer info on your donation forms and then run an append on all records that remain blank, or use appends to verify and enrich self-reported data over time.

Pros:

  • Maximum Coverage: You get the best of both worlds: accurate self-reported data and a broader reach through appends. As your database grows, a combined approach ensures new and existing records remain as up-to-date and complete as possible.
  • Stronger Personalization and Segmentation: With more complete data, you can confidently tailor outreach, identify corporate giving opportunities, and create targeted campaigns.
  • Increased Workplace Giving Revenue: More employment data means more potential matches and grants identified, and more donors ultimately connected to workplace giving programs.

Cons:

  • More Complex to Manage: Running both processes requires careful coordination, particular workflows, and detailed attention to data hygiene.
  • Costs Still Apply: Append services still require a budget, and collecting directly can demand time and resources for training, communication, and follow-up.
  • Duplicate or Conflicting Data: You may encounter discrepancies between self-reported info and appended data, requiring validation and thoughtful resolution.

Best practices for success:

  • Create a Data Workflow: Establish clear processes for collecting, appending, validating, and updating employment information across your database.
  • Segment Your Data: Keep track of how employer data was collected (self-reported vs. appended) and treat each group accordingly when testing campaigns or messaging.
  • Prioritize Data Accuracy: When there’s a conflict, favor donor-reported data unless you have a compelling reason to override it. Always aim to confirm before acting.
  • Use Clear Messaging: When asking for employer info, explain how it helps increase impact (e.g., uncovering matching gifts or volunteer grants) to encourage more donors to participate.
  • Schedule Regular Updates: Use append services on a regular basis to keep your records current, especially as employment status frequently changes.

💡 Key Takeaway: By combining direct collection and employer appends, your nonprofit can establish a smarter, more reliable approach to employment data. It’s a strategy that balances donor engagement with data scale, giving you the tools to increase revenue, deepen relationships, and tap into the full potential of workplace giving.

Integrating employment data into your fundraising strategy

Collecting employment data is only valuable if you use it. That’s why the most effective nonprofits treat this information as a core part of their fundraising strategy.

When integrated thoughtfully, employer information can inform everything from campaign planning to workplace giving outreach and corporate partnership development.

Here’s how to make employment data work for your fundraising goals:

1. Identify and Promote Workplace Giving Opportunities

Once you know where a supporter works, you can check if their employer offers a matching gift, volunteer grant, or payroll giving program. From there, you can use this information to trigger workplace giving marketing efforts: personalize follow-up emails, include employer-specific instructions, and make it easy for donors to complete the process of getting involved, ultimately increasing the impact of every gift.

2. Strengthen Corporate Relationships

If multiple donors or volunteers work for the same company, that can be a natural lead-in for broader partnership opportunities. Use this data to approach businesses for event sponsorships, in-kind donations, team volunteer days, or dedicated workplace giving campaigns, backed by the fact that their employees already support your mission.

3. Enhance Stewardship and Donor Experiences

When you receive third-party disbursements, like matching gifts or volunteer grants, it’s a valuable opportunity to thank donors and reinforce your appreciation. Having employment data on hand allows you to follow up promptly and personally, recognizing both their direct and facilitated support.

Mentioning a donor’s employer in thank-you messages or impact reports (when appropriate) shows you’re paying attention and actively working to maximize their impact. This thoughtful, personalized stewardship builds trust, deepens loyalty, and improves the donor experience over time.

Integrating employment data into your stewardship strategy isn’t about adding complexity. It’s about working smarter with insights you likely already have (or can easily collect). When used well, employer information becomes more than just a database field; it’s a powerful tool to drive engagement, gratitude, and lasting impact.

Wrapping up & additional resources

When it comes to collecting employment data, both methods have value, and often, the best strategy combines them. Here’s what it comes down to: asking for employer info vs. using appends isn’t necessarily an either/or decision. Instead, it’s about understanding how each approach fits into your broader data and fundraising goals.

Directly asking donors provides accurate, relationship-building insights, while employer appends can efficiently fill in gaps and scale your outreach. By leveraging both, your nonprofit can build a more complete picture of your donor base and turn workplace connections into meaningful opportunities for engagement, giving, and growth.

Interested in learning more about how supporter employer information can benefit your organization? Check out these additional resources:

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: You can do both with Double the Donation!