How Animal Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations

How Animal Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations

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

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.

Collecting donor information through an employer append

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 matching gift or corporate volunteer software to automatically prompt eligible donors with next steps.
  • 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are employer appends?

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

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

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

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

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

What your employer appends might be missing

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

Let’s break down the key gaps:

Workplace giving eligibility

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

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

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

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

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

Corporate sponsorship opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

Why corporate giving matters in employer appends

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

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

It Transforms Static Data into Actionable Insights

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

It Reveals Untapped Revenue Opportunities

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

It Enables Personalized, Impactful Donor Outreach

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

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

It Strengthens Relationships with Companies, Too

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

How Double the Donation fills in the gaps

Most employer appends stop at supplying a company name, but Double the Donation goes the extra mile. We help get you donor data in a way that doesn’t just tell you where your donors work; it tells you what that employer can do to support your mission and empowers you to connect supporters to those next steps.

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

Here’s how we fill in the critical gaps:

1. Workplace Giving Eligibility, Right in Your Appends

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

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

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

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

2. Visibility Into Open Corporate Giving Opportunities

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

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

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

3. Actionable, Automated, and Integrated

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

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

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

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


Wrapping up & additional employer appends resources

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

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

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

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

Avoid These 5 Employer Appending Mistakes Nonprofits Make

Avoid These 5 Employer Appending Mistakes Nonprofits Make

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

These include:

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

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

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

1. Starting with unclean or disorganized data

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

Why It Matters:

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

How to Avoid This Mistake:

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

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

2. Relying too fully on appends for data collection

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

Why It Matters:

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

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

How to Avoid This Mistake:

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

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

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

3. Choosing the wrong data appending vendor

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

Why It Matters:

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

How to Avoid This Mistake:

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

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

4. Not using the insights to power workplace giving programs

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

Why It Matters:

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

How to Avoid This Mistake:

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

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

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

5. Not using the insights to strengthen corporate partnerships

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

Why It Matters:

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

How to Avoid This Mistake:

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

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


Wrapping Up & Additional Employer Appends Resources

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

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

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

Proven Ways to Increase Payroll Donations at Your Nonprofit

5 Proven Ways to Increase Payroll Donations at Your Nonprofit

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s dive in!

1. Register your organization with payroll giving platforms.

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

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

Increase payroll donations by registering for CSR platforms like this

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Increase payroll donations with a dedicated landing page

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

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

3. Drive awareness with social media.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Increase payroll donations with social media posts like this

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

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

4. Combine payroll donations with matching gifts.

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

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

Here’s how to make this strategy work:

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

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

Increase payroll donations with matching gifts like this

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

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

Increase payroll donations with Double the Donation.

5. Recognize and thank your payroll giving donors.

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

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

Here are some effective ways to appreciate payroll donors:

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

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

Increase payroll donations with recognition like this

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

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


Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

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

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

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

Increase payroll donations with Double the Donation.

New Volunteer Integration Connecting Summa & Double the Donation Volunteering

New Volunteer Integration: Connecting Summa & Double the Donation Volunteering

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Summa:

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

About Double the Donation:

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

 

Timecounts & Double the Donation Partner to Boost Volunteer Giving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Timecounts:

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

About Double the Donation:

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