Matching Gifts for Retirees: Companies to Know & More
/in Lists and Rankings, Learning Center, Matching Gift Companies, Company Spotlights /by Adam WeingerNonprofits are always looking for ways to maximize donations, but one often-overlooked opportunity lies in matching gifts for retirees. After all, many companies extend their corporate matching gift programs to former employees, allowing organizations to double or even triple contributions from retired donors.
However, these programs are often underutilized simply because retirees and nonprofits aren’t aware of their potential. In this guide, we’ll highlight companies that offer matching gifts for retired employees, how your organization can identify eligible donors, and tools you can use to encourage participation in the programs.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
- What are corporate matching gifts?
- Do retirees qualify for matching gift programs?
- Companies that match donations for retirees
- How a matching gift database can help
- Ensuring retirees are informed about matching gifts
If retired individuals make up a good portion of your organization’s donor base (and more than likely, they do), targeting matching gifts for retirees can be an excellent way to go. We’ll show you how you can do so here, starting with the basics.
What are corporate matching gifts?
Corporate matching gifts are a form of philanthropy in which companies match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. These programs effectively double—or sometimes even triple—the impact of an individual’s gift, providing nonprofits with additional funding at no extra cost to the donor.
Here’s how it typically works:
- An individual donates to a nonprofit.
- The individual confirms whether their company offers a matching gift program.
- If available, the individual submits a request for a matching gift to their employer.
- The individual’s employer reviews the matching gift request and ensures it aligns with the company policy.
- The company approves the request and disburses a donation for a matching gift to the organization.
While these programs are extremely valuable for all parties involved, they often go underutilized, largely due to a lack of awareness about the opportunity. And that’s why understanding matching gifts—and communicating their potential to supporters—is so essential.
Looking for a more in-depth overview of matching gifts? Get our free downloadable guide that covers everything you need to know!
Do retirees qualify for matching gift programs?
Because each company specially designs its matching gift initiatives to align with its own needs and resources, each program is ultimately unique. That means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question posed. However, the short version is that yes, retirees are often eligible to participate in their companies’ matching gift programs post-employment. And with more businesses expanding their programs in recent years, retirees are more likely to be included than ever before. But it really will depend on the specific company’s policy.
Within the realm of companies that do match gifts for retirees, some offer the same matching gift benefits as they do for active employees as a way to continue supporting their philanthropic endeavors. On the other hand, others may have modified guidelines, such as lower match ratios or donation caps.
To determine if a retiree’s donation is eligible for a match, nonprofits should encourage donors to check with their former employers or use a matching gift database (which we’ll cover more below).
By identifying and engaging retired donors who qualify for corporate matching, nonprofits can unlock valuable funding opportunities that often go overlooked.
Companies that match donations for retirees
Wondering which companies offer retiree-inclusive matching gift programs? We’ve compiled a list of ten leading examples below:
1) Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. is a global leader in telecommunications, providing wireless, broadband, and digital services to millions of customers. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Verizon offers a generous matching gift program, which extends to both current employees and retirees.
Through Verizon’s matching program, donations made by retirees to eligible colleges and universities can be matched at a 1:1 ratio, effectively doubling the impact of their contributions. The company typically sets an annual limit of $5,000 per retiree, and accredited schools must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify.
All in all, Verizon’s matching gift program is an excellent way for retirees to continue supporting charitable causes with additional corporate backing.
Learn more about Verizon’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
2) Eli Lilly & Company
Eli Lilly & Company is a pharmaceutical giant known for its innovations in medicine and healthcare solutions. The company has a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy, which includes a robust matching gift program available to both current employees and retirees.
Currently, Lilly matches donations made to eligible nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, and cultural organizations. The program follows a 1:1 matching ratio, and retirees can participate with matching gifts of up to $7,500 each year..
Learn more about Eli Lilly’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
3) Boeing
Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies, is dedicated to supporting charitable giving through its matching gift program. Retirees, as well as current employees, are eligible to have their donations matched by the company.
Boeing’s matching gift program operates on a 1:1 basis, and eligible nonprofits include educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, environmental initiatives, and more. The program has an annual cap of $3,000 for retirees, but the eligibility criteria remain broad, allowing many charities to benefit from the generosity of Boeing’s workforce—both past and present.
Learn more about Boeing’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
4) Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare and pharmaceutical company, is well known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility. One key part of this commitment is its generous matching gift program, which extends to both current employees and retirees.
Through the Johnson & Johnson matching gift program, eligible donations made by retirees to qualifying nonprofits can be matched dollar for dollar, effectively doubling their impact up to $10,000 per year. The program typically supports a wide range of organizations, including educational institutions, health and human services, environmental groups, and cultural organizations.
Learn more about J&J’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
5) Intel Corporation
Intel Corporation, a worldwide technology leader in semiconductor manufacturing, has a strong history of corporate giving. The company’s matching gift program is open to both employees and retirees, reinforcing Intel’s commitment to philanthropy.
Intel matches donations at a 1:1 ratio, with contributions directed to a wide range of eligible nonprofits, including education, healthcare, and community organizations. Retirees can take advantage of this program within the designated annual cap of $1,000, making it a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to boost their fundraising efforts.
Learn more about Intel’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
6) Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, operates a comprehensive matching gift program that includes both employees and retirees. The company encourages its workforce to support charitable organizations by offering a dollar-for-dollar match on eligible donations.
The program applies to a broad range of nonprofit organizations, and Caterpillar sets a generous annual limit of $10,000 per donor. That means retirees who previously worked for Caterpillar can continue their charitable giving with the added benefit of corporate matching, making their donations go even further.
Learn more about Caterpillar’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
7) The Gap
Gap Inc., the parent company of apparel brands like Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, is dedicated to corporate social responsibility. One way that it does so is by providing a matching gift program that extends to both employees and retirees, fostering an ongoing culture of giving.
Currently, Gap matches donations at a 1:1 ratio to eligible nonprofits within a set annual limit. However, maximum matching gift amounts can vary by position (i.e., $1,000 for part-time employees to as much as $15,000 for full-time employees).
The program supports a variety of causes, including education, environmental initiatives, and social services. Retired employees are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to double their impact and help nonprofits secure additional funding.
Learn more about Gap’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
8) Chevron Corporation
Chevron, a multinational energy corporation, offers a strong matching gift program that supports both current and retired employees in their charitable giving efforts. The company recognizes the importance of philanthropy and extends its program to a wide range of nonprofit organizations.
Chevron typically matches donations at a 1:1 ratio with a designated annual cap of $3,000 for retirees. That said, retirees who qualify can request matching funds for contributions to eligible charities, ensuring that their support for important causes is maximized through corporate giving.
Learn more about Chevron’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
9) Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, the parent company of brands like Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille, encourages philanthropy through its corporate giving programs. Today, the company extends its matching gift program to both employees and retirees as a way to do so.
Darden matches donations at a standard 1:1 ratio, with certain restrictions on eligible organizations and an annual cap of $10,000 per donor. Nonprofits can benefit from this program by ensuring that retirees who have worked for Darden are aware of their eligibility and take advantage of the matching funds.
Learn more about Darden’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
10) Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation, a standout leader in electronics, entertainment, and gaming, has a strong corporate giving culture that includes a matching gift program for both employees and retirees. The program allows former employees to continue making an impact through their charitable contributions.
Sony’s matching gift program typically operates on a 1:1 basis, with an annual cap of $2,000 per donor. Eligible nonprofits include education, arts and culture, and select human services organizations.
Learn more about Sony’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.
How a matching gift database can help
The above companies aren’t the only ones that offer matching gifts for retirees. The truth is that there are too many to list!
So, how can you uncover additional opportunities and keep up with program guidelines? The best way is to equip your team with a matching gift database like Double the Donation.
Here’s how it works:
- Search the database tool for a specific company (e.g., Home Depot).
- In real-time, access program information about the company, including eligibility requirements for employees and retirees, match ratios, minimums and maximums, and more.
Not to mention, you can even embed the database directly into your donation forms. This makes it easy to collect and scan against employment information, uncovering match-eligible employees and retirees alike with no added effort.
Ensuring retirees are informed about matching gifts
For nonprofits with a largely retired donor base—such as public radio stations, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and more—it’s crucial to ensure that supporters know they may still qualify for matching gifts.
After all, many retirees mistakenly assume that workplace giving programs no longer apply to them simply because they are no longer actively employed. However, many companies extend their matching gift programs to retired employees as well, presenting an invaluable yet often overlooked opportunity for funding.
Looking to make the most of it? Here’s how you can ensure retirees are well-informed about matching gifts:
- Incorporate Clear Messaging in Donation Appeals – When discussing matching gifts in emails, on donation pages, or in direct mail, explicitly mention that retirees are often eligible and should check their former company’s program.
- Segment Email Communication – If possible, create a targeted email campaign specifically for retired donors, emphasizing that they may still qualify for a corporate match.
- Share Success Stories – Highlight examples of retired donors who successfully secured a matching gift. This reinforces eligibility and makes the process feel more accessible.
- Engage Through Multiple Channels – In addition to email, use newsletters, social media, or even on-air announcements to spread the message that retirees may still be eligible for matching gifts.
By regularly educating retirees about their potential matching gift eligibility, nonprofits can maximize corporate giving revenue while ensuring that dedicated, longtime supporters feel empowered to increase their impact. The key is ongoing communication—making sure this valuable donor segment knows that their generosity can still go even further.
Wrapping up & additional corporate giving resources
Retiree-inclusive matching gift programs present a valuable yet frequently untapped fundraising opportunity for nonprofits like yours. By educating your donors, leveraging the right tools, and actively promoting the programs to your supporters, your organization can unlock additional funding with minimal effort.
Don’t let these matching dollars go unclaimed. Start engaging retired donors and help them make an even greater impact on your mission today!
Interested in learning more about matching gifts and other corporate giving programs? Take a look at our recommended resources below:
- 15 Companies That Offer Volunteer Grants for Retirees. Volunteer grants are another leading workplace giving opportunity in which retired individuals are often invited to take part. Check out some companies offering retiree-friendly volunteer grant programs here.
- Top Matching Gift Companies: Find Your Match Today. Looking for even more matching gift companies in your network? Check out this list of 40+ generous employers leading the way in terms of matching gift programs. Do your donors work for them? Find out!
- Free Download: Improving the Donor Journey with Matching Gifts. Matching gifts can help transform the donor experience in a really positive way. Get the free downloadable guide to see how you can incorporate matching throughout the supporter journey.
Board Member Fundraising: Matching Gifts, Volunteer Grants
/in Volunteer Grant Companies, Learning Center, Matching Gift Companies, Company Spotlights, Fundraising Ideas, Lists and Rankings /by Adam WeingerA well-established board of directors can play a critical role in the success of a nonprofit. Not only through governance and strategic leadership but also by actively contributing to revenue-generation efforts through dedicated board member fundraising.
One powerful yet often underutilized way board members can amplify their impact is by leveraging corporate philanthropy programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants—including specific programs designed to celebrate board membership. These initiatives allow key individuals to maximize their personal contributions and service, encouraging greater community support and engagement.
In this post, we’ll explore how board members can take advantage of these opportunities and more to drive additional funding for their organizations. Specifically, we’ll cover the following:
- What is board member fundraising?
- 5 board member fundraising strategies to consider
- Board member fundraising & matching gifts
- Board member fundraising & volunteer grants
By understanding and leveraging corporate philanthropy programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants, board members can significantly enhance their nonprofit’s fundraising potential. As we dive into the specifics, you’ll discover practical strategies and actionable insights to help board members unlock new funding opportunities.
Read on to learn how you and your fellow board members can make the most of these powerful giving programs and beyond!
What is board member fundraising?
Board member fundraising refers to the role nonprofit board members play in generating financial support for their organization. As key leaders and ambassadors, board members are often expected to contribute personally and encourage others to give through their networks.
This can include direct donations, securing major gifts, organizing fundraising events, leveraging corporate giving programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants, and fostering relationships with potential donors.
All in all, effective board member fundraising strengthens the nonprofit’s financial sustainability and demonstrates a commitment to the organization’s mission.
5 board member fundraising strategies to consider
While board member fundraising can seem daunting, there are several effective and accessible ways for organizations to rally their board members to get involved. Below are five key fundraising strategies that can help board members maximize their impact and strengthen their nonprofit’s financial sustainability.
1) Organize fundraising events.
Hosting fundraising events is a powerful way for board members to engage their networks and generate revenue for the nonprofit. Whether it’s a formal gala, networking reception, or intimate donor gathering, these events provide opportunities to cultivate relationships and secure donations.
Board members can take the lead by organizing, sponsoring, or inviting key stakeholders to these events. By leveraging their connections and expertise, they can create meaningful experiences that inspire giving and strengthen donor relationships.
2) Encourage giving by example.
Board members set the tone for donor engagement, and one of the most effective ways to encourage giving is by leading with personal contributions. When board members donate at a meaningful level, it signals confidence in the organization’s mission and motivates others to contribute.
Organizations should establish a culture where board giving is an expectation and celebrate members who go above and beyond in their financial support.
3) Implement peer-to-peer fundraising.
Peer-to-peer fundraising allows board members to leverage their networks for greater impact. By creating personal fundraising pages and reaching out to friends, colleagues, and family, board members can rally additional supporters around the cause.
Whether tied to a specific campaign, event, or milestone, peer-to-peer efforts help expand an organization’s donor base and bring in new funding. Providing board members with the right tools and messaging to do so ensures their outreach is both effective and seamless.
4) Thank and steward board members.
Recognizing and appreciating board members for their fundraising efforts is essential to maintaining engagement and motivation. Organizations should implement consistent stewardship practices, such as personalized thank-you messages, public recognition, and exclusive impact updates.
Celebrating board contributions not only strengthens their commitment but also reinforces the importance of their role in the nonprofit’s success.
5) Explore corporate giving opportunities.
Many board members have access to corporate giving programs through their employers, including matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other opportunities. To ensure you’re making the most of their support, nonprofit teams should educate board members on these programs—and encourage them to take advantage of available funding.
Whether by submitting their own donations for a match or securing grants for volunteer hours, board members can unlock significant financial support through their employers with minimal extra effort.
Board member fundraising & matching gifts
Matching gifts are one of the most effective ways to amplify board member fundraising efforts. After all, many companies have established corporate matching gift programs, where they match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. Some even offer dedicated programs to match board members’ donations at an even higher rate or allowance!
As a result, board members can take advantage of these programs to significantly increase the impact of their personal contributions—and encourage others to do the same.
Check out these examples of companies with matching gift programs specifically for employees serving on nonprofit boards:
US Bancorp
US Bancorp is the parent company of the U.S. Bank National Association (based in Minneapolis, Minnesota), ranked the fifth largest bank in the U.S. based on assets ($670 billion), and the fifth largest based on total branches. The company currently employs over 70,000 people.
US Bank Matching Gift Policy
US Bank offers a 1:1 matching ratio of gifts with a generous limit each year. When a board member makes a donation, however, this limit is tripled. US Bank matches donations made by full-time and part-time employees to most nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about US Bank’s matching gift program.
WestRock
WestRock is an American packaging company based in Richmond, Virginia. It has approximately 56,000 employees.
WestRock Matching Gift Policy
WestRock matches all employee donations to educational institutions (K-12 included). However, it also matches donations from employees who serve on the board of directors (or other governing bodies) of the organization to which the contribution is being made.
Learn more about WestRock’s matching gift program.
Dominion Resources, Inc.
Dominion Resources, Inc. (aka Dominion) is a power and energy company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, which supplies electricity and natural gas across the nation. Today, the company employs an estimated 18,000 people.
Dominion Matching Gift Policy
When Dominion employees or retirees serve on the board of directors for a nonprofit organization, the company will make a 2:1 match (which is greater than its standard match offering of 1:1).
Learn more about Dominion’s matching gift program.
Schneider Electric & Subsidiaries
Schneider Electric is a France-based multinational corporation with nearly 10 U.S. business acquisitions. The company specializes in electricity distribution and automation management, and it currently employs more than 168,000 individuals.
Schneider Electric Matching Gift Policy
Schneider Electric, Square D NOAD & its subsidiaries provide a 1:1 match on all donations up to a lofty annual maximum. If an employee is also an active member of a nonprofit organization’s board of directors, the match ratio is increased to 1.5:1.
Learn more about Schneider Electric’s matching gift program.
Board member fundraising & volunteer grants
Additionally, volunteer grants are another often overlooked but powerful way for board members to support their nonprofit financially.
Many companies offer corporate volunteer grant programs, which provide monetary donations to nonprofits based on the volunteer hours their employees contribute. As highly engaged volunteers, board members may be eligible to secure these grants, turning their service into direct funding for your cause.
Check out these examples of companies with volunteer grant programs that nonprofit board members can leverage:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Takeda is the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and Asia, boasting 49,000 employees worldwide. It is focused on metabolic disorders, gastroenterology, neurology, and inflammation.
Takeda Volunteer Grant Program
When an employee of Takeda Pharmaceuticals serves on the board of directors for eligible nonprofit organizations, said employee can request a generous volunteer grant for the organization.
Learn more about Takeda’s volunteer grant program.
Novartis International AG
Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. Currently, it’s ranked number eight in sales in the worldwide pharmaceutical industry ($201 billion) and employs nearly 120,000 people.
Novartis Volunteer Grant Program
Novartis offers Board Service Grants, through which employees who serve on the board of directors of an eligible organization can request a volunteer grant after one year of board service. These grants are renewable annually for up to three years.
Learn more about Novartis’ volunteer grant program.
PNM Resources
PNM Resources, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across the southwest. Today, PNM is estimated to employ about 2,000 people.
PNM’s Volunteer Grant Program
PNM provides volunteer grants to the organizations its staff volunteer with. However, if an employee volunteers for a minimum number of hours and serves on the organization’s board of directors, the company provides an even larger grant amount!
Learn more about PNM’s volunteer grant program.
Blue Shield of California
With over 7,500 employees, Blue Shield of California is based in San Francisco, California. It is a nonprofit health plan provider that serves more than 3.4 million health plan members and almost 65,000 physicians across California.
BSOC Volunteer Grant Program
Blue Shield of California offers a few volunteer grant-giving programs.
For healthcare organizations, when a BSOC employee serves on the nonprofit’s governing board and makes a monetary donation, BSOC will match the donation at a 2:1 ratio. Meanwhile, for civic and community organizations. BSOC employee volunteers serving on the governing body can have their donations matched at a 1:1 ratio.
Learn more about BSOC’s volunteer grant program.
Wrapping up & additional resources
By tapping into corporate matching gift programs and volunteer grants, board members can significantly boost their nonprofit’s fundraising efforts with minimal extra effort. Whether by submitting their own donations for a corporate match or securing grants for their volunteer service, these initiatives can unlock substantial funding.
As key ambassadors of the organization, board members have a unique opportunity to set the tone for donor engagement and corporate partnerships. When fully utilized, these programs not only strengthen financial resources but also deepen the culture of giving within the nonprofit community. Talk about a win-win!
Interested in learning more about smart fundraising and workplace giving strategies? Check out these additional resources:
- Become an Expert: Access The Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts. Maximize the impact of every donation by leveraging matching gift programs. This comprehensive guide covers everything nonprofits need to know about corporate matching gifts, from identifying opportunities to engaging donors and increasing revenue.
- Fuel Fundraising: Access The Guide to Corporate Volunteer Grants. Did you know that many companies provide grants based on their employees’ volunteer hours? This guide explores how nonprofits can tap into corporate volunteer grant programs, empowering board members and supporters to turn their time into funding.
- Top Workplace Giving Companies: Leading Employers to Know. Some of the biggest companies offer generous workplace giving programs, from matching gifts to volunteer grants and more. This resource highlights top employers with strong corporate philanthropy initiatives, helping nonprofits connect with companies that align with their missions.
Companies that Donate to Silent Auctions: Our 25 Top Picks
/in Learning Center, Lists and Rankings, Company Spotlights /by Adam WeingerRaise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas
/in Lists and Rankings, Matching Gift Companies, Company Spotlights /by Adam WeingerAustin, Texas, is not only known for its vibrant culture and innovative tech scene but also for its strong sense of community and corporate social responsibility. Many businesses in the area actively support local nonprofits through matching gift programs, allowing employees to double or even triple their contributions to charitable organizations.
By understanding and leveraging these opportunities, nonprofits can unlock substantial additional funding and strengthen their relationships with corporate partners.
In this post, we’ll explore the top matching gift companies in Austin, Texas, highlight their programs, and share actionable tips for nonprofits to maximize their impact through these initiatives.
Let’s dive in!
Dell
Dell offers a generous matching gift program, matching all global full- and part-time employee donations of between $10 and $10,000 each year. And nearly all nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive funding through the program! However, in order to qualify for matching gifts, donations must be made directly through the company’s CSR portal.
Learn more about Dell’s matching gift program here.
Oracle
Oracle encourages its employees to give back to their communities through its leading matching gift program. Currently, full-time and part-time employees are invited to participate, with the company matching donations between $20 and $1,000 each year. Organizations that fall under the realms of education (K-12 included), health and human services, and environmental nonprofits qualify to receive funds through the program.
Learn more about Oracle’s matching gift program here.
Indeed
Indeed aims to make giving back as easy and accessible for its employees as possible—and that’s where the company’s matching gift program comes in. Each year, team members are invited to get their gifts matched to their favorite organizations (including schols, health and human services, arts and cultural organizations, civic and community groups, environmental causes, and many other nonprofits). Gifts between $5 and $500 are matchable at a 1:1 ratio, and full- and part-time employees alike are encouraged to get involved.
Learn more about Indeed’s matching gift program here.
AMD
In order to inspire community involvement across its workforce, AMD participates in matching gifts to nonprofits of all shapes and sizes. Each year, employees are eligible to request between $25 and $1,500 in matches to their favorite causes. Not to mention, AMD’s matching gift program is open to full and part-time employees as well as their spouses.
Learn more about AMD’s matching gift program here.
Vrbo
Vrbo, a subsidiary of Expedia, matches employee donations as a way to inspire community involvement and philanthropy among its staff. Matching team members’ gifts of between $15 and $10,000 per year, Vrbo and its parent company are eager to double the impact made by individual donors to the causes they care about.
Not to mention, the company also offers volunteer grants worth $30 an hour!
Learn more about Vrbo’s matching gift program here.
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
Matching gift programs offered by Austin-based companies present a powerful opportunity for nonprofits (specifically those operating in the Texas area) to amplify their fundraising efforts.
By educating donors, streamlining the matching process, and actively engaging with corporate partners, organizations can tap into untapped potential and achieve greater impact. With the right strategies, Austin nonprofits can turn these matching gifts into a sustainable funding stream, helping them drive their missions forward and make a lasting difference in their community.
Don’t miss out—start optimizing your matching gift efforts today!
For more information, check out the following recommended resources:
- 20+ Matching Gift Companies: Leaders in Corporate Giving. Check out even more companies with leading matching gift programs across the globe.
- Top Volunteer Grant Companies Offering Dollars for Doers. Volunteer grants are another form of corporate giving. Explore leading opportunities here!
- Volunteer Time Off Companies | 35 Programs to Know. Tons of companies offer paid volunteer time off. Browse our list of popular examples!
Matching Gift Web Pages: 8 Top Examples to Be Inspired By
/in Lists and Rankings, Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, Company Spotlights /by Adam WeingerWhen it comes to marketing matching gifts, your nonprofit’s website is one of your most invaluable assets. Creating an effective matching gift web page is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways for nonprofits and other groups to boost their fundraising efforts. By educating donors about corporate matching gift programs and providing easy access to necessary tools, your organization can unlock untapped revenue and double—or even triple—contributions. But what makes these matching gift web pages truly successful?
In this post, we’ve compiled the top 8 examples of matching gift web pages from leading nonprofits to inspire your own design. These include:
- Lehigh University
- University of Georgia
- Red Cross
- Save the Children
- Susan G. Komen
- Feeding America
- Shriners Hospitals for Children
- Humane Society of the United States
From user-friendly layouts to compelling calls to action, these examples showcase how organizations can engage their audiences, streamline the gift-matching process, and drive impressive results. But before we dive in, we want to review the basics.
What are Matching Gift Web Pages?
Matching gift web pages are dedicated sections on a nonprofit’s website designed to educate donors about corporate matching gift programs and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities. These pages serve as a centralized resource to inform supporters that their donations could be doubled through their employers’ philanthropic initiatives, significantly amplifying the impact of their contributions.
Matching gift web pages are essential for nonprofits to raise awareness and capture additional revenue that might otherwise be overlooked. By simplifying the process and making resources readily accessible, these pages help donors understand the value of matching gifts—and ultimately take action.
Whether you’re building a new page from scratch or simply optimizing an existing one, these ideas will help you build a matching gift page that resonates with your donors to drive action.
Let’s begin with the first example!
Matching Gift Web Page #1: Lehigh University
View the matching gifts page here: https://alumni.lehigh.edu/matching-gift
Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is a private research institution in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known for its strong engineering, business, and arts programs. Its mission is to advance learning, promote research, and serve society.
Lehigh actively promotes matching gifts by educating alumni, parents, and donors about corporate matching opportunities. The university’s giving portal features a searchable matching gift database, making it easy for donors to identify whether their employers participate in such programs and maximize their support for Lehigh’s academic initiatives and campus projects.
Standout feature: Matching gift search tool, supplying company-specific program insights and forms for thousands of matching gift providers
Matching Gift Web Page #2: University of Georgia
View the matching gifts page here: https://giving.uga.edu/matching-gifts/
The University of Georgia (or UGA), founded in 1785, is a public research university in Athens, Georgia. As one of the oldest public institutions in the United States, UGA’s mission focuses on fostering excellence in education, research, and public service to positively impact its students and communities.
To support its robust academic and extracurricular programs, UGA leverages corporate matching gift programs. The university encourages donors to double their contributions by providing an accessible matching gift tool on its giving pages and highlighting companies that participate in such programs to increase donor engagement.
Standout feature: Highlighting top employers that match employee donations to the university, including collapsible program guidelines for easy access
Matching Gift Web Page #3: Red Cross
View the matching gifts page here: https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/workplace-giving-matching-gift.html
The American Red Cross, founded in 1881, provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education across the globe. Its mission centers on alleviating human suffering during times of crisis through volunteerism and donor support.
The Red Cross strategically integrates matching gift opportunities into its fundraising efforts by maintaining a dedicated matching gift web page and promoting corporate philanthropy during major campaigns. This ensures donors can maximize their impact when supporting disaster response and preparedness programs.
Standout feature: Embedded donation form within the matching gift page, making it easy for donors to take the next steps and make their initial donations (if they haven’t already!) before requesting a match
Matching Gift Web Page #4: Save the Children
View the matching gifts page here: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/about-us/become-a-partner/workplace-giving-matching-gifts
Save the Children is a global nonprofit founded in 1919 that aims to improve the lives of children through education, health care, and protection during crises. Operating in over 100 countries, the organization is committed to ensuring every child has the chance to thrive.
Save the Children emphasizes matching gifts by actively educating donors about corporate matching opportunities. Their fundraising campaigns often highlight matching gift options, making it easy for supporters to search for their employers and multiply their contributions to the cause.
Standout feature: Complete visualization of the matching experience using educational graphics, walking through the process step-by-step
Matching Gift Web Page #5: Susan G. Komen
View the matching gifts page here: https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/matching-gifts/
Susan G. Komen, established in 1982, is a leading organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through research, advocacy, and community support. Known for its iconic Race for the Cure events, the nonprofit focuses on raising awareness and funding for breast cancer programs.
Susan G. Komen also encourages donors to explore matching gift options through dedicated web tools and donor communications. Its emphasis on corporate matching helps secure additional funding for research and support services, amplifying the impact of individual donations.
Standout feature: Matching gift Q&A section, covering all the basics of corporate matching gifts that donors may need to know to participate in the programs
Matching Gift Web Page #6: Feeding America
View the matching gifts page here: https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/matching-gifts
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working with food banks, pantries, and meal programs to address food insecurity. Founded in 1979, the organization’s mission is to ensure no one in the United States goes hungry.
In order to do so, Feeding America actively incorporates matching gifts into its fundraising strategy by partnering with companies and their employees to double donor contributions. Their website features a matching gift page and tools to make it easy for supporters to multiply their impact and help feed more people in need.
Standout feature: Simple step-by-step breakdown of the matching gift process, making it easy for donors to check their eligibility, submit a request, and multiply their impact
Matching Gift Web Page #7: Shriners Hospitals for Children
View the matching gifts page here: https://lovetotherescue.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/matching-gifts
Shriners Hospitals for Children, established in 1922, provides specialized pediatric care, conducts innovative research, and offers educational programs regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of children with orthopedic conditions, burns, and other special healthcare needs.
The organization encourages matching gifts through its donation platform, helping donors maximize their contributions to provide critical care and expand the reach of its services.
Standout feature: Section overviewing the significant and widespread benefits of matching gifts for the organization, encouraging donors to get involved
Matching Gift Web Page #8: Humane Society of the United States
View the matching gifts page here: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/match-your-gift-double-your-impact
The Humane Society of the United States, established in 1954, works to promote the humane treatment of animals through advocacy, education, and rescue efforts. Its mission includes addressing animal cruelty, advocating for stronger protections, and supporting shelter programs.
HSUS integrates matching gift strategies into its fundraising by promoting employer-matching programs on its donation pages and in donor communications. By leveraging corporate philanthropy, the organization maximizes funding to protect and save more animals than otherwise possible.
Standout feature: Mission-related imagery, leveraging photos of animals in multiples to represent matching gift opportunities
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
A well-designed matching gift web page is a powerful tool for raising awareness about corporate philanthropy and increasing revenue for your nonprofit. By implementing best practices and tailoring your matching gift page to your audience’s needs, you can make it easier for donors to navigate the process and for your organization to capture every eligible match.
Remember: the key to success is a seamless experience that encourages donors to check their matching gift eligibility and follow through with their requests.
Take inspiration from these examples, and start building a matching gift web page that maximizes your nonprofit’s potential to secure corporate matches and amplify its mission. Good luck!
For more information on matching gifts and other corporate giving opportunities, we recommend checking out these additional resources:
- The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Raise awareness of matching gifts using the best practices, tools, and resources outlined by this complete downloadable guide.
- Matching Gift Strategies Workshop. Refine your team’s matching gift strategy to begin earning more from this corporate giving source.
- Database of Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant Companies. Ensure your matching gift web page makes matching gifts easy. Embed a company database in the resource to do so!
How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts
/in About Double the Donation, Company Spotlights, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerThe American Cancer Society (also known as ACS) is renowned for its efforts in cancer research, patient support, and advocacy. However, one of the lesser-known secrets to its fundraising success lies in its effective use of matching gifts. By doubling—and in some cases tripling—donor contributions through corporate matching gift programs, ACS has been able to significantly increase its fundraising results.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how the American Cancer Society harnessed the power of matching gifts to double donations—and see what other nonprofits can learn from their approach. Specifically, we’ll cover:
- American Cancer Society: Organizational Overview
- How the American Cancer Society Secured Internal Buy-In for Matching Gifts
- American Cancer Society’s External Matching Gift Resources
- Get More Insights From the On-Demand Event Replay
Double the Donation sat down with the American Cancer Society to discuss the organization’s matching gift strategy. Interested in learning more about how they brought about standout matching gift success? Feel free to watch a brief snippet from the webinar here—or skip below to access a recording of the full, on-demand event.
Let’s begin!
American Cancer Society: Organizational Overview
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Founded in 1913, ACS has become one of the most influential nonprofits in the fight against cancer, funding groundbreaking research, providing support for patients and survivors, and advocating for cancer prevention and early detection.
Today, the American Cancer Society’s ongoing efforts are powered by volunteers, donors, and corporate partners alike, with matching gift programs playing a critical role in increasing the impact of donations. All in all, this ensures that the organization can continue making strides toward a cancer-free future with the right resources in tow.
How the American Cancer Society Secured Internal Buy-In for Matching Gifts
In a recent conversation with key stakeholders—including volunteers and paid staff alike—the American Cancer Society discovered a gap in knowledge that’s proven to be hindering the organization’s matching gift fundraising success.
When internal teams lack awareness around the programs, they’re not taking the steps to rally individual supporters to get involved. That means matching gifts are slipping through the cracks, and teams aren’t prepared to stop it from happening.
As a result, the organization made it a priority to raise awareness of matching gifts across its network—starting with internal staff and fundraising volunteers.
Here’s what it decided to do:
- Ensure team-wide knowledge. They got started by determining exactly how familiar their audience is with the idea of matching gifts. Once they had a baseline for knowledge, they made a plan to increase awareness across staff and volunteers.
- Seek input from their stakeholders. Project leaders asked around to see what kinds of materials their team would find most valuable. As the organization’s fundraising staff are the ones who will be distributing the resources, it made sense to gather their opinions from the start.
- Equip its fundraising team with matching gift materials. A nonprofit’s fundraising team plays a hands-on role in driving donor support. ACS made sure its team was ready to encourage matching gifts by providing staff and volunteers with helpful resources ahead of time.
Remember this: The more an internal team is prepared to proactively pursue matching gifts, the more effective a response it can expect.
P.S. Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Academy is free for current clients to learn from—and it contains a wealth of resources for organizations to supercharge their internal knowledge.
American Cancer Society’s External Matching Gift Resources
In order to combat the lack of matching gift awareness the organization was seeing, the ACS team took time to create donor-facing materials that provided educational context surrounding the programs.
These resources include—but are not limited to—the following:
- A matching gift Q&A resource, complete with common inquiries and the appropriate responses.
- An explainer doc that demonstrates how an individual will submit a matching gift to their employer.
- A brief video that overviews the matching gift opportunity and visualizes how an individual will get involved.
Once the team had its matching gift materials created, it was time to share them with its network, both internally and externally. This allowed team members and supporters to grow their knowledge of the programs and ultimately participate on the organization’s behalf.
Not to mention, to further simplify the matching gift experience, the ACS features Double the Donation’s search tool in both its marketing materials and its video overview.
Get More Insights From the On-Demand Event Replay
We covered many of the most essential insights from the ACS matching gifts presentation in this overview. Still, there’s more to learn!
To hear the full conversation between our team and the American Cancer Society, get the webinar replay by filling out the form below.
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
The American Cancer Society’s ability to double donations through matching gifts highlights the transformative power of this fundraising tool. By making it easy for donors to access matching gift opportunities, ACS has maximized the impact of each contribution.
Today, nonprofits of all shapes and sizes can learn from the American Cancer Society’s strategy to amplify their own fundraising efforts and make a greater difference. Matching gifts not only increase funds but also strengthen donor relationships, providing a win-win opportunity for the causes they serve.
Keep learning! Read our recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge on all things matching gifts:
- Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access More Double the Donation Case Studies. Hear from even more organizations and how they’ve benefited from matching gift tools like Double the Donation.
- Best Practices for Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Nonprofit’s Website. Learn more about how your team can promote matching gifts using your website as an essential marketing tool.
- Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Get the complete guide to marketing matching gifts to see how your organization can spread the word.
A Look at Save the Children’s Winning Matching Gift Strategy
/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, About Double the Donation, Company Spotlights /by Adam WeingerCorporate matching gifts are an invaluable revenue opportunity for nonprofits and schools. However, many organizations struggle to capture them due to low levels of awareness among their donors. With effective promotions, you can solve the issue and benefit greatly from the funds.
In this blog, we’ll cover one standout example, familiarizing your team with the ins and outs of Save the Children’s matching gift strategy.
This includes:
- What to Know About Save the Children
- Save the Children’s Matching Gift Page Overhaul
- Save the Children’s Text Message Campaign Strategy
- How Double the Donation’s Tools Helped Save the Children’s Matching Gift Strategy
- Learn More: Get the Full Webinar Replay
Double the Donation works with leading organizations to help them finetune their matching gift strategies and raise more through the programs. Save the Children is one example of a cause we support, and they joined a webinar to discuss how our tools are supporting their fundraising and matching gift efforts.
In this post, we’ll summarize the event and examine how Save the Children engages supporters in a meaningful way. Here’s a quick overview of the presentation:
Let’s begin!
What to Know About Save the Children
Save the Children is a global leader in children’s advocacy, known for its impactful programs in education, health, and emergency response. For over 100 years, Save the Children has been dedicated to literally saving the world’s children by providing education, a healthy start to life, and protection from harm.
Today, the organization operates in more than 100 countries across the world. However, its success isn’t just due to the breadth of its services. It’s also driven by a powerful approach to fundraising, including a well-crafted matching gift strategy.
Save the Children’s Matching Gift Page Overhaul
As of 2023, Save the Children had been receiving support from matching gift programs—but the team knew it could be doing more. In order to kick off its promotional strategy, Save the Children decided to revamp its Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts information page.
The Organization’s Former Matching Gifts Page
Save the Children’s matching gift strategy was doing a lot well even before its complete overhaul. Here are a few practices the organization implemented in creating the Match Page:
- Clearly explain the matching gift process. Most donors lack knowledge about matching gifts. Simplify involvement by providing the basic information an individual should know.
- Embed a database tool. If you invest in a tool like Double the Donation, place a database search tool on the page. Donors simply type their company name to receive employer-specific guidelines and request forms!
- Answer FAQs. Be proactive about providing the information you think your donors will need right on the page. This can reduce the volume of inquiries your team will need to answer later, too.
The Organization’s New Matching Gifts Page
From there, the team also conducted the following steps to reorganize the page with the goal of bringing about better matching gift results. With a few additional tweaks and adjustments, the page is more successful than ever:
- Simplified the information included. The goal was to be comprehensive and educational without overwhelming the visitor with too much text.
- Incorporated clickable content section links. This assisted with navigation, making it easy to find the most relevant information for each user.
- Restructured the page to focus on matching gifts first. With a goal of increasing visibility, the team placed Double the Donation’s widget higher—and more prominently—on the page.
- Visually demonstrated the simplicity of the matching gift process. Using diagrams and other graphic elements, the organization was able to better illustrate and communicate the matching gift experience for donors.
The results? Save the Children saw increased site traffic and page views during a four-month period as compared to the same period the year prior. And the growth was substantial, too. According to the organization, their team saw a 966% increase in site traffic and a 903% increase in page views!
This increase in site traffic has directly resulted in more donors participating in matching gifts as well. Since their matching gift page now provides simplified, engaging information, donors are more easily able to navigate their matching gift programs.
Save the Children’s Text Message Campaign Strategy
Once you’ve created a matching gift page on your website, you’ll want to take steps to direct traffic to the resource. One thing that Save the Children did to spread matching gift awareness was employ a mass marketing text campaign around the holiday giving season.
Within this campaign, a first text message went out before Giving Tuesday, with a second text message following soon after. Both texts contained brief information about matching gifts along with a direct link to the organization’s matching gifts page, where recipients were encouraged to learn more.
The first agency text message went to the entire text mailing list, which is around ~60,000 contacts who had engaged with Save the Children in the last year. This text saw an above-average click-through rate of 2.7%—with more than 1.5K unique clicks—and also brought in an estimated $2.7k in revenue even before matches were accounted for.
Meanwhile, the second message went out to a smaller segment—those who gave via a recent Giving Tuesday push—but had a significant impact as well. Deployed to ~3.2k subscribers, it saw a click-through rate of 2.6% (which is a 162% increase from other mass marketing texts).
All in all, Save the Children’s matching gift strategy encompassed a range of promotional tactics—from text messaging to paid advertising space and beyond. But one thing that all of its efforts had in common was the use of its Matching Gift page as a central linking target. Because the page provides comprehensive information that answers donors’ questions while also giving them insight into their company’s specific matching gift program guidelines, it makes getting involved easier than ever!
How Double the Donation’s Tools Helped Save the Children’s Matching Gift Strategy
As a Double the Donation client, Save the Children utilizes our automation platform to make matching gifts easier for their donors and fundraising staff alike. In discussing the organization’s matching gift page overhaul and subsequent text campaign, one thing the Save the Children team emphasizes is its use of the matching gift database tool.
“I’ll just say, from our standpoint of Save the Children, it’s been so helpful to have that Double the Donation search tool embedded on the landing page. It makes it really easy when we go to deploy visibility tactics to let people know it’s really easy to track if your employer can match your gift or not.”
Ariana Romanelli, Save the Children US
Here’s how it works:
- An individual begins typing the name of their employer in the company search tool.
- As they type, the solution automatically populates suggested companies. This makes it easy to select the appropriate employer without worrying about typos or misnomers.
- When the individual selects a listing, they’re met with tailored insights regarding the company’s matching gift program (as well as other workplace giving initiatives available) in real-time. This includes minimum and maximum donation amounts, match ratios, qualifying employees and nonprofits, and submission deadlines.
- The individual is encouraged to submit a matching gift by following the provided instructions and submitting the provided forms.
Save the Children has also implemented Double the Donation’s matching gift database directly within its online giving form, too. This allows users to access matching gift insights at the point of donation and even receive tailored guidelines and forms via email after contributing.
Learn More: Get the Full Webinar Replay
We’ve summarized the most essential insights from our recent presentation here. But for the full look at Save the Children’s matching gift strategy, we recommend viewing the full webinar replay.
Interested in hearing the complete conversation between a lead associate of corporate partnerships at Save the Children and Double the Donation’s own marketing team manager? Register to receive a copy of the presentation sent directly to your inbox.
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
Save the Children’s matching gift strategy serves as a valuable example for nonprofits looking to elevate their fundraising impact. By implementing clear communications, leveraging technology, and promoting programs at multiple opportunities, they’ve found a winning formula for multiplying donations.
Now, organizations like yours can draw inspiration from their approach to maximize your own matching gift potential. When executed well, matching gifts don’t just boost the bottom line. They deepen supporters’ connection to the cause, ensuring each contribution goes further in creating lasting change for children in need.
Begin by auditing your current matching gift marketing efforts. Do you have a dedicated matching gifts page on your site? If not, that’s likely where you’ll want to get started. If so, you’ll want to evaluate the existing resource and determine how exactly you’re sending traffic to the page. Then, see what changes you can implement to bring your strategy to new heights.
Keep learning! Read our recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge on all things matching gifts:
- Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access More Double the Donation Case Studies. Hear from even more organizations and how they’ve benefited from matching gift tools like Double the Donation.
- Best Practices for Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Nonprofit’s Website. Learn more about how your team can promote matching gifts using your website as an essential marketing tool.
- Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Get the complete guide to marketing matching gifts to see how your organization can spread the word.
Leveraging Volunteer Incentive Programs [Nonprofit FAQ]
/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, About Double the Donation, Company Spotlights, Fundraising Ideas /by Adam WeingerMarketing Corporate Volunteerism | A How-To Guide For Orgs
/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, About Double the Donation, Company Spotlights, Donor communications /by Adam WeingerCorporate volunteerism refers to the practice of businesses encouraging employees to volunteer their time and skills to charitable causes. This can take a number of forms, including company-wide volunteer days, paid time off for volunteer activities, skills-based volunteering, and volunteer grant programs.
For nonprofits and schools, corporate volunteerism is a vital tool that can significantly enhance their capacity to achieve their missions. How? Corporate volunteer programs provide these organizations with increased manpower, diverse skill sets, enhanced visibility, and even the potential for financial support and long-term corporate partnerships.
Meanwhile, the companies offering the programs see increased employee engagement and enhanced CSR. However, for each group to reap the rewards of these programs, it’s essential that the efforts are marketed well. And that’s where this guide comes in!
- Understanding Corporate Volunteerism Opportunities
- Identifying Corporate Volunteer Programs in Your Network
- Marketing Corporate Volunteerism to Supporters
- Marketing Volunteerism to Corporate Partners
- 5 Organizations Marketing Corporate Volunteerism Well
Read on to uncover top corporate volunteer marketing strategies and tips you can implement in your own organization’s engagement plan.
Understanding Corporate Volunteerism Opportunities
Corporate volunteerism provides nonprofits, schools, and similar fundraising groups with easy access to skilled volunteers and other invaluable resources. Understanding the types of programs available to your organization and its supporters through their employers allows you to better target lucrative opportunities, deepen engagement with volunteers, and achieve your goals overall.
We recommend familiarizing yourself (and the rest of your team) with the following types of corporate volunteer initiatives:
Individual Volunteer Grants
Volunteer grants, also known as “Dollars for Doers,” are corporate programs where companies offer monetary donations to nonprofits where their employees volunteer. Typically, an employee must spend a set number of hours at the nonprofit for the organization to qualify for a grant, which may be paid out as a lump sum or based on a predetermined hourly rate.
Benefit for nonprofits: This program incentivizes volunteerism and rewards nonprofits with additional financial support!
Team Volunteer Grants
Similar to individual volunteer grants, team volunteer grants provide funding for the organizations at which their employees volunteer. The difference, however, is that team volunteer grants are awarded when a group of employees from the same company volunteer together. Team grants are generally larger in amount, too, providing lucrative funding when groups of employees get involved.
Benefit for nonprofits: This program incentivizes group volunteering among corporate staff and provides generous financial support.
Paid Volunteer Time Off
Paid volunteer time off (or VTO for short) is a corporate benefit where companies provide their employees with a set number of hours they can spend volunteering for nonprofits or community service activities. In other words, employees are encouraged to engage in volunteer work during regular work hours without sacrificing their regular pay.
Benefit for nonprofits: This program provides a powerful incentive for volunteer recruitment, engagement, retention, and more.
Skills-Based Volunteerism
Skills-based volunteerism involves employees offering their professional skills and expertise to nonprofits rather than general volunteer work. For example, a marketing professional might help a nonprofit develop a communications strategy, or an accountant might assist with financial planning.
Benefit for nonprofits: This program allows nonprofits to benefit from specialized knowledge that can significantly advance their mission.
Company-Sponsored Volunteer Days
Company-sponsored volunteer days are organized events where companies designate a day for their employees to volunteer as a group at a specific nonprofit, school, or community project. The company often arranges the logistics, and employees participate during work hours, incentivizing involvement with a free day out of the office!
Benefit for nonprofits: This program empowers organizations to rally corporate employees in group activities, allowing significant progress to be made on large-scale projects in a short amount of time.
Identifying Corporate Volunteer Programs in Your Network
Before you can market corporate volunteerism to your audience, it’s a good idea to uncover the best opportunities in your network. We recommend following these practical tips to do so:
Before you can market corporate volunteerism to your audience, it’s a good idea to uncover the best opportunities in your network. We recommend following these practical tips to do so:
1. Collecting Employment Information From Supporters:
Start by gathering employment details from your donors, volunteers, and other supporters. This can be done through surveys, event registration forms, or during volunteer sign-ups.
Knowing where your supporters work allows you to explore potential corporate volunteer programs they have access to, which could benefit your organization.
2. Researching Employers with Well-Known Volunteer Programs:
Once you have a list of where your supporters are employed, research whether these companies offer volunteer programs. Many large corporations, like Disney, Microsoft, Google, and thousands of others, have established volunteer programs.
Understanding the specifics of these programs can help you tailor your outreach efforts to match their requirements. Get started by looking into top companies offering volunteer grants, top VTO opportunities, and more.
Plus, there’s a significant overlap between companies offering matching gifts and those offering volunteer programs. If you already know of businesses in your network that match employee donations, it’s worth investigating whether they also offer volunteer grants or other volunteer opportunities.
3. Using Corporate Volunteer Databases:
Utilize databases and online platforms that track corporate volunteer programs to make the research process easier than ever before. Double the Donation offers the industry’s most comprehensive database of corporate volunteer information, complete with listings on thousands of companies’ programs.
Leveraging this database can help you quickly identify which companies have programs your organization could benefit from!
4. Conducting Manual Research:
Sometimes, a simple online search can yield valuable information. Try searching for a specific company’s name along with keywords like “volunteering” or “volunteer programs” (e.g., “Home Depot + Volunteering”).
While it will be a more time-intensive approach, this idea can help you discover details about a company’s volunteer initiatives, including opportunities they offer to their employees.
5. Encouraging Supporters to Check with Their Employers:
Lastly, be sure to motivate your supporters to inquire about volunteer programs within their workplaces. Many employees might not be aware that their companies offer volunteer grants or paid volunteer time off. By encouraging them to ask, you can uncover opportunities that might have been overlooked.
Marketing Corporate Volunteerism to Supporters
Marketing corporate volunteerism to individual supporters involves educating and motivating them to participate in and promote these opportunities within their workplaces. Here’s how you might approach this:
Educate Supporters on Corporate Volunteerism:
Start by informing your supporters about what corporate volunteerism is and how it works. Use newsletters, emails, and social media posts to explain the various types of corporate volunteer programs, such as paid volunteer time off, volunteer grants, and team volunteer days.
(P.S.; Check out our customizable marketing templates available for clients within the Double the Donation platform to get started!)
You’ll also want to include a section about corporate volunteer incentives on your Volunteers page—and embed a company search tool so supporters can easily uncover their available programming.
Communicate the Impact of Corporate Volunteerism:
Share stories and testimonials that demonstrate the positive impact corporate volunteerism has had on your organization. Show how previous corporate volunteer efforts have helped achieve specific goals, whether it’s through completing a project, raising funds, or expanding your programs. This helps supporters see the tangible outcomes of their potential involvement.
Encourage Inquiries at Work:
For those who don’t find corporate volunteer information in your database widget, encourage them to check in with their employers about any available programs.
Many employees may not be aware of the opportunities available to them, so you’ll want to provide them with language they can use to approach their managers or HR leaders about the programs, making it easier for them to initiate the conversation and drive impact for your team.
Promote Suitable Corporate Volunteer Opportunities:
Regularly communicate the volunteer opportunities available at your organization that are suitable for corporate teams or individuals looking to volunteer through their workplace programs. Highlight any upcoming events or projects where corporate volunteers could make a significant difference and make sure these opportunities are well-advertised through your existing channels.
Offer Recognition:
Recognize and celebrate individual supporters and companies that engage their companies in corporate volunteerism. You can even publicly acknowledge their efforts through newsletters, social media, or at events.
Recognition not only makes the individual feel valued but also serves as an example to other supporters who might be inspired to take similar actions.
Leverage Peer Influence:
Encourage supporters who have successfully engaged their employers in corporate volunteerism to share their experiences with others. Peer recommendations can be very persuasive, so consider featuring these stories in your communications to inspire others to take similar steps. You can even encourage eligible volunteers to organize team events with their colleagues to support your cause!
Marketing Volunteerism to Corporate Partners
Marketing corporate volunteerism to corporate partners—both new and existing—requires a strategic approach that highlights mutual benefits, aligns with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals , and fosters long-term relationships.
Here’s how you can effectively market these opportunities to companies.
Understand Corporate Goals and CSR Objectives:
Before reaching out to corporate partners, research their CSR goals, values, and past volunteer initiatives. Tailor your pitch to show how partnering with your organization can help them achieve these objectives.
Emphasize how corporate volunteerism aligns with their brand, enhances employee engagement, and contributes to community impact. If possible, provide data that demonstrates how other companies have benefited from similar partnerships with your organization in the past.
Develop Tailored Volunteer Packages:
Create customizable volunteer opportunities that align with the company’s needs and interests. Offer a range of options, from one-day events to ongoing projects, and include both skills-based and general volunteer opportunities. Tailoring these packages makes it easier for companies to see how they can get involved in a way that suits them and their teams.
Highlight the Impact of Volunteerism:
Quantify and communicate the impact of corporate volunteerism on your organization. Provide reports that show how corporate volunteers have contributed to your mission, including metrics like the number of hours volunteered, projects completed, and the overall community impact. Why? Companies are more likely to invest in programs where they can see measurable outcomes.
Recognize Corporate Support:
Publicly recognize and celebrate the contributions of your corporate partners. This can include awards, mentions in your annual report, shout-outs on social media, or hosting a special recognition event. Acknowledging their efforts not only strengthens your relationship but also encourages continued contributions.
Facilitate Employee Engagement:
Make it easy for companies to involve their employees in volunteer opportunities. To do so, you can provide them with promotional materials, sign-up sheets, and detailed information on how to participate. Offer flexibility in scheduling and types of volunteer work to accommodate different levels of employee engagement and interest, too!
5 Organizations Marketing Corporate Volunteerism Well
As you look to revamp your own team’s corporate volunteerism marketing strategy, it’s a good idea to solicit inspiration from other organizations’ efforts. For this reason, we’ve selected a few nonprofits with standout promotional strategies to consider.
Organization #1: NFED
Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Dollars for Doers Blog Post
The NFED, or National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, is a nonprofit devoted to research, education, and support for those affected by ectodermal dysplasias. In order to supercharge their efforts, the organization promotes Dollars for Doers (also known as volunteer grants) as a key way for supporters to enhance their impact.
Take a look at this snippet of the blog post below:
Here’s what this marketing example does well:
- Defines the importance of corporate social responsibility
- Mentions and links to a matching gifts page for additional information
- Encourages volunteers to look into volunteer grant opportunities through their employers
- Emphasizes the value and doubled impact of matching gift and volunteer grant programs
Organization #2: United Way
Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Volunteer Time Off Blog Post
United Way of the National Capital Area is a branch of the United Way organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. This nonprofit understands the value that volunteerism can offer its cause, and it promotes Volunteer Time Off as a key way to recruit, engage, and retain supporters.
Take a look at this snippet of the blog post below:
Here’s what this marketing example does well:
- Uses research to demonstrate the prevalence and widespread availability of Volunteer Time Off programs
- Highlights the benefits for companies, their employees, and the organization itself
- Provides powerful insights into where VTO programs can be found, including by sector and geographic location
- Showcases top opportunities for companies offering volunteer time off for their employees
Organization #3: LLS
Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Volunteer Grant Page (With Employer Search Tool!)
LLS, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, is a medical research-based nonprofit dedicated to leading the fight against blood cancers. The organization receives generous support from a wide range of volunteers, and the team provides a number of resources, including a corporate database search tool from Double the Donation, to streamline and increase participation in volunteer incentive programming.
Take a look at the landing page below:
Here’s what this marketing example does well:
- Offers an embedded company search tool for volunteers to quickly locate program details, instructions, and forms
- Provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the volunteer grant process
- Shares important information volunteers may need to complete their volunteer grant applications
- Highlights an easy way for supporters to get in touch with additional questions or inquiries
Organization #4: Habitat for Humanity
Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Corporate Volunteer Page and Blog Post
Habitat for Humanity is a largely volunteer-based organization dedicated to ensuring every person has a place to live. As a result, the team does a lot to promote corporate volunteer incentives.
Take a look at these resources below:
Here’s what this marketing example does well:
- Uses multiple communication channels to promote corporate volunteer programs to their audience
- Highlights both volunteer grants and volunteer time off programs, demonstrating a range of opportunities in which individuals can participate
- Speaks directly to companies that are considering implementing corporate volunteer programs
- Actively drives engagement with a call to action button leading users to a volunteer sign-up page
Organization #5: Florida State Parks
Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Corporate Volunteer Opportunities Page
Florida State Parks is a nonprofit organization that works with local governments, park users, researchers, and more to ensure maintenance and upkeep of more than 175 award-winning state parks, trails, and historic sites across the state. A big part of its mission involves empowering volunteers to play a role, and it often leverages corporate volunteer opportunities as a way to do so.
Take a look at the landing page below:
Here’s what this marketing example does well:
- Highlights recent companies and teams that support the parks with corporate volunteer programs
- Provides contact information for companies or individuals interested in organizing a company-sponsored volunteer event
- Enlists photos of real corporate volunteer teams to leverage social proof
- Provides examples of various types of volunteer projects companies could host to get involved
Bottom line: Spreading the word about corporate volunteerism is essential, and an organization’s website is one of the best opportunities to do so.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Successfully marketing corporate volunteerism requires a thoughtful and strategic approach that highlights the benefits for your organization, its supporters, their employers, and your community as a whole.
By effectively communicating about available initiatives, you can build a stronger, more engaged volunteer base that’s increasingly incentivized to give back to your cause. And you might even get some extra funding out of it all!
Ready to learn more about marketing corporate volunteerism? Check out our recommended resources and further reading:
- A Guide to Marketing Volunteer Grants [For Nonprofits]. Explore how nonprofits can effectively promote volunteer grant opportunities to their audiences. Learn about top marketing strategies and more.
- A Deep Dive into Marketing Volunteer Time Off for Nonprofits. Make sure your volunteers are informed about VTO opportunities! Follow these best practices to market volunteer time off to your supporters.
- Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. There’s often an overlap between companies offering volunteer incentives and those offering matching gifts. Learn how to identify and promote matching here!