Top Companies that Donate to Silent Auctions

Companies that Donate to Silent Auctions: Our 25 Top Picks

Charity auctions offer a powerful way for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to raise funds while engaging donors and supporters in an interactive and enjoyable experience. One of the keys to a successful silent auction is securing enticing items that will attract bids and maximize proceeds. Thus, partnering with leading companies that donate to silent auctions⁠—whether products, services, gift cards, or more⁠—can significantly enhance your event’s appeal and success.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of top companies that frequently donate to silent auctions. From popular retail brands to travel companies and beyond, these businesses are known for their philanthropic efforts and willingness to give back to events like yours.

Whether you’re planning your first silent auction or looking to add fresh contributors to your donor roster, these companies are excellent prospects to consider. Let’s begin!

How to locate the best partners for your upcoming event

Finding the right sponsors for your silent auction is crucial to ensuring you secure high-quality donations that will excite your guests and drive up bid amounts. Here are some strategies for locating the perfect partners for your silent auction:

1. Research Companies with a History of Supporting Auctions

Start by identifying businesses that have a proven track record of donating to charitable events or silent auctions (such as the ones listed below!). Many companies are actively involved in corporate social responsibility programs and regularly support fundraising efforts. These businesses are likely to be more receptive to your request.

Additionally, companies that already partner with other nonprofits or have participated in auctions in the past may be more willing to contribute to your event. Many businesses list their philanthropic efforts on their websites or through social media, so be sure to research these opportunities to target the best-fit donors.

2. Leverage Your Donors’ Employment Data to Identify Potential Partners

One often-overlooked strategy for locating silent auction partners is utilizing the employment data of your existing donors. After all, this information can reveal companies that have overlapping audiences with your nonprofit, or that may share a vested interest in supporting your cause. Many times, your donors may be employed at companies that would be interested in supporting your silent auction, either through donations of products or services or by sponsoring the event as a whole.

Start by examining your donor database to identify where your supporters work. If you have a workplace giving database tool on your donation forms or volunteer pages, you may already have this information. If not, donor surveys, manual research, or data append services can go a long way in uncovering these insights!

3. Engage Local Businesses and Retailers

While large corporations often make up the backbone of silent auction donations, local businesses can also be an excellent source of unique items and experiences. Not to mention, businesses in your area may have a personal connection to your nonprofit and be more inclined to contribute, especially if the event serves a community they care about.

When reaching out to local businesses, make sure to explain how their participation in the auction will benefit both their business and your cause. You might want to emphasize the exposure they will get through your event’s promotional materials, social media, and on-site recognition.

4. Consider the Interests and Demographics of Your Audience

Finally, when searching for silent auction partners, it’s crucial to keep the interests and demographics of your event attendees in mind. Look for companies that offer products or services that will appeal to your audience, whether they are tech enthusiasts, foodies, travel lovers, or fitness buffs. By securing donations that resonate with your guests, you can ensure higher engagement and greater success at your event.

Companies that donate generously to silent auctions

While any business might choose to support your fundraiser through a silent auction donation, some are more well-known for their willingness to do so. Here are several companies known for donating generously to auction fundraisers, providing items such as gift cards, products, experiences, services, and more:

1. Albertsons

  • Business Type: Supermarket chain offering groceries, pharmacy products, and household goods.
  • Donation Type: Albertsons has a history of supporting community initiatives. They typically donate gift cards, grocery baskets, and sometimes local goods or specialty items like wine or gift baskets.
  • Affinity to Give: Albertsons is known for engaging in community-driven philanthropic efforts, especially supporting local nonprofits. They also offer up to 8 hours of paid volunteer time off for employees, making it an ideal opportunity to garner volunteer support.

2. American Eagle

  • Business Type: Clothing and accessories retailer primarily for teens and young adults.
  • Donation Type: American Eagle is likely to donate gift cards, apparel, or accessories.
  • Affinity to Give: The company supports charitable causes and may donate to silent auctions that target youth or fashion-related causes. They also offer matching gifts for full-time employees, up to $2,000 per year!

3. American Girl

  • Business Type: Toy and doll company.
  • Donation Type: American Girl usually donates dolls, accessories, and exclusive collectible items.
  • Affinity to Give: Known for supporting causes related to children and education, they are likely to donate products to auctions focused on youth or family-oriented initiatives. American Girl (and its parent company, Mattel) also offers matching gifts for current employees, particularly for charitable organizations whose mission focuses on youth under 18.

4. Barnes & Noble

  • Business Type: Bookseller and retailer.
  • Donation Type: Books, gift cards, and educational products.
  • Affinity to Give: Barnes & Noble has a history of supporting educational and literacy-focused causes, making them a strong candidate for donations to auctions aimed at schools, libraries, or other education-based organizations.

5. Bath & Body Works

  • Business Type: Retailer of personal care, fragrances, and home products.
  • Donation Type: Bath & Body Works is likely to donate gift baskets, candles, lotions, and other beauty and wellness products.
  • Affinity to Give: The company supports charity events, especially those focused on health and wellness, and is open to donating in-kind gifts for silent auctions.

6. Best Western

  • Business Type: Hotel chain.
  • Donation Type: Gift certificates for hotel stays, often including a weekend or a night’s stay at a location of the bidder’s choice.
  • Affinity to Give: Best Western regularly supports local charity events, especially those involving travel, tourism, or hospitality.

7. Big Lots

  • Business Type: Discount retailer offering home goods, furniture, and groceries.
  • Donation Type: Big Lots often donates home goods, furniture items, and sometimes gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: Big Lots participates in community philanthropy and is open to donations that align with local causes and community events. Additionally, the company matches employee donations up to $1,000 per year!

8. Build-A-Bear Workshop

  • Business Type: Retailer of customizable stuffed animals.
  • Donation Type: Build-A-Bear donates gift cards and often offers unique, limited-edition bears.
  • Affinity to Give: Build-A-Bear is very community-oriented and tends to donate to family and children-focused events, including auctions for children’s hospitals or school fundraisers.

9. Carnival Corporation

  • Business Type: Cruise line company.
  • Donation Type: Carnival typically donates cruise vouchers, vacation packages, or shore excursion certificates.
  • Affinity to Give: Carnival is known for donating to travel-related charity events, particularly those targeting tourism and leisure causes.

10. Costco

  • Business Type: Membership-based wholesale retailer.
  • Donation Type: Costco may donate gift cards, food baskets, or exclusive membership deals.
  • Affinity to Give: Costco supports numerous charitable causes and is known to contribute items to auctions, particularly for events that align with community welfare and well-being.

11. CVS

  • Business Type: Pharmacy and healthcare retailer.
  • Donation Type: CVS often donates gift cards, wellness products, or health-related items.
  • Affinity to Give: CVS has a strong corporate responsibility program and supports health, wellness, and community health initiatives, making them likely to donate to silent auctions for similar causes. Meanwhile, CVS Health also offers matching gifts (including a peer-to-peer fundraising match), volunteer grants, and VTO for employees.

12. DICK’s Sporting Goods

  • Business Type: Sporting goods retailer.
  • Donation Type: DICK’s Sporting Goods typically donates sports equipment, apparel, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: As a brand that supports youth sports and community engagement, DICK’s is a strong candidate for donations to silent auctions focused on sports, fitness, and youth programs.

13. Disney

  • Business Type: Entertainment conglomerate, including theme parks, movies, and merchandise.
  • Donation Type: Disney is known for donating theme park tickets, merchandise, and exclusive experiences (e.g., VIP park tours or character meet-and-greets).
  • Affinity to Give: Disney is highly philanthropic, especially when it comes to children’s causes, making it a prime donor for family-oriented and youth-centered auctions. The company also offers matching gifts and volunteer grants as a way to get its employees involved in giving back.

14. Gourmet Gift Baskets

  • Business Type: Specialty gift basket retailer.
  • Donation Type: Gift baskets filled with gourmet food, wine, or themed products.
  • Affinity to Give: Gourmet Gift Baskets regularly donates to charity events, especially those that focus on corporate gifts, food, or upscale gatherings.

15. JetBlue

  • Business Type: Airline carrier.
  • Donation Type: JetBlue often donates airline tickets or travel vouchers.
  • Affinity to Give: As a company committed to community outreach, JetBlue is a frequent donor to silent auctions, particularly those focusing on travel, tourism, and family-oriented causes. Additionally, the company offers a unique volunteer grant program through which crew members are recognized and rewarded for community service by granting travel vouchers to their favorite organizations!

16. Kendra Scott

  • Business Type: Jewelry retailer.
  • Donation Type: Kendra Scott frequently donates jewelry, accessories, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: Known for supporting women’s and children’s causes, Kendra Scott is a great partner for silent auctions focused on fashion, women’s initiatives, or empowerment events. Additionally, the company offers up to 16 hours of paid volunteer time off for employees to get involved with volunteer events and more.

17. L.L. Bean

  • Business Type: Outdoor clothing and gear retailer.
  • Donation Type: L.L. Bean typically donates outdoor gear, clothing, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: As an advocate for outdoor activities and environmental conservation, L.L. Bean is likely to donate to events related to nature, sustainability, or outdoor exploration.

18. Macy’s & Bloomingdale’s

  • Business Type: Department store chains.
  • Donation Type: Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are known to donate high-end fashion, home goods, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: Both brands have a strong tradition of supporting charity events, especially those targeting fashion, luxury, and community development. The companies also offer matching gifts, volunteer time off, and volunteer grants as a way to inspire team member involvement in charitable causes.

19. Marriott Hotels

  • Business Type: Hotel and resort chain.
  • Donation Type: Marriott often donates hotel stays, vacation packages, and travel experiences.
  • Affinity to Give: Marriott is heavily involved in community outreach and is likely to donate to silent auctions aimed at tourism, leisure, and hospitality causes. Not to mention, employees are eligible to take up to 8 hours of paid time off for volunteering each year!

20. Oriental Trading Company

  • Business Type: Party supplies and educational toys retailer.
  • Donation Type: Oriental Trading often donates event supplies, party favors, or educational materials.
  • Affinity to Give: Ideal for auctions that focus on youth, education, or event planning, Oriental Trading frequently supports such causes with in-kind donations.

21. Publix

  • Business Type: Grocery chain.
  • Donation Type: Publix is likely to donate gift cards, food baskets, or grocery items.
  • Affinity to Give: Publix has a history of supporting local communities and nonprofits, often contributing to charity events in the form of gift cards or food donations. Additionally, the company gives back through its matching gift program, where employees are encouraged to donate (and get their gifts matched) to their favorite causes.

22. SeaWorld

  • Business Type: Amusement park and marine-life theme park operator.
  • Donation Type: SeaWorld donates tickets to their parks, experiences like animal encounters, and VIP passes.
  • Affinity to Give: As a company with a focus on wildlife conservation and education, SeaWorld is open to supporting causes related to animals, education, and family activities.

23. Six Flags

  • Business Type: Theme park operator.
  • Donation Type: Six Flags typically donates tickets or season passes to their parks.
  • Affinity to Give: Six Flags often donates to family-oriented and youth-focused events, making them a good fit for auctions aimed at children and entertainment.

24. Total Wine

  • Business Type: Retailer of wine, spirits, and beer.
  • Donation Type: Total Wine donates wine baskets, gift cards, and alcohol-related experiences.
  • Affinity to Give: With a strong focus on community support, Total Wine is likely to donate to auctions related to food, wine, and gourmet events.

25. Winn-Dixie

  • Business Type: Supermarket chain.
  • Donation Type: Winn-Dixie may donate gift cards, food baskets, or grocery items.
  • Affinity to Give: Known for supporting local communities, Winn-Dixie is likely to contribute to silent auctions focused on community well-being and food insecurity.

Final Thoughts & Additional Resources

Silent auctions thrive on variety and value, and securing contributions from generous companies can make all the difference in reaching your fundraising goals. By leveraging your connections as well as the opportunities outlined in this post, your organization can create an engaging event that appeals to a broad audience while forging meaningful partnerships with businesses that care about giving back.

As you plan your event, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your donation requests. Many companies are eager to support worthy causes, especially when approached with a thoughtful, compelling pitch. With the right strategy, your silent auction can become a memorable and impactful event that drives both funds and community support for your mission.

Ready to learn more about charitable companies and how they can support your cause? Check out these additional resources:

Identify companies that donate to silent auctions and more with Double the Donation.

Matching gift companies in Austin, Texas

Raise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas

Austin, 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!

Raise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas like Dell.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.

Raise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas like Oracle.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.

IndeedRaise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas like 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.

Raise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas like AMD.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.

Raise More with Matching Gift Companies in Austin, Texas like Vrbo.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:

Find out if your donors work for these matching gift companies in Austin.

Matching Gift Web Pages 9 Top Examples to Be Inspired By

Matching Gift Web Pages: 8 Top Examples to Be Inspired By

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:

  1. Lehigh University
  2. University of Georgia
  3. Red Cross
  4. Save the Children
  5. Susan G. Komen
  6. Feeding America
  7. Shriners Hospitals for Children
  8. 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 example

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from Lehigh University.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from UGA.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from the Red Cross.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from Save the Children.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from Susan G. Komen.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from Feeding America.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from Shriners.

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.

One of the best matching gift web pages is from the Humane Society.

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:

Raise more through matching gifts with Double the Donation on your matching gift web pages.

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts

The 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:

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.

Explore our case studies to uncover Save the Children and other organizations' matching gift strategies.

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.

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts - Downloadable resource

  • An explainer doc that demonstrates how an individual will submit a matching gift to their employer.

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts - Downloadable resource

  • A brief video that overviews the matching gift opportunity and visualizes how an individual will get involved.

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts - Video

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.

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts webinar


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:

Raise more with your matching gift strategy using 360MatchPro.

A Look at Save the Children’s Winning Matching Gift Strategy

A Look at Save the Children’s Winning Matching Gift Strategy

Corporate 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:

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.

Save the Children's website

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.

Explore our case studies to uncover Save the Children and other organizations' matching gift strategies.

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.

Save the Children's old matching gifts page

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 360MatchPro 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.

Save the Children's new matching gifts page

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.

Save the Children's first matching gift text

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). Save the Children's second matching gift text

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 360MatchPro client, Save the Children utilizes Double the Donation’s 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.

Save the Children's matching gift search tool

“I’ll just say, from our standpoint of Save the Children, it’s been so helpful to have that 360MatchPro 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.

Save the Children's matching gift strategy on its donation form

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.

Learn more about Save the Children's matching gift strategy with the webinar.

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:

Raise more with your matching gift strategy using 360MatchPro.

Leveraging Volunteer Incentive Programs [Nonprofit FAQ

Leveraging Volunteer Incentive Programs [Nonprofit FAQ]

Volunteer incentive programs are a powerful tool for nonprofits aiming to boost community engagement and maximize their impact. These programs, which involve companies rewarding employees for their volunteer time and efforts, can take many forms. And they can range from volunteer grants (or Dollars for Doers) to paid volunteer time off and more.

For nonprofits, understanding and leveraging these programs can mean more volunteers, increased funding, and stronger relationships with corporate partners. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of volunteer incentive programs⁠—and practical strategies for making the most of them.

Specifically, we’ll answer the following questions:

Ready to make the most of available corporate volunteer incentives for your nonprofit team? Let’s dive in.

What are Employee Volunteer Incentive Programs?

Employee Volunteer Incentive Programs, also known as corporate volunteer programs or employee volunteer incentive initiatives, are structured efforts by companies to encourage and reward their employees for participating in volunteer activities.

These programs are designed to promote corporate social responsibility, enhance employee engagement, and support community involvement.

What are the most popular types of Employee Volunteer Incentives?

Volunteer incentives are not a one-size-fits-all experience. In fact, there are a number of ways for companies to participate in corporate volunteerism and incentivize their employees to do so as well.

As a nonprofit or school, some of the programs you’re most likely to come across include:

  1. Volunteer Grants
    • Companies offer monetary donations to nonprofits based on the number of volunteer hours employees contribute. For example, a company might donate $25 for every hour an employee volunteers.
  2. Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
    • Companies provide employees with paid time off specifically for volunteering during the regular work day. This is above and beyond any other paid time off and can range from a few hours to several days per year.
  3. Team Volunteering Events
    • Companies organize group volunteering activities that encourage employees to participate together, fostering teamwork and camaraderie while supporting a charitable cause.

The more familiar you are with popular employee volunteer incentives, the better you’ll be able to market the opportunities to your audience.

What benefits do Volunteer Incentive Programs offer?

Volunteer incentive programs are a particularly valuable form of corporate philanthropy, and the impact extends from the companies offering the programs to the organizations receiving support and beyond. Let’s take a look at the key benefits for each party involved.

For Nonprofits

  • Increased Volunteer Participation: Volunteer incentive programs encourage more employees to donate their time, providing nonprofits with a steady stream of supporters ready to get involved.
  • Additional Funding: Programs like volunteer grants or dollars for doers translate volunteer hours into financial support for nonprofit organizations, providing a greater volunteer program ROI.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Participating in corporate giving programs can raise the profile of nonprofits, attracting more volunteers and donors who may otherwise have no familiarity with your cause.

For Companies

  • Employee Engagement: Encouraging volunteerism boosts employee morale, satisfaction, and retention by aligning work with personal values and passions.
  • Corporate Reputation: Companies that actively support volunteerism improve their public image and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.
  • Team Building: Group volunteer activities strengthen relationships among employees and build a positive corporate culture.

For Employees

  • Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering allows employees to give back to their communities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
  • Skill Development: Employees can develop new skills and gain experiences that may be beneficial in their personal and professional lives.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Employees receive acknowledgment and rewards for their volunteer contributions, enhancing job satisfaction.

What are some companies with standout Volunteer Incentive Programs?

Many companies have implemented exemplary Volunteer Incentive Programs that encourage and support their employees’ volunteer efforts. In doing so, these businesses demonstrate the positive impact of well-structured Volunteer Incentive Programs, not only supporting their employees’ philanthropic efforts but also strengthening their communities.

Familiarizing yourself with these initiatives can go a long way in allowing your team to target the programs effectively. Here are some key examples you should know:

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Volunteer incentive company example: Chipotle

Chipotle encourages employee volunteerism through its “Chipotle Community Roots” program, which offers paid time off for volunteering and supports team volunteer events. While it can vary greatly, the company’s primary focus is on initiatives that promote food sustainability, education, and environmental preservation.

Employees are also encouraged to participate in other forms of philanthropy, including through the company’s CLMA-designated matching gift program (complete with seamless matching gift auto-submission functionality!).

Volunteer incentive company example: Gene B. GlickGene B. Glick Company

Gene B. Glick Company fosters employee volunteerism through its corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly focusing on local community engagement and social services. Employees are offered up to 8 hours of paid time off to volunteer with various nonprofit organizations each year.

The CLMA-designated company also offers a standout matching gift program, with exclusive auto-submission streamlining the process for employees to get involved.

Volunteer incentive program example: EY

EY

EY (Ernst & Young) encourages employee volunteerism through its EY Ripples CSR program, which leverages employees’ skills to address global challenges. Employees are offered paid time off to volunteer, focusing on education, supporting entrepreneurs, and accelerating environmental sustainability.

This also encapsulates EY Connect Days, or quarterly days of service in which 22,000+ EY employees volunteer with nonprofit causes in 20 countries across the globe.

Siemens

Volunteer incentive program example: Siemens

Siemens promotes volunteerism through its Corporate Citizenship program, which includes paid volunteer time off for employees. The company encourages employees to engage in community service, particularly in areas related to education, technology, and sustainability. The company also offers team volunteer grants to amplify the impact of employee volunteerism.

IBM

Volunteer incentive program example: IBM

IBM’s volunteer program, Corporate Service Corps, is dubbed “a Peace Corps for the corporate world,” sending teams of employees to work with nonprofits and government organizations on critical societal challenges. Employees can also participate in the On Demand Community, where they access resources (including up to 8 hours of volunteer time off) to donate their specialized skills in local communities.

As another incentive, IBM offers volunteer grants for employees, enhancing the impact of their time with grants worth $10 per hour after the first 10 hours are recorded, up to a maximum grant amount of $500.

Volunteer incentive program example: InfobipInfobip

Infobip supports employee volunteerism through its volunteer incentive program Bippers4Community. This corporate social responsibility initiative encourages employees to contribute their time and skills to community service projects, promoting a culture of giving back by providing opportunities for employees to participate in company-organized volunteer events. This includes both BipUp Skills, an online volunteering program, and BipUp Teams, the onsite volunteering component.

Volunteer incentive program example: CiscoCisco

Cisco supports employee volunteerism through its WeAreCisco program, which includes up to 80 hours of paid time off for volunteering and volunteer grants worth $10 for every hour an employee volunteers. The company encourages employees to participate in volunteer activities that align with their passions, providing a platform to make a positive impact on their communities.

Volunteer incentive program example: ToyotaToyota

Toyota’s volunteer incentive program, Toyota4Good, offers employees paid time off to volunteer and supports matching gifts for nonprofit donations. Toyota encourages employees to engage in volunteer activities that align with its focus on education, environmental sustainability, and community improvement. And employees are encouraged to request volunteer grants for their time, with two tiers of grants available after 50 and 100 hours.

Intel

Volunteer incentive program example: Intel

Intel’s global corporate volunteer program, Intel Involved, encourages employees to contribute their time, technology expertise, and other skills to nonprofits in need of their services. This includes its volunteer grant program, through which employees can request generous company funding on behalf of the organizations they support.

Over the last decade, Intel employees (and retirees!) have donated more than 10 million hours in their communities!

Bank of America

Volunteer incentive program example: Bank of America

Bank of America writes that “We support our employees’ volunteer efforts through programs such as a robust volunteer platform, volunteer grants directed to nonprofit organizations where employees volunteer regularly, matching gifts which double the impact of employee giving and additional employee giving opportunities.” This volunteer incentive program is deeply engrained in the company’s culture, offering 2 hours of VTO each week as well as volunteer grants worth $500 or $1,000.

Google

Volunteer incentive program example: Google

Google’s annual month-long volunteer program, GoogleServe, provides a chance for “Googlers” across the world to give back by partnering with nonprofit causes. This project has been ongoing for over a decade, and most recently saw more than 25,000 Google team members from 40 countries participating with nearly 1,000 organizations.

Not to mention, all Google employees are encouraged to request up to 20 hours of paid time off to partake in volunteer activities each year. And hours spent outside the VTO program qualify for volunteer grants equal to $10 for every hour!

How can nonprofits maximize the impact of Volunteer Incentive Programs?

Volunteer Incentive Programs can be a game-changer for nonprofits by boosting volunteer engagement, securing additional funding, and strengthening community ties. To fully leverage these programs, nonprofits need to adopt strategic approaches that enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of their volunteer efforts.

Here’s how organizations like yours can do so:

1. Promote Volunteer Incentive Programs to Volunteers

Unfortunately, many individuals who qualify for volunteer incentive programs through their employers will have no awareness of the initiatives in the first place. If their companies don’t sufficiently promote the programs to their workforce, it’s up to your team to spread the word.

To increase awareness and boost participation, market corporate volunteer incentives in your volunteer newsletters, email correspondence, text messages, phone calls, and more. And don’t forget about your nonprofit’s website, either. In fact, we recommend embedding a volunteer incentives database directly into your Volunteers page to make it as easy as possible for individuals to locate program information and get involved.

2. Create Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities

Design volunteer opportunities that align with the values and goals of your corporate partners and their employees to get more volunteers on board.

You’ll want to offer a diverse range of opportunities through which corporate volunteers can get involved. From short-term projects to ongoing commitments, plan to cater to different interests, schedules, and incentives. Check out these recommended ideas to get started!

3. Implement Efficient Tracking and Reporting Systems

Most companies establish some sort of time-tracking requirements in order to pay out volunteer incentives such as dollars for doers grants or VTO hours. Implementing an intuitive volunteer tracking system, backed by reliable tools and software can go a long way in ensuring individuals have the resources they need to complete their requests.

4. Recognize and Reward Volunteers

Individuals participating in their employers’ volunteer incentive programs are going above and beyond for your cause. Therefore, it’s a good idea to regularly thank, recognize, and reward them for their support.

Share success stories and testimonials (including photographic evidence!) on how volunteer contributions have made a tangible difference in your mission. This can include in your newsletters, website, social media pages, and more.

Keep in mind that public acknowledgments can also function as a marketing tool⁠—leveraging social proof and encouraging others to get involved in the same way.

5. Leverage Technology for Uncover Opportunities

Since many volunteers won’t know if they qualify for volunteer incentive programs, it’s a good idea to make the discovery process as simple as possible. In other words, you’ll want to provide them with a volunteer incentives database like Double the Donation’s industry-leading solution. This way, all supporters have to do is type the name of their employer, and they’ll be met with company-specific insights regarding their eligibility for volunteer grants, VTO, and more. Plus, they’ll receive direct links to request forms and instructions for getting started.

Employee volunteer incentive programs database

Even better, the database search tool can be embedded in your nonprofit website, volunteers’ page, or registration forms, thanks to our seamless VMS integrations, making it easier than ever for interested volunteers to access.


Wrapping up & additional resources

Volunteer incentive programs offer a win-win scenario for nonprofits, volunteers, and corporate partners alike. By effectively leveraging these programs, organizations like yours can enhance their volunteer engagement, secure additional funding, and build stronger, more productive partnerships.

With these elements in place, your team can harness the full potential of volunteer incentive programs and make a lasting difference in your community.

Interested in learning more about corporate volunteerism and how your organization can benefit? Check out the following resources to grow your knowledge:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism _ A How-To Guide For Orgs

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism | A How-To Guide For Orgs

Corporate 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!

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 360MatchPro 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:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_NFED example

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:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_United Way example

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:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_LLS example

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:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_Habitat for Humanity example

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:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_Florida State Parks example

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:

Best CSR Companies: These Businesses Are Making an Impact

Best CSR Companies | These 9 Businesses Are Making an Impact

In today’s business landscape, corporate social responsibility (or CSR) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a crucial aspect of how companies operate and influence the world. Leading CSR companies are recognizing the importance of giving back to their communities, investing in sustainable practices, and driving positive change. This commitment not only enhances their brand reputation but also attracts conscious consumers and employees who value ethical practices.

In this post, we’ll highlight nine exemplary companies that are setting the standard in CSR. From innovative environmental initiatives to impactful social programs, these businesses are making a significant difference in their industries.

What is CSR?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a business model that helps companies be socially accountable—to themselves, their stakeholders, and the public. By practicing CSR, companies can be conscious of the impact they have on all aspects of society, including the environment, the economy, and beyond.

Critical aspects of CSR include:

  • Philanthropic Responsibility: Businesses engage in activities that benefit society. This can involve community development programs, charitable donations, volunteer efforts, and supporting social causes like education, health, and equality.
  • Ethical Responsibility: Organizations operate in a fair and ethical manner. This involves treating employees fairly, ensuring product safety, and conducting business with integrity.
  • Legal Responsibility: Businesses comply with all relevant laws and legal regulations, ensuring they operate safely and fairly on a consistent basis.
  • Economic Responsibility: Companies adopt practices that ensure fair trade, ethical labor practices, and transparent business operations. They strive to create economic value while also producing value for society.

These are the four components of the pyramid of CSR companies.

All in all, CSR initiatives help companies build a positive brand image, foster customer loyalty, attract and retain employees, and ultimately contribute to long-term business success.

Types of CSR

There are many ways companies can engage in and practice CSR. Here are some of the most popular ways businesses support charitable causes:

  • Employee gifting. Businesses often provide gifts to encourage employee loyalty and show appreciation for hard work. They can achieve these effects and have a CSR impact by gifting employees with funds to donate to nonprofits. 
  • Matching gifts. This program allows employees to multiply their impact on a cherished cause with the help of their employer, who will match their donation up to a certain amount. 
  • Volunteer programs. Some examples of volunteer programs are providing volunteer time off, volunteer grants (donating funds to nonprofits their employees volunteer for), and corporate volunteer outings.
  • In-kind donations. Businesses donate goods or services, not money, through in-kind giving. For instance, a technology company might donate computers to a nonprofit who needs updated technological infrastructure. 
  • Sponsorships. Businesses usually sponsor nonprofits when they have an event, providing funds or in-kind gifts to offset overhead costs.
  • Adopting sustainable practices. This might include opting for eco-friendly products or buying carbon credits.

What defines the best CSR companies?

The best CSR companies are defined by key characteristics that demonstrate their commitment to philanthropic, ethical, economic, and legal responsibilities. These companies go beyond mere compliance with legal requirements and actively seek to make a positive impact.

Wondering if your company meets the criteria? Looking for leading businesses to seek support for your nonprofit? No matter your intent, here are the defining attributes of the best CSR companies to consider:

Best CSR Companies Criteria

  • They have a well-defined CSR vision and strategy that aligns with their core business values and goals, and their CSR initiatives are integrated into their overall business operations. This information should be available online, in employee-facing materials, and more.
  • They invest in community development and social programs that address local and global challenges such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and more.
  • They prioritize employee welfare and active involvement in CSR activities such as giving and volunteerism.
  • They collaborate with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other businesses to amplify their impact.
  • They maintain transparency in their CSR efforts by regularly reporting on their progress and outcomes.
  • They demonstrate a long-term commitment to CSR by continuously evaluating and improving their initiatives with measurable goals and plans for achieving tangible results.

By embodying these characteristics, the best CSR companies create value not only for their business but also for society and the environment, setting a powerful example for others to follow.

And we’ve compiled a list of companies by which to be inspired below!

How does the CLMA designation reflect CSR efforts?

One of the greatest indicators of a company’s CSR efforts is its devotion to matching employee gifts. As a result, the CLMA designation, which is awarded to Certified Leaders in Matching Automation, reflects a company’s commitment to ongoing philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

Graphic of the CLMA badge with benefits of the badge written in a circular pattern

This certificate directly reflects a company’s devotion to CSR by showcasing its dedication to facilitating seamless and accessible support for a wide range of nonprofit causes. Top companies that hold this designation exemplify the integration of automated processes to foster a culture of giving and social responsibility.

Why does this matter for nonprofits and other fundraisers?

Understanding the offerings of top CSR companies and other CLMA-certified employers is essential for nonprofits, schools, and fundraisers for several reasons. First, familiarity with companies offering standout matching gift programs allows organizations to effectively double or even triple the donations received, significantly boosting fundraising efforts.

These companies can also be significant suppliers of grants, sponsorships, volunteer services, and more, making them valuable targets for establishing lucrative long-term partnerships.

Top Companies with Standout CSR Strategies & More

Familiarity with top CSR companies can help nonprofits and schools identify partners committed to the greater good. At the same time, understanding the successes of leading examples can provide invaluable insights and ideas for improving a business or organization’s own practices and initiatives.

Read on to explore our selection of standout CSR initiatives and see which elements you can adopt in your efforts.

Chipotle is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #1: Chipotle

Company Overview:

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain headquartered in Newport Beach, California. It is best known for its focus on serving high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients in its customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos.

Chipotle currently operates over 2,800 restaurants across the world, with more than 120,000 employees, and continues to expand its global footprint.

CSR Focus:

Chipotle’s CSR efforts primarily revolve around sustainability (including responsible sourcing and healthy living) and employee giving. The company places a strong emphasis on food with integrity, as well as giving to a variety of nonprofit causes its team members support.

Image of badge indicating that an organization is a certified leader in matching gift automation (CLMA)What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

By integrating sustainability and giving into its core business model and engaging with stakeholders transparently, Chipotle sets a benchmark in the restaurant industry for socially conscious practices. This commitment not only enhances its brand reputation but also contributes positively to the communities it serves.

In doing so, Chipotle Mexican Grill has become a CLMA-certified leader in the matching gift industry. By partnering with Double the Donation-integrated corporate giving solution, Chipotle has implemented matching gift auto-submission functionality, making the request process seamless and accessible for its staff. This efficient system not only simplifies the donation matching process but also significantly boosts CSR by growing the amount of corporate funding paid out through successful matches and more.

Danone is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #2: Danone

Company Overview:

Danone is a multinational food-products corporation headquartered in Paris, France, with nearly 90,000 employees worldwide. It operates in four main business segments: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Advanced Medical Nutrition.

Globally, Danone is known for its dairy and plant-based products, including brands like Activia, Evian, and Alpro.

CSR Focus:

Danone’s CSR efforts are centered around sustainability, nutrition, and social innovation. The company aims to promote healthier eating habits, support the communities in which its staff live and work, and reduce its environmental impact across operations.

Image of badge indicating that an organization is a certified leader in matching gift automation (CLMA)What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

Danone actively engages its employees in promoting sustainable practices through philanthropy, volunteerism, and other initiatives.

As a result, the food company is also CLMA-certified for its exemplary matching gift program. With the help of Double the Donation, Danone has integrated matching gift auto-submission into its CSR initiatives, providing an effortless experience for employees looking to double their charitable contributions. This streamlined approach enhances Danone’s CSR efforts by maximizing the impact of corporate funding through successful donation matches.

 

BerlinRosen is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #3: BerlinRosen

Company Overview:

BerlinRosen is a leading strategic communications firm based in New York City, specializing in PR, media relations, and digital strategy. With over 400 employees across New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and more, the firm serves nonprofits, advocacy organizations, progressive campaigns, and corporate entities.

CSR Focus:

BerlinRosen’s CSR efforts are centered around social justice, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment through effective communication strategies. The firm leverages its expertise in public relations to amplify voices and advocate for positive social change.

Image of badge indicating that an organization is a certified leader in matching gift automation (CLMA)

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

BerlinRosen distinguishes itself by actively supporting organizations that drive meaningful community impact. This includes offering pro-bono services to nonprofits, advocacy groups, and more.

BerlinRosen is also recognized as a CLMA-certified employer due to its outstanding matching gift program. By collaborating with Double the Donation, BerlinRosen has implemented a user-friendly matching gift auto-submission system, simplifying the process for its employees.

Overall, the company’s commitment to supporting employee philanthropy⁠—as well as its dedication to communication as a tool for social good⁠—sets it apart as a leader in CSR within the public relations industry and beyond.

Creative Circle is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #4: Creative Circle

Company Overview:

With more than 18,000 employees, Creative Circle is a specialized staffing agency headquartered in Los Angeles, California. This company focuses on connecting creative professionals with businesses in various industries, such as advertising, marketing, and design.

CSR Focus:

Creative Circle’s CSR efforts are centered around promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the creative industry, supporting creative professionals, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Image of badge indicating that an organization is a certified leader in matching gift automation (CLMA)

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

Creative Circle stands out for its commitment to CSR, supporting philanthropic initiatives that advance equality and equity in the creative sector.

As a CLMA-certified company, Creative Circle has implemented a robust matching gift program. Partnering with Double the Donation, Creative Circle offers a seamless matching gift auto-submission process, which makes it easy for employees to participate in corporate philanthropy. This innovative approach drives more revenue through the programs, focusing on facilitating employee generosity and reflecting its dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.

Toyota Connected is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #5: Toyota Connected

Company Overview:

A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Connected focuses on developing data-driven mobility solutions and connected vehicle technologies to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation in the automotive industry.

CSR Focus:

Toyota Connected’s CSR efforts revolve around sustainable mobility, environmental stewardship, and leveraging technology for social good. The company aims to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions for all.

Image of badge indicating that an organization is a certified leader in matching gift automation (CLMA)

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

By integrating data-driven insights and technology with sustainability goals, Toyota Connected demonstrates leadership in CSR by driving positive social, environmental, and economic impacts through its innovative initiatives.

The company is also a pioneer in matching gifts, establishing a CLMA-certified program designed to provide its employees with a seamless and hassle-free matching experience that boosts their impact for their favorite causes (like yours!).

Teachable is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #6: Teachable

Company Overview:

With over 1,500 employees worldwide, Teachable is an online platform that empowers individuals and organizations to create and sell online courses. This company’s efforts ultimately provide tools and resources to facilitate online learning and entrepreneurship.

CSR Focus:

Teachable’s CSR efforts center on educational equity, supporting online educators, and empowering diverse voices in online learning and digital entrepreneurship.

Image of badge indicating that an organization is a certified leader in matching gift automation (CLMA)

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

Teachable, which stands out for its commitment to democratizing education and empowering educators from diverse backgrounds, is also CLMA-certified for its exemplary matching gift program. In collaboration with Double the Donation, Teachable offers a hassle-free matching gift auto-submission process, making it simple and straightforward for employees to enhance their charitable donations. This streamlined system amplifies Teachable’s CSR efforts by maximizing the corporate funding distributed through successful matches.

Overall, Teachable’s focus on facilitating employee generosity and supporting various causes demonstrates its strong commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

Microsoft is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #7: Microsoft

Company Overview:

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. With more than 220,000 employees across the world, Microsoft is known for its software products, cloud computing services, and hardware devices.

CSR Focus:

Microsoft’s CSR efforts focus on digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and leveraging technology for social impact. The company aims to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through its technology and initiatives.

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

Matching gifts up to $15,000 per employee on an annual basis, Microsoft devotes significant resources to its corporate matching gift program. Plus, it offers each team member a full week’s worth of paid VTO and supplies volunteer grants equal to $25 for each hour an employee spends volunteering with nonprofit causes.

Microsoft also stands out for its comprehensive approach to CSR, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy and promoting ethical AI and data privacy practices. The company leads initiatives to address global challenges such as environmental sustainability, accessibility, and humanitarian crises, too. Plus, it offers free and reduced technology services for nonprofits and schools!

Google is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #8: Google

Company Overview:

Google LLC is a multinational technology company (with an employee count greater than 180,000 worldwide) that specializes in Internet-related services and products. This includes search engines, cloud computing, software, hardware, and more.

CSR Focus:

Google’s CSR efforts encompass environmental sustainability, digital literacy, and empowering businesses and individuals through technology. The company strives to make a positive impact on the world through innovation and responsible business practices.

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

Google stands out for its commitment to sustainability and philanthropy, exemplified by its matching gift program, volunteer grant initiative, VTO offering, and more. Each year, employees can request up to $10,000 in matching gifts, $10 for each hour they volunteer, and 8 hours of volunteer time off.

The company also supplies free advertising credits to registered nonprofits, providing access to its paid advertising platform, and empowering nonprofit teams to promote their efforts, at no cost.

DIsney is one of the best CSR companies

Top CSR Company #9: Disney

Company Overview:

The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Burbank, California, known for its iconic film studios, theme parks, media networks, and consumer products. Inclusive of its subsidiaries, which include ABC, Hulu, Marvel, and more, Disney employs more than 225,000 people worldwide.

CSR Focus:

Disney’s CSR efforts focus on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and promoting creativity and innovation through entertainment and education.

What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:

Disney matches gifts up to $25,000 per employee, encouraging its full-time and part-time employees to double their charitable donations to the organizations they care about. At the same time, the company promotes volunteerism through its EARs to You grant program (worth up to $2,000 each) and by offering up to 8 hours of paid VTO each year.

The company also stands out for its commitment to environmental conservation, exemplified by its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across its operations. By integrating CSR into its business practices and entertainment offerings, Disney not only entertains audiences but also contributes to societal progress and environmental preservation on a global scale.


Final Thoughts & Next Steps

In an era where CSR is no longer an option but a necessity, the companies highlighted in this post stand out as true leaders, setting benchmarks for others to follow. Their commitment to philanthropy partnerships, volunteerism, and beyond not only enhances their brand reputation but also drives meaningful change in the world.

For businesses, emulating these strategies can lead to improved stakeholder relationships, enhanced employee engagement, and increased consumer loyalty. For nonprofits, forming partnerships with these companies and others like them will allow you to unlock funding, leverage new resources, and foster long-term innovation.

Interested in learning more about CSR and how it can impact businesses and organizations like yours? Check out these additional resources:

NONPROFITS:


Access more CLMA-certified companies with seamless and accessible matching gift programs.

COMPANIES:

Company CTA - Explore the CLMA


See how your platform can become CLMA-certified to demonstrate your commitment to CSR.

 

Top VTO Companies 15 Volunteer Time Off Programs to Know

Top Volunteer Time Off Companies | 35 Programs to Know

In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal growth can be challenging for employees. However, an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of community engagement. As a result, more employers are offering Paid Volunteer Time Off⁠ programs as part of their staff compensation packages. In order to get better acquainted with the idea, we’ll highlight some top VTO companies below.

(Interested in a particular employer? Click on the ‘company name’ to skip to that section!)

COMPANY NAMEANNUAL VTO CAPSECTOREMPLOYEESHEADQUARTERS
AppDynamics40 hoursMedia & Technology ~2,000San Francisco, CA
Blue Cross15 hoursHealthcare~190,000Chicago, IL
Cisco80 hoursMedia & Technology ~84,900San Jose, CA
County of San Mateo20 – 416 hoursPublic~4,800Redwood City, CA
Deloitte8 hoursProfessional Services~455,000London, England
EOG Resources8 hoursEnergy & Power~2,900Houston, TX
Enel16 hoursEnergy & Power~6,500Rome, Italy
FirstBank16 hoursFinancial Services~4,100San Juan, Puerto Rico
Getty Images8 hoursMedia & Technology~1,700Seattle, WA
GM Financial32 hoursFinancial Services~8,800Fort Worth, TX
Hasbro48 hoursToy & Entertainment~5,600Pawtucket, RI
Heineken USA36 hoursFood & Beverage~8,500White Plains, NY
Humana8 hoursHealthcare~67,600Louisville, KY
Ibotta8 hoursMedia & Technology ~815Denver, CO
Intuit32 hoursFinancial Services~18,200Montain View, CA
Johnson & Johnson40 hoursHealthcare~141,700New Brunswick, NJ
KPMG40 hoursProfessional Services~219,200New York, NY
Lowe’s8 hoursHome Improvement~300,000Mooresville, NC
Microsoft24 hoursMedia & Technology ~221,000Redmond, WA
Nielsen24 hoursInformation ~44,000New York, NY
Novo Nordisk U.S.80 hoursHealthcare~6,400Plainsboro, NJ
Patagonia18 hoursFashion & Apparel~3,000Ventura, CA
PNC Financial40 hoursFinancial Services~56,400Pittsburgh, PA
PwC US40 hoursProfessional Services~328,000New York, NY
Salesforce56 hoursMedia & Technology ~79,400San Francisco, CA
Sentinel Group16 hoursFinancial Services~325Wakefield, MA
ServiceNow20 hoursMedia & Technology ~22,700Santa Clara, CA
Siemens USA16 hoursMedia & Technology ~303,000Saint Paul, MN
S&P Global16 hoursFinancial Services~40,000New York, NY
Tapestry8 hoursFashion & Apparel~17,300New York, NY
Takeda16 hoursHealthcare~47,300Cambridge, MA
Thomson Reuters16 hoursInformation ~25,600Toronto, Canada
Timberland40 hoursFashion & Apparel~50,000Stratham, NH
University of Arizona8 hoursHigher Education~16,000Tucson, AZ
Warner Media40 hoursMedia & Technology ~35,300New York, NY

If you’re looking for a refresher on volunteer time off—and how to make the most of the programs for your organization⁠—check out our complete VTO guide here.

Otherwise, we’ve provided a quick summary of the benefits before jumping into the compilation of VTO companies below.

BENEFITS OF VTO FOR EMPLOYEES

The opportunity to give back to their communities, develop new skills, and support causes they are passionate about through volunteerism without missing out on a portion of a regular paycheck

BENEFITS OF VTO FOR NONPROFITS

Access to skilled volunteers who are motivated to make a meaningful impact, thus expanding their capacity, tapping into specialized expertise, and accomplishing more with limited resources

BENEFITS OF VTO FOR COMPANIES

Enhanced reputation as a socially responsible employer, strengthened corporate culture with heightened staff engagement, loyalty, and retention, leading to positive business outcomes

Read up on these programs to explore top companies offering paid volunteer time off for their employees. Then, see if your supporters qualify for the benefit! 🠟

AppDynamics is one of the top VTO companies

AppDynamics

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~2,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

AppDynamics, a leader in application performance management, believes in giving back to the community. Their VTO program reflects this value by allowing employees to take paid time off (up to a full week each year) to engage in volunteer activities with the charitable organizations of their choice.

By providing this opportunity, AppDynamics fosters a culture of social responsibility and actively encourages its employees to contribute to the betterment of society on a local and global scale.

BCBS is one of the top VTO companies

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Chicago, IL and nationwide
Employee count: ~190,000
VTO cap: 15 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ (Can vary based on location)

Blue Cross Blue Shield, a network of independently owned health insurance companies across the U.S., demonstrates its commitment to improving health, going above and beyond medical care to include community well-being. Through their generous VTO program, employees are granted paid time off (equal to 15 hours, or nearly two full days of work) to volunteer for various philanthropy initiatives.

In investing in employee volunteerism, Blue Cross Blue Shield strengthens its ties to its community while supporting healthcare access for underserved populations and reinforcing its mission to promote health and wellness for all.

Cisco is one of the top VTO companies

Cisco

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Jose, CA and nationwide
Employee count: ~84,900
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

At Cisco Systems, technology is not just about innovation. It’s also about making a positive impact on society. That’s why the company’s VTO program empowers employees to spend up to two weeks each year volunteering with nonprofit causes.

As it encourages employees to give back through incentivized volunteerism, Cisco cultivates a culture of collaboration and social responsibility. Through their VTO program, employees can also leverage their skills and expertise to support the communities in which they live and work, ultimately aligning with the company’s vision of technology as a force for good.

County of San Mateo is one of the top VTO companies

County of San Mateo

Sector: Public
Location: Redwood City, CA
Employee count: ~4,800
VTO cap: 20 – 416 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Payroll Deductions ✔

The County of San Mateo in Redwood City, California also values community engagement and aims to incentivize philanthropy among its staff. Through its VTO program, employees are granted paid time off to volunteer for local initiatives, with the number of hours each team member receives ranging from 20 to 416 annually.

By supporting employee volunteerism, the County further strengthens its ties with the community and fosters a sense of civic pride and responsibility among its workforce.

Deloitte is one of the top VTO companies

Deloitte

Sector: Professional Services
Location: London, England and worldwide
Employee count: ~455,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Deloitte, a global leader in consulting and professional services, recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities it serves. It aims to increase its philanthropy efforts by offering paid volunteer time off, with team members encouraged to spend a full day each year supporting nonprofit causes.

Whether it’s providing pro bono consulting services to nonprofit organizations, participating in skills-based volunteering initiatives, or organizing fundraising events, Deloitte’s employees are empowered to make a positive impact beyond the office building.

EOG Resources is one of the top VTO companies

EOG Resources

Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Houston, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~2,900
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

EOG Resources, a leading energy company, believes in giving back to the communities where it operates. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes like environmental stewardship, community development, or disaster relief.

By supporting employee volunteerism with paid time off, EOG Resources demonstrates its commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainable development. Plus, it fosters a culture of giving and philanthropy among its workforce.

Enel is one of the top VTO companies

Enel North America

Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Andover, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,500
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Sustainability Projects ✔

Enel, a global energy company, is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Enel employees have the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world by spending one day each year out of the office, giving back to their communities.

Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for a range of environmental conservation and other philanthropic efforts. By investing in employee volunteerism, Enel strengthens its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and aligns its business objectives with the needs of society and the planet.

FirstBank is one of the top VTO companies

FirstBank

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Lakewood, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~4,100
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

FirstBank, a leading financial institution, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects two days out of the year.

Whether it’s serving meals at homeless shelters, tutoring students in underserved neighborhoods, or participating in financial literacy workshops, each employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference without losing out on any pay.

Getty Images is one of the top VTO companies

Getty Images

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Seattle, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~1,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

As a global leader in visual communication, Getty Images is committed to making a positive impact on society and engaging its workforce to do the same. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes, from arts and culture and education to humanitarian relief efforts.

In order to do so, Getty Images employees have the opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise to drive positive change for their nonprofit partners.

GM Financial is one of the top VTO companies

GM Financial

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Fort Worth, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~8,800
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

GM Financial, the financial services arm of General Motors, believes in giving back to the communities it serves through volunteerism and other philanthropy programs. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with up to four days of paid time off for charitable volunteer initiatives.

By supporting employee volunteerism, GM Financial strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and supplies its workforce with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Hasbro is one of the top VTO companies

Hasbro

Sector: Toy & Entertainment
Location: Pawtucket, RI and worldwide
Employee count: ~5,600
VTO cap: 48 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Hasbro is committed to making a positive impact on the world through a generous VTO program, providing employees with paid volunteer time off to devote to giving back. Corporate employees are granted four hours worth of time off each month, equating to six full days on an annual basis they can spend performing volunteer activities with a wide range of causes.

Heineken is one of the top VTO companies

Heineken USA

Sector: Food & Beverage
Location: White Plains, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~8,500
VTO cap: 36 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

Heineken, a global brewing company committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, believes in raising a glass to community service and volunteerism. Through its company volunteer program, employees are provided with a total of 36 hours of paid time off each year to spend volunteering for causes they are passionate about.

Humana is one of the top VTO companies

Humana

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Louisville, KY and nationwide
Employee count: ~67,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Leading health and well-being company, Humana, believes in giving back to the communities it serves, and it encourages its staff to do so as well. Every year, Humana employees are provided with paid time off (equal to one full day of work) to spend volunteering with the charitable organizations of their choice!

Ibotta is one of the top VTO companies

Ibotta

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Denver, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~815
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Nonprofit Partnerships ✔

Ibotta, a leading mobile rewards platform, has also developed a VTO program designed to empower employees to spend time volunteering with nonprofit causes. Team members receive 8 hours of paid time off each year, providing them with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world around them.

While the causes supported can range greatly, Ibotta staff have engaged with tons of organizations centered on hunger relief, education, and environmental sustainability.

Intuit is one of the top VTO companies

Intuit

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Mountain View, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~18,200
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Intuit, a leading financial software company, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects. Whether it’s providing tax assistance to low-income individuals, mentoring small business owners, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, Intuit employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.

By supporting employee volunteerism, Intuit strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and reinforces its commitment to building stronger, more prosperous communities.

Johnson & Johnson is one of the top VTO companies

Johnson & Johnson

Sector: Healthcare
Location: New Brunswick, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~141,700
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company, is committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world through its pharmaceutical products and beyond. One key facet of its employee giving initiatives is a generous VTO program. Through the program, employees are able to use dedicated paid time off (up to a full week each year) to volunteer with the causes of their choice.

By supporting employee volunteerism in this way, Johnson & Johnson strengthens its commitment to the company’s founding principles of caring for the communities it serves.

KPMG is one of the top VTO companies

KPMG

Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~219,200
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offers a standout VTO program designed to empower its employees to give back to the communities they serve. With paid volunteer time off, employees are encouraged to partake in volunteer projects during standard working hours (without losing out on any pay) for up to 5 days each year.

Talk about adding value to corporate citizenship!

Lowe's is one of the top VTO companies

Lowe’s

Sector: Home Improvement
Location: Mooresville, NC and worldwide
Employee count: ~300,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Community Grants ✔

Lowe’s, a leading home improvement retailer, is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, more than 300,000 employees across the globe are provided with a day’s worth of paid time off specifically for volunteerism. Whether it’s building homes for families in need, renovating schools and community centers, or participating in disaster relief efforts, Lowe’s employees have the opportunity to develop and leverage new skills, make a meaningful difference, and contribute to the well-being of communities across the country.

Microsoft is one of the top VTO companies

Microsoft

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Redmond, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~221,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ Microsoft Ad Grants

As a leading technology company, Microsoft believes in using its resources to make a positive impact on society. That includes its labor!

Through its VTO program, Microsoft employees are encouraged to participate in dedicated technology and innovation projects to use their skills and expertise for good (for up to three working days a year).

Nielsen is one of the top VTO companies

Nielsen

Sector: Information
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~44,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

Nielsen is a global measurement and data analytics company, and it’s committed to making a positive impact on society through corporate philanthropy programs like paid volunteer time off and more. Each team member receives 24 hours of VTO annually, which employees can use to participate in fundraising events, community service initiatives, and other nonprofit activities.

Novo Nordisk is one of the top VTO companies

Novo Nordisk U.S.

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Plainsboro, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,400
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company committed to driving change and improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. One way that it aims to do so is by engaging its employees in volunteer activities (such as hosting educational workshops, participating in fundraising events, or working at free medical clinics).

The company also boasts one of the highest annual limits, offering each employee up to two weeks of paid time to spend participating in nonprofit volunteer activities.

Patagonia is one of the top VTO companies

Patagonia

Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Ventura, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~3,000
VTO cap: 18 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Patagonia, a leading outdoor apparel company, is committed to environmental conservation and corporate activism. By offering paid volunteer time off for its employees, the business encourages philanthropy and enhances its impact on the planet.

Plus, in addition to the standard 18 hours of VTO each year, an employee can choose to spend up to two months volunteering with the environmental organization of their choice.

PNC is one of the top VTO companies

PNC Financial

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Pittsburgh, PA and worldwide
Employee count: ~56,400
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

PNC Financial Services is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. It’s also a leader in corporate philanthropy and wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. For example, employees are provided with paid time off to spend volunteering with nonprofit organizations through the company’s VTO program. This empowers individual team members to get involved in social good, with a generous annual limit allowing for a full week of volunteer-related activities outside the office.

PwC is one of the top VTO companies

PwC US

Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~328,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

PwC is another of the world’s leading professional services firms. This company, as a way of committing to making a positive impact on society, also offers a generous VTO program in which employees are welcome to spend a full week’s time supporting the nonprofits of their choice. This often includes providing pro bono consulting services but can encompass a wide range of volunteer-focused activities.

Salesforce is one of the top VTO companies

Salesforce

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~79,400
VTO cap: 56 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

As a global leader in customer relationship management software, Salesforce believes in the power and potential of using its technology for good. Through its VTO program, employees are empowered to use dedicated paid time off (up to 56 hours annually) to volunteer for their favorite causes.

SentinelGroup is one of the top VTO companies

Sentinel Group

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Wakefield, MA and nationwide
Employee count: ~325
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts (with auto-submission enabled)

Sentinel Group, also referred to as Sentinel Benefits and Financial Group, is a leader in risk management and security solutions. As a tangible way to give back to the communities it serves, the company has developed a generous VTO program, where employees are provided with paid time off (equal to two days annually) to volunteer with qualifying nonprofit groups.

ServiceNow is one of the top VTO companies

ServiceNow

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Santa Clara, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~22,700
VTO cap: 20 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

ServiceNow, a leading provider of digital workflow solutions, believes in using its technology to drive positive change. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, such as education, environmental sustainability, or social justice.

Whether it’s developing software solutions for nonprofit organizations, organizing volunteer events, or participating in service projects, ServiceNow employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Siemens is one of the top VTO companies

Siemens

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Saint Paul, MN and worldwide
Employee count: ~303,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Team Volunteer Grants ✔

Siemens, the global technology powerhouse, commits to engaging its employees by supplying 16 hours worth of paid volunteer time off every year for team members to support nonprofit causes. That’s in addition to the other giving programs the company established, which include matching employee donations and offering team-wide volunteer grants, too!

S&P Global is one of the top VTO companies

S&P Global

Sector: Financial Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~40,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

S&P Global, a leading provider of financial market intelligence, engages its employee base in volunteerism (and other giving programs) by incentivizing their involvement. One such program offers paid VTO, or volunteer time off, where employees are given the opportunity to spend two days working with various organizations or projects on an annual basis.

Tapestry is one of the top VTO companies

Tapestry

Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~17,300
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Tapestry is a leading house of modern luxury and lifestyle brands. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society in a number of ways, which include matching employee donations and offering paid time off for nonprofit volunteering. Specifically, through its VTO program, employees across Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman are gifted paid time off to volunteer for and make a positive impact on causes they are passionate about.

Takeda is one of the top VTO companies

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A.

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Cambridge, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~47,300
VTO cap: 16 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to making the world a better place through strategic philanthropy, innovation, and more. Through its VTO program, the company’s employees are gifted paid time off to volunteer. The program provides two days of paid time off per year, though Takeda has been known to expand the program to offer up to five days in the event of a humanitarian crisis.

Thomson Reuters is one of the top VTO companies

Thomson Reuters

Sector: Information
Location: Toronto, Canada and worldwide
Employee count: ~15,600
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of business information services, believes in giving back through corporate volunteerism. In order to engage its employee base, the company provides an additional 16 hours of paid time off to volunteer for charitable projects.

Whether it’s providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, employees have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Timberland is one of the top VTO companies

Timberland

Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Stratham, NH and nationwide
Employee count: ~50,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

Timberland, along with other subsidiaries of VF Corporation like North Face, JanSport, Dickies, and more, is a global outdoor lifestyle brand committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off (a full week’s worth!) to participate in volunteer activities.

By supporting employee volunteerism, Timberland strengthens its commitment to corporate citizenship and reinforces its mission to inspire and equip people to step outside, work together, and make a difference in the world.

University of Arizona is one of the top VTO companies

University of Arizona

Sector: Higher Education
Location: Tucson, AZ
Employee count: ~1,600
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Scholarship Funds ✔ Research and Innovation ✔

The University of Arizona is a leading public research university. It’s also an institution that’s committed to serving the greater community and fostering social responsibility among its employees. One way that it does so is through its VTO program!

As a way to incentivize volunteerism among university faculty and staff, team members are encouraged to spend 8 hours of paid time off volunteering with nonprofit. In the end, the University strengthens its commitment to excellence and innovation, both on campus and beyond.

Warner Bros is one of the top VTO companies

Warner Media

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~35,300
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Warner Media, formerly Warner Bros. Discovery, is a leading global media and entertainment company devoted to driving positive change in society through various philanthropy efforts. One example of this is its VTO program, where employees are encouraged to use 40 hours of dedicated paid time off to volunteer for causes related to arts and culture, education, social justice, and beyond.


Wrapping Up

Corporate social responsibility continues to grow in terms of demand and execution alike, which means more companies participating than ever before. Volunteerism is one of the top ways for corporate employees to get involved, and paid volunteer programs from VTO companies like these offer a unique incentive for engagement.

Just remember: the companies selected above represent only a fraction of available opportunities. Encourage your volunteers, donors, and other supporters to look into their employers’ programming to see what possibilities lie in your network.

Interested in delving deeper into corporate volunteerism and other forms of workplace giving incentives? Check out the additional resources below:

Matching Gift Requests - Deadlines, Forms & Auto-Submission

Matching Gift Requests | Deadlines, Forms & Auto-Submission

You likely have a number of matchable donations in your CRM at any given time. If you’re looking to revamp your strategy, you might wonder if gifts made last week, month, or quarter remain eligible for the giving programs. Fear not—many contributions from the past year (give or take) should still qualify for company matching. Now, you’re just waiting for your donors to complete their matching gift requests!

The problem is that many donors remain unaware of the matching gift opportunity entirely. When an individual has no idea their employer matches, they won’t take the necessary steps to request associated funding and secure additional revenue for your nonprofit.

That’s why educating your team and your donors about the importance of matching gift requests is essential. And we’ve provided this expert guide to help you do so!

In this blog post, we’ll cover the following key topics:

Let’s get started!

DTD_Matching Gifts CTA

What Are Matching Gift Requests?

A matching gift request is a submission made by a donor to their employer as part of the company’s matching gift program. The request aims to secure a corporate match for the individual’s donation to a nonprofit cause⁠, making it an essential part of the matching gift process.

The Matching Gift Fundraising Process

  1. A donor contributes to a nonprofit.
  2. The donor determines if their gift qualifies for an employer match.
  3. The donor completes a matching gift request from their employer.
  4. The employer reviews the matching gift request and verifies the initial donation with the organization.
  5. The employer approves the matching gift request and disburses match funding to the organization.

Though the request itself can vary from one company to the next, these forms generally source information on the employee, the recipient organization, and transaction details.

How Do Donors Complete Matching Gift Requests?

The actual task of submitting a matching gift request is going to fall on each individual donor. However, it helps to ensure your fundraising team is familiar with the process and prepared to assist donors in completing it.

Here’s how it generally works:

Step 1: A donor receives a link to their matching gift form.

After a donor contributes to a nonprofit, the organization should take proactive steps to encourage the individual to complete the matching gift request process. This might mean promoting matching gifts from the confirmation screen or in a separate email follow-up (as pictured below).

For the best results, the reminder should include an acknowledgment of the donor’s initial donation along with a direct link to their company forms.

How donors complete their matching gift requests
How donors complete their matching gift requests

Step 2: The donor logs into their company’s giving portal.

After the donor receives a link to their employer’s matching gift form, they should navigate to the company’s giving portal or corporate philanthropy platform. This site will generally house a range of corporate giving information, including the forms required for employees to complete their matching gift requests.

Once on the page, they’ll log in using credentials provided by their employer. Most online portals have contact information for the company’s program administrator, should a donor have difficulty accessing the platform on their own.

How donors complete their matching gift requests

Step 3: The donor initiates a matching gift request.

Within the company’s giving portal (or externally, for companies that don’t use them), a donor should locate the option to initiate a matching gift request.

This may be presented as a specific form or an online application within the portal.

How donors complete their matching gift requests

Step 4: The donor provides donation details on the online form.

The donor should now follow the instructions provided by the portal to complete their matching gift request form properly. They should expect to supply information about…

  • Themselves (i.e., employee ID number, corporate email address)
  • The organization they supported (there will typically be some kind of search field or dropdown menu from which to choose)
  • Their recent transaction details (gift format, amount, date, etc.)
How donors complete their matching gift requests

Once approved, the company makes its own donation to the nonprofit, effectively doubling (or, in some cases, tripling) the impact of the original gift.

What to Know About Matching Gift Request Deadlines ⌛

Matching gift requests are not generally required to be submitted immediately following the initial giving transaction. However, nearly all companies establish some sort of deadline by which employee matching gift requests must be completed.

The dates themselves vary, generally coinciding with the calendar year (e.g., December of the year in which the donation was made; the end of the calendar year plus a grace period into the following one) or a set amount of time post-donation. 

Top tip: Encouraging timely submissions from donors is integral to an optimized strategy. The more time passes after an individual’s donation, the less likely they are to complete the match. Not to mention, the sooner your nonprofit receives the extra funds, the sooner it can put those funds to good use.


See How Matching Gift Automation Can Help

Get a sneak peek of the industry-leading matching gift automation solution, 360MatchPro.



Benefits of matching gift automation software


Familiarize yourself with the following types of program deadlines. Plus, review leading matching gift company guidelines to see when their employees’ matching gift requests are due!

Deadline #1: A Set Number of Days or Months Post-Donation

The first type of deadline is based on the amount of time elapsed since the individual completed their initial donation. While most companies offer flexible submission windows for matching gift requests, deadlines can range from 30 days to an entire year post-transaction.

Deadline for Fannie Mae matching gift requests

Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae currently matches part-time and full-time employee donations up to $5,000. Unfortunately, some donors miss out on this funding opportunity, largely due to a lack of program awareness, which results in missed matching gift requests.

Match request deadline: Fannie Mae donors must submit their matching gift requests within 30 days of their donation date or by December 31st of each year (whichever is sooner).

Click here for additional details on Fannie Mae’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Altria matching gift requests

Altria

Altria offers a generous matching gift program (up to $30,000 per employee per year) along with sizable volunteer grants (up to $500 after 25 hours of volunteering).

Match request deadline: Altria’s program administrator must receive all matching gift requests within 90 days of the donations being made.

Click here for additional details on Altria’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Apple matching gift requests

Apple

Apple offers a generous matching gift program for full-time and part-time employees. Each year, team members are encouraged to request between $1 and $10,000 in matches from qualifying gifts!

Match request deadline: Employees should be sure to submit their matching gift requests swiftly, as Apple requires gifts to be registered within one month of the transaction date.

Click here for additional details on Apple’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Microsoft matching gift requests

Microsoft

Microsoft matches between $1 and $15,000 per team member per year. Plus, employees can earn grants for their favorite organizations worth $25 for each hour they spend volunteering.

Match request deadline: Employees are welcome to request matching gifts for any qualifying donations made in the past 12 months!

Click here for additional details on Microsoft’s matching gift program.

Deadline for YUM Brands matching gift requests

YUM Brands

Fast food corporation YUM Brands, including employees at Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell restaurants, matches gifts at a dollar-for-dollar rate up to $1,000 per associate per year.

Match request deadline: All YUM Brands employees should complete their matching gift requests within six months of their initial donations.

Click here for additional details on YUM Brands’ matching gift program.

Deadline #2: End of Calendar Year

The other main type of matching gift request deadline is one that aligns with the calendar year (running from January 1st to December 31st). That means tons of companies set their deadlines at December 31st.

Here are a few examples:

Deadline for Avon matching gift requests

AVON

AVON matches employee donations up to $15,000 per year. And the first $500 donated is matched at a 2:1 rate, thus tripling the initial donation value.

Match request deadline: AVON employees should mark their calendars! While the deadline indeed falls in December of each year, team members are required to complete their requests prior to December 11th rather than the standard 31st.

Click here for additional details on AVON’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Freeport matching gift requests

Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan matches donations of up to $40,000 to a wide range of nonprofits. While the first $1,000 donated is matched at a 2:1 rate (thus tripling each initial dollar’s value), donations above $1,000 are matched dollar-for-dollar.

Match request deadline: While Freeport-McMoRan encourages employees to submit matching donation requests at the time of the initial donation, employees can submit matches until Dec. 31st of the year following the date of the donation.

Click here for additional details on Freeport’s matching gift program.

Deadline for SAP matching gift requests

SAP America

SAP America gives charitably through the SAP Together Program. Within this initiative, SAP employees are incentivized to donate to nonprofits to unlock matching gifts for their favorite organizations.

Match request deadline: Matching gifts must be requested of the company by December 31st of the year in which the initial donation is made. However, donors should be encouraged to submit their matches as soon as possible due to a company-wide annual limit.

Click here for additional details on Sap’s matching gift program.

Deadline #3: End of Calendar Year + Grace Period

The last group of companies establishes their matching gift deadlines according to the calendar year as well. But they also tack on an additional month or so.

Deadline for Boeing matching gift requests

Boeing

Boeing offers a monetary match, a volunteer grant match, and a fundraising match. And while full-time and part-time employees qualify to have their gifts matched dollar-for-dollar, retirees of the company are eligible to request a 0.5:1 match.

Match request deadline: Boeing employees (or retirees) participating in any matching gift program must submit their matching gift requests by January 31st of the year following the one in which the initial contribution/volunteerism/event took place.

Click here for additional details on Boeing’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Verizon matching gift requests

Verizon

Each year, Verizon matches employee donations of up to $5,000 to the educational institutions of their choice. Meanwhile, all other nonprofits qualify for up to $1,000 in match funding, along with $750 grants for organizations with which employees volunteer.

Match request deadline: Matching gift requests must be entered into the electronic matching gift system before January 31st of the year following the date of the donation.

Click here for additional details on Verizon’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Adobe matching gift requests

Adobe

Adobe matches donations of up to $10,000 per employee per year. Additionally, employees can submit volunteer or “dollars for doers” grant requests worth $250 for every 10 hours they volunteer.

Match request deadline: All matching gift requests must be submitted by January 31st of the year following the one in which the gift was made, regardless of the donation date.

Click here for additional details on Adobe’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Coca-Cola matching gift requests

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola generously matches employee gifts at a 2:1 ratio. That means for every $1 an employee contributes, Coke gives $2 up to a maximum corporate contribution of $20,000.

Match request deadline: All employee matching gift requests should be completed and returned to The Coca-Cola Company by February 28th of the following year.

Click here for additional details on Coke’s matching gift program.

Deadline for Bank of America matching gift requests

Bank of America

Bank of America (including the investment management and wealth management division, Merrill Lynch) matches employee donations to nearly all nonprofit causes. Each year, team members can request between $24 and $5,000 worth of matches for personal donations of equal amounts.

Match request deadline: Employees must complete an application and have the recipient organization verify the gift. This information must be received by January 31st of the year following the date of the donation.

Click here for additional details on Bank of America’s matching gift program.

Deadline for General Electric matching gift requests

General Electric

Fun fact: General Electric was the first company to implement an employee matching gift program in 1954. Today, it matches millions of dollars worth of gifts to approved charities around the world. Each team full or part-time team member is encouraged to request between $25 and $5,000 per year!

Match request deadline: General Electric offers one of the most extended matching gift program deadlines, with employees being able to request matches until April 15th (tax day!) of the year after their gifts were made.

Click here for additional details on GE’s matching gift program.

Driving Matching Gift Requests to Completion

Unfortunately, matching gift deadlines mean little if your organization isn’t informing donors about matching gifts first. After all, the vast majority of match-eligible employees (approximately 78%) have no idea their company even matches gifts.

How will a donor know to submit a request on time if they don’t know to submit one in the first place?

Luckily, marketing matching gifts to your donors is easier than ever (check out our free downloadable resource for more tips and tricks!). Proper software can help screen for match-eligible transactions, inform donors of their eligibility, and supply individuals with actionable information to initiate the process, too.

If you’re looking to automate your matching gift processes, consider innovative tools like Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro.

As the fundraising sector’s top matching gift tool, 360MatchPro identifies matching gift opportunities and triggers personalized marketing emails. It also integrates with nearly all of the leading fundraising solutions, allowing it to supercharge the donation process and make implementation and management quick and easy.

Watch the following 60-second overview video to learn more:

Streamlining Matching Gift Requests With Auto-Submission

Traditionally, an employee wanting to file a matching gift request had to determine their eligibility for a match before identifying and completing the correct forms for their employer. Then, as outlined above, the matching gift request process typically requires an individual to log into a separate portal. There, they supply donation data and submit their matching gift form.

But today, the matching gift request process is being transformed. And it’s beginning with a shift toward 360MatchPro’s groundbreaking auto-submission functionality! Now, companies that enable this option through their CSR platforms empower employees with a one-click request opportunity directly from their favorite organizations’ giving pages.

Boost matching gift request rates with autosubmission

When requesting a match is as simple as selecting a checkbox on a confirmation screen, more donors will be inclined to do it⁠—which is why auto-submission is such an invaluable tool.

Streamline matching gift requests with 360MatchPro's auto-submission

Wrapping Up

Effectively navigating the world of matching gift requests can seem like a daunting task. But armed with the right knowledge and resources, donors can maximize the impact of their contributions to nonprofits like yours.

Keep in mind that as the fundraising organization, it’s your responsibility to ensure your audience is informed and encouraged to participate. And that means recognizing the potential for matching gifts and taking proactive steps to supply donors with company forms and guidelines.

Interested in learning more about effective matching gift fundraising practices? Check out these additional recommended resources:

Raise more through matching gifts with 360MatchPro.