Strategies to Maximize Workplace Giving at Your Org

9 Top Strategies to Maximize Workplace Giving at Your Org

/in , /by

Employee giving programs present a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to build sustainable funding, engage new supporters, and deepen relationships with corporate partners. However, to fully benefit from these programs and maximize workplace giving success, nonprofits must take an active role in promoting and optimizing their participation.

Taking a passive approach is no longer enough. Instead, strategic engagement is key to maximizing donations and long-term support.

In this blog, we’ll explore nine top strategies to help your nonprofit unlock the full potential of workplace giving and increase its impact overall. These include:

  1. Forming a dedicated workplace giving committee.
  2. Raising awareness of workplace giving programs.
  3. Collecting employment data as supporters engage.
  4. Investing in software to identify workplace giving opportunities.
  5. Establishing one-off workplace giving partnerships.
  6. Reminding donors to request matching gifts.
  7. Encouraging volunteers to request volunteer grants.
  8. Educating supporters about payroll giving.
  9. Recognizing and appreciating workplace giving participants.

By implementing these expert strategies, your nonprofit can take a more active approach to workplace giving, ensuring that no opportunity for support goes unnoticed. Let’s begin!

1. Form a dedicated workplace giving committee.

A strong workplace giving program requires intentional effort and ongoing engagement, which is why forming a dedicated workplace giving committee can be a game-changer for your nonprofit. Once established, this committee can help drive participation, build relationships with corporate partners, and ensure that workplace giving remains a strategic priority for your organization.

In other words, having a dedicated team focused on workplace giving ensures that efforts don’t become an afterthought.

To ensure long-term success, your workplace giving committee should meet regularly to discuss goals, review progress, and adapt your strategies as needed. Additionally, providing committee members with resources and training on workplace giving and related trends will help them stay informed and effective in their roles to seize emerging opportunities.

2. Raise awareness of workplace giving programs.

Even if a workplace giving program exists, many of the company’s employees may not know about it or fully understand how to participate. Raising awareness is crucial to increasing engagement and ensuring that more individuals take advantage of these giving opportunities.

Here are some effective strategies to ensure workplace giving stays top-of-mind for your supporters:

  • Integrate Workplace Giving into Your Communication Channels. Add a dedicated section about workplace giving to your nonprofit’s website, include information in donor newsletters, email campaigns, and social media posts, and share testimonials and success stories from donors who have participated in workplace giving in the past.
  • Leverage Corporate Partners for Promotion. Work with companies’ HR and corporate social responsibility teams to promote workplace giving internally. Ask companies to highlight your nonprofit as a giving option in their employee communications and provide businesses with promotional materials, such as flyers and email templates, to distribute to employees.
  • Educate Supporters During the Engagement Process. Include a reminder about workplace giving on your donation pages, event registration forms, and gift thank-you screens. Then, use automated emails to prompt supporters to check if their employer offers a workplace giving program.

Raising awareness isn’t a one-time effort. The best results require ongoing promotion to keep workplace giving at the top of people’s minds.

The more frequently and clearly you communicate these opportunities, the more likely employees will participate. After all, a well-informed donor is more likely to take advantage of these programs, helping your organization maximize its impact.

3. Collect employment data as supporters engage.

One of the most effective ways to maximize workplace giving is to collect employment data from your supporters. After all, many of your donors are likely eligible for workplace giving programs, such as matching gifts and volunteer grants. However, your nonprofit may never know unless you ask.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to gather employment information from your supporters:

  • Include an Employment Field on Donation Forms. Add a field asking for employer details on your online and offline donation forms. For better conversion results, let users know why you’re collecting the information: to unlock workplace giving potential!
  • Gather Employment Data in Volunteer Sign-ups. Volunteers can qualify for workplace giving programs, too! Make it easy to uncover opportunities by collecting employment information as volunteers sign up to support your cause.
  • Ask for Employer Information During Event Registrations. Whether it’s a fundraising gala, walkathon, or charity auction, collect employment data when supporters register.
  • Implement Post-Engagement Touchpoints. After an individual gives or registers for an event, send a follow-up letting them know that workplace giving participation can multiply their impact and providing another chance to share their employer’s name.

Maximize workplace giving success by collecting employment information.

Once you’ve collected employment data, be sure to put it to good use.

By making employment data collection a routine part of donor engagement, your nonprofit can unlock hidden workplace giving potential and increase revenue with minimal additional effort. The more you know about where your supporters work, the better positioned you’ll be to help them amplify their impact.

4. Invest in software to identify workplace giving opportunities.

Workplace giving programs offer a significant fundraising opportunity, but manually identifying and managing these programs can be overwhelming. Investing in the right software can streamline the process, helping your nonprofit uncover opportunities, track donor eligibility, and increase workplace giving participation with minimal administrative effort.

More specifically, workplace giving software like Double the Donation can do the following:

  • Automatically identify donors who work for companies with matching gift or volunteer incentive programs.
  • Provide donors with easy access to their employer’s giving policies and submission forms.
  • Streamline tracking and reporting, ensuring no opportunity is missed.
  • Reduce administrative burden, allowing staff to focus on donor engagement rather than manual research.

Maximize workplace giving success by using Double the Donation.

By leveraging software to identify and pursue workplace giving opportunities, your organization can significantly increase incoming revenue, reduce administrative burdens, and make it easier for supporters to maximize their impact.

Maximize workplace giving success with Double the Donation.

5. Establish one-off workplace giving partnerships.

Not all companies have formal workplace giving programs in place, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to supporting their employees’ charitable interests. If your nonprofit identifies a business where multiple employees are already donating or volunteering, this presents a perfect opportunity to establish a one-off workplace giving partnership.

To find the best companies to approach for a workplace giving partnership, start by reviewing donor and volunteer data to identify businesses where employees are actively involved. You might even ask supporters if they’d be willing to advocate for such a program on your behalf⁠—or, at the very least, make a warm introduction for your cause.

Once you’ve identified a company with interested staff, craft a compelling proposal that highlights the benefits of a one-off initiative. Your pitch should include:

  • Proof of employee interest — Provide data showing that a sizable group of employees has already donated or volunteered with your nonprofit.
  • A simple way to get involved — Suggest an easy-to-implement initiative, such as a limited-time matching gift campaign, volunteer support program, or company-sponsored fundraising challenge.
  • The business benefits — Explain how the partnership enhances employee engagement, strengthens corporate social responsibility (CSR), and aligns with the company’s values.
  • A timeline and clear next steps — Make it as easy as possible for the company to say yes by offering a structured plan and direct point of contact.

By proactively establishing exclusive workplace giving partnerships, your nonprofit can tap into new corporate funding sources, deepen relationships with supporters’ employers, and even convert temporary giving initiatives into long-term corporate partnerships. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

6. Remind donors to request matching gifts.

One of the most effective ways to maximize workplace giving is by reminding donors to request matching gifts from their employers. Thousands of companies offer matching gift programs, but a large number of donors fail to take full advantage of these opportunities.

By proactively reminding donors about matching gifts, your nonprofit can significantly increase the impact of each donation and cultivate a stronger culture of giving.

To ensure that donors remember to request matching gifts, your nonprofit must actively remind them about the process. Here are several effective strategies to maximize matching gift participation:

  • Include Matching Gift Information on Thank-You Pages. As soon as a donor completes a transaction on your website, direct them to a confirmation or thank-you page that includes a reminder about matching gifts as a recommended next step. You can even offer a link to a search tool where donors can quickly check if their employer offers matching gifts.
  • Send Dedicated Reminder Emails. After a donor makes a gift, send an email specifically asking them to check if their employer offers matching gifts⁠—and to complete a request if so. For the best results, include clear, easy-to-follow instructions for submitting the matching gift request and provide links to the appropriate matching gift portal.
  • Leverage Social Media. Post regular reminders on your social media channels about the impact of matching gifts and how easy it is for supporters to take part. You can even share stories of donors whose gifts were matched, showcasing the enhanced impact of their contributions.

Maximize workplace giving with matching gift reminders.

As donors submit their matching gift requests, track their progress and follow up with additional reminders if necessary. By actively reminding donors to request matching gifts, your nonprofit can maximize the value of each donation.

7. Encourage volunteers to request volunteer grants.

Many companies offer volunteer grant programs, where they donate a set amount of money to a charitable organization based on the number of hours an employee volunteers. For example, if an employee serves 10 hours at your nonprofit, their employer might donate $100 (or more) to your cause.

Unfortunately, these grants are often overlooked. But by reminding and encouraging volunteers to request the funding, your nonprofit can unlock additional revenue with little effort. After all, it’s a simple and effective way to maximize the impact of your volunteers’ contributions while strengthening relationships with corporate partners.

Here are some effective ways to remind volunteers about volunteer grants⁠—and ensure they request them:

  • Highlight Volunteer Grant Opportunities During Sign-Up. When volunteers register for events or shifts, include a reminder about volunteer grants. You can even add an employer search tool for easy access to company-specific volunteer grant information!
  • Send a Post-Event Volunteer Grant Reminder. After a volunteer event or activity, send an email or text message reminding volunteers to submit their hours for volunteer grants.
  • Provide Clear Instructions. Include a simple guide or step-by-step instructions on how volunteers can apply for volunteer grants from their employers. This could be on your website, in email follow-ups, or on social media.

Maximize workplace giving with volunteer grant reminders.

By actively encouraging volunteers to request volunteer grants, your nonprofit can generate additional funding and better engage with supporters. Helping volunteers access this benefit is an easy way to make their time with your organization even more impactful.

8. Educate supporters about payroll giving.

Payroll giving is an easy, consistent, and effective way for employees to donate to their favorite causes directly from their paychecks. By educating supporters about the opportunity, you can provide them with a simple method to contribute regularly to your nonprofit. This ultimately leads to increasingly steady and reliable funding while building a more engaged donor base.

However, many supporters may not realize how easy it is to set up payroll giving⁠—or even that it’s available to them. This is where education comes in.

Maximize workplace giving with payroll giving reminders.

To help your supporters take full advantage of payroll giving opportunities, your nonprofit must provide clear and accessible information about the process and how they can get started. Here’s how you can do so:

  • Promote Payroll Giving as a Consistent Giving Option: In addition to one-time donations, encourage supporters to set up payroll giving as a reliable and ongoing way to contribute.
  • Combine Payroll Giving with Other Campaigns: If you’re running a special fundraising campaign, like a year-end appeal or giving day, remind your supporters that they can also donate through payroll giving, which can be just as impactful over time.
  • Offer Incentives: Reward supporters who sign up for payroll giving with recognition or exclusive updates about the impact of their ongoing contributions. For example, donors who commit to a certain level of payroll giving could receive special recognition on your website or in your newsletters⁠—or a free branded t-shirt.

Plus, don’t forget to remind your supporters about employer matching opportunities here, too. Many companies will match donations made through payroll giving, doubling (or more) the value of each gift.

9. Recognize and appreciate workplace giving participants.

One of the most effective ways to encourage continued support through workplace giving programs is to show appreciation for those who contribute.

When supporters feel valued and seen, they are more likely to continue their involvement, inspire others to join, and even increase their contributions over time.

Luckily, there are many ways to recognize and show appreciation to those who support your cause through workplace giving. Here are a few ideas to make them feel truly appreciated:

  • Personalized Thank-You Notes ⁠— Send personalized thank-you notes to each workplace giving participant. Express the impact their contribution has made, whether it’s supporting a program, reaching a fundraising goal, or furthering your nonprofit’s mission.
  • Feature Donors in Communications ⁠— Recognize donors in newsletters, social media posts, or on your website. A simple shout-out can not only make the donor feel special but also inspire others to get involved.
  • Share Impact Reports ⁠— Provide updates on how workplace giving contributions are being used to further your mission. Donors love to know how their support is making a difference. Provide tangible examples—such as success stories, photos, or financial reports—to demonstrate the real-world impact of their contributions.
  • Incorporate Employer Recognition ⁠— Recognize the companies that support your nonprofit through workplace giving programs, too. You can publicly thank these businesses in your communications or acknowledge their efforts in annual reports, newsletters, or social media.

All in all, recognizing workplace giving participants helps create a lasting connection between donors, companies, and your nonprofit. By consistently showing appreciation and making donors feel part of your organization’s success, you’re building a community of supporters who are more likely to remain loyal to your cause for years to come.

Final thoughts & additional workplace giving resources

By leveraging these strategies, your nonprofit can strengthen workplace giving partnerships, increase supporter participation, and secure more sustainable funding for your cause. Engaging employees, building relationships with corporate partners, and making it easy for donors to participate are all essential steps toward long-term success.

Keep in mind that with a proactive approach like this, your organization can transform workplace giving into a powerful tool for growth and impact. Start implementing these strategies today to maximize support for your mission!

Interested in learning more about maximizing workplace giving for your cause? Check out these additional resources:

Maximize Workplace Giving Success with Double the Donation

Enhancing a donor profile with employment data

Enhancing a Donor Profile With Employment Data [A Guide]

/in , /by

A well-rounded donor profile is essential for maximizing fundraising success, and employment information plays a crucial role in enhancing donor engagement and giving potential.

By integrating the right data into your donor profiles, organizations like yours can personalize outreach, increase contributions, and strengthen relationships with supporters alike.

Lucky for you, this guide explores the importance of employment data in your donor profiles, outlines effective collection methods, and highlights strategies for leveraging this information to boost fundraising results.

More specifically, we’ll cover the following:

Ready to begin supercharging your donor information with powerful employment insights? Continue reading to find out how.

What is a donor profile?

A donor profile is a comprehensive record of information about an individual supporter. This information helps nonprofits understand their giving behavior, engagement history, and potential for future contributions.

These profiles typically include key details such as:

  • Name
  • Contact information
  • Donation history
  • Communication preferences
  • Demographic insights

Beyond basic information, an enriched donor profile can also contain insights regarding a donor’s interests, past event participation, volunteer involvement, and—perhaps most importantly—employment details.

By building robust donor profiles, nonprofits can personalize outreach efforts, strengthen relationships, and ultimately increase fundraising success.

A sample donor profile with nonprofit data like the individual's full name, education, employment details, and charitable involvement

Sample prospect research profile

Why employment data matters in donor profiles

Employment data is crucial information for nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts and build stronger relationships with donors. When it comes to establishing well-rounded donor profiles, employer information is an essential piece of the puzzle.

Here’s why:

  • It allows you to identify corporate giving opportunities. Tons of donors work for companies with employee giving programs (like matching gifts and volunteer grants), but they may not even know about the opportunities. When you understand where your supporters are employed, your team can uncover programs and encourage donors to get involved, driving engagement and revenue alike.
  • It empowers you to personalize your outreach. The more you know about an individual, the better you can tailor your communications for them specifically. Knowing where they work allows you to segment outreach by employer, industry, workplace giving eligibility, and more⁠—ultimately ensuring customized engagement. You can even tailor your messaging based on where an individual is in the matching gift process, thanks to Double the Donation’s new matching gift status updates!
  • It permits you to estimate a donor’s giving capacity. Knowing how much an individual could potentially give is essential, and employment data can help you estimate their capacity for supporting your cause.

As you can see, the benefits of including employer data in donor profiles is multifold. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to begin incorporating the information in your donors’ records.

Leverage well-built donor profiles with Double the Donation.

Collecting employment information from supporters

Gathering employment data from donors is a crucial step in unlocking fundraising and workplace giving opportunities. However, nonprofits must be strategic in how they collect this information to ensure accuracy and encourage donor participation.

Here are some handy ways to gather employment details from supporters:

  1. Include Employer Fields on Donation Forms – Adding a simple field for employer information on online and offline donation forms makes it easy for donors to provide their workplace details at the point of giving.
  2. Ask During Event Registrations – Whether supporters are signing up for a fundraising event, gala, or volunteer opportunity, include a section for employer information in the registration process.
  3. Leverage Workplace Giving Tools – Platforms like Double the Donation allow donors to quickly search for their employer’s workplace giving programs, often leading them to input their company name while making a donation.
  4. Survey Donors and Volunteers – Periodically send surveys to your supporter base asking for updated information, including their current employer, to ensure records remain accurate.
  5. Utilize LinkedIn and Other Public Data Sources – If supporters haven’t provided employment details, checking LinkedIn profiles or company directories (where publicly available) can help fill in missing gaps.
  6. Enlist an Employer Append Service ⁠— Utilizing a dedicated data enhancement provider can help locate employment information by scanning against publicly and privately held data sources.

For the best results, you’ll likely want to incorporate a combination of the above-recommended methods. This will allow you to access employment information for the largest number of donors possible, ensuring that you can maximize workplace giving opportunities, encourage matching gifts, and personalize engagement strategies to boost both donor participation and fundraising success.

Leveraging employment data for fundraising success

Employment data is a key component in building a well-rounded and actionable donor profile, offering nonprofits valuable insights into their supporters’ potential for fundraising success. Here’s how your team can benefit from employment data in your supporter records:

Unlock Workplace Giving Programs

One of the most significant advantages of knowing a donor’s employer is the ability to identify workplace giving opportunities. For example, many corporations offer matching gift programs, where they match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. By tracking employment information, nonprofits can proactively encourage donors to request matches, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of their gifts.

Beyond matching donations, many corporations also provide volunteer grants or volunteer time off when employees contribute their time to charitable causes. By knowing where a donor works, nonprofits can track volunteer activities and inform supporters about the potential to earn grant money through their workplace. This is another avenue for maximizing fundraising and tapping into a donor’s full giving potential without asking them to give more!

Encourage Cross-Functional Support

Nonprofits can leverage employment information about their supporters to unlock even more opportunities for engagement and corporate giving. Many companies offer multiple forms of philanthropic support, such as matching gifts, volunteer grants, and sponsorships—and understanding where donors work can help nonprofits tap into these resources more effectively.

For example, if a donor works for a company with a known volunteer grant program, that’s a perfect opportunity to encourage them to get involved beyond financial contributions. Highlight how their employer will donate funds for the time they spend volunteering, making their impact even greater.

On the other hand, if a volunteer works for a company that matches financial donations, it can be a great way to get them on board with monetary giving.

Uncover In-Kind Giving or Grant Opportunities

A nonprofit’s supporters are often the key to unlocking corporate grants and in-kind donations—but only if the organization knows where they work. Many companies offer direct corporate grants or donate goods and services to charitable organizations, and leveraging employment data can help nonprofits identify and secure these opportunities.

How? Supporters can provide an inside connection, serving as a bridge to decision-makers in charge of distributing funds and resources. Employees may even be able to nominate your nonprofit for funding or introduce you to the right contacts.

Not to mention, Double the Donation’s database can now provide information on corporate sponsorship programs like grants and in-kind donations, making it easier for nonprofits to identify businesses offering these opportunities.

Strengthen Corporate Partnerships

Employment data can help nonprofits identify clusters of donors employed by the same company or industry. By recognizing these connections, organizations can approach businesses with workplace giving programs and establish partnerships that benefit both the nonprofit and its supporters.

Strengthening these corporate ties can lead to long-term collaborations, fundraising opportunities, and increased visibility for the organization.

Identify High-Potential Donors

Employment data can also help nonprofits segment their donor base by employer size, industry, and giving capacity. For example, donors working for large corporations may have access to more generous matching gift programs or higher volunteer grant amounts. By understanding these dynamics, nonprofits can prioritize engagement with high-potential donors, ensuring they are leveraging every opportunity for financial support.

Tips for building well-rounded donor profiles

Building a well-rounded donor profile is essential for maximizing engagement and increasing fundraising success. By incorporating the following strategies, fundraisers can build detailed and actionable donor profiles that enhance engagement, increase contributions, and strengthen long-term relationships.

1. Track engagement history.

Understanding a donor’s journey with your nonprofit is essential for building strong relationships and optimizing your fundraising efforts. Tracking engagement history allows organizations to see how supporters interact over time, from donations and event attendance to volunteer work and advocacy efforts.

By maintaining records of these interactions in your CRM, nonprofits can personalize their outreach, recognize loyal supporters, and tailor future fundraising appeals based on past engagement. This data helps identify high-potential donors, re-engage lapsed supporters, and create meaningful connections that encourage long-term involvement.

2. Collect key data insights as donors engage.

The best time to gather valuable donor data is when supporters are actively engaging with your organization. Whether they’re making a donation, signing up for a newsletter, or attending an event, nonprofits should seize these moments to collect insights like employer information, communication preferences, and giving motivations.

Simple form fields or follow-up surveys can capture these details without overwhelming donors. By continuously collecting relevant data, organizations build richer donor profiles that improve engagement and fundraising outcomes.

3. Encourage self-reported updates.

Donors change jobs, move to new locations, and shift their philanthropic interests over time. To keep donor profiles accurate, nonprofits should provide easy ways for supporters to update their information on their own. For example, this can be done through self-serve donor portals, email campaigns with update requests, or periodic surveys.

All in all, encouraging donors to keep their profiles current ensures that nonprofits can reach them effectively and leverage opportunities like matching gifts and corporate giving programs.

4. Consider an append service to fill in gaps.

Even with proactive data collection, donor profiles may have missing or outdated information. Luckily, data append services can help nonprofits fill these gaps by cross-referencing donor records with external databases to update contact details, employment information, and more.

These services enhance donor insights without requiring additional effort from supporters, allowing nonprofits to maximize corporate giving potential and personalize outreach based on accurate, up-to-date data.

5. Ensure clean data practices.

Maintaining clean and organized donor data is crucial for effective fundraising and engagement. For the best results, nonprofits should regularly audit their databases to remove duplicates, correct outdated information, and standardize data formats.

Plus, implementing data hygiene best practices—such as consistent naming conventions, accurate email categorization, and privacy compliance—helps organizations avoid errors and ensures that fundraising efforts are based on reliable information.

All in all, a well-maintained donor database leads to more efficient outreach, better donor relationships, and increased fundraising success.

Wrapping up & additional resources

Incorporating employment data into donor profiles provides nonprofits with valuable insights that can significantly enhance their fundraising efforts. From identifying matching gift opportunities to engaging corporate partners in new ways, employment information enables organizations to maximize donations and build stronger donor connections.

By implementing effective data collection methods and leveraging workplace giving programs with the right tools and resources, nonprofits can optimize their fundraising strategies and drive greater impact in the long run.

Interested in learning more about nonprofit fundraising and corporate giving? Check out these additional resources:

Enhancing Your Donor Profiles with Employment Information

Driving Donor Retention With Matching Gifts [A Guide]

Driving Donor Retention With Matching Gifts [A Guide]

/in , , /by

In recent years, donor retention rates have been hovering slightly above 40%. This means that if you have 100 donors, roughly 60 of them are only making one-time donations⁠, while around 40 are coming back to give again. If the focus on donor retention isn’t strong and comprehensive, a nonprofit organization will need to concentrate on the acquisition of new donors instead⁠—a notably vital but often more costly pursuit.

Luckily, there are numerous ways to boost donor retention and keep donors coming back. For example, did you know you can improve donor retention by using matching gift programs? That’s what we’ll cover here, specifically by addressing:

We’ll dive deeper into each topic and provide you with actionable tips to help you retain donors for your cause. Let’s begin!

Why Is Donor Retention Important?

When a donor continues to give to your nonprofit, the most obvious benefit is the regular extra revenue. However, keeping donors coming back has additional rewards, too.

  • First, your organization has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with donors. Think about it this way: you can’t cultivate a friendship with someone if you’ve only met them once. The same principle applies to building donor relationships. A donor that continues to give to your cause is much more likely to volunteer at your next event, serve on your board of directors, and advocate for your cause.
  • Meanwhile, a donor that has a strong connection to your cause is also more likely to share their passion for your mission with others, which could lead to even more donors. For instance, you might launch a peer-to-peer campaign where your supporters raise money on your behalf. When donors share their personal experiences with their friends and family, it can be a great tool to acquire new donors.
  • Finally, retaining donors means you can gain helpful feedback through these meaningful relationships. A donor that’s truly invested in your cause can provide suggestions and advice on how you can improve your stewardship, outreach, and much more.

By implementing their suggestions, you’ll not only gain their trust but also show other potential supporters that you will listen to their concerns.

The Power of Corporate Matching Gifts

Corporate matching gifts are one of the most effective yet underutilized tools in nonprofit fundraising. These programs allow companies to match their employees’ charitable contributions, effectively doubling (or sometimes tripling) the impact of each donation. For nonprofits, this means more funds to support their mission, while donors see their generosity go even further—all at no additional cost to them.

While it can vary from company to company, most matching gift programs follow a simple process:

  1. Employee Makes a Donation – A donor gives to their favorite nonprofit.
  2. Employer Matches the Gift – The donor submits a matching gift request to their employer.
  3. Nonprofit Receives Additional Funds – Once approved, the company sends a matching donation to the nonprofit.

While the process may seem straightforward, studies show that billions of dollars in matching gift funds go unclaimed each year simply because donors aren’t aware of these programs⁠—or don’t know how to take advantage of them. That’s why it’s crucial for nonprofits to educate their supporters and streamline the matching gift process.

The Link Between Matching Gifts and Donor Retention

While there is a surplus of helpful donor retention advice out there, it is worthwhile to note the mutually beneficial union that results from combining matching gifts and donor retention.

Specifically, matching gifts can help drive donor retention by…

1. Showing that your nonprofit is a good steward of donors’ funds.

One of the key reasons donors continue supporting a nonprofit is trust—trust that their contributions are being used effectively to make a real impact. When a nonprofit actively promotes and facilitates matching gifts, it signals to donors that the organization is committed to maximizing every dollar received. This demonstration of financial stewardship plays a critical role in building long-term donor relationships and driving retention.

2. Keeping your organization at the front of donors’ minds.

One of the biggest challenges nonprofits face in donor retention is staying top-of-mind after the initial donation. After all, many donors give once and then disengage. However, matching gifts provide a natural way to extend donor engagement beyond the moment of giving, keeping your nonprofit in their thoughts for a longer period and increasing the likelihood of future support.

Not to mention, sending communications about matching gifts to dedicated donors, whether through email, snail mail, or social media, will help them stay involved with your organization without feeling pressured to donate more of their own money. If you only talk to your donors when you want their donations, they’re less likely to continue supporting your cause.

3. Encouraging larger future donations.

One of the most compelling ways matching gifts drive donor retention is by encouraging larger future donations. After all, research indicates that when donors are aware of a matching gift opportunity, they are more likely to give—and to give in greater amounts. This increased generosity not only boosts immediate fundraising efforts but also fosters long-term donor commitment, leading to higher retention rates overall.

In fact, when nonprofits mentioned matching gifts when asking for donations, response rates jumped 71%, and average donation amounts increased by over 50%.

Letting donors know that they can make a greater impact with their donations generates a higher response to future appeals and results in larger contributions than ever before.

Strategies for Increasing Donor Retention With Matching Gifts

Now that we’ve established a connection between matching gifts and donor retention, it’s time to cover the ways in which your team can use the former to increase the latter.

Explore these proven strategies we’ve developed from working with thousands of organizations to maximize matching gifts.

1. Send a match appeal immediately after a donor gives.

One of the most effective ways nonprofits can drive donor retention through matching gifts is by sending a match appeal immediately after a donor gives. This timely follow-up not only increases the likelihood that donors will submit a matching gift request but also reinforces their connection to your organization—encouraging long-term engagement.

If you don’t know who your donor’s employer is, supply them with general information about matching gifts after they’ve donated, either in an acknowledgement or thank you email or in a separate follow-up entirely.

If you’ve done your homework and know where your donor works (and, more importantly, if their employer offers a matching gift program), provide them with company-specific information (such as program guidelines and links to matching gift forms) to help them get started.

Here’s how one organization does so:

Driving donor retention with matching gifts using acknowledgment emails

2. Notify donors when their company’s matching gift is received.

A crucial yet often overlooked step in the matching gift process is informing donors when their company’s matching contribution comes through. This follow-up communication not only acknowledges the donor’s role in securing additional funding (and provides you with another chance to thank them) but also reinforces their connection to your organization—boosting donor retention.

Depending on how fast the donor’s company processes the gift-matching paperwork and sends the money to your organization, it could be weeks or months until the donor’s matching gift comes in. They might have forgotten about it by that point. Letting them know that their matching gift was received is another excellent way to reestablish contact with a donor, potentially encouraging them to donate (and get their gifts matched) in the future.

Take a look at the thank-you card one institution sent its matching gift donors:

Driving donor retention with matching gifts using thank-you notes

3. Use social proof to demonstrate matching gift success.

One of the most powerful ways to drive donor retention through matching gifts involves showcasing real-world examples of their impact using social proof. When donors see that others are successfully doubling their contributions—and making a greater difference—they feel more confident and motivated to continue supporting your cause.

Here’s how social proof drives matching gifts and donor retention alike.

  • Creates a Sense of Community – People are more likely to stay engaged when they see that others like them are taking action. Highlighting matching gift success stories fosters a sense of shared purpose and encourages donors to feel like part of a larger movement.
  • Reinforces the Effectiveness of Giving – When donors see tangible evidence that matching gifts are successfully doubling impact, they gain reassurance that their contributions are making a meaningful difference. This confirmation increases the likelihood of future giving.
  • Builds Trust and Credibility – Transparency is key to donor retention. Showcasing real results—such as total funds raised through matching gifts or testimonials from donors who’ve had their gifts matched—demonstrates that your nonprofit is effectively leveraging these opportunities.

In order to do so, consider sharing matching gift donor testimonials, highlighting matching gift impact stories on your cause, and showcasing KPIs and other impactful metrics. By incorporating social proof into your donor communications, you create an environment where donors feel inspired, validated, and eager to continue supporting your nonprofit. The more they see others engaging in matching gifts, the more likely they are to remain committed—helping to drive long-term donor retention and fundraising success.

Check out this organization’s usage of social proof in its annual report:

Driving donor retention with matching gifts using social proof

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Unfortunately, making sure that donors stick around can be tricky. However, donor retention is essential for the long-term sustainability of any nonprofit, and corporate matching gifts provide a powerful strategy to keep donors engaged and committed in the long run. By leveraging matching gifts, organizations can amplify donor contributions, reinforce financial stewardship, and create ongoing opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Now is the time to integrate matching gifts into your donor retention strategy. With the right approach⁠—and the right tools to power it⁠—you’ll not only increase donations but also turn one-time contributors into lifelong advocates for your mission.

For even more helpful fundraising and matching gift tips, keep reading these additional recommended resources:

Interested in learning more about boosting donor retention? Check out this immersive webinar on the topic!

Strategies-for-Improving-Donor-Retention

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website

Top Strategies for Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website

/in , , /by

Your website is likely the number one place where donors come to learn about your mission and, ultimately, make a contribution to the cause. Marketing matching gifts on your website is a great way to promote the opportunity while encouraging donors to give more⁠—and make a matching gift request.

While many of your site’s visitors may start out as strangers, the goal is to impress every user⁠—and to make sure that all parties leave feeling satisfied and looking forward to their next visit. Matching gifts are a great way to do that.

With donors going the online giving route more and more often, an organization’s website encompasses endless opportunities to educate supporters about matching gifts and drive them further down the donation-matching funnel.

Because a nonprofit’s website is such a multifaceted tool, there are a ton of ways to market matching gifts effectively within the online resource. In this guide, we’ll dive into a few of the most common and impactful methods for doing so:

As with any modern organization, your website is often the first impression someone has of your nonprofit. It’s essential that you make it count by sharing about matching gifts every chance you get. The more familiar donors are with gift-matching initiatives, the more likely they ultimately are to participate!

Increase revenue by marketing matching gifts on your website with Double the Donation

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Matching Gift Page

One of the best ways to ensure each donor has access to a wide range of matching gift information (and knows how to locate more) is to host a dedicated corporate matching gift web page on your website. This way, donors will have easy access to a landing page where they can learn about matching gift programs and discover if their employers participate.

This page can communicate relevant facts, such as matching gift statistics or annual donation numbers, as well as allow donors to search for information with an embedded company search tool. It could even be as simple as stating what matching gifts are!

Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts on your dedicated match page:

  • Begin with a brief overview of corporate matching gift programs (and where users can locate additional information on the topic).
  • Explain the benefits of matching gifts programs, both for your nonprofit and for the donors themselves.
  • Embed Double the Donation’s autocomplete search box in a highly visible location on the page.
  • Include your organization’s contact information, including mailing address and EIN/tax ID number.

The goal of your matching gift page is to provide donors with a place to both learn about matching gifts and be spurred into action on the spot. With Double the Donation’s matching gift services, for example, you can empower donors to participate with year-round access to the forms, guidelines, and instructions they need to submit matching gift requests in minutes.

Example Content:

  • “Did you know that more than 26 million people work for companies with employee matching gift programs? You might too! Learn more about your employer’s matching gift programs by entering the company’s name in the below search box.”
  • “Matching gifts enable our organization to do more for the children in our community. When you request a donation match for your gift to the Children’s Play and Learning Center, you can provide much-needed resources for twice as many kids we serve. Find out more about the programs with our FAQ section, or find your company’s guidelines here.”

Marketing matching gifts on your website with a match page.

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With Blog Articles

Organizations often use online blogs to keep supporters updated on their efforts and tell the nonprofit’s story. Why not also utilize your blog to share ways for donors to double their donations, enabling your team to keep telling that story?

Blog articles are a great way to start the conversation about corporate philanthropy, specifically the role that individual donors can play. Consider telling in-depth stories about the importance of matching gifts while educating people on how to submit the necessary forms.

Best practices for marketing matching gifts with your prewritten articles include:

  • Posting insightful stories about matching gifts and the effects the programs can bring your organization’s mission.
  • Incorporating a graphic that advertises matching gifts on the side of a blog post to help increase awareness.

Many donors have never heard of matching gift and volunteer grant programs, so it’s important to inform your supporters about the opportunities. And in order to evoke emotion and drive more donors to participate, we recommend carefully demonstrating the increased impact that corporate giving can have.

Example Content:

  • “Corporate Employee Matching Gift Programs: What Are They and How Do They Benefit Atlanta University?”
    • Use this article topic to inform donors about matching gift basics, from what matching gifts are to how they benefit your organization to how easy it is to submit a matching gift request. Sometimes, people just need to know that such programs exist!
  • “Cat Rescue Club raises $200,000 from Matching Gifts and Saves 10,000 Additional Furry Friends!”
    • Use this article topic to detail how matching gifts provide additional resources that can create opportunities that would otherwise not be possible. Make the story personal and relatable so donors realize the importance of taking a mere five minutes to submit a matching gift request.

Interested in getting a headstart on your blog content? Double the Donation offers free, prewritten articles your team can customize for your own needs here.

Marketing matching gifts on your website with blog articles.

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With Images and Buttons

Images and buttons are each highly effective ways to draw attention to matching gifts within your organization’s website. Well-crafted visuals are significantly more eye-catching than plain text links (which are often overlooked) and can be a great resource for driving website visitors to take an intended call to action.

Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts using images and buttons:

  • Brand your images and buttons to your organization and its website by using your existing color scheme, font choices, etc.
  • Use imagery to help donors visualize the tangible impact that matching gifts can bring your organization and its mission.
  • Produce high-quality and visually appealing images and buttons⁠—avoid blurriness, overcrowding, and imbalance⁠—that also add value to your site.
  • Choose and communicate a clear action that you’d like website visitors to take (such as visiting your matching gifts page or searching their employer in your company database).

Once you have your images and buttons created and ready to go, consider incorporating one or more of these resources into your website, along with other digital communications⁠—such as social media marketing and matching gift emails⁠—as well.

Example Content:

  • “Get your gift matched ⁠— request a matching donation from your employer here!”
  • “Learn more about matching gifts! Click here to locate your company’s matching gift guidelines.”

Marketing matching gifts on your website with images and buttons.

Marketing matching gifts on your website with images and buttons.

P.S. Interested in even more matching gift graphics and customizable templates? Check out the resources Double the Donation offers for free for users on the platform.

Increase revenue by marketing matching gifts on your website with Double the Donation

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Navigation Menu

A website’s navigation bar is used to provide visitors with an easily accessible resource with which they can travel throughout the site from page to page. For many nonprofits, this navigation bar (also known as a “navigation menu”) incorporates the most highly-trafficked pages.

Depending on the organization in question, this might include items related to the organization’s mission and vision, an “about us” page, contact information for users to get in touch with the team, and a number of ways to support the cause.

By including a link to your organization’s dedicated matching gift web page (described above) within your navigation bar, you can allow users to access that information from anywhere on your website.

Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts on your website navigation:

  • Provide easy access to matching gift information directly from your site’s navigation bar by linking to your dedicated matching gift page.
  • Choose phrasing that is straight to the point and easily understood by your donors and other website viewers (for example, “Double your Donation” or “Matching Gifts”).
  • Place your link as prominently within your navigation bar as possible. Avoid too many subfolders, which can defeat the purpose of including it in the website menu at all.

Incorporating a matching gifts link in your navigation bar allows donors to intuitively discover matching gifts. Once a user clicks the link or button, they are able to dive into all the nitty-gritty details about matching gift programs. But all it takes to spark that interest and get the user involved is typically just a few words within the navigation menu!

Marketing matching gifts on your website with a nav bar.

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Ways to Give Page

A functional website is a necessity for every organization. Not only is it a valuable resource for sharing information about your cause and operations, but it also offers an invaluable source of real estate for promoting revenue opportunities⁠—both matching gifts and otherwise.

For many organizations, that’s where their Ways to Give page comes in!

A “ways to give” page is an area on a nonprofit’s website where people learn about a wide range of support options for the organization. This often includes online giving, upcoming events, direct mail donations, peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities, volunteer initiatives, and, of course, workplace giving programs such as donation matches and volunteer grants.

Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts on your “ways to give” page:

  • Provide donors with direct access to the tools they need to research their own matching gift eligibility (like a matching gift company search tool).
  • Direct donors to a page with more information (e.g., your dedicated matching gift page).

There are typically a ton of ways for supporters to contribute to your organization, and you’ll want to advertise them all on your “ways to give” page. Then, as donors are looking for impactful opportunities to support your cause, remind them that having their employers double their donations is a simple way to make their gift go further.

Example Content:

  • “Looking for more ways to support your favorite charities? See if your employer offers matching gifts!”
  • “Did you know that thousands of companies match employee donations? Find out if your support is eligible for matching to double the impact of your gift.”

Marketing matching gifts on your website with a ways to give page.

Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Website With a Custom Match Page

Some companies may not yet have the resources or the bandwidth to launch a comprehensive matching gift program for their staff. One approach that’s becoming increasingly popular among such businesses is the establishment of custom matching gift programs as a way for employers to get a taste of the employee giving opportunity. In this scenario, a company would agree to match team members’ donations to a single nonprofit, often during a limited-time campaign.

And by marketing this unique (or “one-off”) matching gift opportunity, your nonprofit can pursue corporate partnerships more effectively. We recommend hosting a dedicated Custom Matching Gift Programs page on your website, keeping in mind that this resource will primarily target the companies themselves⁠—rather than a company’s individual employees.

Make sure to incorporate the following best practices for matching gifts using custom matching gift pages:

  • Host the page and the embedded interest form on your nonprofit website, and maintain consistent branding throughout your organizational materials.
  • Clearly define the partnership opportunity. Many companies will be unaware that custom matching gift programs are an option, so you’ll want to overview exactly what is being asked and offered.
  • Provide a summary of your nonprofit’s mission and vision! Interested companies may be familiar with your purpose already, but a refresher can reiterate the impact the partner would make by supporting your cause.

Custom matching gift programs provide nonprofits with an excellent opportunity to deepen their relationships with philanthropic-minded companies wanting to get involved in giving back. But they take a bit of a different marketing approach to pursue, so it’s a good idea to determine where these initiatives fit into your overall corporate fundraising strategy and go from there.

Example Content:

  • “Interested in supporting our organization with a custom matching gift program? Fill out the following form, and we’ll be in touch to discuss the next steps for developing a mutually beneficial partnership!”
  • “By organizing a custom matching gift initiative, which is a unique type of employee giving program, your company would commit to matching donations made by your employees to our nonprofit organization.”

Marketing matching gifts on your website with your custom matching gifts page.

*While Double the Donation offers custom matching gift management functionality, this feature is designed specifically for fundraisers looking to manage custom matching gift initiatives—Double the Donation does not work directly with corporations. If you’re a company interested in creating a matching gift program, contact us, and we’ll share information about our corporate vendor partners.

Final Thoughts & Additional Matching Gift Marketing Resources

Implementing matching gift promotions across your website is a major step in boosting your revenue. Don’t overlook it!

Individuals looking to get involved in your giving in the first place will be more inclined to contribute, while existing donors will be able to easily locate the information they need to get their gifts matched by their employers.

As your organization’s #1 marketing tool, marketing matching gifts on your website is essential.

Interested in learning more about effective matching gift fundraising practices? Check out our other educational resources on the topic:

  • A Complete Guide to Fundraising Automation for Nonprofits. Raise more for your organization with less time, money, and resources by leveraging automation strategies. Find out how to fundraise better across your online giving pages, donor management system, matching gift tools, and more with this guide.
  • How Donor Employer Information Can Boost Your Fundraising. Sharing company-specific matching gift information with donors is a great practice to follow. But in order to do so, you’ll need to know where they work! Learn more about collecting donor employment data and what to do with it here.
  • Matching Gift Databases: Our Comprehensive Guide. Marketing matching gifts across your website and more is made easier with a matching gift database. Explore this Double the Donation guide to uncovering everything you need to know about the leading matching gift software solution.

Increase revenue by marketing matching gifts on your website with Double the Donation

Matching Gift Content Calendar Marketing Through the Year

Matching Gift Content Calendar: Marketing Through the Year

/in , , , , /by

Incorporating matching gifts into your nonprofit’s marketing strategy can unlock significant fundraising potential year-round. However, timing is everything when it comes to making a matching gift impact. By aligning your campaigns with key dates, seasons, and donor behaviors, you can ensure your message resonates at just the right moments. And lucky for you, a matching gift content calendar can help you stay organized, intentional, and proactive in promoting these valuable opportunities.

That’s why, in this blog post, we provide a year-round guide to crafting a strategic matching gift marketing calendar. This includes key promotional opportunities, such as:

From New Year’s resolutions to year-end giving, we’ll explore how to integrate matching gifts into your outreach efforts, ensuring your nonprofit maximizes donor participation and doubles impact throughout the year.

Let’s get started⁠—at the beginning!

Maximize your matching gift content calendar with our ultimate guide to matching gifts.

Start-of-year follow-ups

When: January

The beginning of the year is a golden opportunity to follow up with donors from the previous year, especially those who contributed during the busy holiday giving season. Many donors may not have submitted their matching gift requests yet, and corporate deadlines for these submissions often fall early in the year.

(Fun fact: Companies like Best Buy, A&E Television Networks, H&R Block, Home Depot, and Fifth Third Bank have established matching gift deadlines the following year after a gift is made, allowing for a few-month grace period.)

By encouraging donors to act promptly at the start of the new year, nonprofits can tap into unclaimed matching gift revenue while it’s still accessible.

Here’s an example social media post you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: Start-of-year

To make the most of this opportunity, nonprofits should send personalized emails to donors who gave in the last year. For the best results, these messages should include clear instructions for submitting matching gift requests and provide links to tools that simplify the process. Highlighting the additional impact their match could create—such as doubling the number of meals provided or trees planted—can also inspire action.

Matching Gift Month

When: February

February is recognized as Matching Gift Month, which offers a perfect platform to amplify awareness of corporate matching programs. This dedicated month gives organizations an opportunity to focus their messaging on educating donors and building momentum around matching gift opportunities.

Many donors remain unaware of their employers’ programs, making this an ideal time to bridge that knowledge gap.

Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: match month

To leverage Matching Gift Month effectively, nonprofits can host educational initiatives like webinars or Q&A sessions to demystify the matching gift process. Sharing success stories and testimonials from past matches can also inspire donors by showing the tangible results of their contributions. Meanwhile, creative campaigns using themed hashtags, such as #MatchingGiftMonth, can expand reach on social media and encourage sharing among supporters.

Match Madness

When: March

March is synonymous with the excitement of college basketball’s March Madness, and nonprofits can use this energy to create their own “Match Madness” campaigns. These themed initiatives add a sense of urgency and fun to matching gift outreach, appealing to donors’ competitive spirits and encouraging them to take action.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: Match Madness

An effective Match Madness campaign involves setting a fundraising goal and tracking progress in real time, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for supporters.

Not to mention, borrowing sports-inspired messaging and graphics can make the campaign visually appealing and memorable.

Spring matching gift reminders

When: April-May

Spring is a season of renewal⁠—and an excellent time to remind donors about matching gift opportunities. Donors may still be eligible to submit matching gift requests for contributions made in the previous year, and you’ll likely have received a good amount of new-year gifts, too. This makes spring an ideal period to encourage matching gift follow-through.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: Spring

To capitalize on this season, nonprofits should send bright, cheerful reminders to donors, encouraging them to “spring into action” and double their impact.

Plus, newsletters and event follow-ups can be great places to incorporate matching gift messaging. Collaborating with companies to host spring workplace giving or volunteer events can further engage donors and employers in the matching gift process, too!

Summer matching gift reminders

When: June-August

Summer may be a slower season for fundraising, but it offers an opportunity to maintain donor engagement when they may have more downtime.

Reminders sent during the summer months can keep matching gifts at the top of mind and ensure nonprofits remain part of their supporters’ giving priorities.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: Summer

Summer campaigns can stand out by incorporating fun, vacation-themed messaging, such as “Make a splash this summer by doubling your gift!”

Multi-channel outreach, including social media posts, postcards, and emails, can effectively engage donors who may not be checking traditional communication channels as frequently during this period.

Fall matching gift reminders

When: September-October

As the year transitions into fall, donors begin preparing for year-end giving. This makes it an ideal time to educate them about matching gifts and how they can get involved.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: fall

Nonprofits can maximize this opportunity by hosting donor appreciation events that include discussions about matching gifts. These events, whether virtual or in-person, provide a platform to educate donors while thanking them for their support.

End-of-year matching gift follow-ups

When: November-December

The end-of-year giving season is a critical time for nonprofits, and matching gift follow-ups can significantly boost revenue during this period. Many donors give generously in December, making it essential to remind them to submit matching gift requests while the contributions are still fresh in their minds.

As the year comes to a close, time-sensitive reminders should emphasize submission deadlines and the potential for doubled impact of their gift.

(Fun fact: Companies like UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, 3M, AAA, and Subway all have enacted end-of-year matching gift deadlines, adding a layer of urgency to year-end submission reminders.)

Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: end-of-year

Nonprofits can also highlight the tax benefits of year-end giving and matching gifts, providing donors with an extra incentive to take action.

Giving Tuesday matching gift outreach

When: Giving Tuesday and Matching Wednesday

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity⁠—and one of the most important days for nonprofit fundraising. Pairing matching gifts with Giving Tuesday outreach is a powerful way to encourage donors to maximize their impact. Not to mention, the day following Giving Tuesday has been dubbed Matching Wednesday, a powerful opportunity to get the previous day’s gifts matched while momentum is high.

Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:

Matching gift content calendar example: Matching Wednesday

Nonprofits can promote matching gifts through Giving Tuesday (and Matching Wednesday) emails, social media posts, and campaign landing pages. Meanwhile, real-time impact updates and countdowns can establish a sense of urgency and excitement, driving donors to act.

Partnering with corporate sponsors to offer special (or one-off) matches on this day can further amplify results, inspiring supporters to give and share the campaign with their networks.

Bonus: Affinity day/week/month messaging

When: Your organization’s affinity day, week, or month

Affinity days, weeks, or months, such as Earth Day or Pride Month, provide nonprofits with a unique opportunity to align matching gift messaging with causes that resonate deeply with their donors. These special occasions create a natural connection between corporate giving and a specific mission, inspiring supporters to participate.

To make the most of these opportunities, nonprofits should tailor their messaging to the themes of the event. For example, during Earth Day, a nonprofit focused on environmental causes could highlight how matching gifts double the number of trees planted or acres of land restored.

Meanwhile, partnering with corporate sponsors that share the same values can also increase visibility and participation in matching gift programs.

Wrapping up & additional resources

A well-executed matching gift content calendar empowers your nonprofit to stay ahead of the curve. This allows organizations to make the most of every opportunity to promote corporate matching programs. Start planning your matching gift content strategy today, and watch as your nonprofit’s impact grows month by month.

Remember, each reminder, campaign, or social media post is a chance to connect donors with the power of doubling their contributions—and fueling your mission more.

Interested in learning more about matching gift strategies? Check out these recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Take a deep dive into everything you need to know about marketing matching gifts. This comprehensive guide covers strategies for promoting matching gift opportunities through email, social media, direct mail, and more.
  • How to Get Matching Gifts Trending at Your Organization. Looking to boost matching gift awareness within your nonprofit? Learn to engage staff, educate donors, and leverage technology to create a culture of matching gifts that drive long-term results. Get the guide to learn how!
  • Top 20+ Matching Gift Companies: Leaders in Corporate Giving. Discover the companies setting the standard in corporate philanthropy. This resource highlights over 20 top employers with generous matching gift programs, including program details, eligibility requirements, and key insights.

Get inspired by this matching gift content calendar with Double the Donation.

Match Like Megan Driving Matching Gifts with Social Proof

Match Like Megan: Driving Matching Gifts with Social Proof

/in , , , /by

In the world of fundraising, one of the most effective yet underutilized tools for maximizing donations is the power of social proof. People tend to follow the lead of others, especially when making decisions about giving. That’s why showcasing existing support through matching gifts with social proof can be a game-changer for nonprofits like yours.

In this post, we’ll explore how organizations can encourage donors to take advantage of matching gift programs, demonstrating how social proof can turn a single matching gift into a chain reaction of doubled giving.

Specifically, we’ll cover:

Ready to see how your team can benefit from matching gifts with social proof and more? Let’s get started with the basics.

What is social proof?

According to Sprout Social,

Social proof is the psychological concept that people are influenced in their decision-making by others, compelling them to act within societal norms or expectations. In the context of marketing, social proof provides evidence of the popularity or usability of a brand among consumers to influence the purchase decisions of prospective and returning customers.

In other words, social proof is the idea that people are more likely to make choices or take actions when they see others doing the same.

Driving fundraising results with social proof - example

In terms of fundraising, it means supporters (prospective and existing ones alike) are increasingly inclined to get involved when their peers are doing so, too. This can take a lot of forms, from giving to participating in matching gifts and beyond. And it’s beneficial for fundraising organizations, as social proof can help build trust and momentum around their causes.

How to increase matching gifts with social proof

For many donors, matching gifts are a completely new concept. In fact, research shows that despite 26 million individuals working for companies with matching gift programs, an astounding 78% have no idea that they’re eligible.

The solution? Marketing matching gifts to your audience. And for the best results, incorporating social proof throughout your efforts can go a long way. Lucky for you, there are quite a few ways that your team can do so. These include:

Sourcing matching gift facts & figures

It’s hard to argue with facts. That’s why matching gift statistics⁠ (whether industry-wide or within your organization⁠) can be a valuable tool in establishing social proof. After all, accurate and relevant facts and figures about matching gifts⁠—and your supporters’ behavior regarding the programs⁠—can be crucial for communicating the benefits of these programs to donors and other existing stakeholders.

Example:

More than 580 donors have had their gifts matched to our organization in the last year. That’s a lot of support!

How to Get Started:

Check your Double the Donation Matching dashboard and reporting module to uncover valuable insights you can use to demonstrate matching gift impact.

Not a Double the Donation user yet? Click here to get a personalized demo and see how your organization will benefit from our tools⁠—including tracking and reporting on donor involvement!

Using statistics to drive matching gifts with social proof

Promoting matching gift donor testimonials

Often, there’s nothing more powerful than hearing a story in a donor’s own words⁠. For supporters considering matching gifts, hearing about the experience from a peer who has successfully completed the process can go a long way. After all, promoting matching gift donor testimonials is an effective strategy to enhance awareness, encourage participation, and build trust in your organization’s matching gift programs.

For an added personal flair, aim to include photos or videos of the donor whose testimonial you share!

Example:

Meet Sarah. Sarah is a generous donor to our organization, and she recently took the extra step to have her already significant gift doubled for our cause. Here’s what Sarah has to say: “I loved having the opportunity to double my impact on my favorite organization while getting my employer involved in the causes I care about. The whole process was quick and easy, too!”

How to Get Started:

In Double the Donation, first, navigate to the “Donations” tab. From there, filter the statuses to include those marked as “Match Complete” to identify your best prospects for matching gift testimonials. Then, reach out to your list of supporters to solicit feedback and collect testimonials from those interested in sharing their experiences.

Not a Double the Donation user? Sift through your existing data in your CRM to manually uncover potential testimonial providers. Just make sure you’re contacting individuals who have successfully completed a match in the past!

Encouraging social sharing of matching gift content

When your organization posts something on its social media pages, it’s likely able to reach your network of supporters. If you’d like to extend your reach to new audiences, however, social sharing can be the key. All it takes is getting your existing supporters to interact with and share (or re-post) the content you publish on your social channels.

Using social sharing to drive matching gifts with social proof

Encouraging social sharing of matching gift content is an effective strategy to amplify awareness, drive participation, and leverage social proof in fundraising efforts. When supporters share information about matching gifts on social media or within their networks, it not only broadens your outreach but also reinforces the message that matching gifts are a valuable part of giving.

Example:

Over 65% of Fortune 500 companies match employee donations. Share this post with a colleague or peer to encourage them to check if their employer matches, too!

How to Get Started:

Create and share eye-catching graphics, visuals, or video content that quickly and easily explains the basics of matching gifts. You can even provide supporters (or advocates) with pre-written messages they can use when sharing, making it even easier for them to promote your cause⁠—and the matching opportunity⁠—to their own audiences.

P.S. Double the Donation provides free, customizable Canva templates that users can access from within their accounts. Just head to the “Resources” and select “Marketing Assets!”

Incorporating matching in peer-to-peer fundraising

Incorporating matching gifts into peer-to-peer fundraising is an impactful way to drive increased donations through social proof. When donors see others matching contributions within peer fundraising campaigns, it reinforces the idea that matching is a standard part of giving, encouraging additional supporters to look into matching opportunities through their own employers.

Example:

Thanks for giving to our peer-to-peer fundraising campaign! Did you know your gift can have twice the impact on our cause with a match? Contact your fundraiser to learn more about the benefits of matching gifts and how you can get involved.

How to Get Started:

Equip your peer-to-peer fundraisers with matching gift resources so that they’re well-prepared to promote the opportunity to their donors. This can include email and social media graphics (such as those provided by Double the Donation), templated messages, and more.

From there, it’s crucial to have a matching gift search tool embedded in your peer-to-peer giving forms, too, so all donors can interact with the widget.

Highlighting matching companies supporting your efforts

Many donors remain unaware that their employers offer matching gifts. By highlighting companies with matching gift programs (particularly those that are actively supporting your mission), you educate donors on the availability of these benefits⁠—and encourage them to explore their own employer’s matching options.

Meanwhile, recognizing companies that support matching gifts demonstrates how accessible and straightforward the process can be. Seeing well-known companies participate reinforces that matching gifts are widely available and beneficial to both employees and nonprofits.

Example:

This year, companies like Home Depot, Apple, State Farm, Verizon, Bank of America, and more are supporting our organization through matching gifts. And that’s thanks to generous donors like you who work for these employers!

How to Get Started:

Check out the “Top Companies” report within Double the Donation to access insights about the companies most highly represented in your donor base. Then, spotlight those leading employers on your dedicated Match Page along with other matching gift materials!

Identify leading companies to drive matching gifts with social proof

Implementing public recognition for matching gifts

Implementing public recognition for matching gifts is a strategic way to harness the power of social proof and encourage more donors to participate in the programs. Publicly recognizing donors who engage in matching gifts signals to others that matching gifts are valued, achievable, and impactful, often resulting in similar action.

This not only celebrates donors but also educates prospects about matching gifts, showcasing that they are a common, achievable, and powerful way to increase impact.

Example: 

We want to give a big shoutout to a donor who has gone above and beyond for our mission: John Doe! John recently contributed a generous amount that was then doubled by his employer through a matching gift program.

How to Get Started:

Implement a strategy for tracking matching gifts to completion. We recommend having donors indicate when they’ve submitted a match, such as with a built-in button within Double the Donation’s email streams. This way, your team can be prepared to reconcile the records in your system when the match ultimately arrives.

Then, take to social media, email newsletters, donor walls, or other recognition channels to highlight your completed matches!

Case study: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Match Like Megan

About the Organization

Phillips Exeter Academy, commonly known as Exeter, is a prestigious, private co-educational boarding school in Exeter, New Hampshire. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Exeter has a distinguished history of preparing its students for success in higher education and beyond.

Uncovering the Matching Gift Need

Recently, the school’s development team was tasked with doubling its annual fundraising revenue in order to better support its academic and other programming. As part of determining how to do so, the team ultimately decided to revitalize its corporate matching gift efforts, as they realized they were not fulfilling their matching gift potential as-is.

When the director located the school’s matching gift software, the team began to play around with it, looking to identify new ways to bring matching gifts to the forefront of their fundraising strategy. And what they came up with was Match Like Megan.

About the Campaign

Match Like Megan was born from a single matching gift donor, Megan, who gave generously to her alma mater. From there, she also got her gift matched by her employer (Macy’s), doubling her impact and bringing her total annual giving to the next society level.

As a result, the Exeter team decided to launch an initiative around the idea that just about anyone can “Match Like Megan.” This came following a number of other alliteration-style campaigns, including Donate Like Dave and Lead Like Lawrence. The school then spotlighted Megan’s matching gift participation across its marketing and educational efforts, including social media posts, email campaigns, and more.

When supporters see how easy it is for someone like Megan to get her gift matched for her school, they’re more likely to take the steps themselves to do so. Hence, the concept of social proof.

See how other organizations are driving matching gifts with social proof and more.

 

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

When it comes to amplifying support for your cause through matching gifts, social proof is a powerful catalyst. The “Match Like Megan” campaign shows that leveraging real-life examples of matching gift donors can drive others to join in, boosting overall participation and revenue.

By placing a spotlight on your own donors, your organization not only strengthens relationships with existing supporters but also cultivates a giving culture that feels accessible, inspiring, and community-driven. As more donors participate in matching gifts, their impact grows exponentially, creating a lasting influence on your mission.

Let social proof be the spark that fuels your matching gift success—and watch your community rally around your cause, one match at a time.

Ready to learn more about innovative matching gift tactics your team can adopt for big results? Check out the following resources:

Click to see how you can raise 20-50% more in matching gifts with Double the Donation.

Matching Wednesday Drive Matching Gifts Post #GivingTuesday

Matching Wednesday: Drive Matching Gifts Post #GivingTuesday

/in , , , , /by

After the whirlwind of #GivingTuesday, many nonprofits find themselves wondering how to maintain the momentum of generosity⁠—and make the most of corporate matching gifts in their efforts. While donations tend to surge on Giving Tuesday, organizations can amplify their impact by making the following day just as powerful. And that’s why we’re introducing the idea of Matching Wednesday.

By strategically focusing on matching gifts the day after Giving Tuesday, nonprofits like yours can create an additional wave of support that builds on the previous day’s success.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to get started with this unique and impactful campaign idea. This includes:

Matching Wednesday can help nonprofits capitalize on donors’ enthusiasm, encourage more employees to seek corporate matches, and double (or even triple) the support for their causes.

Ready to find out how? Let’s get started with the basics.

What is Matching Wednesday?

Matching Wednesday is a strategic fundraising initiative in which nonprofits can participate immediately following #GivingTuesday.

While Giving Tuesday sparks a boost in donations from individuals eager to support their favorite causes, Matching Wednesday aims to keep this momentum going by encouraging donors to double (or even triple) the impact of their contributions through corporate matching gift programs.

After Giving Tuesday comes Matching Wednesday

Here’s how it works: on Matching Wednesday, nonprofits reach out to donors who gave on Giving Tuesday (or even before) and remind them to submit their gifts for matching through their employers. They can also highlight matching gift opportunities to new donors, underscoring the added impact their support can have.

The idea behind Matching Wednesday is simple yet powerful⁠—leveraging the enthusiasm generated on Giving Tuesday to unlock even more funding for the cause. By making matching gifts easy and front-of-mind, nonprofits can turn a single day of generosity into an extended period of amplified giving, helping them reach their goals and maximize their mission impact.

Following Up With #GivingTuesday Donors

Giving Tuesday sees some of the highest rates of charitable giving each year. In 2023, 34 million adults in the U.S. alone participated in Giving Tuesday festivities, contributing a total of more than $3.1 billion. And while a lot of those gifts were matched by donors’ employers, the truth is that a lot of matchable gifts went unclaimed. And that’s where Matching Wednesday steps in!

Following up with Giving Tuesday donors come Matching Wednesday is essential to capture the full potential of corporate matching gifts. Many donors may not realize that their contributions can be matched by their employers, effectively doubling or even tripling their impact on the cause. But when they do know, they’ll be eager to get involved.

Here are a few things your team can do to engage these donors and make the most of Matching Wednesday:

1. Send a Personalized Matching Gift Reminder Follow-Up.

The day after Giving Tuesday, send a follow-up message reminding donors who gave about the chance to make an even bigger difference with a matching gift.

Start with a heartfelt thank-you for their Giving Tuesday support, expressing gratitude for their contribution and sharing the impact it will make. Then, (re)introduce the concept of matching gifts, highlighting that many employers will match their donations at no additional cost to them. This gentle reminder can spark interest and motivate donors to check if their employer participates in a matching gift program.

2. Educate Donors About the Ease and Benefits of Matching Gifts.

Many donors may be unfamiliar with how matching gifts work. Use Matching Wednesday as an opportunity to educate them on the process. Provide clear, easy-to-follow, and company-specific instructions on how they can request a matching gift from their employer, and offer assistance for any questions or concerns donors might have about matching gift submissions.

3. Establish a Sense of Doubled Impact.

Use Matching Wednesday to create a sense of amplified donation impact by highlighting how beneficial matched gifts can be. Let donors know how their contributions, when doubled, can address specific needs, such as providing additional meals, funding critical programs, or expanding highly demanded services. This approach makes the matching gift feel like an extension of their Giving Tuesday contribution, deepening their connection to your cause.

Engaging Supporters Who Gave Earlier in the Year

While the idea is centered around the better-known global giving day, it’s important to note that Matching Wednesday doesn’t have to be exclusive to Giving Tuesday donors, either. In fact, it’s also an ideal time to engage supporters who donated earlier in the year but, as far as you know, haven’t submitted their gifts for matching.

By reaching out with a timely reminder to submit their matches, nonprofits can turn previous contributions into a new wave of support on Matching Wednesday.

Here’s how to maximize engagement with these past donors:

1. Segment and Personalize Your Outreach.

Identify donors who gave earlier in the year but may not have submitted their gifts for matching. Send a personalized email acknowledging their previous support and sharing how impactful it would be if they submitted their gift for a match⁠—and how Matching Wednesday is the perfect time to do it. After all, a tailored message makes supporters feel valued and motivates them to take the extra step, knowing that their contributions are still on the nonprofit’s radar.

2. Create a “Last Call for Matching Gifts” Campaign.

Use Matching Wednesday as a final push for matching gift submissions, presenting it as a time-sensitive opportunity. Explain that this is a last chance to double or triple their support this year, especially for those who might have forgotten or overlooked the option earlier. A sense of urgency can inspire action, as donors may be more likely to submit a match if they know it’s the final opportunity for the year. Many companies establish year-end request deadlines, too, meaning time is of the essence.

3. Provide a Simple, Step-by-Step Guide for Matching Gifts.

Many supporters might hesitate to submit their gifts for matching due to uncertainty around the process. Include a quick guide in your Matching Wednesday email to help simplify it. A “Check Your Eligibility” button leading to a matching gift search tool can be particularly effective, allowing donors to quickly confirm if their company offers matching and access any necessary forms.

Re-engaging past supporters for Matching Wednesday allows nonprofits to revive donations from throughout the year and turn them into even greater impact. This last-call reminder serves as an easy and effective way to connect with donors, ensuring their gifts stretch further and help end the year on a high note for the cause.

Increase matching gift revenue by leveraging Double the Donation

Best Practices for Matching Wednesday Success

To maximize the impact of Matching Wednesday, nonprofits can implement several best practices to ensure their outreach is compelling and effective. From targeted follow-ups to clear messaging, here are strategies that can help nonprofits make the most of this post-Giving Tuesday initiative:

Mention matching gifts leading up to and on Giving Tuesday, too.

Matching Wednesday is all about matching gifts. But it shouldn’t be the first time your audience hears about the opportunity. In fact, it’s best to begin highlighting matching gifts alongside Giving Tuesday promotions leading up to and on the big day.

By promoting matching gift opportunities early and often, nonprofits can begin building familiarity with the programs. This can substantially boost the day’s revenue, motivating more donors to give⁠—and encouraging them to make their contributions go further when the time comes.

Not to mention, knowing that their donation could be matched can even inspire donors to contribute in larger amounts. Matching gifts allows donors to double or triple their contributions, which is a compelling reason to increase their initial support. Research shows that fundraising appeals⁠—such as those for Giving Tuesday⁠—see a 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average gift size when matching gifts are mentioned.

Take a multi-channel approach to engaging donors.

When it comes to marketing matching gifts, you want to make sure your message is getting across far and wide. Luckily, a multi-channel approach engages donors on multiple platforms, making it easier for them to take action and get involved.

Not to mention, each donor has preferred ways of receiving information. Some may respond best to email reminders, while others are more likely to engage on social media or through text. By reaching out across multiple channels, you can ensure you’re meeting donors where they already are.

Leveraging a combination of email, social media, SMS, and even phone calls empowers nonprofits to create comprehensive, engaging Matching Wednesday experiences that keep matching gifts at the top of donors’ minds.

Highlight matching gift success stories.

Social proof is a powerful tool. On a big giving day like Giving Tuesday (or the subsequent Matching Wednesday), incorporating success stories regarding corporate matching gifts can go a long way toward inspiring action.

For the best results, we recommend supplying specific examples to illustrate the power of matching gifts. Try sharing stories or metrics that showcase what matching funds have previously achieved for your organization. For instance, you might say, “Last year, matching gifts helped us provide meals for 500 additional families.” Impact-driven messaging like this can inspire donors to act, as they can directly see how their matched gifts contribute to the mission.

Alternatively, consider sharing a brief story or example of a past donor whose gift was matched. You can even source a quote from a previous matching gift donor to act as a testimonial! After all, real-world examples can serve as powerful motivation, helping donors see the tangible outcomes of submitting a matching gift.

Invest in matching gift software before Matching Wednesday.

Leading up to Matching Wednesday (or Giving Tuesday, for that matter), you’ll want to conduct an analysis of your existing tech stack and decide if you have what you need for success. If you’re currently missing a matching gift software, we highly recommend getting up and running with such a solution prior to the start of the giving season.

After all, this kind of tool simplifies the matching process by enabling donors to quickly find their employer’s matching gift policy, forms, and submission instructions. The easier it is for donors to confirm eligibility and access forms, the more likely they’ll be to follow through⁠—so this is not something you want to overlook. Not to mention, an automation platform like Double the Donation’s can streamline the entire process from start to finish, so your team doesn’t have to lift a finger!

Ready to get started? Request a personalized demo or uncover your expected ROI with matching gifts!

Share Matching Wednesday results and outcomes.

After Matching Wednesday concludes, maintain the matching gift momentum by sharing the campaign results with your supporters. For example, highlight the total number of submitted matches and the impact they’ll have on your programs. This kind of transparency fosters trust and shows donors that their efforts to secure a match made a concrete difference, setting the stage for continued engagement.

From there, you’ll want to track key metrics, such as the number of matching gifts secured, total matched revenue, and engagement rates, so you can adjust and improve your efforts for the next year. After all, a successful Matching Wednesday can become an ongoing part of your end-of-year fundraising efforts, extending Giving Tuesday’s impact well beyond a single day in the years to come.

6 Sample #MatchingWednesday Promotions

Ready to get started promoting Matching Wednesday but not sure where to begin? We’ve created a few sample promotions your team can use to engage its donors leading up to and on to the big day.

Matching Wednesday Text Message

Matching Wednesday text message

Text message copy: Thank you for supporting us on #GivingTuesday! 🎉 Did you know your donation could go twice as far? Today is #MatchingWednesday—click here to see if your employer matches: [Matching Gift Page URL]

Matching Wednesday Email Template

Subject line: Have you given to [nonprofit] this year? Double your impact today⁠—on #MatchingWednesday!

Matching Wednesday email header

Body:

Dear [donor’s first name],

Thank you for being part of the [nonprofit] family! Your support means the world to us, and today, on #MatchingWednesday, there’s an exciting opportunity to make your impact go even further.

If you’ve donated to [nonprofit] this year, you might be able to double or even triple your gift through your employer’s matching gift program! Many companies offer to match their employees’ charitable donations, but these matches often go unclaimed. Submitting a matching gift request is a simple way to amplify your impact and ensure your generosity reaches even more people in need.

Here’s how you can participate in #MatchingWednesday:

  1. Check if your employer matches donations – Use our matching gift search tool here [Matching Gift Page URL] to see if your company offers matching gifts.
  2. Follow the provided steps – If your employer participates, complete a matching gift request through their system by following the instructions our tool provides.
  3. Watch your impact grow! Every matched dollar helps us bring hope and resources to even more individuals and families.

Why submit your gift for a match today? Matching Wednesday is a limited opportunity to help us close out the year strong and make a difference for the communities we serve. Your support matters, and by taking just a few minutes to check your match eligibility, you can double the power of your donation at no extra cost!

Thank you for your continued generosity. Together, we can make an even greater impact.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Nonprofit Name]
[Nonprofit Contact Information]

Matching Wednesday Facebook Post

Matching Wednesday Facebook post

Caption: Many employers match donations to [nonprofit], doubling (or even tripling!) your impact at no extra cost to you. Take a moment today to check if your gift qualifies for a match by visiting the Matching Gifts page on our website: [Matching Gift Page URL] #DoubleYourImpact #MatchingGifts

Matching Wednesday Instagram Post

Matching Wednesday Instagram post

Caption: It’s #MatchingWednesday! 🎉 Did you know that thousands of companies match employee donations? That means your gift could go twice as far—just by submitting a matching request!

Don’t miss this chance to maximize your support and make an even bigger impact. Visit our Matching Gifts page to learn more. #GiveMore #AmplifyYourImpact #MatchingGifts

Matching Wednesday LinkedIn Post

Matching Wednesday LinkedIn post

Caption: #GivingTuesday was just the beginning! 🌟 Did you know that your donation could go even further? Many companies offer matching gift programs, meaning your contribution can be doubled or even tripled at no extra cost to you.

Now, Matching Wednesday is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity! If you gave to [nonprofit] yesterday or at any point this year, check to see if your employer will match your donation. It’s an easy way to maximize your impact and support the causes that matter most to you.

Not sure if your company participates? Don’t worry⁠—just use our matching gift search tool to find out: [Matching Gift Page URL]

This #MatchingWednesday, let’s make every dollar count for even more. Thanks again for helping us create lasting change. #DoubleYourImpact #EmployerMatching #CorporateGiving #SocialGood #GivingTuesday

Matching Wednesday Twitter Post

Matching Wednesday Twitter post

Caption: #MatchingWednesday is here! 🎉 It’s the perfect chance to make your #GivingTuesday gift go even further. Check to see if your employer will match your donation and double your impact today! [URL]

Next Steps & Additional Giving Season Resources

Establishing a Matching Wednesday campaign following Giving Tuesday is a smart way for nonprofits to extend their outreach⁠—and make every gift count twice. By promoting matching gift opportunities immediately after a major giving day, organizations can reinforce their message, reach new donors, and deepen their impact overall.

This strategic timing leverages the global popularity and extensive goodwill of Giving Tuesday and engages donors further, reminding them that their support can do more. Embracing the idea of Matching Wednesday can ensure the season of giving extends beyond a single day, unlocking new possibilities for funding and growth in the year-end season and beyond. Just don’t forget to equip your team with the right software going into it!

Interested in learning more about matching gifts heading into a period of holiday giving? Check out these additional resources:

Get up and running with Double the Donation in no time

How to Increase Matching Gift Revenue in 30 Minutes or Less

How to Increase Matching Gift Revenue in 30 Minutes or Less

/in , , , /by

Are you looking to increase matching gift revenue but don’t have much time to invest in the programs?

If you can find just 30 minutes in your schedule, there are small adjustments that have the potential to significantly elevate your organization’s matching gift strategy. These enhancements may include:

  1. Publishing a matching gift post on social media.
  2. Implementing a matching gift CTA on your confirmation screen.
  3. Modifying your donation acknowledgments to promote matching gifts.
  4. Adding a blurb about matching gifts to your staff email signatures.
  5. Sharing information about matching gift companies in your area.
  6. Sending an email to all “Eligible but Not Submitted” donors.
  7. Following up with unclaimed repeat matching gifts.
  8. Looking into potentially miscategorized ineligible donations.

After all, maximizing matching gift revenue doesn’t need to be a lengthy or complex process. Many nonprofits miss out on this opportunity simply because they assume it will take too long or require significant resources to implement. But in reality, there are many effective and simple strategies that can drive substantial results in just a few minutes.

Let’s begin!

Method #1: Publish a matching gift post on social media.

Do you maintain Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter accounts for your organization? More than likely, you have some combination of all four. And if so, odds are donors and members are scrolling through your messages on a regular basis, making it a particularly impactful tool when it comes to fundraising.

Take a few minutes to create a post about matching gifts. Not only will it appear on your fans’ walls today, but your matching gift post will linger on your organization’s page forever.

For a headstart, Double the Donation’s users can access customizable marketing samples within the platform at no additional cost. Just choose a templated graphic, personalize it to your organization, and post it to your social accounts!

Not a Double the Donation user yet? Click here to request a personalized demo and get up and running with our tools and resources ASAP!

Increase matching gift revenue with social media posts.

And don’t forget, if you use a service to schedule messages in the future, go ahead and create a few matching gift messages to post automatically over the coming months. Regularly sharing matching gift information is key to building familiarity⁠ with—and participation in⁠—the programs.

Time Investment Required: Ten minutes

Method #2: Implementing a matching gift CTA on your confirmation screen.

Immediately after donors hit “submit” on their gift, they’re likely redirected to a confirmation screen or thank-you page on the website. This page generally thanks individuals for their support, and often offers suggested next steps to get further involved with the organization. One key way to do so is with matching gifts.

Therefore, we recommend incorporating a prominent CTA, or call to action, on your confirmation page that encourages donors to submit a matching gift.

Increase matching gift revenue with confirmation pages.

Highlighting the opportunity so close to the point of donation allows you to pick up on the donors’ heightened momentum and engagement with your cause, translating that into more matching gift submissions overall.

Time Investment Required: Ten minutes

Method #3: Modify your donation acknowledgments to promote matching gifts.

More than likely, your organization sends an acknowledgment letter or email to each individual after they give. If so, this is a great place to promote matching gifts. And since acknowledgments are generally automated, all you need to do is plug a quick blurb about matching gifts into your template or workflow. Then, it will be automatically triggered to all donors once they submit their initial gifts⁠—driving awareness and visibility of the opportunity across your dedicated supporters.

Increase matching gift revenue with acknowledgment emails.

However, more impactful than simply adding a section to your existing acknowledgment letters is sending dedicated post-donation matching gift emails. After all, acknowledgments are often discarded as not requiring additional action, while separate matching gift outreach can be just what you need to grab your audience’s attention. These messages can even be automated using Double the Donation, making it quick and easy for supporters to receive tailored matching gift insights straight to their inboxes.

Time Investment Required: Five minutes

Method #4: Add a blurb about matching gifts to your staff email signatures.

Email is likely one of your most essential communication channels when it comes to engaging with individual donors. As a result, your email signatures⁠—and those of your entire fundraising team⁠—offer valuable real estate for donor-facing promotions. And we recommend utilizing the space as an easy way to remind donors about matching gifts.

Increase matching gift revenue with email signatures.

For the best results, you’ll want to link directly to your organization’s dedicated matching gifts page, complete with an embedded matching gift search tool. Otherwise, you can ask donors to “please check with your company to see if they’ll match your donation.”

Time Investment Required: Ten minutes

DTD_Matching Gifts CTA

Method #5: Share information about matching gift companies in your area.

Promoting matching gifts to your external audience often starts with getting your internal team on board, too. While there are a ton of training resources available, one thing you can do in 30 minutes or less is send a list of top matching gift companies to your fundraising staff. You might be surprised to find out that some of your colleagues have never heard of employee matching gift programs⁠—let alone have familiarity with the companies offering them.

While you’ll only be able to include a handful of companies representing a small percentage of companies in your area that will match donations, it can be a good way to raise awareness about the potential of matching gifts.

Increase matching gift revenue with a list of top matching gift companies in your area.

To kick off your research, this guide from Nonprofit Source provides an insightful look at different matching gift companies across the globe. Plus, it includes a breakdown of popular matching gift hubs by geographic region.

Time Investment Required: Fifteen minutes

[Bonus] Method #6: Send an email to all “Eligible but Not Submitted” donors.

Note: While the previous ideas could be completed with or without Double the Donation’s matching gift software, the next several methods focus on tools within Double the Donation. Interested in getting started? Request a demo now!

If you subscribe to Double the Donation’s tools, there are a number of ready-built reports available within the Double the Donation platform. One of these, called the “Eligible but Not Submitted” report, is designed to identify those who have been marked as matching gift eligible by their employer name but have not yet submitted their matching gift requests. Those are your best matching gift prospects, and they’re currently letting their gifts go unclaimed.

Increase matching gift revenue with unclaimed matches.

Luckily, there’s even an easy way to bulk send emails right from the dashboard, meaning you can select this segment of recipients, trigger a pre-written email, and drive submissions to completion.

Time Investment Required: Twenty minutes

[Bonus] Method #7: Follow up with unclaimed repeat matching gifts.

Donors who have secured a matching gift in the past are going to be significantly more likely to do so again in the future. And if they haven’t yet submitted a match for their repeat gift, a little nudge can go a long way.

Fortunately, Double the Donation has a tool for this, too! All you have to do is quickly navigate to the Repeat Donors report, select the intended recipients from the provided list, and send a bulk email letting them know that they can amplify their impact just like they’ve done before.

Increase matching gift revenue with repeat donors.

Time Investment Required: Twenty minutes

Take your matching gift efforts even further.

In just 30 minutes or less, your organization can make significant strides toward increasing its matching gift revenue⁠—and making an even greater impact overall. By implementing these quick, targeted strategies, you not only maximize funds but also build awareness among donors about how easy it is to amplify their contributions.

Matching gifts represent a valuable yet often underutilized source of revenue. With these small, time-efficient efforts, you’ll ensure that more donors are aware, more gifts are matched, and your organization benefits more from every dollar.

Don’t let time constraints hold you back. By setting aside a bit of time to prioritize matching gifts, you’ll be able to unlock untapped funds, motivate donors to double their impact, and strengthen your organization’s overall giving strategy—all with minimal effort.

Interested in learning more about matching gift fundraising and beyond? Check out these additional resources:

Increase matching gift revenue without doubling your effort with Double the Donation.