Matching Gift Content Calendar Marketing Through the Year

Matching Gift Content Calendar: Marketing Through the Year

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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

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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 360MatchPro dashboard and reporting module to uncover valuable insights you can use to demonstrate matching gift impact.

Not a 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro, 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 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro’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:

Raise more through matching gifts with social proof and more.

Matching Wednesday Drive Matching Gifts Post #GivingTuesday

Matching Wednesday: Drive Matching Gifts Post #GivingTuesday

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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.

Get up and running with your matching gift software prior to Matching Wednesday.

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 360MatchPro 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 your matching gift software prior to Matching Wednesday.

How to Increase Matching Gift Revenue in 30 Minutes or Less

How to Increase Matching Gift Revenue in 30 Minutes or Less

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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 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro, 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 360MatchPro. 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 360MatchPro 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 360MatchPro.

Matching Gift Text Marketing Spreading the Word Via SMS

Matching Gift Text Marketing | Spreading the Word Via SMS

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In today’s digital age, text messaging has emerged as one of the most powerful and effective ways to connect with supporters⁠—especially when it comes to matching gifts. However, many donors remain unaware of these opportunities, resulting in missed revenue for nonprofits. Lucky for you, that’s where matching gift text marketing comes into play!

By spreading the word about matching gifts via SMS, your organization can quickly inform supporters about the potential to multiply their contributions, boost engagement, and drive more funds toward your cause.

In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of using text messages to promote matching gifts, share best practices for crafting compelling messages, and provide examples to help you get started. Specifically, we’ll cover:

Whether you’re new to SMS marketing for matching gifts or you’re looking to optimize your existing strategies, we’ll guide you through making the most of this channel to maximize your matching gift revenue.

Let’s dive into how matching gift text marketing can help spread the word, drive action, and unlock more fundraising potential for your nonprofit.

The Importance of Marketing Matching Gifts

Corporate matching gifts offer significant fundraising potential for nonprofits and schools. Many companies offer matching gift initiatives where they match employees’ donations to eligible nonprofits, essentially doubling or even tripling the original contributions. Not to mention, donors are more likely to give⁠—and to give in larger amounts⁠—when they know a match is available.

However, a lack of awareness regarding the programs has ultimately led to billions of dollars in matches going unclaimed each year. So, what does this mean for your cause?

It all boils down to this: taking a proactive approach to marketing matching gifts is essential.

Promoting matching gifts effectively helps bridge the awareness gap and motivates donors to take advantage of these corporate giving programs. By educating your audience on how matching gifts work, establishing social proof, and providing easy access to information and forms, you can create a streamlined process that encourages participation.

Check out our matching gift marketing guide

Why Market Matching Gifts Via Text Message?

Once you’ve established the general importance of marketing matching gifts, the question to answer is this: What is the best channel, or combination of channels, to get the job done?

With high open rates and immediate reach, SMS has the potential to significantly enhance your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts—especially when it comes to promoting matching gifts.

Example of marketing matching gifts in your digital communications via text

As a result, marketing matching gifts via text message is an incredibly effective way for nonprofits to reach their supporters wherever they are, at any time. In today’s fast-paced world, people are always on the go, with their phones close at hand. Text messaging allows organizations to offer a direct and personal touch that other communication channels can’t quite match.

With just a few taps on their phone, donors can learn about matching gift opportunities and take action immediately, making the giving process simple and convenient.

The effectiveness of text marketing for matching gifts is further underscored by its exceptionally high open rates. On average, text messages boast open rates of around 98%, far surpassing those of emails or even social media viewership. This means that when a nonprofit sends a text message about matching gifts, it’s almost guaranteed to be seen by the recipient.

By leveraging text marketing, organizations can ensure that their message isn’t just delivered but actually read—significantly boosting the chances of donors following through with a matching gift request.

Additionally, text messages create a sense of urgency and immediacy, prompting donors to act without delay. This makes it a perfect tool for time-sensitive fundraising efforts, such as year-end campaigns or giving days, where matching gifts can significantly amplify the impact of donations. With mobile-friendly links and information at their fingertips, supporters can easily access resources to complete the matching gift process, leading to more submitted requests and increased funding.

Best Practices for Innovative Matching Gift Text Marketing

In the rapidly evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising, text marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging donors and maximizing the impact of matching gifts. As organizations look for innovative ways to connect with supporters, leveraging SMS to spread the word about matching gift opportunities can significantly enhance outreach efforts.

This section will cover best practices for implementing effective text marketing strategies specifically tailored to matching gifts.

Personalize your engagement.

Personalization is key in any marketing strategy, and text messaging is no exception. When communicating with supporters about matching gifts, it’s important to add a personal flair. This can mean addressing them by their name, referencing their past contributions, or providing employer-specific matching gift information.

Personalize your matching gift text marketing efforts.

By personalizing your messages, you show each donor that they are a valued individual rather than just part of a larger audience, increasing the likelihood that they will engage with your content and take the intended action.

Keep your messages short and sweet.

Text messages have a character limit⁠—and are often read on the go⁠—so brevity is crucial. Aim to convey your message in as few words as possible while still providing the essential information.

Keep your matching gift text marketing short and sweet.

A well-structured, concise message will ensure that your audience can quickly grasp the purpose and act accordingly. A straightforward approach respects your supporters’ time and enhances the chances of them responding positively, as they won’t feel overwhelmed by lengthy texts.

Send a link to your dedicated matching gifts page.

When it comes to matching gift text marketing, establishing a clear and specific CTA (or call to action) is a must. For the best results, we recommend sending text traffic to a dedicated matching gifts page on your nonprofit’s website.

Link to your match page from matching gift text marketing efforts.

Including a direct link to a centralized resource hub simplifies the process for donors, providing clear information on how matching gifts work, program benefits and criteria, and instructions for involvement. Not to mention, your match page should have an embedded matching gift search tool, making it easier than ever for donors to uncover their matching gift eligibility and kick off the request process.

Incorporate visuals and emojis.

While SMS is primarily a text-based medium, incorporating visuals and emojis can grab your audience’s attention while enhancing your message’s appeal and clarity. A well-placed emoji can add personality and emotion to your message, making it feel more engaging and friendly. 💝 Meanwhile, branded graphics or images can be incorporated into multimedia messages (or MMS) to illustrate your matching gift campaign in a visual manner.

Add visuals to your matching gift text marketing.

These small touches can make a significant impact, helping your messages stand out in an often overcrowded inbox.

💡 Top tip: Use Double the Donation’s free matching gift marketing templates (available for clients to use within the 360MatchPro platform) to create and distribute beautifully branded, professional-level graphics.

Track and analyze performance metrics.

Performance metrics are essential to any marketing campaign, allowing your team to measure its success with tangible goals and insights. When it comes to tracking and analyzing your matching gift text marketing, monitoring data such as open and click rates, matching gift conversion rates, and more is crucial.

By analyzing these matching gift marketing indicators, you can gain insights into what resonates with your audience, allowing you to evaluate, refine, and adjust your strategies over time.

Bonus: Utilize 360MatchPro’s enterprise text functionality.

In addition to hosting a dedicated matching gift awareness campaign, another way to use text marketing involves following up with donors after they give to your cause. This allows you to target individual givers with personalized messaging at the height of their engagement with your cause, increasing the likelihood that they’ll take the next step for a matching gift.

It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, either⁠. In fact, eligible 360MatchPro users can enable SMS follow-ups in a few clicks, ensuring donors receive applicable messaging throughout their journey. While this feature is currently available only for Enterprise accounts, it provides a powerful opportunity for an organization to bring its automated outreach to the next level.

360MatchPro's enterprise matching gift text marketing functionality

Interested in upgrading your account? Learn more here.

25 Sample Text Messages to Market Matching Gifts Well

With the convenience of mobile communication, text messages provide a direct line to your supporters. However, crafting the perfect outreach can be a challenge.

To help your nonprofit effectively promote matching gifts and make the most of this communication channel, we’ve compiled a number of sample text messages below.

Text message #1:

  • “Did you know your donation could be doubled? Many companies offer matching gifts for employee donations. Check if yours does and make an even bigger impact: [link].”

Text message #2:

  • “Double your impact today! Many employers will match your donation to [Nonprofit Name]. See if your company participates here: [link].”

Text message #3:

  • “You gave. Now your employer can, too! Find out if your company matches donations to [Nonprofit Name] and increase your gift’s impact: [link].”

Text message #4:

  • “Matching gift alert 🚨 Your employer may be able to match your recent donation to [Nonprofit Name]. Find out here: [link].”

Text message #5:

  • “Stretch your support further! 💪 Your donation could be matched dollar-for-dollar through your company’s matching gift program. Check eligibility: [link].”

Text message #6:

  • “Great news! Many companies will match employee donations to [Nonprofit Name]. Double your donation today by checking here: [link].”

Text message #7:

  • “Want to make an even bigger impact? 💥 Your employer might match your recent donation to [Nonprofit Name]. Learn more about matching gifts: [link].”

Text message #8:

  • “Thank you for your donation! Did you know it could go twice as far with a matching gift from your employer? See if you’re eligible: [link].”

Text message #9:

  • “Help us reach our goal! 🎯 Your donation can be doubled with a matching gift from your employer. Check your eligibility: [link].”

Text message #10:

  • “Double your donation without giving twice. 💸 Many employers match employee gifts. Find out if yours does here: [link].”

Text message #11:

  • “Don’t miss the chance to double your impact! Many companies match employee donations. See if your gift is eligible for a match: [link].”

Text message #12:

  • “Multiply your generosity! 🌱 Your donation could be matched by your employer. Find out if your company participates: [link].”

Text message #13:

  • “Did you know? Your employer might match your recent donation to [Nonprofit Name], making your gift go even further. Check now: [link].”

Text message #14:

  • “Double your support for [Nonprofit Name]! Many companies will match your donation. It only takes a minute to check if your employer participates: [link].”

Text message #15:

  • “Your impact could be twice as great! 🔍 See if your employer matches donations to [Nonprofit Name] and submit your request here: [link].”

Text message #16:

  • “Your generosity inspires others. Did you know your donation could be doubled by your employer? Learn more about matching gifts: [link].”

Text message #17:

  • “Thank you for supporting [Nonprofit Name]! 🙏 Your employer might match your donation. Double your impact here: [link].”

Text message #18:

  • “Matching gifts are a great way to increase your donation’s value. See if your company will match your recent contribution to [Nonprofit Name]: [link].”

Text message #19:

  • “Maximize your donation! 🏆 Find out if your employer will match your gift to [Nonprofit Name] and help us do even more good: [link].”

Text message #20:

  • “Make your donation go further this Giving Tuesday! Many companies will match your gift to [Nonprofit Name]. Check if yours does: [link].”

Text message #21:

  • “Matching gifts = double the impact! See if your employer matches employee donations to [Nonprofit Name] today: [link].”

Text message #22:

  • “You’ve already made a difference. Now, double it! See if your employer offers matching gifts to increase your donation’s impact: [link].”

Text message #23:

  • “Make your donation work twice as hard! 👐 Many companies will match employee gifts to [Nonprofit Name]. Check your eligibility here: [link].”

Text message #24:

  • “Did you know your gift could be doubled at no extra cost to you? See if your company matches employee donations to [Nonprofit Name]: [link].”

Text message #25:

  • “Your support means the world to us. 🌍 Take it a step further by submitting a matching gift request if your company participates: [link].”

By leveraging text marketing as a direct communication channel, your team can quickly and effectively remind donors about matching gift opportunities, keep them engaged, and inspire them to take action.

Just remember: the key is to tailor your messaging to resonate with your supporters, encourage participation, and ultimately help your organization maximize its matching gift potential.

Case Study: How One Organization Implemented Matching Gift Text Marketing

Save the Children, a large-scale, global humanitarian organization, decided to enhance its matching gift efforts by employing a text message marketing campaign. The goal was to raise awareness about matching gifts among their supporters while sending traffic to their newly renovated workplace giving page.

The text message marketing effort spanned several weeks and included targeted deployments to different segments of Save the Children’s subscriber base. The two key text messages in the campaign were sent on November 17 and December 2, the latter being just after Giving Tuesday.

Let’s take a look:

Matching gift text marketing example from Save the Children

“Your donation to Save the Children may be eligible for a matching gift from your employer. Learn more: https://savetext.us/mgift?mk=61090499
Reply STOP to Quit”

The first message was sent to approximately 57,000 subscribers who had engaged with Save the Children over the past year. With no specific donation request included, the message aimed to raise awareness about matching gifts, encouraging recipients to learn more about the opportunity. Despite not featuring a direct fundraising ask, the campaign achieved an impressive click-through rate (CTR) of 2.7%, translating to about 1,500 unique clicks. As a result, the text message helped raise $2,700 in donations, demonstrating that even subtle reminders can drive meaningful engagement.

“THANK YOU for supporting children this Giving Tuesday…and always! Thanks to your generosity we’ll be able to make a significant impact in the lives of countless children. Now, do you want to see if you can make your gift go twice as far? Check if your employer offers a matching gift program: https://savetext.us/TY-mgift?mk=33219057
Save the Children
Reply STOP to Quit”

The second text message was targeted at a much smaller segment: around 3,200 subscribers who had made a donation within the four days surrounding Giving Tuesday. This message saw a strong CTR of 2.6%, well above the average of 1.6% for similar mass-market text campaigns. The success highlighted the effectiveness of targeting recent donors, especially during high giving periods such as Giving Tuesday.

Save the Children’s text message marketing efforts proved to be an effective way to increase awareness of matching gifts, achieving above-average click rates and directly raising funds through minimal outreach. This illustrates the potential of using text message campaigns for nonprofits like yours, showcasing that personalized and well-timed texts can boost engagement and revenue alike.

Looking to learn more? Access the on-demand webinar recording here to hear directly from Save the Children.

Explore matching gift case studies to see how organizations market matching gifts via text and more

Wrapping Up & Additional Matching Gift Marketing Resources

Incorporating matching gift text marketing into your nonprofit’s outreach strategy is a game-changer for maximizing fundraising results. Given the immediacy and high open rates of text messages, this channel can help your organization capitalize on matching gift opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed⁠—all in a timely and convenient manner.

Ultimately, matching gift text marketing can help bridge the gap between supporters and the corporate philanthropy opportunities available to them, ensuring that your nonprofit captures as much matching gift revenue as possible. Start implementing SMS into your matching gift promotion strategy today, and watch as it helps unlock more funds, increase donor engagement, and elevate your organization’s mission.

Ready to learn more about strategic matching gift marketing efforts? Check out the recommended resources below:

Market matching gifts via text message with 360MatchPro to raise more

7 Strategies for Marketing Payroll Giving to Your Supporters

7 Strategies for Marketing Payroll Giving to Your Supporters

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According to recent payroll giving statistics, 59% of survey respondents have no familiarity with payroll giving initiatives. Fortunately, however, marketing payroll giving opportunities to your nonprofit supporters can significantly boost participation in the programs⁠—and enhance your overall fundraising efforts.

After all, payroll giving programs allow donors to contribute a portion of their salary to your organization automatically, providing a steady stream of income with minimal effort. However, many potential donors remain unaware of this giving method or how easy it is to participate.

In this post, we’ll explore seven practical strategies to help you market payroll giving and make it a core component of your fundraising plan.

  1. Create a Payroll Giving page on your nonprofit website.
  2. Incorporate payroll giving in your email marketing.
  3. Promote payroll giving initiatives on social media.
  4. Collect and leverage employment information in your outreach.
  5. Consider donors already eligible for other workplace giving programs.
  6. Collaborate with corporate partners to highlight the opportunity.
  7. Offer exclusive incentives for payroll giving donors.

By implementing the right marketing strategies, you can educate your supporters, promote the convenience of payroll giving, and inspire long-term donor engagement.

Let’s begin!

1. Create a Payroll Giving page on your nonprofit website.

Starting off, you’re going to want to market payroll giving programs prominently throughout your nonprofit or school’s website. A dedicated payroll giving page on your nonprofit’s website is a powerful tool for educating potential donors about this giving option, serving as a centralized hub where supporters can easily learn about the benefits, process, and impact of payroll giving.

Marketing payroll giving via your website

Start by explaining what payroll giving is, highlighting how it allows employees to contribute to your cause directly from their paycheck on a recurring basis. Ensure the page features clear instructions on how to enroll in payroll giving, too, such as through their employer’s CSR platform or by contacting their HR department.

You’ll also want to emphasize the convenience of payroll giving. Once donors sign up, they don’t have to worry about making regular donations manually. It’s a simple, consistent, and tax-efficient way to support the cause they care about.

2. Incorporate payroll giving in your email marketing.

Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach your nonprofit’s supporters, and incorporating payroll giving into your email campaigns can significantly boost participation.

Start by crafting a compelling email that educates your audience on the advantages of payroll giving, emphasizing its ease, convenience, and long-term impact. Highlight the benefit of steady, recurring donations for your organization, personalizing the message to show supporters how their payroll donations can drive meaningful change in the community or cause they care about.

Marketing payroll giving via email

Include clear calls-to-action in the email, encouraging recipients to enroll in payroll giving through their employer. You can link directly to your nonprofit’s payroll giving webpage or provide detailed steps for contacting their HR department to inquire about the program. It’s also helpful to include examples of companies that offer payroll giving or suggestions for how donors can advocate for the program if their employer doesn’t currently provide it.

For the best results, we recommend regularly mentioning payroll giving in different types of email communications⁠—such as newsletters, thank-you emails, or special campaign updates. This keeps the option top of mind for donors while reinforcing the importance of their continued support.

3. Promote payroll giving initiatives on social media.

Social media is a powerful channel for engaging with your nonprofit’s audience, and it can be a highly effective tool for promoting payroll giving programs, too.

Marketing payroll giving via social media

Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share posts that explain what payroll giving is and how supporters can participate. Share success stories, testimonials, or case studies from current payroll donors to demonstrate the program’s real-world impact. Not to mention, visual content like infographics or short videos can be particularly effective in grabbing attention and communicating key messages.

Regularly include payroll giving in your content rotation, using relevant hashtags to increase visibility when appropriate. Remember: the goal is to ensure supporters are consistently reminded about this giving option and can easily find the information they need to get started.

4. Collect and leverage employment information in your outreach.

The more you know about your donors, the better you can engage them in workplace giving programs like payroll deductions and more. Specifically, having access to accurate and up-to-date employment data can go a long way.

But how can you collect this information? Start by incorporating questions about employment during the registration or donation process. Ask supporters to share the name of their employer, as well as whether they are aware of any workplace giving programs like payroll giving, matching gifts, or volunteer grants.

Marketing payroll giving with employment information

Once you’ve collected employment data, segment your donor list by company and customize your communications based on the giving opportunities available at those businesses. For example, if you know that a particular company offers payroll giving, you can send targeted emails to employees at that company, providing detailed instructions on how they can enroll in the program. If their company doesn’t currently offer payroll giving, encourage those donors to advocate for it within their workplace.

Top tip: If you lack quality employment information about your donors, consider utilizing a data enhancement service. This will allow you to fill in some gaps and provide the information you need to identify the best workplace giving programs in your network!

5. Consider donors already eligible for other workplace giving programs.

When it comes to workplace giving, most participating companies offer more than one way for employees to get involved. For example, statistics indicate that nearly two-thirds of companies report matching employee payroll contributions, and many of the top matching gift companies offer volunteer grants, too.

But what does that mean for your team?

Supporters who already participate in other workplace giving programs, such as matching gifts or volunteer grants, may be ideal candidates for payroll giving initiatives. To target this segment, begin by identifying donors who have previously submitted matching gift requests or applied for volunteer grants. These individuals already have a relationship with their company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, which makes them a strong target audience for payroll giving.

Marketing payroll giving with text message

In your outreach, emphasize the complementary nature of payroll giving to other workplace programs. You’ll want to acknowledge their previous participation in workplace giving programs and thank them for their ongoing support. Then, introduce payroll giving as a way to streamline their contributions and make an even greater difference. You can even highlight how their regular contributions through payroll giving can be further amplified through matching gift programs, doubling, or even tripling their impact.

6. Collaborate with corporate partners to highlight the opportunity.

Nowadays, more and more organizations are beginning to take an increasingly proactive approach to marketing payroll giving programs to their supporters. Still, many companies choose to promote the opportunity to their employees, too. And for that reason, collaborating with the businesses offering the programs can go a long way in heightening visibility and participation.

Marketing payroll giving via company partnerships

Start by reaching out to companies that already support your nonprofit through donations, sponsorships, or volunteer programs. Ask if they have a payroll giving program in place and discuss ways to promote the initiative to their employees. This could even involve co-branded marketing materials, such as email templates, flyers, or social media posts that both the company and your nonprofit can share with their audiences.

7. Offer exclusive incentives for payroll giving donors.

To encourage supporters to participate in payroll giving, consider offering exclusive incentives that reward their commitment to ongoing contributions. This can make the process more appealing and demonstrate your nonprofit’s appreciation for their support.

While it will likely vary based on the wants and needs of your particular audience, potential incentives may include…

  • Public recognition, such as listing names on a dedicated “payroll giving wall” on your website or donor newsletters. (Top tip: Public recognition can foster a sense of pride and community among payroll donors, motivating others to join, too!)
  • Access to exclusive events, such as virtual meet-and-greets with your organization’s leadership or tours of your facilities.
  • Branded merchandise, like T-shirts, tote bags, or water bottles, as a thank-you for committing to payroll giving.

Marketing payroll giving with unique incentives

Consider tying incentives to donation milestones, such as offering a special gift to donors who have contributed for a certain number of months or reached a specific donation amount. This not only encourages initial sign-ups but also helps retain donors over the long term.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Effectively marketing payroll giving can transform the opportunity into a powerful, recurring revenue stream for your organization. By leveraging digital and other marketing tactics to educate supporters and partner with companies in your network, you can unlock the full potential of workplace giving and build stronger, more consistent donor relationships.

As you implement the seven strategies above, you’ll not only raise awareness of payroll giving but also encourage long-term contributions that help sustain your nonprofit’s mission. Don’t let the opportunity go to waste!

For more information about effectively marketing payroll and other employee giving opportunities, check out the following resources:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Discover the most effective strategies for promoting corporate matching gift programs to your nonprofit’s supporters. This comprehensive guide walks you through the key tactics to increase donor engagement, raise awareness of matching opportunities, and maximize the impact of employer-matched donations.
  • Marketing Corporate Volunteerism | A How-To Resource For Orgs. Corporate volunteerism is a powerful resource for nonprofits, but how do you encourage businesses and their employees to get involved with your organization? This guide provides actionable steps for creating compelling volunteer opportunities that align with employee interests and CSR goals.
  • Tracking Payroll Giving: A Nonprofit’s Step-by-Step Guide. Payroll giving can be a valuable and consistent source of funding, but tracking those donations is essential for success. This guide outlines the process nonprofits should follow to track payroll giving contributions efficiently, from registering with payroll platforms to monitoring and reporting on giving patterns.

Payroll Giving_Large CTA

The title of the article: Demographic Appends: Does Your Nonprofit Need One?

Demographic Appends: Does Your Nonprofit Need One?

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Collecting data is essential for being able to contact your supporters. From giving habits to communication preferences, every piece of data you gather about your donors can be leveraged to secure gifts, earn long-term support, and expand your donor base.

One piece of basic but vital information is demographic data. From how old your supporters are to their family status to their average income, demographics help you better understand your audience. However, you may not have any natural opportunities to outright ask supporters details about their lives without coming off as invasive.

Fortunately, you can fill in missing data and correct outdated information with data appending. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into demographic appends and how your nonprofit can leverage them to cultivate stronger supporter relationships.

Enhance nonprofit fundraising by appending donor data with Double the Donation.

What is a data append?

“Append” means to supplement or amend something, so a “data append” is the process of supplementing and amending your nonprofit’s data. Along with demographic information, nonprofits can purchase appending services for all kinds of donor data, including:

These are just a few types of data nonprofits are likely to request to complete their donor profiles. For instance, for-profit companies often invest in customer appends related to internet search history and past purchases.

For nonprofits interested in data appending, look for services that specialize in working with nonprofit and charitable organizations. These service providers understand the unique types of supporter data that will actually be beneficial to nonprofits, so they can avoid cluttering your donor database. We’ll go over the characteristics of a reliable data append provider later.

What data is included in demographic appends?

Demographics are a catchall term for a wide variety of data, including:

A list of demographic append data, written out below.

  • Net worth
  • Age and birthday
  • Gender
  • Ethnicity and race
  • Income
  • Marital status
  • Family size
  • Religion
  • Buying behaviors
  • Hobbies and interests

This information is gathered from multiple databases the append service has access to. If you give your donors’ names and email addresses to your append service provider, they would compare that information against the data in their various databases to find corresponding demographic information.

While some demographic details might seem sensitive, remember that data appending is a normal and widespread practice. For example, when you register to vote, you likely receive many political messages from your preferred party despite never providing any political groups with your phone number or email.

Why do nonprofits need demographic appends?

Demographic appends provide a wide range of data about your donors, but you might not be sure exactly how knowing your supporters’ ages or family sizes will help your nonprofit.

Demographic appends benefit nonprofits in a few ways, including:

  • Understanding your audience. When you know your supporters’ interests and lifestyle, you can better appeal to them. Use your demographic information to refine your donor segments. For example, you might create a donor segment for young, unmarried college students who likely have a low giving capacity but lots of time for volunteering. Then, you could create another segment for middle-aged donors who are married, have children, and live in a two-income household. This group might have little free time but can give higher donations.
  • Identifying major giving prospects. Some demographic information, such as age, net worth, and income can help you identify major giving prospects. Plus, for major giving candidates you’ve already discovered, a demographic append can help fill in details about their interests and lifestyle, which can be useful for building a relationship with them.
  • Conducting market research. Knowing who your average supporter is helps you analyze your nonprofit’s branding and expand your audience. For example, you might discover that the majority of your donors are retirees with religious leanings and adult children. With this information, you can make educated guesses about where your current and potential new donors who share these characteristics likely are and what types of messages will resonate with them.
  • Keeping information up to date. While some demographic information is static, such as ethnicity and date of birth, others can change over time. Regularly appending your data helps you stay up-to-date with your donors as they change careers, get married, change their buying habits, or make any other number of lifestyle changes.
  • Collecting data unobtrusively. Your donation forms, volunteer sign-ups, and event registrations should all be short and concise to encourage supporters to complete them. However, this means missing out on opportunities to gather data about your supporters. A demographic append can fix this and also fill in information that may be awkward to ask for outright.

The more you know about your donors, the better you’ll be able to communicate with them. Demographic data empowers you to create content your current supporters and prospective donors will find interesting, leading to increased engagement.

The Data Appending Process

When a nonprofit purchases a data append, almost every step of the process will be taken care of by the service they hire. However, understanding how this process works can help you choose a trustworthy data appending company and make better use of the data you receive.

We’ve touched on the appending process briefly, but let’s break it down in full here:

The appending process, written out below.

  1. Send your data to your append provider. You don’t need to clean up your database before conducting an append, but doing so will ensure your data is organized and usable. Plus, requesting additional data when you have a disorganized database will only expound any current data hygiene issues. As such, prepare your data by ensuring donor profiles are standardized and removing duplicate entries.
  2. Provider searches their database. Using the data you provide, data append services will search their various databases to find matches. Data append services usually have access to many publicly available and private databases. This allows them to append a wide range of data types and ensure the information they provide is accurate.
  3. Provider updates information. Once a data append provider finds data they think is accurate, they will add it to your donor profiles. Many providers will add confidence ratings to each entry which indicates how sure they are the information is accurate.
  4. Receive the appended data. After the requested data—in this case, demographic information—for all of your shared records is added, the append service will provide your nonprofit with the corrected data. From there, you’ll need to sync the information to your donor database to update your records and avoid a manual data migration.

Ultimately, your nonprofit will have little involvement in the actual appending process, but if you have any questions about how the process will be conducted or what your nonprofit should expect, be sure to ask your specific append provider.

What to Look for in a Data Append Provider

Data append providers help supplement your data, but they can vary in speed, accuracy, and range of services. When you’re ready to hire a data append provider, assess top candidates on the following qualities:

The characteristics to look for in a data appending service, written out below.

  • Trustworthiness and security. To gather demographic information about your donors, you’ll need to share identifying details about them with your append service. As such, conduct a background check on the append provider you plan to work with by checking their reviews, how long they’ve been in operation, and what their data security measures are.
  • Accurate data. For your appended data to be useful, it needs to be correct. Talk with append providers about their data collection and verification processes to ensure they prioritize accuracy and have measures in place to indicate when there are doubts about a record’s correctness.
  • Fast turnaround time. While you want your data to be accurate, you also need to receive it within a reasonable timeframe. Discuss append timelines with your service provider. While most nonprofits only need batch appends—an append where a given set of data is corrected and supplemented—you can also consider a real-time append—an append where your data is continually updated in real-time.
  • Reasonable pricing. Different appending services have different pricing models. Some charge based on the number of records appended, whereas others have a subscription model, which can be a useful option if you intend to append your data regularly moving forward.
  • Additional appending services. If you find a provider for your demographic appends that you like, you may want to purchase additional appending services from them. For example, nonprofit append services also often provide appends for email addresses, geographic locations, employer information, and more.

When it comes to append services, we have to recommend ourselves! Double the Donation is a trusted name in the nonprofit sector, and we’re happy to provide data enhancement services to nonprofits.

Our team can provide appends for email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. But where we shine the most is employer information. With our comprehensive corporate giving database, nonprofits can easily find their donors’ employers and discover their eligibility for a range of corporate giving programs, including volunteer grants and matching gifts.

More Appending Resources

Demographic data lets you know who your supporters are. With this information, you can better market to your current audience, identify potential supporters, and improve your donor relationships. Demographic appends empower you to gather this information easily and stay updated on your supporters, no matter how your audience grows or changes.

For more resources related to appending, nonprofit data, and supporter relationships, check out these guides:

Strengthen your fundraising by appending donor data. Get started with our data enrichment services. Learn more!

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism _ A How-To Guide For Orgs

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism | A How-To Guide For Orgs

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Corporate volunteerism refers to the practice of businesses encouraging employees to volunteer their time and skills to charitable causes. This can take a number of forms, including company-wide volunteer days, paid time off for volunteer activities, skills-based volunteering, and volunteer grant programs.

For nonprofits and schools, corporate volunteerism is a vital tool that can significantly enhance their capacity to achieve their missions. How? Corporate volunteer programs provide these organizations with increased manpower, diverse skill sets, enhanced visibility, and even the potential for financial support and long-term corporate partnerships.

Meanwhile, the companies offering the programs see increased employee engagement and enhanced CSR. However, for each group to reap the rewards of these programs, it’s essential that the efforts are marketed well. And that’s where this guide comes in!

Read on to uncover top corporate volunteer marketing strategies and tips you can implement in your own organization’s engagement plan.

Understanding Corporate Volunteerism Opportunities

Corporate volunteerism provides nonprofits, schools, and similar fundraising groups with easy access to skilled volunteers and other invaluable resources. Understanding the types of programs available to your organization and its supporters through their employers allows you to better target lucrative opportunities, deepen engagement with volunteers, and achieve your goals overall.

We recommend familiarizing yourself (and the rest of your team) with the following types of corporate volunteer initiatives:

Individual Volunteer Grants

Volunteer grants, also known as “Dollars for Doers,” are corporate programs where companies offer monetary donations to nonprofits where their employees volunteer. Typically, an employee must spend a set number of hours at the nonprofit for the organization to qualify for a grant, which may be paid out as a lump sum or based on a predetermined hourly rate.

Benefit for nonprofits: This program incentivizes volunteerism and rewards nonprofits with additional financial support!

Team Volunteer Grants

Similar to individual volunteer grants, team volunteer grants provide funding for the organizations at which their employees volunteer. The difference, however, is that team volunteer grants are awarded when a group of employees from the same company volunteer together. Team grants are generally larger in amount, too, providing lucrative funding when groups of employees get involved.

Benefit for nonprofits: This program incentivizes group volunteering among corporate staff and provides generous financial support.

Paid Volunteer Time Off

Paid volunteer time off (or VTO for short) is a corporate benefit where companies provide their employees with a set number of hours they can spend volunteering for nonprofits or community service activities. In other words, employees are encouraged to engage in volunteer work during regular work hours without sacrificing their regular pay.

Benefit for nonprofits: This program provides a powerful incentive for volunteer recruitment, engagement, retention, and more.

Skills-Based Volunteerism

Skills-based volunteerism involves employees offering their professional skills and expertise to nonprofits rather than general volunteer work. For example, a marketing professional might help a nonprofit develop a communications strategy, or an accountant might assist with financial planning.

Benefit for nonprofits: This program allows nonprofits to benefit from specialized knowledge that can significantly advance their mission.

Company-Sponsored Volunteer Days

Company-sponsored volunteer days are organized events where companies designate a day for their employees to volunteer as a group at a specific nonprofit, school, or community project. The company often arranges the logistics, and employees participate during work hours, incentivizing involvement with a free day out of the office!

Benefit for nonprofits: This program empowers organizations to rally corporate employees in group activities, allowing significant progress to be made on large-scale projects in a short amount of time.

Identifying Corporate Volunteer Programs in Your Network

Before you can market corporate volunteerism to your audience, it’s a good idea to uncover the best opportunities in your network. We recommend following these practical tips to do so:

Before you can market corporate volunteerism to your audience, it’s a good idea to uncover the best opportunities in your network. We recommend following these practical tips to do so:

1. Collecting Employment Information From Supporters:

Start by gathering employment details from your donors, volunteers, and other supporters. This can be done through surveys, event registration forms, or during volunteer sign-ups.

Knowing where your supporters work allows you to explore potential corporate volunteer programs they have access to, which could benefit your organization.

2. Researching Employers with Well-Known Volunteer Programs:

Once you have a list of where your supporters are employed, research whether these companies offer volunteer programs. Many large corporations, like Disney, Microsoft, Google, and thousands of others, have established volunteer programs.

Understanding the specifics of these programs can help you tailor your outreach efforts to match their requirements. Get started by looking into top companies offering volunteer grants, top VTO opportunities, and more.

Plus, there’s a significant overlap between companies offering matching gifts and those offering volunteer programs. If you already know of businesses in your network that match employee donations, it’s worth investigating whether they also offer volunteer grants or other volunteer opportunities.

3. Using Corporate Volunteer Databases:

Utilize databases and online platforms that track corporate volunteer programs to make the research process easier than ever before. Double the Donation offers the industry’s most comprehensive database of corporate volunteer information, complete with listings on thousands of companies’ programs.

Leveraging this database can help you quickly identify which companies have programs your organization could benefit from!

4. Conducting Manual Research:

Sometimes, a simple online search can yield valuable information. Try searching for a specific company’s name along with keywords like “volunteering” or “volunteer programs” (e.g., “Home Depot + Volunteering”).

While it will be a more time-intensive approach, this idea can help you discover details about a company’s volunteer initiatives, including opportunities they offer to their employees.

5. Encouraging Supporters to Check with Their Employers:

Lastly, be sure to motivate your supporters to inquire about volunteer programs within their workplaces. Many employees might not be aware that their companies offer volunteer grants or paid volunteer time off. By encouraging them to ask, you can uncover opportunities that might have been overlooked.

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism to Supporters

Marketing corporate volunteerism to individual supporters involves educating and motivating them to participate in and promote these opportunities within their workplaces. Here’s how you might approach this:

Educate Supporters on Corporate Volunteerism:

Start by informing your supporters about what corporate volunteerism is and how it works. Use newsletters, emails, and social media posts to explain the various types of corporate volunteer programs, such as paid volunteer time off, volunteer grants, and team volunteer days.

(P.S.; Check out our customizable marketing templates available for clients within the 360MatchPro platform to get started!)

You’ll also want to include a section about corporate volunteer incentives on your Volunteers page⁠—and embed a company search tool so supporters can easily uncover their available programming.

Communicate the Impact of Corporate Volunteerism:

Share stories and testimonials that demonstrate the positive impact corporate volunteerism has had on your organization. Show how previous corporate volunteer efforts have helped achieve specific goals, whether it’s through completing a project, raising funds, or expanding your programs. This helps supporters see the tangible outcomes of their potential involvement.

Encourage Inquiries at Work:

For those who don’t find corporate volunteer information in your database widget, encourage them to check in with their employers about any available programs.

Many employees may not be aware of the opportunities available to them, so you’ll want to provide them with language they can use to approach their managers or HR leaders about the programs, making it easier for them to initiate the conversation and drive impact for your team.

Promote Suitable Corporate Volunteer Opportunities:

Regularly communicate the volunteer opportunities available at your organization that are suitable for corporate teams or individuals looking to volunteer through their workplace programs. Highlight any upcoming events or projects where corporate volunteers could make a significant difference and make sure these opportunities are well-advertised through your existing channels.

Offer Recognition:

Recognize and celebrate individual supporters and companies that engage their companies in corporate volunteerism. You can even publicly acknowledge their efforts through newsletters, social media, or at events.

Recognition not only makes the individual feel valued but also serves as an example to other supporters who might be inspired to take similar actions.

Leverage Peer Influence:

Encourage supporters who have successfully engaged their employers in corporate volunteerism to share their experiences with others. Peer recommendations can be very persuasive, so consider featuring these stories in your communications to inspire others to take similar steps. You can even encourage eligible volunteers to organize team events with their colleagues to support your cause!

Marketing Volunteerism to Corporate Partners

Marketing corporate volunteerism to corporate partners—both new and existing—requires a strategic approach that highlights mutual benefits, aligns with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals , and fosters long-term relationships.

Here’s how you can effectively market these opportunities to companies.

Understand Corporate Goals and CSR Objectives:

Before reaching out to corporate partners, research their CSR goals, values, and past volunteer initiatives. Tailor your pitch to show how partnering with your organization can help them achieve these objectives.

Emphasize how corporate volunteerism aligns with their brand, enhances employee engagement, and contributes to community impact. If possible, provide data that demonstrates how other companies have benefited from similar partnerships with your organization in the past.

Develop Tailored Volunteer Packages:

Create customizable volunteer opportunities that align with the company’s needs and interests. Offer a range of options, from one-day events to ongoing projects, and include both skills-based and general volunteer opportunities. Tailoring these packages makes it easier for companies to see how they can get involved in a way that suits them and their teams.

Highlight the Impact of Volunteerism:

Quantify and communicate the impact of corporate volunteerism on your organization. Provide reports that show how corporate volunteers have contributed to your mission, including metrics like the number of hours volunteered, projects completed, and the overall community impact. Why? Companies are more likely to invest in programs where they can see measurable outcomes.

Recognize Corporate Support:

Publicly recognize and celebrate the contributions of your corporate partners. This can include awards, mentions in your annual report, shout-outs on social media, or hosting a special recognition event. Acknowledging their efforts not only strengthens your relationship but also encourages continued contributions.

Facilitate Employee Engagement:

Make it easy for companies to involve their employees in volunteer opportunities. To do so, you can provide them with promotional materials, sign-up sheets, and detailed information on how to participate. Offer flexibility in scheduling and types of volunteer work to accommodate different levels of employee engagement and interest, too!

5 Organizations Marketing Corporate Volunteerism Well

As you look to revamp your own team’s corporate volunteerism marketing strategy, it’s a good idea to solicit inspiration from other organizations’ efforts. For this reason, we’ve selected a few nonprofits with standout promotional strategies to consider.

Organization #1: NFED

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Dollars for Doers Blog Post

The NFED, or National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, is a nonprofit devoted to research, education, and support for those affected by ectodermal dysplasias. In order to supercharge their efforts, the organization promotes Dollars for Doers (also known as volunteer grants) as a key way for supporters to enhance their impact.

Take a look at this snippet of the blog post below:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_NFED example

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

  • Defines the importance of corporate social responsibility
  • Mentions and links to a matching gifts page for additional information
  • Encourages volunteers to look into volunteer grant opportunities through their employers
  • Emphasizes the value and doubled impact of matching gift and volunteer grant programs

Organization #2: United Way

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Volunteer Time Off Blog Post

United Way of the National Capital Area is a branch of the United Way organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. This nonprofit understands the value that volunteerism can offer its cause, and it promotes Volunteer Time Off as a key way to recruit, engage, and retain supporters.

Take a look at this snippet of the blog post below:

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

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

  • Uses research to demonstrate the prevalence and widespread availability of Volunteer Time Off programs
  • Highlights the benefits for companies, their employees, and the organization itself
  • Provides powerful insights into where VTO programs can be found, including by sector and geographic location
  • Showcases top opportunities for companies offering volunteer time off for their employees

Organization #3: LLS

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Volunteer Grant Page (With Employer Search Tool!)

LLS, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, is a medical research-based nonprofit dedicated to leading the fight against blood cancers. The organization receives generous support from a wide range of volunteers, and the team provides a number of resources, including a corporate database search tool from Double the Donation, to streamline and increase participation in volunteer incentive programming.

Take a look at the landing page below:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_LLS example

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

  • Offers an embedded company search tool for volunteers to quickly locate program details, instructions, and forms
  • Provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the volunteer grant process
  • Shares important information volunteers may need to complete their volunteer grant applications
  • Highlights an easy way for supporters to get in touch with additional questions or inquiries

Organization #4: Habitat for Humanity

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Corporate Volunteer Page and Blog Post

Habitat for Humanity is a largely volunteer-based organization dedicated to ensuring every person has a place to live. As a result, the team does a lot to promote corporate volunteer incentives.

Take a look at these resources below:

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

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

  • Uses multiple communication channels to promote corporate volunteer programs to their audience
  • Highlights both volunteer grants and volunteer time off programs, demonstrating a range of opportunities in which individuals can participate
  • Speaks directly to companies that are considering implementing corporate volunteer programs
  • Actively drives engagement with a call to action button leading users to a volunteer sign-up page

Organization #5: Florida State Parks

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Corporate Volunteer Opportunities Page

Florida State Parks is a nonprofit organization that works with local governments, park users, researchers, and more to ensure maintenance and upkeep of more than 175 award-winning state parks, trails, and historic sites across the state. A big part of its mission involves empowering volunteers to play a role, and it often leverages corporate volunteer opportunities as a way to do so.

Take a look at the landing page below:

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

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

  • Highlights recent companies and teams that support the parks with corporate volunteer programs
  • Provides contact information for companies or individuals interested in organizing a company-sponsored volunteer event
  • Enlists photos of real corporate volunteer teams to leverage social proof
  • Provides examples of various types of volunteer projects companies could host to get involved

Bottom line: Spreading the word about corporate volunteerism is essential, and an organization’s website is one of the best opportunities to do so.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Successfully marketing corporate volunteerism requires a thoughtful and strategic approach that highlights the benefits for your organization, its supporters, their employers, and your community as a whole.

By effectively communicating about available initiatives, you can build a stronger, more engaged volunteer base that’s increasingly incentivized to give back to your cause. And you might even get some extra funding out of it all!

Ready to learn more about marketing corporate volunteerism? Check out our recommended resources and further reading:


Scale up your organization's corporate volunteer strategy with 360MatchPro 💡

Matching Gift Q&A with Workplace Giving Expert Tom Mansmith

Matching Gift Q&A with Workplace Giving Expert Tom Mansmith

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Matching gifts hold an incredible yet often untapped potential in the world of nonprofit and educational fundraising. To shed light on this powerful tool, we’re excited to present a matching gift Q&A session with Tom Mansmith, consultant and renowned expert in workplace giving and matching gifts.

With more than 20 years of experience in the field as the former Senior Director of Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts for the American Cancer Society, Tom offers invaluable insights and first-hand experience into how nonprofits can maximize their matching gift revenue, engage donors more effectively, and overcome common challenges to drive success.

Whether you’re a seasoned fundraising professional or new to the concept of matching gifts, this conversation is packed with practical advice and actionable strategies. Feel free to watch the video mini-series and read through the transcript below!

1. What are corporate vendor platforms, and what role do they have in matching gifts?

There are a number of corporate vendors who facilitate employee philanthropic giving. These technology providers work on behalf of businesses to streamline and to integrate the employee giving programs, which can include payroll deduction, matching gifts, volunteer grants, cause cards, and incentive programs.

Generally speaking, these providers supply an online platform where companies are able to manage their employee programs. They allow employees to give to accredited nonprofits, log their volunteer hours, pledge their payroll deductions, etc.

On the backend of these sites, nonprofits are able to verify the original contributions for matching gifts, see donor details, and confirm volunteer hours.

These platforms really are an integral part of the matching gift program. It’s not a company’s core business, but it’s part of their core value in employee engagement, so these corporate matching gift vendors play a vital role in the matching gift process.

💡 Recommended Reading: Registering Your Org with CSR Platforms + Key Steps For Each

2. What is the general processing flow when you receive a matching gift payment?

Most matching gifts your organization receives will come from a corporate matching gift vendor who processes the payments on behalf of a company.

Here’s how it works:

→ You’ll navigate to a third-party corporate vendor platform.

→ Go to the “Giving” section, where you’ll see a section for payments and transactions.

→ Once there, it’s going to give you a list of all of the payments your organization has received. Now, it’s a good idea to have the check number, the amount, and whether it was a check or a direct deposit.

→ When you’re on that page, search with the payment ID or date so you get the exact payment.

→ Once you’ve located the payment, you can go through all the donor details, including which employees the company was matching specifically.

This information can be viewed online, but you also have the option to download the reconciliation sheet. I recommend that you download the reconciliation sheet, as it will allow your finance department or yourself to process the payment accurately.

💡 Recommended Reading: Matching Gift Disbursement FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

3. What are some common roadblocks for nonprofit organizations trying to earn more matching gifts?

That’s a long list, but let’s try to tackle a couple of them.

Leadership buy-in

You should make a real case to your organization’s leadership that matching gifts is a vital part of their overall revenue strategy.

When it says Double the Donation, it truly means doubling a donation.

So, I would make a strong case to leadership that matching gifts is a vital part of their overall strategy, and what that unlocks for you, hopefully, is additional marketing and FTEs, which are critical for processing and marketing for matching gifts.

Lack of staffing

I think everyone has been struggling with this, but if you’re someone who’s handling all of the matching gifts for your organization, you know what I’m talking about.

As you begin to scale, you’ll likely need additional staff. Without leadership’s buy-in, that’s a tough thing.

However,  having the appropriate amount of staff for the scale of your matching gift revenue stream is essential. I don’t know about your organization, but I imagine that for small or medium organizations, one or two people can do the job. And for larger organizations, many are stretched, but I would say that more than three people is appropriate for payroll deductions, volunteer grants, and matching gifts as they continue to grow.

Marketing dollars

I think it’s a real roadblock not to look at this both internally and externally. So, communication dollars should be used to socialize matching gifts internally to development staff that are running peer-to-peer events (gala, golf, other types of fundraising) and your corporate development staff, if you have that.

They really all should know something about matching gifts so that when they see an opportunity, they’re able to talk about matching gifts to the decision-makers in companies.

Lack of employment data

Many organizations hesitate to ask for and retain employment information. If you don’t know that someone works for a corporation that has a matching gift program, however, you miss the opportunity to tie their original contribution to that matching gift.

And I know that you can get pushback from your IT team or your event staff, for instance, that they don’t want something else on the registration page. But I’d argue that because it allows you to actually fundraise for the staff, adding “Who do you work for?” is critical for registrations for peer-to-peer events and on the main URL of your fundraising page.

Not taking advantage of technology

For the best matching gift results, you want to really take advantage of all the technology that Double the Donation has to offer in matching gifts.

What I mean by this, one, is that you have a matching gift activation on all of your fundraising pages. And, secondarily, that you’re utilizing 360MatchPro to data-mine contributions that hadn’t been matched, but you find meet the criteria for matching.

💡 Recommended Reading: How Donor Employer Information Boosts Fundraising + Workplace Giving

4. How can I earn more matching gifts?

There are probably three things that I’d tell you. Here’s the first:

Socialize the impact of matching gifts with your developmental team.

Show them the impact and the dollars that donors are leaving on the table by not matching gifts. In fact, I’d even point out some key donors who didn’t take advantage of their matching gift program. That’s a really powerful motivator.

One of the best ways to do so is by providing your team with access to the Matching Gift Academy, which is free for Double the Donation clients to use ($199/year value).

Take full advantage of Double the Donation’s technology.

Make sure all of your donation pages have the DTD matching gift activation on them so employees can take full advantage of that.

Note: Double the Donation integrates with nearly all leading fundraising solutions, donation tools, and CRMs to make it increasingly easy to do so! Check out our integration partners here to see if you can connect your platform!

Regularly check your database through 360MatchPro.

Look for those donors who were eligible for matching gifts but didn’t take advantage of it in the first round. That’s a goldmine for your organization to be receiving additional revenue!

💡 Recommended Reading: 360MatchPro Overview: Scale Up Your Matching Gifts

5. How do you recommend getting matching gift buy-in from your team?

Making an internal business case with different stakeholders will advance matching gifts across your organization. Here are three teams you should consider engaging and getting on board with matching gifts.

Corporate development staff

Those are the individuals who go out and talk to corporations about grants and cause marketing. The third area that they really ought to be talking about is employee engagement, whether that’s payroll deductions, matching gifts, or other programs.

One of the things that matching gifts does is provide specific corporate information about employee engagement. Usually, the decision-makers don’t have a good idea of the level of affinity or employee participation in your cause.

What matching gifts will do is provide that corporate development staff member with some very specific talking points about your organization and the affinity of their employees.

It’ll show increased employee affinity, corporate engagement, and more. There’ll even be some great impact stories that you can research and provide for your corporate development team. Whether those are specific or anecdotal, that storytelling can be a huge part of your corporate development meeting.

And then finally, it provides an opportunity for your corporate development team to upsell. If there’s a big engagement with that company’s employee base, the company is going to be more likely to consider corporate grants or even a cause marketing deal.

Peer-to-peer staff

Whether you’re hosting a golf event, a gala, or a fundraising walk, all of those gifts are matchable for the participants who work for corporations that have matching programs. We’re talking about 65% of Fortune 500 companies.

And so, what does that do for peer-to-peer? Well, #1, it’s a lower cost of fundraising.

That doubled dollar, that second dollar you receive, lowers their overall event fundraising cost. And for most organizations, that’s a metric that leadership is looking at, so matching gifts is the way to do that.

You can even show the dollars that are left on the table. So, a good project is to do a little deep dive on those participants who were eligible for matching gifts. Then, show the potential dollars that could have been collected had matching gifts been presented. Those are dollars that are left on the table, and that’s probably the biggest motivator for peer-to-peer teams: to see what they could have had. And, of course, you’re offering what they can have, so that’s super important.

Then the final thing with peer-to-peer is that matching gifts allows for a deeper dive into that donor or employee profile. Now that you know who they work for, that can lead to more teams coming to support your cause from that corporation, maybe not just localized but a national team.

IT staff

For a lot of organizations, that main donation page URL is managed by the IT staff, so one of the things that I found when we had point of contribution activations for matching gifts is that we saw a greater conversion rate because when individual donors who work for companies think about the fact that their company would double that donation, they’re more likely to give.

We saw an increase in the original contribution, which was great. We also saw people going back in and raising their contribution, then going forward with the matching gift.

And then again also, those donor profiles, knowing who the individual works for, is very important for establishing a good CRM. Not to mention, increased security and API transfers is important to your IT staff, and Double the Dontion’s technology is highly secure with seamless data integrations, too.

💡 Recommended Reading: Matching Gift Buy-In: How to Spark Team-Wide Engagement

6. What are your top 3 tips for communicating matching gifts to your donors?

Communicating the matching gift opportunity is essential for fundraisers such as yourself. Here’s what I recommend doing to get the message across in the most impactful way possible.

Storytelling

I’m a big proponent of storytelling, and I think this is both true for pre-donation and post-donation. A very concise story about the impact of matching gifts should be provided, where the employer acknowledges the donor’s original contribution and recognizes the philanthropic choices of their employees. That’s a great partnership inside of that company, and I think you can tell a story about what those partnerships do to advance your cause. Be concise; I don’t think you have to be too specific but tell the story about their impact.

Generational appropriateness

I’m a Baby Boomer, and I consume information in a way that might be, or is, different from Millennials or Gen Z. I think that you ought to take the time to learn about generational communication differences. What do I mean by that? When you’re creating communications, you should do something more than just send an email, a flyer, or a leave-behind. Instead, you ought to, for example, do TikTok. Maybe you have Instagram or social media posts that can tell that story but in a generationally appropriate way.

Acknowledge the employee-employer partnership

The final thing, and I talked about this a little in the storytelling section, and this may be more true for your development staff that are engaging with corporate decision-makers, but making sure that they have the information available to them to acknowledge the partnership and the impact that it made on your cause.

In this sense, I think that you can be specific, so look at total matching gift dollars raised by employees, total matching gift dollars raised by that employer. Then, put that information in the hands of staff going out to corporations so that they can tell a story about the impact.

💡 Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts

7. What other fundraising opportunities can matching gifts uncover?

I think there’s probably three, maybe four. So, let’s take a look at those.

Corporate teams

My guess is that most of you have peer-to-peer fundraising. I would look for an individual who’s on a team, maybe it’s not a corporate team, but you have their employment information. Let’s say they work for a Fortune 1000 company, or that they donated online on your main web page. When they ask to have their gift matched, you uncover that they work for a major corporation.

Those are leads for developing teams within corporations. They obviously have an affinity toward your organization, and I wouldn’t shy away from recruiting from that pool of matching gift donors. Maybe they weren’t on a corporate team, but I would ask them next year to form one for your next big peer-to-peer fundraising event.

Cause marketing and corporate grants

I know this can seem like a stretch; you got a matching gift for $25 or $100, and now you’re going to go ask for a cause marketing deal or a corporate grant. But hear me out⁠—in scale, let’s say you had 50 employees who contributed to your organization, perhaps through a peer-to-peer event, and they all matched. Maybe they’ve even been doing it for a couple of years.

What you have in that organization is a group of employees who have an affinity for your cause. And I think it’s safe to say that the people who make the decisions within the company’s community development or corporate citizenship teams don’t have any idea that that’s going on. So, raising that with those decision-makers is the first step to start talking about other things that the corporation can do. It’s their corporate dollars that make a matching gift. It may not be the meeting, but it’s the knock on the door for upselling in corporate grants and in cause marketing.

Because you can show the affinity of their employees, which, by the way, companies hold very highly, you can begin to hold conversations about how else your organization could partner with a corporation.

Major gifts

How does a $100 matching gift get a major giver? Well, I think you’ll find that if you look in your database, you may have people who are giving much more than $100. Anyone who gives a $500 gift and has asked to match it could be a candidate for a major gift⁠—certainly to pursue it or to investigate it. One of the things I would do is, in your database, look at not just single donations but total annual giving.

If you have people who are giving more than $1,000, and then having that gift matched, I think that those are good candidates for larger gifts. They are obviously people who work for corporations, they may or may not have higher incomes, and those could be pursued by your major gift staff.”

💡 Recommended Reading: How to Identify Corporate Partnerships [With 360MatchPro]

Ready to get started? Schedule a personalized demo with our matching gift experts to see if 360MatchPro is right for you.

Double My Donations With 360MatchPro Now!

Wrapping Up

Tom’s expertise underscores the immense value that matching gifts can bring to any organization or fundraising strategy. By understanding the nuances of these programs and effectively communicating them to donors, teams like yours can unlock a significant source of additional funding.

We hope this matching gift Q&A has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to enhance your matching gift fundraising efforts. By implementing these insights, your organization can not only boost its success but also deepen its connection with donors who are eager to maximize their impact.

Good luck!

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10 Tips to Boost Corporate Matching Gift Participation

10 Tips to Boost Corporate Matching Gift Participation

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Corporate matching gifts are a powerful yet often underutilized resource for nonprofits. In essence, matching gifts are donations that companies make to match the contributions of their employees, effectively doubling (or even tripling!) the original amount given. Imagine a donor gives $100 to your organization. With corporate matching gift participation, that $100 donation could quickly become $200 or more—without the donor needing to give anything extra.

For nonprofits, matching gifts can be a game-changer. Not only do they increase total donations, but they also deepen the impact of individual contributions, helping nonprofits reach their fundraising goals faster. Despite this potential, many nonprofits miss out on corporate matching gift opportunities simply because donors are unaware of the process or how to participate. That’s where strategic marketing comes in.

This article will explore 10 effective marketing practices specifically tailored to nonprofits looking to boost participation in corporate matching gift programs. From educating your donors to leveraging digital marketing and building corporate partnerships, these insights will help you maximize every donation’s potential—ultimately bringing in more funds to fuel your mission. Let’s dive into how you can unlock the power of corporate matching gifts!

1. Educate Your Donors on Matching Gift Programs

The first step in increasing corporate matching gift participation is ensuring your donors understand what matching gifts are and how they work. Surprisingly, many donors may not be aware that their contributions can be matched by their employers, leaving valuable funds on the table. Educating your supporters transforms their understanding and engagement with matching gifts, empowering them to amplify their impact without spending a dollar more.

Tips to Educate Your Donors:

  • Newsletters: Include a section in your newsletters dedicated to matching gifts. Explain the process, eligibility criteria, and how donors can participate. Highlight success stories to illustrate the impact of matching gifts.
  • FAQ Pages: Create an FAQ section on your website to address common questions like, “What is a matching gift?” or “How can I submit a matching gift request?” This serves as a go-to resource for donors.
  • Informational Packets: Design downloadable guides that explain the process step-by-step. Include details about companies offering matching programs and tips for submitting requests.

2. Utilize Targeted Email Campaigns

Email marketing is a highly effective way to raise awareness about corporate matching gifts. Well-targeted campaigns allow you to deliver relevant information to donors at the right time, encouraging them to double their contributions.

Tips for Effective Email Campaigns:

  • Segment Your Audience: Start by segmenting your email list to focus on donors who are most likely to be eligible for matching gifts. For example, you might create separate email lists for new donors, major donors, and recurring donors. Tailoring your message based on donor type makes it more relevant and increases the likelihood that recipients will take action.
  • Compelling Templates: Use email templates that make the matching gift process clear and accessible. A well-designed template could include a brief explanation of matching gifts, a call to action, and a link to a matching gift search tool. Simple, visually appealing templates can make your message more engaging and easier to follow.
  • Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Your email should have a clear, concise CTA, such as “Check if Your Gift Can Be Matched” or “Double Your Impact Today.” The CTA should link directly to information on how to submit a matching gift request.
  • Timing is Key: Sending matching gift emails at key moments—like right after a donation, during year-end giving seasons, or around significant campaign milestones—can increase donor responsiveness. When donors are already in a giving mindset, they’re more likely to take advantage of opportunities to amplify their contribution.

3. Highlight Matching Gifts on Your Donation Page

Your donation page is where the magic happens—it’s where supporters take that meaningful step to give. So, why not use this key moment to inform them about matching gift opportunities? Adding information about matching gifts on your donation page is a simple yet effective way to boost awareness and encourage donors to maximize their contributions.

Tips for Featuring Matching Gifts on Your Donation Page:

  • Add a Matching Gift Widget: A matching gift widget is an easy way to let donors check if their employer offers a matching gift program. By simply entering their employer’s name, donors can quickly find out if their gift is eligible for a match, making the process convenient and accessible. Widgets can streamline the journey from “Can I match my gift?” to “Yes, I’ll match it!”
  • Create a Dedicated Section: Include a dedicated section near your donation form with a short description of matching gifts and how they work. A clear call-to-action (like “Double Your Donation!”), along with a brief explanation of the benefits, can make it easy for donors to understand the impact of participating in a matching program.
  • Use Simple, Encouraging Language: Remember, not all donors are familiar with matching gifts, so keep the language friendly and straightforward. Phrases like “Did you know you could double your donation at no extra cost?” or “Check if your employer offers matching gifts” are inviting and clear, encouraging donors to explore this option.
  • Include Visual Cues: Adding a small icon or graphic that highlights matching gifts can draw the donor’s attention. A small badge, logo, or button in your nonprofit’s branding can subtly guide visitors to take action.

4. Leverage Social Media Outreach

Social media is one of the most effective ways to get the word out about matching gifts. By meeting your supporters where they already spend time, you can amplify awareness, build excitement, and encourage more people to take advantage of these opportunities to maximize their impact.

Tips for Promoting Matching Gifts on Social Media:

  • Create Visual Content: Eye-catching graphics can make your posts stand out in busy feeds. Design visuals that explain the basics of matching gifts or show donors how their contributions could double with just a few clicks. Infographics, charts, or even short videos can be great tools to illustrate the potential impact of matching gifts.
  • Share Success Stories: People connect with stories, so use social media to highlight real-life examples of matching gifts in action. Share a story of a donor whose contribution was matched, demonstrating the impact it had on a specific project or campaign. This not only shows supporters the power of matching gifts but also brings a personal, human element to your messaging.
  • Encourage Sharing: Don’t hesitate to ask followers to share your posts. By encouraging sharing, you expand your reach to friends, family, and colleagues who might not yet know about matching gift opportunities. A simple call to action like “Share this post to help us reach more people!” can go a long way in increasing visibility.
  • Live Q&A Sessions: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer Stories and Live features, which are great for quick, interactive updates. Use Stories to post fun, bite-sized info about matching gifts, or go live to answer questions about the matching gift process. This type of content is engaging, easily digestible, and perfect for boosting awareness.

5. Engage Corporate Partners

Engaging with corporate partners who offer matching gift programs can greatly enhance your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. By building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with these companies, you’re not only supporting your cause but also giving businesses a meaningful way to engage with their employees and the community.

Tips for Engaging Corporate Partners:

  • Reach Out and Educate: Start by reaching out to local companies, especially those that already offer matching gift programs, and introduce them to your nonprofit’s mission. Many companies are open to partnering with nonprofits that align with their values but may not fully understand the impact of matching gifts. Hosting an informational session or sharing a presentation can go a long way in fostering a connection.
  • Show Appreciation: Let companies know you value their partnership. Simple gestures like thank-you emails, social media shout-outs, or featuring them in your newsletters can demonstrate your gratitude. Consider holding an annual appreciation event for corporate partners, where you can recognize their support and strengthen these relationships.
  • Collaborate on Joint Campaigns: Collaborate with companies to create campaigns that encourage their employees to participate in matching gift programs. For example, you could organize a “matching gift drive” where the company promotes matching gifts internally, and your nonprofit shares stories on social media about the impact of employee-matched donations.
  • Offer Co-Branding Opportunities: Let your corporate partners showcase their involvement in community initiatives by co-branding specific events or donation campaigns. When employees and the community see a company actively supporting your cause, it builds goodwill and boosts the likelihood of higher participation in matching gift programs.
  • Maintain Open Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your corporate partners. Regular updates on the impact of their matching gifts, along with information on upcoming initiatives, can keep your partnership active and rewarding for both sides. This ongoing dialogue shows the business that their involvement makes a real difference.

6. Create a Dedicated Matching Gifts Page on Your Website

A dedicated matching gifts page on your website can be a valuable resource for donors, helping them understand and take advantage of matching gift opportunities. By providing clear, easy-to-access information, you’re empowering donors to maximize their contributions—boosting support for your mission without any extra cost to them.

Tips for Creating an Effective Matching Gifts Page:

  • Add a Company Search Tool: Integrate a tool that allows donors to quickly search for their employer’s matching gift program.
  • Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Use compelling CTAs like “Double Your Impact!” to encourage visitors to explore matching gift opportunities.
  • Step-by-Step Guide: Include a simple guide outlining how donors can verify eligibility and submit requests.
  • FAQs: Add a section answering common questions like “What is a matching gift?” or “How do I get started?” to address any doubts.
  • Inspiring Stories: Share real-life examples of matched donations to highlight the tangible impact of these programs.

7. Simplify the Matching Gift Process

When it comes to encouraging donors to participate in corporate matching gift programs, simplicity is key. If the process seems complicated or time-consuming, donors might feel discouraged from taking that extra step—even if they’re eager to amplify their impact. By removing barriers and making the matching gift process as straightforward as possible, you can significantly increase participation rates.

Tips to Simplify the Matching Gift Process:

  • Step-by-Step Guides: Offer visual or written guides that clearly break down the process, such as checking eligibility, submitting requests, and receiving confirmation.
  • Direct Links: Provide links to employers’ matching gift portals or forms to save donors time.
  • Visual Aids: Use infographics or flowcharts to make the process more accessible.
  • Automation: Use automation tools to identify eligible donors and send personalized instructions.
  • Friendly Reminders: Notify donors of submission deadlines to ensure they don’t miss out on opportunities to match their contributions.

8. Use Data to Target High-Value Donors

Data is one of the most powerful tools for nonprofits aiming to make the most of corporate matching gift programs. By using data-driven strategies, you can identify high-value donors, segment them effectively, and encourage more impactful contributions through matching gifts. This approach allows you to focus your resources where they’ll have the greatest return.

Data-driven strategies help optimize efforts by identifying donors whose employers offer matching gift programs, allowing targeted outreach to maximize contributions. By segmenting donors based on matching gift eligibility, organizations can streamline marketing, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience. This targeted approach enhances the donor experience, making communication more relevant, personal, and impactful.

Tips for Identifying and Targeting High-Value Donors:

  • Leverage Your CRM: Many nonprofit CRM platforms allow you to track donor information, including employment details, donation history, and engagement patterns. Use this data to identify donors who might work for companies with strong matching gift programs. You can then segment these donors for tailored matching gift outreach.
  • Use Email Domain Matching: One quick way to identify potential matching gift eligibility is by looking at email domains. Some matching gift tools can flag donors using corporate email addresses, helping you pinpoint which supporters might be eligible for a match.
  • Run Data Enrichment Campaigns: If your donor database lacks employment details, consider running a data enrichment campaign. Data enrichment services can fill in gaps, such as employer information, that are essential for targeting high-value, match-eligible donors. This can be especially useful if you’re expanding your corporate matching gift efforts.
  • Conduct Predictive Analytics: For larger nonprofits, predictive analytics tools can help identify patterns in donor behavior. By analyzing past giving data, these tools can predict which donors are likely to make large contributions or have the capacity to donate more. This insight helps you focus on those who may benefit most from matching gift encouragement.
  • Survey Your Donors: Sometimes, the easiest way to gather information is to ask directly. Sending a short survey asking donors to share their employer details (while explaining the potential for matching gifts) can be an effective way to update your records and identify high-value donors.

9. Thank Donors and Acknowledge Their Impact

Expressing gratitude is essential for maintaining donor relationships and encouraging future engagement. When donors take the extra step to submit a matching gift request, recognizing their effort can go a long way.

Tips for Thanking Donors:

  • Personalized Messages: Send personalized thank-you emails or letters that highlight the donor’s impact.
  • Public Acknowledgments: With consent, recognize donors on social media or newsletters to celebrate their generosity.
  • Share Impact Stories: Show donors how their matched gifts have contributed to your nonprofit’s mission.
  • Exclusive Content: Provide matched donors with exclusive updates or invites to donor appreciation events.

10. Regularly Review and Improve Your Strategy

As donor behavior and corporate policies evolve, it’s important to regularly review and refine your marketing strategies for corporate matching gifts. Continuous improvement ensures that your efforts remain relevant and effective.

Tips for Reviewing Your Strategy:

  • Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Monitor metrics such as total funds raised, the number of matched gifts, and email engagement rates.
  • Donor Feedback: Collect feedback through surveys to identify challenges and opportunities for improvement.
  • A/B Testing: Test different elements, like email subject lines or website layouts, to determine what resonates best with your audience.
  • Industry Trends: Stay informed about corporate philanthropy trends and incorporate new strategies into your approach.
  • Quarterly Check-Ins: Schedule regular reviews of your strategy to ensure alignment with your nonprofit’s goals.

Final Thoughts

Corporate matching gifts present a unique opportunity for nonprofits to double—or even triple—their impact. However, many organizations fail to fully capitalize on these programs due to a lack of awareness or effective strategy. By implementing the best practices outlined above, you can turn matching gifts into a reliable source of funding while deepening donor engagement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Educate donors on matching gift programs to increase awareness.
  • Use targeted email campaigns and donation page enhancements to drive participation.
  • Leverage social media outreach and corporate partnerships to expand your reach.
  • Simplify the process, thank donors, and regularly review your strategy to ensure success.

By following these steps, your nonprofit can unlock the full potential of corporate matching gifts, amplifying every donor’s contribution and making a greater impact.

Boost corporate matching gift participation with Double the Donation.