This guide will cover nine year-round employee giving campaign ideas and real examples.

9 Exciting Employee Giving Campaign Ideas & Real Examples

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Thanks to the growing movement toward increased corporate citizenship, combined with innovative new technology, many companies are stepping up their employee-giving game like never before.

Businesses interested in creating or improving their workplace giving programs—as well as nonprofits eager to engage donors and corporate partners in new ways—will find inspiration in these versatile employee giving campaign ideas.

This guide will cover:

Before we dive into ideas your business can use for employee giving, let’s explore the basics.

Click to read more about how matching gift auto-submission improves engagement for employee giving campaigns.

The Importance of Employee Giving

The framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly popular across many sectors. It’s even inspiring employers to provide a variety of ways for their company to give back to the community in the form of philanthropic donations, volunteerism, and proactive policies that put people and the environment first.

Take a look at these statistics to understand the power of CSR:

This image lists three CSR statistics that show the importance of employee giving, also detailed in the text below.

  • 77% of consumers aim to support socially responsible companies.
  • 93% of employees believe companies must lead with purpose.
  • 92% of consumers would buy a product that supports a good cause.

A welcome shift from the “greed is good” mindset of past generations, corporate citizenship promotes commitment to sustainability both inside and outside corporate office walls.

Employee giving (also called workplace giving) is one of the most popular CSR strategies. It creates opportunities for everyone in a corporate environment to support charitable organizations and causes in a collective effort, making a much greater impact than what most individuals can do alone. From annual fundraisers and donation drives to giving days and volunteer programs, employee giving campaigns will (and should!) look different in every workplace, depending on your unique company culture and values.

However, there is one aspect of employee giving every workplace campaign should include: matching donations.

When individual employees give from their own pockets to eligible nonprofits, their companies should match those donations. Through matching gift programs, companies can double their employees’ impact on the causes they care about. This kind of support and commitment builds buy-in, signals to employees that their company is just as committed to this work as they are, and affirms that their participation is seen and celebrated.

The Benefits of Workplace Giving Campaigns

Employee giving initiatives backed by matching donations can do a whole lot of good—and not just for your nonprofit beneficiaries and the communities they serve.

A company’s public image, for example, can undoubtedly improve with well-documented charitable contributions. Plus, the tax incentives for large philanthropic gifts are nothing to shrug at. Still, it’s the impact that workplace giving campaigns have on employee morale that cannot be understated.

Generosity, science tells us, is tied to human happiness. Creating meaningful opportunities for employees to build relationships and contribute to good causes alongside their peers leads to a greater sense of belonging, stronger engagement in future activities and projects, and higher staff retention. It’s a win-win-win!

With the help of automated systems, giving can become an integral part of the culture of your workplace. Imagine an environment where giving is as much a part of your work week as logging into your email in the morning—not just once a year, but throughout! That’s achievable by implementing matching gift programs and hosting regular employee giving campaigns.

9 Employee Giving Campaign Ideas to Try Throughout the Year

We’ve gathered some of our favorite workplace giving campaign ideas you can implement year-round at your office. Plus, each idea features an example from a real nonprofit that nailed it.

Every workplace is different, so think creatively about how you can customize and adjust these ideas based on your company’s size, time constraints, interests, and areas of specialty. The possibilities are endless—just like your potential for making a positive impact in your community.

This image lists nine employee giving campaign ideas your business can implement, covered in more detail in the text below.

1. Prepare for winter with in-kind donations.

Winter is a particularly difficult time of year for many nonprofit beneficiaries, especially if they’re individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty. Encourage your employees to make in-kind donations, which are any non-monetary gift, to organizations that need them. This is an especially great idea for employees with tighter budgets who may not be able to justify a monetary donation.

To make the donation process easier for your employees, partner up with one or a few specific nonprofits. Ask them what donations would be most helpful to them, and then provide your employees with that list of items. Organizations might be searching for items that directly help their beneficiaries, such as canned food or winter clothing, or they might be searching for items to empower them to more effectively help their beneficiaries, such as computers, printers, or fundraising event decorations.

This image shows an example of Second Helpings Atlanta’s employee giving campaign initiatives.

Real-world example: Second Helpings Atlanta is a nonprofit food rescue organization whose mission is to reduce hunger and food waste in the Metro Atlanta area. It rescues healthy, nutritious, surplus food and distributes it to those in need.

They’ve created a network with over 75 food donor organizations across Atlanta, including businesses such as Chick-Fil-A, Mercedes Benz, Pizza Hut, and Publix. These businesses work with Second Helpings Atlanta as part of their CSR and employee giving initiatives to use food for good in the local community.

2. Lean into the competitive spirit for Giving Tuesday.

Year-end is a popular time of year for nonprofit fundraising, and it all begins with Giving Tuesday. This global day of generosity happens the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is meant to channel the shopping madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday toward a worthy cause instead.

A virtual peer-to-peer or team fundraising Giving Tuesday campaign is an easy and fun way to foster friendly competition as individuals or staff teams try to out-raise one another for their cause.

The secret to a successful peer-to-peer fundraiser? Keep spirits high and be a cheerleader for your fundraisers! Celebrate everyone’s hard work by shouting out teams at various times throughout the campaign and offering prizes for the teams with the most donations, the highest amount raised, or even the most team spirit.

This image shows an example of a Giving Tuesday employee giving campaign for the Downtown Women’s Center.

Real-world example: For the Together Housed campaign, participants created personal or team fundraising pages to raise money over three weeks for women in Los Angeles experiencing homelessness.

This virtual effort raised over $155K for the Downtown Women’s Center and culminated in a live-streamed celebration to thank individual fundraisers and corporate sponsors.

3. Turn your holiday party into an opportunity to give back.

The holidays bring out the giving spirit in even the Grinchiest among us—especially if the food and drinks are free. If you’ve already budgeted for a staff gathering or outing for the holidays, think about adding on a party-worthy fundraising element like a silent auction to benefit a local nonprofit. This is also an excellent time to celebrate your Giving Tuesday teams or winners with silly prizes or awards!

Depending on the size of your staff, a team can volunteer to source auction items or request that everyone (CEO included) contribute an item, experience, or basket to auction off during the party.

Sourcing items can be work-intensive, so make the rest of the process easy on your team by using an online silent auction platform that partygoers can use to bid right from their smartphones. Mobile bidding also makes it easy to create a hybrid or virtual auction experience if your remote employees want to start a bidding war for a good cause.

This image shows an example of a holiday fundraiser for the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation as an employee giving campaign.

Real-world example: The Ultimutt Auction fundraiser for the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation offered bidders a range of fun experiences and items from local businesses. To reach a wider audience and build momentum to raise more funds, the organizers had the online auction open for a week, enabling them to raise over $21K!

4. Kick off the new year with a monthly giving program.

With everyone energized by your Giving Tuesday and holiday party success (and hopefully some time off), build on this momentum to get employees excited about giving back regularly.

A great place to start is by hosting a casual “Lunch and Learn” once a month, where a guest speaker or representative from a local nonprofit gives an informal presentation about their impact and need.

The actual giving part can happen in a few different ways:

  • A monthly stipend from the company that employees can donate
  • Informal monthly contributions matched by the company
  • Automated payroll deductions (also matched by the company)

Build buy-in by providing incentives like a catered lunch for those who attend and asking staff to nominate organizations or community groups that are meaningful to them. National celebrations like Black History Month (February), Women’s History Month (March), Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May), etc., can be a great guidepost for causes to highlight if you’re not sure where to start.

Be sure that your company’s matching gift program is set up before you begin your new monthly giving program. That way, you’ll be able to engage your employees through philanthropy and increase the impact of gifts to your local nonprofits.

This image shows rue21’s employee giving campaign, which is an annual giving staff fundraiser.

Real-world example: Clothing retailer rue21’s annual giving campaign organizes staff fundraising teams by department (Marketing, Merchandising, Human Resources, and so on). Each year, they have raised more funds for their nonprofit partner organization, Foster Love Project, which serves youth in foster care.

Click to learn more about how matching gift auto-submission increases generosity for employee giving campaigns.

5. Spring into volunteering.

Financial contributions aren’t the only way to make a difference in your place of work. Harness the power of your team’s talents to give back through volunteer hours or pro bono projects in partnership with a local nonprofit, school, or other community organization.

Volunteering can be skill-based work (graphic design, tutoring, or even accounting!) or just helping with whatever is needed (envelope stuffing, serving meals, or checking people in). It’s all about meeting the needs of your particular community partner.

The key to success here is to incentivize volunteering, which can happen in many ways.

Some companies, including 40% of the Fortune 500 list, give volunteer grants to employees who put in a certain number of hours, and others offer perks like additional vacation time. You can even liven things up by making it a competition to see who can give the highest number of hours by a specific date.

This image shows an example of a volunteer-based employee giving campaign by Chicago-based software company Sprout Social.

Real-world example: Chicago-based software company Sprout Social organized Philanthropy Week, which combined volunteering and team-based fundraising for local nonprofits.

Teams of employees chose an organization in their community, created fundraising pages, and volunteered on-site to foster deeper connections with their partners.

6. Create your own workplace giving day in May.

Aside from being a great help to nonprofits, volunteering is also one of the most effective team-building activities. Hosting a workplace giving day can empower your company to build connection and belonging amongst your staff—and contribute to a good cause at the same time.

As the weather warms up, partner with a local nonprofit that needs a lot of hands for a park cleanup, meal prep, material assembly, mural painting, or other beautification projects. Make sure everyone on your staff is able and incentivized to attend, get t-shirts made for the occasion, and cap it all off with a celebration and big group photo.

If all goes well, try to make it an annual event that employees look forward to, your nonprofit partners can plan around, and the entire community can feel proud of.

This image shows an example of a workplace giving day as an employee giving campaign, hosted by Presence Marketing.

Real-world example: When pandemic restrictions made in-person activities impossible, Presence Marketing organized a virtual 5k and complementary fundraiser in partnership with a charitable foundation to help build a Kindergarten in the West African nation of Togo.

The event was so successful that they organized a second annual day of giving the following year to benefit another charity project!

7. Celebrate summer with sponsorship.

June is the start of summer and Pride Month, a great time to support organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community. Give your coworkers a special night out together and raise some serious money by sponsoring a fun fundraising event, like a standup comedy, drag show, or a combination of the two!

Planning events is a lot of work, so if that’s not something you can take on, seek out a nonprofit partner already planning a benefit event that you can sponsor. Or enlist the help of a local venue that can help match you with a good cause. If a virtual or hybrid event can help you reach your community better, livestream it!

This image shows an example of a corporate sponsorship hosted by Platinum Top 50 as an employee giving campaign.

Real-world example: Platinum Top 50, an industry organization for real estate professionals in Texas, organized a comedy show fundraiser featuring standup and improv from some talented local realtors. In addition to ticket sales, extra donations from individuals and corporate sponsorships helped them to raise over 200% of their original goal for their hunger-fighting nonprofit partner.

8. Go virtual with a back-to-school drive.

Drives for essential items like jackets, toys, and perishable goods are popular for workplace giving campaigns for many reasons. For one, those who are making donations can immediately see the real-life impact of their gifts, which is sometimes harder to communicate with solely monetary asks.

With a virtual drive, donors can still understand exactly where their money is going and, at the same time, give the nonprofit beneficiary more oversight and flexibility to order the items they need and get them directly to the people who need them.

This campaign idea is also great for remote office teams, as virtual drives open up donations to a broader pool of people and save the time and energy it can take a team of employees to collect, organize, and transport items.

This image shows an example of a virtual back-to-school drive hosted by Teachers’ Treasures as an employee giving campaign.

Real-world example: With several businesses participating, Teachers’ Treasures organized the Gr8 Paper Push Virtual School Supply Drive and enabled donors to select specific classroom items or just make a flat donation to the campaign.

This campaign also had an added team fundraising element. Local businesses competed with one another to raise the most, which created a lively, fun atmosphere.

9. Make a No Shave November everyone can join in on.

Movember and No Shave November, popular social challenges to see who can grow the most facial hair, were created to raise awareness and funds for men’s health and cancer prevention. Anyone can play on this idea for a good cause of their choosing—just make sure to take lots of photos!

This image shows an example of a No Shave November employee giving campaign, hosted by Windham County Safe Place.

Real-world example: For their annual Let It Grow! campaign, Vermont-based victims’ services agency Windham County Safe Place engaged teams from the police departments, hospitals, and legal groups that they work with for a light-hearted competition. Each team was encouraged to grow facial hair or rock colorful hair extensions and bright nails for the month. Inclusivity for the win!

Every participant received a special pin for joining the campaign. They created their own individual or team fundraising page, donated $25 or more, and encouraged their friends and family to help them reach their goal. The top three earners even won a special prize at the end of the competition! The novelty of this campaign drew attention to their cause from local media and helped them to raise thousands of dollars.

Additional Resources

From selling tickets and making donations to administering payroll deductions and matching contributions, automating as much of your workplace giving campaigns as possible will save you a lot of time and energy. CSR platforms can free you up to focus on what really matters—engaging your workplace community and creating meaningful ways to give back together.

Looking for more inspiration? Dive deeper into these additional resources:

Click to learn more about matching gift auto-submission and how it helps your employee giving campaigns.

This guide will cover the basics of challenge gifts to help you leverage this form of giving for your fundraising efforts.

What are Challenge Gifts? A Guide to High-Speed Fundraising

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A thoughtful and robust fundraising strategy is key to any nonprofit’s success. As a nonprofit professional, you’re probably always on the lookout for new ideas and strategies to spice up your organization’s fundraising efforts. That’s where challenge gifts come in—when done correctly, this fundraising idea can supercharge your mission with increased gifts.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of challenge gifts and empower you to leverage them by covering the following topics:

To maximize the fundraising impact of your challenge gifts, consider investing in fundraising software that will streamline your fundraising processes and efforts. Matching gift software, in particular, will greatly increase the effectiveness of donations made during your challenge gift campaign.

Click to get a demo of Double the Donation’s matching gift software, improving the impact of your challenge gifts.

What is a challenge gift?

This image lists several types of challenge gifts your nonprofit can leverage, also covered in the text below.

A challenge gift is a donation that is contingent on another goal, usually another donation. Usually, the donor will commit to donating a certain amount to a nonprofit if the organization or its other donors fulfill a certain goal or take an action within a certain amount of time. Only then is the donation made.

Common challenge gift goals include:

  • Total money raised. This goal is fairly self-explanatory—essentially, the donor’s gift hinges on the nonprofit reaching a fundraising goal. For example, a major donor might commit to donating $20,000 if the nonprofit raises $40,000 worth of other donations during their next fundraising campaign.
  • Total number of donors. Instead of committing a donation based on the amount raised, some donors choose instead to base it on the total number of donors that give during a set amount of time. The goal for this type of challenge gift is to help the nonprofit recruit more donors. Some challenge donors may specify that they only count first-time donors, while others will count donations made by any donors.
  • Matching gifts. For a matching donation challenge, a major donor or sponsor will commit to matching gifts made by other donors. For instance, a major donor may match gifts at a 1:1 ratio up to $30,000. That means that if you raise $30,000 from other donors, then you’ll receive $60,000 in total. However, if you raise less than the match amount, such as $10,000, then you’ll only receive the match up to that amount, or $20,000 total.

Challenge gifts are a great way for a major donor to inspire and encourage other donors to give, resulting in greater fundraising success for the nonprofit. When handled properly, these challenges can be used to secure future support and improve the sustainability of your organization.

What are the benefits of challenge gifts?

This image illustrates the benefits of challenge gifts, also detailed in the text below.

At this point, you may be thinking: Aren’t challenge gifts just donations with strings attached? Why would I want those instead of straightforward donations?

Although you might feel that way, challenge gifts bring your nonprofit a variety of game-changing benefits. Some of these include:

  • Increase fundraising impact. The most obvious benefit of challenge gifts is that they incentivize supporters to give. Your supporters are invested in your nonprofit’s success, which makes it more likely that they’ll donate so that you can secure challenge gift funds.
  • Attract new donors. If the challenge gift is contingent on acquiring a certain number of donors, it will be especially useful in attracting new donors. Plus, challenge gifts inspire a sense of urgency, providing a compelling reason for potential supporters to engage through donations.
  • Engage board members. Board members who are passionately invested in your nonprofit’s cause may inspire and engage their fellow board members by making a challenge gift for them. For example, a board member might say that they will give an extra $30,000 if the board as a whole gives $200,000 by a certain date.
  • Strengthen existing relationships. The urgency from the time-sensitive nature of challenge gifts will also help you secure donations from previous donors. Alongside a great stewardship plan, challenge gifts can greatly contribute to engaging previous donors and increase retention rates.
  • Form corporate partnerships. Although challenge gift donors don’t have to be businesses, if they are, it presents an opportunity for you to form partnerships with companies that are invested in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Having such a partnership may lead to future support through initiatives such as volunteer grants.
  • Secure long-term support. Aside from short-term support for immediate fundraising campaigns, certain challenge gifts can also help your nonprofit secure long-term funding. For example, a challenge donor may create a bequest challenge for $50,000. Every time someone submits a signed statement that they have put your nonprofit in their estate plan, the donor will release $2,000 from the challenge gift total.

When it comes to boosting your fundraising and securing support, challenge gifts are a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to reliably meet their goals. While the donor dictates the terms of the challenge, the concept itself has a lot of flexibility, as it accommodates multiple types of challenges.

What are the drawbacks of challenge gifts?

We’ve already touched on the main drawback of challenge gifts—the inability to fulfill the challenge, and therefore the loss of the challenge gift funds. The most common restrictions on a challenge gift include:

  • Goal amount. Whether it’s the number of donors or the donation amount, each challenge gift comes with a goal amount that the nonprofit must reach. Without reaching this objective, part or all of the challenge gift might be forfeited.
  • Time. That challenge gifts are time-sensitive creates a great sense of urgency that propels supporters to give. However, that same benefit is also a restriction—your nonprofit only has a set amount of time to reach your goals. This duration can vary greatly, based on the challenge the donor has set.
  • Donation requirements. These refer to any extra requirements that the challenge donor places on gifts that count toward the challenge gift goal. We’ve discussed that the challenge donor might choose to restrict the type of donor that can participate in the challenge, but they can also restrict the type of donation that qualifies. For example, they might specify that the challenge only applies to direct donations and specify that purchases made at a fundraising auction don’t qualify.

Although challenge gifts have their drawbacks, with proper planning and consideration, you can mitigate their disadvantages. While they might put your nonprofit’s fundraising and donor acquisition strategies to the test, the result will be well worth it—a large amount of funds that you can leverage to support your beneficiaries.

Acquiring Support for Challenge Gifts: 5 Tips

To help you make the most of any challenge gifts your nonprofit receives, we’ll go over five tips for acquiring support to fulfill your challenges. Let’s dive in!

This image shows five tips for getting support for your challenge gifts, also detailed in the text below.

1. Create a challenge gift proposal.

While some donors may make a challenge gift unprompted, it’s more likely that your nonprofit will need to specifically seek out challenge donors, much like you seek out sponsorships. To do so, you’ll want to draft a challenge gift proposal to pitch to potential donors.

As you create your proposal, be sure to:

  • Introduce your nonprofit. Provide a general overview of your nonprofit’s mission, beneficiaries, and the purpose of the challenge gift that you’re requesting.
  • Give any relevant context. If there’s any relevant information that would help contextualize your proposal, add it. For example, if your nonprofit works with individuals experiencing homelessness and the weather is much colder than usual in winter, you may say that you’re fundraising for warm winter clothing.
  • Outline your goals. Whether your goal is to obtain funds, new donors, or bequests, outline it in your proposal. Be specific—for instance, you may say that you want to raise $100,000, attract 500 new donors, or obtain 300 bequests.
  • Determine the challenge details. Lay out the general details of your challenge so your potential challenge donor knows exactly what is expected of them. Let’s say you want to raise $100,000. In your proposal, detail that you want to do this through a matching donation challenge, where your challenge donor matches $50,000 worth of donations at a 1:1 ratio to help you meet your overall goal of $100,000.
  • Detail the benefits. Aside from describing what you need from your challenge donor, let them know what they’ll be getting from your partnership as well. For instance, if you partner with a company, include their logo and branding on your promotional materials. That way, they can access potential customers amongst your nonprofit’s supporters.

Keep in mind that your challenge gift proposal should look different depending on which potential donor you’re trying to connect with. Just as you would segment your regular donors based on their interests and preferences, make sure to tailor your proposal based on the donor’s gift capacity and previous engagement with your nonprofit.

2. Strategically connect with challenge gift donors.

This image lists several types of challenge gift partners to connect with, also covered in the text below.

There are different types of potential donors that you can connect with to pitch challenge gifts to. When first starting, we recommend reaching out to similar types of potential donors to get a better feel of interacting with them and minimize the number of proposals you need to customize.

In general, most challenge gift donors fall into one of the following groups:

  • Local businesses. When connecting with local businesses, focus on the benefits that you bring to the local community and how that will bring greater success for the business. For instance, your nonprofit’s environmental focus might enhance a business’ neighborhood and bring in more customers.
  • Large corporations. Large corporations will likely have more money to donate as a challenge gift to your cause but require more effort when forming a partnership. Keep your pitch focused on the benefits that they receive from the partnership. This could look like a shoutout from your nonprofit or a mutually beneficial CSR partnership.
  • Major donors. Especially if they’ve previously made donations to your nonprofit, major donors are invested in your mission and strongly want you to succeed. For these pitches, you can discuss more in-depth the benefits that your nonprofit will receive while emphasizing how their previous support impacted your success.
  • Foundations and grantmakers. For this group of potential challenge donors, you’ll likely go through a rigorous application process to be considered. However, foundations and grantmakers exist to provide support to nonprofits, so you can focus your application on what your nonprofit gains.
  • Celebrities and influencers. Celebrities and influencers receive a large boost in reputation for being associated with charitable causes such as your own. Plus, their influence will greatly increase the visibility of your challenge. Be sure to take both of these factors into consideration as you craft your appeal to this group of potential donors.

To help you narrow down the potential donors you should connect with, focus on those who have already indicated a philanthropic interest in some way. For example, businesses with existing corporate citizenship or CSR initiatives that align with your cause will be more open to aiding your nonprofit.

3. Thoroughly promote your challenge gifts.

Ensure that your challenge gifts drive the impact you desire by thoughtfully promoting them to all of your nonprofit’s supporters. Use the following marketing channels to do so:

  • Your website
  • Direct mail
  • Email
  • Text or SMS
  • Social media

Send communications before and during the challenge to drum up excitement and secure support. Provide all relevant details to supporters so they know how they can help. For example, if your goal is to acquire 100 first-time donors, ask your supporters to reach out to their friends and family to appeal for first-time donations. Provide templates for social media posts and emails that they can use to make their appeals easier.

Additionally, be sure to focus your messaging on urgency and speed. Emphasize the approaching deadline and don’t be afraid to send multiple messages during the challenge as reminders. To make this process more efficient, consider using a marketing tool to streamline your promotional efforts.

4. Maximize your gift impact.

When properly planned and marketed, one of the great benefits of challenge gifts is a boost in the number of donations made during the challenge. Maximize the impact of gifts by diving into matching gifts.

If you’re new to matching gifts, they are a form of corporate philanthropy where employers match their employees’ donations to nonprofits. Although most match at a 1:1 ratio, particularly generous companies may match at a higher ratio, such as 2:1 or even 3:1.

This is how it works:

  • An employee donates to a nonprofit.
  • The employee submits a donation match request to their employer.
  • The employer reviews the request.
  • The employer approves the match and donates the matching funds to the nonprofit.

As around $4-7 billion of matching gift funds is estimated to go unclaimed every year, it’s clear that one of the biggest obstacles to obtaining matching gift funds is awareness.

During a donation challenge period, you’ll be sending out many communications to supporters to urge them to donate. Maximize the impact of those donations by also reminding supporters to look into their employers’ matching gift programs. With a small amount of effort from them, they’ll be able to greatly increase the funds that you raise. Plus, it won’t require them to gift more of their money!

Click to book a demo of Double the Donation’s matching gift software, improving the impact of your challenge donations.

5. Celebrate achievements and goals.

When the period set by your challenge gift has ended, be sure to celebrate all achievements and goals met with your supporters. Recognize all the donors that have given during this time and thank them for participating in the challenge. Even if you didn’t meet your goals, saying a simple thank you goes a long way toward facilitating long-lasting and fruitful relationships.

If you did meet your goals, then consider hosting a celebration! This can take the form of a donor appreciation event, where you invite all those who gave to come and have fun. Or, if your donors are spread all over the country or the globe, send gifts to them instead. These don’t have to break your budget, as they can be small trinkets or merchandise branded to your nonprofit.

The most important thing here is to let your donors know that your success would not be possible without them. Show your genuine gratitude so that donors are incentivized to continue supporting your mission.

Additional Resources

Challenge gifts are an incredible opportunity for your nonprofit to buckle down and meet its goals. They also incentivize increased giving from your supporters through gamification, making them a worthwhile gift to receive.

If you’re interested in learning more about nonprofit fundraising opportunities, check out the following resources:

Click to get a demo of Double the Donation’s software to increase challenge gift donation impact.

This blog post will explore some different types of corporate philanthropy.

14 Types of Corporate Philanthropy You Should Know About

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Did you know that corporations give an average of $20-$26 billion to nonprofit causes each year?

More than ever before, companies are committed to giving back to their communities and improving the welfare of others—they’re embracing corporate philanthropy.

But what exactly does corporate philanthropy look like when it’s put into action? We’ve put together this guide to explore different types of corporate philanthropy you should know about and how you can embrace them, whether you’re a company looking to start your own program or a nonprofit strategizing to increase giving to your cause. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Corporate philanthropy holds the potential to benefit both companies and nonprofits. In order to get the most out of these programs, it’s important to gain an understanding of the different forms they can take and how they work. Let’s get started.

Click through to get a demo of 360MatchPro and start leveraging matching gifts as a type of corporate philanthropy.

Corporate Philanthropy: A Quick Overview

First, let’s create a strong foundation for understanding the different types of corporate philanthropy by covering some basics.

What is corporate philanthropy?

This image and the text below define corporate philanthropy.

Corporate philanthropy is a term that refers to the ways in which a company gives back to its community or promotes the welfare of others. Most commonly, corporations donate money or time to nonprofits to accomplish these goals. However, each company’s program will look a little different, as they’re often built around the company’s unique values and the needs of the community it aims to serve. 

As you research corporate philanthropy, you’ll likely come across the term corporate social responsibility (CSR). Though related, CSR should not be confused with corporate philanthropy. CSR refers to the general attitude a company takes toward society and the role it plays in it. You can think of corporate philanthropy as a specific way that companies put their CSR into action.

Eye-Opening Corporate Philanthropy Statistics

Corporate philanthropy may sound good in theory, but you’re probably wondering if corporate philanthropy is successful in the real world. Let’s take a look at the numbers:

The Prevalence of Corporate Philanthropy Programs

The Effects on Nonprofits

The Effects on Companies

Clearly, companies that are leaning into corporate philanthropy are making a difference in their communities and even strengthening their workplaces. But wait—there are even more benefits!

The Benefits of Embracing Corporate Philanthropy

Corporate philanthropy is a win-win-win for the companies that embrace it, the employees who participate in it, and the nonprofits that are able to move their missions forward because of it.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits each party experiences when they participate in corporate philanthropy.

This image and the text below list some benefits of the different types of corporate philanthropy for different groups.

Benefits for Companies

  • Strengthened reputation and brand image. A company that demonstrates a commitment to making the world a better place is often perceived as a more appealing company to work for and buy from.
  • Boosted employee engagement. When employees are empowered to give back through their employers’ corporate philanthropy initiatives, they have more pride in their jobs and are more motivated to be high achievers.
  • Better connections with stakeholders. The investors, suppliers, and other groups who support a company’s operations want to see their partners making a positive difference in society. Stakeholders may even want to get involved in a company’s philanthropic work.
  • Tax benefits. Depending on the area in which a company operates, it may be eligible for tax deductions up to a certain amount if it engages in corporate philanthropy initiatives like matching gifts.

Benefits for Employees

  • Sense of purpose beyond daily tasks. When charitable work or giving is woven into employees’ working lives, they have a stronger sense of purpose and a more expansive view of their work. They can see the connections between what they do every day and what their company does to improve others’ lives.
  • Heightened camaraderie between employees. Philanthropic programs that encourage employees to volunteer or serve together enable people to get to know their coworkers outside of the day-to-day at the office. Employees can bond over shared values and experiences, which can help build friendships and improve how employees collaborate.
  • Enhanced skills. Some corporate philanthropy initiatives provide opportunities for employees to use their professional skillsets or to develop new skills. For example, an expert computer programmer might find it fulfilling to use their knowledge to tutor at-risk youth in coding. Or, an employee may enjoy the chance to do something they don’t do every day, like walking shelter dogs.
  • Improved health. Research shows that people who give back are healthier and happier. According to the Cleveland Clinic, philanthropic giving can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, help combat depression, and even extend the lifespan.

Benefits for Nonprofits

  • Amplified support. Any increase in support, whether it’s funding or volunteer time, is the obvious benefit nonprofits experience from corporate philanthropy. But its importance can’t be overstated. Nonprofits translate companies’ support into tangible results for their beneficiaries. More funding and time may also empower a nonprofit to drive new projects forward instead of staying in maintenance mode.
  • Increased visibility and awareness. Because companies often promote their philanthropic work, the nonprofits they partner with get more exposure while the causes they champion get more awareness and attention.
  • Access to new audiences. A corporate donor or volunteer may very well turn into a lifelong supporter. Tapping into a company’s philanthropic initiatives opens nonprofits up to entirely new communities of potential supporters and, better yet, gives them the chance to start building relationships with those potential supporters.
  • Access to skilled volunteers. When a company partners with a nonprofit to help drive its mission forward, the nonprofit has access to a whole new group of volunteers with diverse skills. Those skills might include customer service, landscaping, graphic design, or more!

Corporate Philanthropy Challenges To Be Aware Of

While companies, employees, and nonprofits can experience countless benefits from corporate philanthropy initiatives, there are also challenges that come with these programs.

For instance, the initial setup of a corporate philanthropy program can divert resources from a company’s business activities and require careful and consistent monitoring of employee engagement in the program. Or, a nonprofit may face difficult questions from its supporters regarding how it allocates funds from its corporate partner.

Whether your organization is a company or a nonprofit, be aware that you will face challenges as you work to lean into corporate philanthropy. However, don’t let the challenges you face deter you from getting involved with corporate philanthropy programs. With careful planning, open communication, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the community, nonprofits and their corporate partners can overcome the challenges of corporate philanthropy and share in the benefits.

14 Types of Corporate Philanthropy To Know

Now that you know what corporate philanthropy is and why it’s important for companies, employees, and nonprofits, you’re likely ready to start participating. Knowing what to look for in a corporate partner or what your company’s program can offer will be critical to your success. So, let’s explore 14 types of corporate philanthropy you should know!

This image and the text below list some different types of corporate philanthropy.

1. Matching Gifts

The most popular type of corporate philanthropy program that companies offer is matching gifts.

Through these programs, companies financially match the donations their employees make to charitable organizations, usually organizations deemed eligible by the company beforehand (e.g., educational institutions or youth-focused nonprofits).

The company will typically donate the same amount of money to the nonprofit, effectively doubling the donor’s gift. Sometimes the company will donate double or even triple the amount of the initial donation.

The beauty of a matching gift program is that it allows a donor to boost their donation’s impact without reaching back into their wallet!

Here’s how the process works:

This image and the text below describe how a popular form of corporate philanthropy, matching gifts, works.

  1. An individual donates to a nonprofit of their choice.
  2. The employee checks their corporate matching gift eligibility using a database search tool on the nonprofit’s website.
  3. Once the donor knows their donation is eligible for matching, they fill out any necessary online forms provided by the database tool.
  4. After the donor’s company reviews the forms, it follows up with the nonprofit to confirm the donation.
  5. Then, the company sends the nonprofit a donation!

This process is made even easier when a donor uses a CSR platform that offers auto-submission (more on this below). Instead of filling out multiple forms, all they have to do is provide their corporate email address. The rest is taken care of for them!

Each company’s matching gift program will look a little different, depending on the nonprofits they deem eligible for gift matching, the types of employees they deem eligible for the program (e.g., full-time, part-time, retired), the ratio at which they match gifts, the minimum and maximum gift amounts they will match, and the submission deadlines for the program.

If this type of corporate philanthropy sounds too good to pass up, learn more about matching gifts with these resources!

For Companies: How to Start a Matching Gift Program

For Nonprofits: Get to Know the Basics of Corporate Matching Gift Programs

2. Volunteer Grants

Sometimes referred to as Dollars for Doers, volunteer grants are another incredibly popular type of corporate philanthropy.

Through these programs, employers match the hours their employees have volunteered with a nonprofit with a donation to that nonprofit.

Volunteer grants are a way to turn time into money—and another way for your nonprofit’s supporters to drive more impact without spending a cent. 

The volunteer grant process works like this:

  1. An individual volunteers with a nonprofit on a regular basis.
  2. The volunteer uses a corporate giving database to check if they’re eligible for a volunteer grant from their company.
  3. After verifying their eligibility, the volunteer submits their application for a volunteer grant to their company.
  4. The company reviews the application and confirms the volunteer hours the volunteer has put in with the nonprofit.
  5. The company sends the nonprofit a donation!

Like matching gift programs, volunteer grant programs can differ. For instance, one company may give nonprofits a certain amount of money per hour volunteered, while another may donate a flat amount once a certain threshold of volunteer hours is met. Some companies may also offer team volunteer grants, where a grant is provided when a group of employees volunteers together!

Whether you’re a nonprofit or a company, it will be important to have volunteers log their hours. Verifying those hours will be essential to giving and collecting a volunteer grant.

3. Corporate Grants

When awarding a corporate grant, a company gives money to a nonprofit for a specific program or project. Typically, large companies will offer a grant program, as it can be a lot to manage. But this doesn’t mean smaller companies should shy away from the opportunity to award grants!

The process of getting a grant is a little more complex than something like matching gifts or volunteer grants. The nonprofit will have to apply for the grant with a compelling written grant proposal that clearly outlines its needs for the grant and what it will do with the money.

After reviewing the grant proposals, the company decides which nonprofit will receive the funding. The nonprofit must then use the money specifically for the purposes outlined in the proposal and approved by the granting corporation. To maintain a strong relationship with the company (and to lay the groundwork for future grant success), the nonprofit must report back to the company on how it used the funds and impacted its beneficiaries.

4. Employee Grant Stipends

Also known as employee grants or annual grant stipends, employee grant stipends are given on top of an employee’s normal compensation package each year to allow that employee to give to the nonprofit of their choice.

Grant stipends may not yield as much funding for nonprofits as something like a matching gift program, but they do put the power in an employee’s hands, allowing them to choose where their donations go. This allows a company’s employees to choose to give to an organization that aligns with their personal values or interests. Plus, employee grant stipends can be an attractive part of a well-rounded compensation package!

5. Automatic Payroll Deductions

With this kind of corporate philanthropy, employers make giving extremely easy for their employees.

To participate, employees simply arrange to have part of their paycheck deducted and given to a nonprofit of their choice. However, companies may dictate which types of organizations are eligible to receive donations. To offer this type of corporate philanthropy, companies will need to check that their payroll system enables this functionality.

6. Corporate Volunteer Programs

With a corporate volunteer program, a company coordinates with a nonprofit to set up times when the company’s employees can volunteer.

These volunteering outings may take the form of optional standing times for employees to volunteer with a nonprofit after work or on the weekends. Alternatively, businesses might host full-blown corporate volunteering days, where the entire company engages in a day of volunteer work.

Whatever they look like, corporate volunteer programs can be a lot of fun for the people involved. Employees can enjoy working alongside each other and nonprofits can get to know a new large group of enthusiastic potential supporters.

Plus, these programs allow nonprofits to tap into the company’s skill sets or specialties. For example, a graphic design company might volunteer with a nonprofit and spend time helping a nonprofit revamp the branding on its social media content. Or, a team of bakers might come together to bake and serve treats at a nonprofit event.

The possibilities are endless! And employees will love using the skills they’ve developed at work to do good in the community.

7. Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

Volunteer Time Off (VTO) is paid time off for employees to do volunteer work for nonprofits in their community.

According to the Academy to Innovative HR (AIHR), VTO is a relatively new form of corporate philanthropy. (Remember, 28% of employers currently offer VTO, with the number increasing each year.)

AIHR also notes that the amount of VTO usually ranges from eight to 40 hours per employee per year. While that may not sound like a lot of time, a day or two of VTO can be an attractive part of a benefits package and do a lot to nurture a culture of giving within a workplace. Plus, the collective VTO hours donated by just one company can translate into a huge amount of progress for a nonprofit’s cause.

8. In-Kind Donations

When you think of a donation to a nonprofit, you probably picture a check or credit card. However, donations of items or services, also known as in-kind donations, can also be extremely valuable for a nonprofit.

The great thing about in-kind donations is they cut out a step for nonprofits. Instead of having to purchase items or invest in services, they get access to them with less footwork, saving them time and money.

Here are some examples of how a company might provide a nonprofit with in-kind donations:

  • Give the nonprofit gently used computers or other technology when transitioning to new equipment for the company’s employees
  • Donate a day of weeding to clean up the grounds of the nonprofit’s facilities
  • Run a canned food or clothing drive on behalf of the nonprofit
  • Have the company’s accountants give nonprofits advice during tax season

In-kind donations are a flexible form of corporate philanthropy. Nonprofits should be specific in what they’re looking for—we suggest nonprofits post a wishlist on their websites. Meanwhile, companies should think of out-of-the-box ways they can give items or services.

9. Scholarships

You may be familiar with some private scholarship programs, like the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation or the Dell Scholars Program. You or someone you know may have even applied to these programs!

Giving scholarships to deserving students is an excellent way for companies to invest in the potential of the rising generation and show how much they value education. A company may decide to offer scholarships directly to high school students headed for college or students who are already studying at the undergraduate or graduate levels. Or, a company may partner with a nonprofit to fund an existing scholarship program.

10. Sponsorships

Setting up a sponsorship between a nonprofit and a company is an effective way to create a long-lasting partnership.

Through a sponsorship, a nonprofit provides frequent financial support to its nonprofit partner. In return, the nonprofit acknowledges its sponsors’ contributions through methods such as:

  • Issuing press releases to announce the sponsorships
  • Giving the sponsors a shout-out at events in promotional materials
  • Spotlighting the sponsors on its website
  • Creating a sponsorship acknowledgement wall or display
  • Providing sponsors with exclusive opportunities like behind-the-scenes tours or meetings with the nonprofit’s board
  • Giving sponsors tokens of gratitude related to the nonprofit’s cause (such as branded merchandise)

The months and weeks ahead of an event is an especially good time for nonprofits to seek out sponsors. Companies can not only provide funding for the event but also critical equipment or even venue space.

11. Cause-Related Marketing

Cause-Related Marketing (CRM) is a type of corporate philanthropy in which a company partners with a nonprofit organization to support a specific cause. The nonprofit then develops marketing campaigns that promote its products or services while raising awareness for the chosen cause or issue at the same time.

The key to a successful CRM initiative is to call the company’s audience to action. When they see the marketing materials promoting both the nonprofit cause and the company’s product, they should be inspired to do something on behalf of the nonprofit cause. This could be donating, sharing a social media message, or registering for an event.

12. Annual Giving

For this type of corporate philanthropy, companies encourage their employees to donate to nonprofits at certain times of the year. This is most common at the end of the calendar year. Donating is popular at the end of the year for personal tax purposes and because of the autumn and winter holidays that focus on giving and generosity!

This can be a fun way for companies to engage their teams around holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, and more. Companies can even get involved in their local communities’ GivingTuesday campaigns, which take place on the Tuesday after American Thanksgiving.

13. Employee Product Donation Programs (EPDP)

Some companies may encourage charitable giving among their employees by offering discounts on the products they sell, which can then be donated to nonprofits.

This is an especially popular form of corporate philanthropy for tech companies. And what nonprofit wouldn’t love new computers, tablets, or smartphones to streamline its operations?

14. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fundraising

Companies may also partner with a nonprofit and transform their employees into volunteer fundraisers for the nonprofit’s cause.

This is done through peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising campaigns. For these fundraisers, participants (like a company’s employees) are given their own personal online fundraising pages. Then, the volunteer fundraisers solicit donations from their personal networks of family and friends, usually through social media.

This can be a powerful way to engage a company’s workforce, tap into employees’ competitive spirits, and even expand a nonprofit’s audience to volunteer fundraisers’ family and friends.

For Companies: How to Create Your Own Corporate Philanthropy Program

If your organization is a company, you might be interested in starting a corporate philanthropy program of your own after learning about the different options out there.

Here are some steps your company can take to set yourself up for success and engage employees in your efforts:

This image and the text below describe how to create your own corporate philanthropy program.

    • Consider your objectives. What are you hoping to achieve through your charitable efforts? You may want to make a positive social impact, build customer loyalty, or take care of your local environment. After you define your objectives, set clear and achievable goals, like “Launch a matching gifts program in March for all of our full-time employees.” Having a rock-solid goal will make it easier to bring your corporate philanthropy program to life in a way that maximizes your team’s efforts and minimizes the strain on your company’s time and other resources.
    • Choose the type of program you want to start. Review the list above to decide which type of program you’d like to start. Consider your company’s philanthropic goals, the shared values you have with potential nonprofit partners, and your employees’ interests. Taking into account the type of program that will resonate with your employees will be imperative because success will depend on their participation. Also, note that you can work up to running multiple types of corporate philanthropy programs. For instance, you may want to have both a matching gift program and a scholarship program, but currently only have the bandwidth for the matching gift program. That’s okay! One initiative is a great starting point and will provide the framework you need to expand your efforts later.
    • Design the program. Lay out what your program will look like and how it will work. Continuing with the matching gift program example, you should identify which nonprofits will be eligible to receive matched donations, what matching ratio you will offer, and what the minimum and maximum donation amounts are that your company will match. As part of your program design efforts, you may want to invest in a CSR platform to help you facilitate the program.
    • Partner with a nonprofit that resonates with your values. Partner with organizations that your company and your employees can be excited about working with. Your missions don’t have to be totally aligned, but that can be a bonus. For example, if your company manufactures toothbrushes, you could partner with organizations that provide dental care to people in need.
    • Create guidelines for employee participation. Identify who at your company can participate in the program. For instance, you might allow part-time, full-time, and retired employees to tap into your matching gift program. You should also lay out the process for how to kickstart the matching process and who employees can talk to if they have questions or encounter any issues.
    • Launch the program. When you roll out your corporate philanthropy program, be transparent with your employees (and the rest of your community) about the program’s goals and how it will work. Don’t be afraid to share that the program is part of a larger push for CSR or that you’re looking to make more of a positive impact on the community in which your company operates. This honesty will drive more interest in your program and get your employees excited to participate.
    • Engage employees in the program. Actively promote your corporate philanthropy program to your employees. For example, you might include information about your new VTO policy in your weekly company-wide newsletter or encourage managers to talk about the program in their next one-on-one meetings with directs. To make things more exciting, launch a participation challenge. You might see which department can volunteer the most hours with your nonprofit partner over the next quarter or see which team can bring in the most cans of food for your in-kind donation drive. Don’t forget to reward the winners!
    • Report on the program’s impact. After your program has been up and running for a good amount of time, take a look at how things are going. (Hint: A CSR platform can help you gather data on your program!) Report to your employees, nonprofit partners, and the larger community on the program’s impact and how you envision the future of your efforts.
    • Make adjustments as necessary. As you evaluate your program, you may find that some things need to change. For example, you may need to adjust your matching gift ratio or the scholarship amounts you’re offering to local students. Don’t be afraid to make changes. You can even seek feedback from your employees and nonprofit partners so that you have a better idea of how to improve the program.

Starting a corporate philanthropy program takes a lot of work and ongoing maintenance, but it’s worth the effort! You’ll positively impact your community and drive employee participation when you take a thoughtful and thorough approach from the very beginning.

  • The Winning Element of A Corporate Philanthropy Program: Matching Gift Auto-Submission

    Starting a matching gifts program is the easiest way for your company to dive into corporate philanthropy. But sometimes, the process of getting a gift match can be long and drawn out, meaning that employees may disengage with the process and your nonprofit partners may lose out on critical funding.

    You can solve this problem by leveraging a CSR platform that offers Double the Donation’s auto-submission functionality. Check out this video to get an overview of auto-submission:

    With auto-submission, you’ll:

    • Take any complexity out of the donation matching process for your employees
    • Guarantee all matching gift requests are formatted correctly (and actually submitted to your company)
    • Ensure that the matching gift funds reach your nonprofit partners faster

    To tap into the power of auto-submission and level up your matching gifts program, you’ll need to work with the right CSR platform. Double the Donation is not a CSR platform, but we partner with plenty of great vendors that leverage our auto-submission technology. Click the button below to learn more!

    Click through to learn more about matching gift auto-submission and how to leverage it!

    For Nonprofits: How to Tap Into Corporate Philanthropy Programs

    If your organization is a nonprofit, you’re probably eager to benefit from one or more of the types of corporate philanthropy discussed above! To do so, you need to have a strategic approach. Here’s what we recommend:

This image and the text below describe how nonprofits can tap into corporate philanthropy programs.

    • Build relationships with potential corporate partners. Get to know the business leaders who run companies in your local area or who share similar values or missions to your own. Get face time with them so that your teams are familiar with each other.  Invite them to events. Demonstrate the impact that you could have if you worked together. Then, when the time is right, ask how your nonprofit can become part of their philanthropic program.
    • Highlight the benefits of partnering with your organization. For instance, when reaching out directly to ask companies to partner with your organization, you might highlight the benefits you give sponsors, such as free publicity or exclusive perks. You could even speak to how your specific cause will help to engage that company’s workforce or how your causes align.
    • Promote corporate philanthropy among your supporters. Depending on the type of program, the onus will be on your supporters to help your nonprofit tap into their employers’ corporate philanthropy initiatives. Let your donors know that programs like matching gifts and volunteer grants exist and that they could be eligible. Encourage them to inquire about these programs at work, or even to advocate for the creation of a program.

Being thoughtful in how you approach corporate giving will allow you to tap into as many opportunities as possible. You’ll develop more impactful relationships with companies and ultimately drive greater outcomes for your mission.

  • The Key to Maximizing Corporate Support: A Corporate Philanthropy Database

    The most important tool for tapping into corporate philanthropy is a corporate philanthropy database, like 360MatchPro by Double the Donation.

    Our database is the largest and most up-to-date collection of information about companies’ matching gift and volunteer grant programs. Here are a few fun facts about our platform:

    • We have 24,493 company records
    • This represents nearly 27 million employees
    • Our database covers an estimated 99.68% of all gift-match-eligible donors

    So, when you invest in our database and embed it on your donation form or your website, you’re empowering your donors (and your team members) to check their volunteer grants and matching gift eligibility and start the process.

    Click the button below to take 360MatchPro for a test drive!

    Click here to demo our matching gift tool!

    Wrapping Up: Don’t Miss Out on Corporate Philanthropy!

    Remember, although there are many different types of corporate philanthropy out there, the benefits for companies, employees, and nonprofits are universal. Now that you know your options (if you’re a company looking to build its own program) or what to look for in a corporate partner (if you’re a nonprofit), you’re ready to experience those benefits for yourself!

    Want to continue exploring the world of corporate philanthropy and CSR? Check out these resources:

    Click through to get a demo of 360MatchPro and learn how to tap into the benefits of corporate philanthropy for your nonprofit!

Explore everything you need to know about hosting phonathons and read advice from phonathon professionals in this guide.

The Ultimate Phonathon Playbook for Nonprofits: 16 Pro Tips

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In the world of nonprofit fundraising, few strategies have stood the test of time as effectively as the phonathon. While technology has transformed the fundraising landscape, the power of a well-placed phone call can still work wonders.

Phonathons may seem like a relic of the past, but they remain a tried-and-true resource for all sorts of nonprofits and higher education institutions to engage donors and raise money. While the benefits of a phonathon campaign are straightforward, running a successful campaign isn’t easy. A lot of hard work goes into powering these campaigns, but they can generate incredible results for your cause — especially when you know how to identify donors eligible for matching gifts from their employer⁠s.

So, how do you optimize your phonathons and drive even greater results with matching gifts? We’ve compiled a number of tips and tricks to effectively communicate with your donors about matching gifts and raise more in phonathon revenue overall. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a phonathon pro and ready to start dialing!

This graphic explains several steps and tips for hosting a phonathon.

Want to find out how to optimize your organization’s upcoming phonathon to raise more? Let’s cover the basics before diving into tips that will transform your next campaign.

Download your free matching gifts guide, so you can leverage corporate giving during your phonathon.

The Fundamentals of Phonathons

Making the most of any type of campaign requires you to understand the basics of how they work. Let’s make sure you have the background knowledge you need before crafting your phonathon plans.

What is a phonathon?

This graphic provides the definition of the word phonathon, written out below.

A phonathon is a fundraising campaign in which organizations call supporters to solicit donations and engage with them. During a phonathon, trained staff or volunteers make outbound calls to donors to encourage contributions, share mission updates, and strengthen relationships via personalized conversations.

Often hosted by nonprofits and educational institutions, phonathons are a valuable tool for connecting with supporters, increasing donor retention, and boosting fundraising revenue. Successful phonathons require effective training, well-prepared scripts, and donor management systems to track and manage interactions.

What role do matching gifts play in phonathons?

Corporate matching gifts have the power to double (or sometimes even triple) the contributions your donors make. Through these CSR programs, companies offer to match their employees’ donations to charitable organizations. However, they often implement eligibility criteria alongside minimum and maximum donation amounts they’re willing to match.

By adding matching gifts to your phonathon strategy, your campaign will see even greater success. If you can capitalize on that potential during your phonathon, you’ll see a massive increase in raised funds. In fact, our matching gift research found that 84% of donors are more likely to donate if a match is offered. Meanwhile, 1 in 3 donors actually indicate they’d give a larger gift if matching is applied to their donation.

If you play your cards right, you can raise a lot more during your phonathon with corporate giving. You’ll just need to let donors know how to check their eligibility and submit a match request to their employers. After all, who wouldn’t want to double their contributions without reaching back into their own wallet?

1. Focus on the larger mission.

The most successful fundraising campaigns are focused on more than raising a certain dollar amount. If you can help donors understand why your cause is a worthy one, then you are far more likely to succeed. By highlighting the larger purpose of the campaign, you can motivate both donors and callers to feel good about what they’re doing!

To illustrate our point, take a look at two possible phonathon script introductions:

  • Phonathon Script Introduction #1: “I’m calling on behalf of University X to raise money for our annual phonathon campaign. Would you consider making a donation of $100 to the university’s endowment fund?”
  • Phonathon Script Introduction #2: “I’m calling on behalf of University X to raise money for our annual phonathon campaign. Would you consider making a donation of $100 to the university’s endowment fund? Every dollar you donate will go to scholarships for students in financial need!”

See the difference? In both cases, the caller is asking for the same dollar amount. But in our second example, the donor understands how their donation will be helping someone in need.

2. Create a standardized script for your phonathon.

For many of your callers, this will be their first phonathon campaign. The idea of getting on the phone with prospective donors or school alumni to ask for donations can be extremely intimidating.

Creating a detailed and interactive script can help ease the nerves of new callers when requesting contributions and standardize the giving experience. Here are the key components to any phonathon script:

This graphic outlines a typical phonathon script that callers can use.

  • Introduction: Answer the most basic questions: Who are you? What is your relationship to the organization running the campaign? Why are you calling?
  • Statement of purpose: Why is your organization asking for donations? What will the contributions be used for?
  • First ask: Make the initial request for a donation. What is the suggested donation amount? If the donor has made a donation previously, how much should the caller suggest they donate this year?
  • Gift confirmation: Success! How do we close the deal? How do we accommodate different payment methods?
  • Answers to common objections: Not everyone wants to donate. How do we respond to common objectives such as a lack of interest, recent issues with the organization, or other giving priorities?
  • Non-pledge close: For those calls that don’t end in success, it’s important to help close the conversation gracefully to maintain the relationship with the donor.

A great script is arguably the most important component of a successful phonathon, as it’s a resource that every caller will use. Spend significant time working with your organization’s communication director to put this resource together.

3. Include matching gifts in your phonathon’s scripts.

With over 26 million individuals working for companies with matching gift programs, many of your phonathon donors are bound to be eligible for a corporate match. Your callers should always ask donors if their employer offers a matching gift program.

Here’s how (it’s as easy as A-B-C!):

  • A: Ask every time. Few donors are thinking about (or are even aware of) matching gifts. In fact, 78% of those 26 million match-eligible individuals don’t know whether their companies offer these programs. Introduce the concept to see if they have any information about their employers’ corporate giving opportunities off-hand.
  • B: Be persistent. Donors sometimes default to, “I don’t think so,” when asked if their company will match their donation. Have callers ask for their employer’s name and then quickly research that specific company using our database.
  • C: Come prepared. If a donor has submitted a matching gift in the past, come to the call prepared with the company’s matching gift information. Make the process simple and easy for your donors.

Being well-versed in matching gifts and anticipating donors’ questions can go a long way in driving more matches to completion! You’ll be impressed by how much you raise in matching gifts during your phonathon.

An Example of This Strategy in Action

Let’s walk through an example of how to properly incorporate matching gifts into your script. A normal phonathon call will consist of the following steps:

  1. The caller introduces themself and the organization that’s fundraising.
  2. The caller asks the potential donor if they are willing to donate.
  3. The potential donor says yes/no.
  4. If the answer is no, the caller politely thanks the prospect for their time and ends the call.
  5. If the answer is yes, the caller begins the donation process with the new donor and helps guide them through the experience.

Once the donation is secured, have your caller make the matching gift ask. Use a template similar to this:

Many companies actually match donations made by their employees to schools and other nonprofits. Do you know if you or your spouse works for a company that offers a matching gift program? I’m happy to do a quick check to see if your company will double or possibly triple your donation.

Scripts take the guesswork and pressure out of calls. Plus, if you standardize your request process, you’re in a better position to evaluate and adjust it according to the results.

4. Practice for your phonathon with mock calls.

Having a team of well-trained callers is the secret to any successful phonathon campaign.

Prepare callers by organizing mock calls. During this time, they’ll read through the provided script and respond to a variety of different “donor personas.” See how they respond when a donor has questions about the campaign, voices objections, or wants to complete their transaction. Include some matching gift-related questions to ensure volunteers are prepared, too.

Proper preparation will help callers feel more at ease when it comes time to dial a real donor’s phone number. Plus, it can help get some of the roadblocks and uncertainties out of the way early!

5. Schedule calls when donors are home.

One of the most common challenges for phonathon callers is simply reaching donors in the first place.

To improve the chances that your donors pick up the phone, consider calling during the hours when they are most likely to be home and available. These are some of our recommended times to do so:

This graphic explains the best times to call to reach donors during a phonathon.

  • Monday – Thursday, 6-9 p.m. If you call within this time window, most donors will be home from work. Yet, it’s early enough that you reduce the risk of waking anyone up. After all, cranky donors rarely give donations.
  • Sunday, 4-9 p.m. At this time on a Sunday, most donors will be finished with their weekend errands and are likely available for a conversation.

Make sure that you’re planning to reach donors when they’re ready and able to chat for the greatest fundraising success.

6. Set nightly/weekly fundraising goals for your phonathon.

Setting goals greatly increases your chances of fundraising success. Encourage your callers to set nightly or weekly donation goals to instill a sense of accomplishment when they reach and exceed their objectives.

Then, there are plenty of opportunities to use these metrics to improve your fundraising results. We suggest that you:

  • Identify any knowledge gaps and situations where additional training is needed.
  • Assign your most effective callers to your highest-value prospective donors.
  • Communicate the concrete donation impact of your callers’ fundraising goals.

Setting detailed objectives helps your organization keep track of how many donations you bring in within a certain timeframe. You can even leverage some friendly competition among callers this way!

7. Use phonathon management software.

Consider purchasing phonathon software from a well-established vendor, such as industry leader Wilson-Bennett Technology’s DonorConnect. This type of tool can save you time, money, and many of the technical headaches that would ordinarily get in the way of a successful campaign.

Common tasks that phonathon software handles include:

  • Managing and updating your donor database.
  • Automating pledge verification via email.
  • Tracking call results.
  • Issuing reports on campaign progress.

By automating these time-consuming tactical steps, you can spend your time managing callers, increasing donations, and engaging in deeper relationships with supporters.

8. Train phonathon callers on matching gifts.

Using matching gifts to boost phonathon funds starts and ends with your callers. These individuals are the voice of your campaign, working hard to help you fulfill your mission. They need to be prepared to explain matching gifts and answer any questions a prospect may have.
While you may understand the value of capturing employer data and pursuing a matching gift from your donors, your caller and digital engagement teams may not. Make sure the people who will engage in those real-time conversations understand the what, why, and how of matching gifts.

Invest in a matching gift database to make researching donors’ eligibility a breeze. Then, consider these four components of effective matching gift phonathon training:

  1. Materials: Document how callers should ask about matching gifts and the process by which they should share company rules, guidelines, and instructions.
  2. Speakers: Who at your organization is responsible for matching gifts? Invite this team member to speak with your callers.
  3. Practice: Have your callers pair up and do trial runs on a few matching gift companies. Provide feedback as needed.
  4. Coaching: Like with anything, there’s always room for improvement. Listen for matching gift asks during calls and provide guidance to improve techniques.

Ensuring your team is on the same page about matching gift goals will make the ask that much easier when the opportunity arises. Check out this video for ideas to integrate matching gifts into your phonathons and everyday fundraising efforts:


You’ll need to teach them about the latest technology, such as matching gift auto-submission, too. This feature cuts out a few steps in the request process when donors fill out your online donation form. They’ll click a checkbox to opt into auto-submission. If their employer uses CSR software that integrates with our tools, our software will automatically fill out their match request to their employer.

Overall, being a caller for a phonathon is no easy task. But with proper training, you’ll situate your callers in the best possible position to make matching gift asks.

Make sure you prepare your phonathon volunteers to talk about matching gifts. Click here to read a guide to the fundamentals.

9. Implement screening and segmentation.

Make the most of your callers’ (and your donors!) time by pre-screening and segmenting your calling list beforehand in terms of matching gift prospects.

Think of it this way: would you rather call 10 people and have one person respond positively, or call five and have three people respond positively? By segmenting your contacts prior to reaching out, you ensure that each call is a valuable use of your team’s time and resources.

For matching-gift-related segmentation, you’ll enact a three-point process:

  1. Pre-screen your file for matching gift eligibility. It is likely that a sizable percentage of your existing prospects are matching gift-eligible. Know who they are in advance by researching local matching gift businesses and determining donors’ eligibility.
  2. Append relevant information to your file. Append employer data and phone numbers to either your entire file or best prospects.
  3. Segment your calling list accordingly. Assign your best callers to high-value match-eligible prospects. Not only are those candidates’ donations likely to get matched, but they are likely to have higher average donation amounts. If they don’t respond the first time, this group might even be worth a second call!

Increasing matching gift eligibility awareness is only going to help your campaign. Give your callers the information they need to have the biggest impact.

Of course, call volume is always going to be crucial for successful phonathons. But if your organization can be even 10% more deliberate about who you’re calling, you can significantly increase your call conversion rate.

10. Prepare for donor questions.

Some donors will be hesitant to give, especially if they’ve never contributed to your organization before. If they have questions about your mission, your particular fundraising need, or anything else that might be holding them back, you’ll want to have the answers prepped and ready.

Additionally, your donors might have questions about matching gift opportunities. Be sure your callers are able to provide basic information on company gift-matching by answering questions such as these:

  • What is a matching gift?
  • How do I figure out if my company will match my gift?
  • What’s the submission process, and how does auto-submission work?

Making sure that everyone is on the same page with regard to these questions ensures that your callers give supporters the most thorough, accurate information and drive as many donations as possible.

11. Equip callers with matching gift resources.

Do your callers have the information they need to help donors? You can’t expect them to memorize the program guidelines for all the thousands of companies that offer matching gifts⁠—so where can they find that information to pass along?

That’s where your matching gift company database comes in! This type of tool allows users to conduct a quick search of an employer’s name and receive detailed guideline information in seconds. Equip callers with access to this comprehensive database to uncover the following:

Before your phonathon, give your volunteers access to this relevant matching gift information with a comprehensive database.

  • Employee eligibility
  • Types of qualifying nonprofits
  • Match ratios
  • Match minimums and maximums
  • Forms and guidelines
  • Submission deadlines and instructions

Providing callers with ample information will help them quickly and easily answer common questions from donors. Once a donor has expressed interest in requesting a matching gift, you want your caller to be able to help in any way they can. Don’t miss out on a matching gift due to a technical or otherwise avoidable issue!

12. Follow up with match-eligible donors.

If a donor has expressed interest in matching gifts on the phone, your organization should follow up afterward to increase the likelihood of turning that interest into action.

Immediately after the conversation, send an email with matching gift request instructions for the individual’s employer. You’ll also want to include matching gift reminders across various donor communications, including:

  • Pledge acknowledgments: When confirming a donor completed their pledge, encourage them to check their eligibility, or if you know they’re eligible, direct them to their employer’s form.
  • Thank yous: When showing appreciation for your donors, include matching gift reminders, encouraging them to take their impact even further.
  • End-of-year reminders: Many companies set deadlines for match requests at the end of the calendar year. Remind donors to submit their requests before time runs out!

Telling donors their gift is eligible for a match is only one component of boosting matching gifts. It’s far more valuable if you pair that information with actionable next steps.

We also recommend embedding matching gift information into your website. Give your alumni and supporters a trusted place to find their matching gift information and next steps on an easy-to-find webpage, so they can take action after speaking with your ambassadors. This helps interested supporters discover gift matching and double their own donations!

Click here to learn more about marketing matching gifts year-round and during specific campaigns like phonathons.

13. Track and incentivize successful conversations.

Are your callers held accountable and rewarded for their overall fundraising and matching gift performance? One of the best ways to ensure that callers know how important matching gifts are to your phonathon is by implementing incentives.

Giving your callers something to work towards will only help your fundraising efforts. Then, once they reach and surpass their goal, provide them with a small token of appreciation⁠, such as a t-shirt, hat, mug, or even public recognition!

Tracking and incentivizing fundraising results also gives you a positive metric for tracking caller proficiency and efficiency. This enables you to define where your phonathon is doing well and where it has room for improvement. Once you’ve isolated those areas, you’ll be in a great position to adjust your efforts as needed.

14. Keep an eye on trends in employer information.

As you start to collect employer information from your alumni and supporters, you may notice trends in company data. Be sure to ask questions like these:

  • Do a lot of your donors work for the same companies?
  • In similar industries?
  • In specific locations?
  • Do those common companies your donors work for have strong matching gift programs?
  • Is there a concentrated area of match-eligible donors you could target for your next campaign?

These are all characteristics you can determine with greater accuracy the more donors you collect employer data from. While these are nice-to-know facts for general fundraising initiatives, they can also have a more significant impact on your greater matching gifts strategy.

Therefore, make sure you’re considering matching gifts when analyzing those trends for future initiatives. You never know when that information could come in handy for future events, digital outreach, or even a future phonathon!

15. Integrate your fundraising and matching gift tools.

Phonathons and other digital engagement events can be huge operations, and a lot can get lost in the shuffle if you don’t have the right tools. Luckily, providing a scalable system for your fundraising ambassadors and callers is an easy and effective way to organize your donor data. With matching gifts added to the mix, you’ll want an automated system to take care of all the nitty-gritty details for you.

Phonathon Software Integration

We recommend using a phonathon system to manage all your digital engagement needs⁠—particularly one that integrates with powerful gift-matching tools! Donor Connect by Wilson-Bennett Technology and 360MatchPro by Double the Donation offer an integrated solution that allows callers to retrieve and communicate valuable matching gift information when speaking to donors in real time.

It takes virtually no effort from your team to set up the integration, and you’ll be able to start using it right away in your next digital engagement event. Automate the best practices listed above by incorporating the autocomplete search tool within Donor Connect scripts, automated email outreach, and regularly updated donor data.

Matching Gift Auto-Submission Integrations

A big part of driving greater matching gift revenue is simplifying the process for donors and their employers. That’s where matching gift auto-submission comes in handy.

Many companies leverage CSR software to manage employee giving programs. When these companies use platforms that integrate with our tools, this is how streamlined the match request process is:

  1. A donor gives using your organization’s online donation page.
  2. They enter their corporate email address and click a checkbox to opt into auto-submission.
  3. If eligible, our tools will automatically complete their match request.

It’s that simple! Otherwise, they’d need to fill out the form themselves. Leading CSR software like Givinga, Millie, POINT, and Selflessly enable auto-submission, so be aware of donors who work for companies that use these platforms. From here, make sure your phonathon volunteers know the basics of how this software works, too!

Bonus! Fundraising advice from phonathon experts

Hear from the phonathon fundraising experts at Wilson-Bennett Technology: a phonathon management services and software company serving nonprofits since 1998.

Todd Smith

Founder and CEO – Wilson-Bennett

Todd Smith is the CEO and founder of Wilson-Bennett Technology, which provides phonathon services.

Ensure training is ongoing throughout the campaign and each caller receives assistance, along with reminders, before calling begins each session.

We always encourage callers to excel while teaching methods to overcome negative comments.

During training, be sure to explain campaign policies and procedures, ensuring callers make the highest quality call on behalf of your institution.

Rob Schlitts

Former President – Wilson-Bennett

Rob Schlitts was the president of Wilson-Bennett Technology, a phonathon service company for charitable organizations.

“Play chess with your phonathon.”

Matching the right prospects up with the right caller makes for a great connection, conversation, and ultimately a gift. Your alumni and student callers will both enjoy the ability to connect with prospects who share similar traits and experiences.

A well-trained student caller will always be the engine of a successful phonathon.

Wrapping Up

In an age of social media, texting, and online transactions, the human element of fundraising can get lost in the shuffle. Thankfully, phonathons offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and personal connection.

Many organizations recognize that traditional phonathons remain a smart fundraising strategy. However, most don’t think about the potential of incorporating matching gift promotions into those invaluable donor conversations.

By following these tried-and-true phonathon fundraising tips, you can set up your team⁠—and your mission⁠⁠—for long-term success. Looks like it’s time to get calling!

For more information, be sure to check out our other educational fundraising resources below:

Click here to download a resource about matching gifts and learn how you can multiply money raised during your phonathons.

This guide will go over how you can increase gifts through a matching donation challenge.

Matching Donation Challenges: A Guide to Increasing Gifts

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With matching gifts, nonprofit organizations can double the impact of their donors’ contributions with just a tiny amount of effort. In fact, an estimated $2-3 billion is donated through matching gift programs annually. But if you need funds by a specific deadline or want to finish out your fundraising campaign with a bang, a matching donation challenge is more suited to your needs.

When organized thoughtfully, matching donation challenges can greatly increase the gifts your nonprofit receives. To help you get started, we’ll cover the following topics:

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently host a matching gift challenge of your own. Let’s get started!

Click to get a demo of Double the Donation’s matching gift software for your matching donation challenge.

What is a Matching Donation Challenge?

With matching gifts, your nonprofit essentially asks your donors to check with their employers to see if they offer donation matches. If these matches are offered, then donors will typically need to fill out a form requesting the match. Then, your nonprofit receives the funds from both the donor and the employer’s match. Usually, matching gift programs work on an annual basis—even if the donation was made months ago, a donor can still request a match from their employer if it’s still the same year.

Where matching donation challenges differ from matching gifts is that they are generally a much more time-sensitive fundraising initiative. Rather than having individual donors request matches from their employers, during a challenge, a major donor or corporate partner pledges to match donations during a set time frame.

For example, they could pledge to match every dollar donated up to $20,000 at a 1:1 ratio for the weekend. This incentivizes supporters to make gifts during that time, as their donations will have a greater impact.

While matching gift challenges are usually for the benefit of a nonprofit, that doesn’t mean that only nonprofits organize them. For example, the popular convention Dragon Con designates a charity every year for a dollar-to-dollar match during the convention dates.

Benefits of Matching Donation Challenges

Matching donation challenges offer nonprofits a variety of benefits, including the following:

This image lists the benefits of matching donation challenges, also covered by the text below.

  • Additional funding. Since donations will be matched by your partner, your nonprofit will receive additional funding without having to ask donors to give more.
  • Increased engagement. Due to their time-sensitive nature, matching donation challenges create a sense of urgency for your supporters. This results in an increased amount of gifts and drives high levels of engagement.
  • Supporter retention. Through the power of donation matching, your supporters’ gifts will make a greater impact on your nonprofit. This empowers donors to play a more rewarding role for your organization, and when they witness the impact of their gifts, they’ll be more likely to give again.
  • Corporate partnerships. Depending on the partner you acquire, matching donation challenges provide an excellent opportunity to solidify relationships with corporations and businesses. This can lead to future partnership opportunities, such as event sponsorships.

These benefits make matching donation challenges uniquely suited to augment your existing fundraising efforts. For example, if you have a year-end giving strategy in place, take advantage of the increased generosity at the end of the year and create a matching challenge for the last few days of December. That way, you’ll maximize the gifts that your nonprofit receives.

How to Set Up a Matching Donation Challenge

To properly leverage the benefits of a matching donation challenge, you need to know how to organize your challenge. Follow these six steps to help ensure your fundraising success.

This image lists the steps to setting up a matching donation challenge, also covered by the text below.

1. Identify challenge details.

The first step to creating a successful matching donation challenge is to identify the details of the challenge. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Will the challenge be a part of a larger fundraising campaign?
  • When will the challenge take place?
  • Will the challenge fall on any significant dates or times?
  • Are there any legal requirements or restrictions to consider?

By answering these questions, you’ll lay the groundwork for a carefully planned challenge. For example, if you decide that your matching donation challenge will be your main fundraising event of the summer, your plans should look different than if it will be the grand finale of your year-end giving campaign. In the former instance, you’ll be structuring your summer fundraising around your matching donation challenge. In the latter, you’ll need to plan other fundraising events and initiatives on top of your matching donation challenge.

2. Establish your goals.

As with any other fundraising initiative, the main goal of a matching donation challenge is to increase donations to power your nonprofit’s mission. After identifying the details of your challenge, consider how your fundraising initiatives have fared in the past to help inform what your goal should be.

For example, let’s say that you’re the leader of an organization dedicated to funding breast cancer research. You host an annual Pinktober fundraising campaign, and you usually raise around $50,000. However, this year, you’d like to raise $75,000 instead—$25,000 more than usual. You can plan to use a matching donation challenge to raise this amount, making your goal $25,000.

What’s interesting about a matching donation challenge is that the match amount generally represents half of your goal. In the case of the Pinktober fundraising campaign, your goal is to raise an additional $25,000 with your challenge. To have a successful matching donation challenge and fundraising campaign, you need to secure a partner who’s willing to match at least $12,500 worth of donations.

3. Seek out a matching donation partner.

After deciding on the details of your challenge and determining your goal for it, your next step is to seek out your matching donation partner. This individual or group will be responsible for putting forth the funds to match the donations made by your supporters.

Individuals and groups that are commonly nonprofit matching donation partners include:

This image lists the types of partnerships for matching donation challenges, also covered by the text below.

  • Local businesses. Since these businesses work in the same community as your nonprofit, they’re more likely to be interested in lending their support. Target businesses that work in a similar vertical to your nonprofit for best results. For example, if your organization is dedicated to solving food insecurity in your community, a restaurant may be open to partnering with you. Alternatively, you can work with businesses with similar values and visions for the future. For instance, an environmental conservation organization might partner with a sustainable clothing store since they both believe in preserving the world’s natural ecosystems.
  • Large corporations. Large corporations are also great prospects for matching partners, as they usually have larger budgets. When seeking a partner in businesses like these, check for companies that share your values or have corporate philanthropy programs. This demonstrates a vested interest in social good, making it more likely that they’ll partner with you.
  • Major donors. Major donors are some of your nonprofit’s staunchest supporters. You can propose a matching donation partnership in lieu of their generous annual donation, making them more likely to accept.
  • Board members. Your nonprofit’s board members may also be wealthy, making them another enticing option when seeking out matching donation partnerships.
  • Celebrities or influencers. Celebrities and influencers frequently align themselves with charitable causes—just look at Angelina Jolie, for example. If you have connections to these individuals, they have the funds to make the perfect partner.

When reaching out to potential partners, frame your ask in terms of the benefits that they’ll receive. For instance, if you share a similar target audience as a business, you might share your audience’s demographics and explain how, in exchange for their generosity, you’ll market their business in your advertising materials. As a result, they’ll gain exposure to new prospective customers. Plus, your corporate partner will get a boost in their reputation by working with your organization.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to limit yourself to a single partner! If multiple individuals or organizations are willing to be your partner for your matching donation challenge, don’t hesitate to accept multiple partnerships to help you reach your goal.

4. Promote your matching donation challenge.

It’s estimated that over $4 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year, yet 84% of individuals say that they’re more likely to donate if a match is offered. This shows that the biggest barrier to nonprofits claiming funds from matching gifts is a lack of awareness.

Generating enough awareness is also critical to matching donation challenges. To create that sense of urgency and entice your supporters into giving, you need to have a strong marketing strategy. Spread information about your challenge through the following marketing channels:

  • Website
  • Direct mail
  • Email newsletters
  • SMS
  • Social media

Announce your matching donation challenge in advance of the challenge’s start date to build excitement. Be sure to include the dates of the challenge, the dollar amount of donations that will be matched, and any restrictions on donations. For example, if your partner will match $25,000 at a 1:1 ratio but only if the donations are $100 or less, include that information in your materials.

By thoroughly marketing your challenge, you’ll be able to create a sense of immediacy to support your cause, resulting in more donations for your organization.

5. Monitor challenge progress.

When your matching donation challenge begins, monitor your donation progress toward the match maximum. Be sure to provide this information to your supporters as well—transparency about funds received will create a sense of trust. Additionally, if individuals see that you are nearing your match goal, they may be more likely to donate to your nonprofit.

For the best results, consider investing in a matching donation or matching gift software solution. These tools simplify matching donation challenges with data and analytics features. With the right solution, you can create fundraising thermometers or leaderboards that automatically update as gifts are made. Plus, you can even leverage your software to receive employer matches during your matching donation challenge, effectively tripling the impact of donations made during this time.

Click to get a demo of Double the Donation’s matching gift software for your matching donation challenge.

6. Follow up after the event.

At the close of your matching donation challenge, report the results to your match partner and supporters. That way, your partner will know how much they’ll need to match, and your supporters will know if you met your goal or not.

Regardless of whether your goal was met, be sure to thank all parties involved in the challenge. For instance, you might email thank you notes to all of your supporters, write handwritten thank you notes to your top donors, and spotlight your match partner on social media. By properly stewarding these relationships, you’ll ensure future support for your nonprofit.

3 Best Practices for Successful Matching Donation Challenges

Now that you know how to set up your matching donation challenge, let’s take a look at three best practices to ensure your success.

1. Simplify your matching donation challenge with software.

Without dedicated tools, your matching donation challenge will require a large amount of manual, time-consuming work from your nonprofit’s team members. The right software solutions will simplify your challenge, reduce work for your staff, and make it easier for you to garner support.

Useful tools for matching donation challenges include:

This image lists the best types of software for matching donation challenges, also covered by the text below.

  • Fundraising platforms. You may already be using a fundraising platform to collect donations from supporters. These tools allow donors to conveniently and securely make gifts to the causes they care about. Leverage your fundraising platform to create a unique donation form for your matching gift challenge to increase support.
  • Matching gift software. Many individuals work at companies that offer matching gifts of their own. With matching gift software, you’ll be able to triple the impact of a single donation, as it will be matched by both your challenge partner and the donor’s employer.
  • Marketing solutions. Remember that the biggest obstacle to matching donation challenges and matching gifts is awareness. Invest in marketing tools, like a social media management platform or email marketing solution, to boost your promotional efforts and ensure that you get your challenge in front of the right people.
  • Nonprofit constituent relationship management (CRM) software. Even after your matching donation challenge ends, your work isn’t over. Using a nonprofit CRM, you can collect donor data, track interactions with supporters, and create histories of support. With this information, you’ll be able to tailor your communications and properly steward relationships with new donors.
  • Data and analytics tools. Monitoring challenge progress can be a challenge in and of itself without a data and analytics solution. Use this to monitor challenge progress and gain insights into donor behavior. Plus, at your challenge’s close, you’ll be able to conveniently generate reports to demonstrate results and impact.

Set your nonprofit up for success by investing in the right tools for your matching donation challenge. Thoroughly research your options to find the right choice for your nonprofit’s unique needs.

 

Click to learn more about Double the Donation’s matching gift auto-submission feature to boost your matching donation challenge’s impact.

2. Strategically choose when to host your challenge.

At certain times of the year, individuals are more likely to give to nonprofits. If you host your matching donation challenge during these moments, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of increased generosity.

For example, the end of the year is a well-known season of giving, with 30% of annual giving happening in December. Aside from the holidays, GivingTuesday, a day of global generosity, also occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This makes year-end a particularly appealing time for a matching donation challenge, as it’s more likely that donors will give.

Other periods of increased giving include cause months, which is a month or period that is dedicated to a specific cause. For instance, February is Black History Month, March is Women’s History Month, June is Pride Month, and so on. If your nonprofit’s mission aligns with a cause month, consider hosting your matching donation challenge during that month for increased visibility for your cause.

3. Emphasize increased impact.

As you’re constructing your marketing materials for your matching donation challenge, keep in mind that the increased impact of gifts is not just the challenge’s primary benefit for your nonprofit. It is also a compelling reason for donors to lend their support.

Emphasize this benefit to donors as you make your appeal for donations. Stress that there’s no extra financial obligation on their end, as your matching partner will provide the additional funds.

Consider using the following language in your marketing materials:

  • Did you know you can double your donation if you make a gift between May 5th and May 11th?
  • Between December 1st and December 10th, our generous partner will automatically double any donation you make!
  • Our partner is providing a dollar-for-dollar match for donations made before July 25th. Increase the impact of your gift by donating now!
  • For the last 24 hours of our fundraiser, our partner will donate two dollars for every dollar you donate!
  • Remember, your donation helps us raise $2 for every $1 you give with our partner’s match!

Encourage donors to make gifts by strategically positioning the impact they’ll be able to generate for your organization. Since your matching donation challenge only lasts for a limited amount of time, make sure to use time-bound language like “Donate by midnight” and “Give by Friday” to spur action.

Additional Resources

Matching donation challenges are opportunities for nonprofits to generate a greater-than-usual amount of monetary support for their cause. By investing in the right software solutions, strategically choosing your challenge timing, and emphasizing the increased impact of gifts made during your challenge, you’ll be well on your way to generating the funds your nonprofit needs to power your mission.

If you’d like to learn more about matching gifts, take a look at the following resources:

Click to get a demo of Double the Donation’s matching gift software to boost the impact of your matching donation challenge.

20 Festive Christmas Fundraising Ideas to Spread Good Cheer

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As a fundraising professional, you know the year-end giving season is crucial for your nonprofit, especially the time of year between GivingTuesday and New Year’s. In fact, nonprofits received 5% of all 2022 revenue on December 31 of that year.

What’s right in the middle of this productive fundraising period? The Christmas season!

Christmas is a fun, festive time to spread good cheer and raise more for your nonprofit’s mission. People tend to feel more charitable this time of year, meaning it’s an effective time to hold fundraising campaigns or events to support your organization. Plus, you can use Christmas-themed fundraisers to get people excited about submitting their year-end donations.

In this guide, we’ll explore these festive Christmas fundraising ideas:

  1. Holiday eCards
  2. Matching gift drive
  3. Holiday 5K
  4. Christmas present auction
  5. Polar Plunge
  6. Bake sale
  7. Christmas tree sale
  8. Holiday gala
  9. House decorating contest
  10. Gratefulness challenge
  11. Concert or singalong
  12. Online shopping fundraiser
  13. Holiday photoshoot
  14. Gift catalog
  15. In-kind donation drive
  16. Gingerbread decorating contest
  17. Online baking or cooking class
  18. Holiday lights festival
  19. Pictures with Santa
  20. Holiday movie marathon

Above all, your holiday fundraisers and events should focus on spreading goodwill among your supporters and showing appreciation for their continued involvement. Keep that in mind as you consider the following ideas.

Start designing festive eCards today with our recommended partner, eCardWidget.

1. Holiday eCards

Holiday eCards spread the Christmas spirit and allow donors to show their loved ones that they’re thinking of them. You can leverage holiday eCards in multiple types of campaigns. For example, donors can purchase eCard packages to send to family and friends. Or, give donors the option to send eCards notifying their loved ones that they made a tribute gift on their behalf. You can also send donors festive thank-you eCards to show your gratitude for the gifts they made that year.

The most effective Christmas eCards are:

  • Personalizable, with space for donors to add each recipient’s name.
  • Designed with the holiday spirit in mind, using festive imagery like Christmas trees or reindeer.
  • Branded to your nonprofit, with your logo incorporated into the design.

Here’s an example of an eCard from UnitingWorld, a faith-based international aid agency:

This is an example of a holiday eCard from UnitingWorld. 

These eCards are available as online purchases through the organization’s eStore.

Consider investing in holiday eCard software to make it easier to design and distribute these messages. These platforms simplify the design process with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy even for beginners. Then, you can immediately embed your eCards into your website or donation page for donors to start using them.

Get inspired by UnitingWorld’s holiday eCards!

2. Matching gift drive

In matching gift programs, businesses match donations that their employees make to eligible nonprofits. You can expand this idea into a matching gift drive, where companies pledge to match all donations made to your nonprofit within a given time period or up to a certain amount.

Matching gift drives can be highly motivational for supporters because they’ll feel that their gifts are more impactful, since they will be doubled. Launch a successful matching campaign by taking the following steps:

  • Reach out to new or existing corporate partners asking if they would like to partner with your nonprofit this holiday season. Highlight the benefits of getting involved, such as a positive PR boost.
  • Ask corporate sponsors to match donations made within a specific time period, such as December 25-31.
  • Promote your matching gift opportunities on multiple platforms, including your website, social media, and email newsletter.

Be sure to thank your corporate sponsors by spotlighting them in your social media posts and email newsletters.

Launch a matching gift drive!

3. Holiday 5K

A 5K or fun run can inspire friendly competition among your supporters and raise money for your nonprofit. Ask runners to pay an entry fee to participate in your 5K.

Choose a wintry theme for your 5K such as:

  • Reindeer Trot
  • Hot Chocolate Dash
  • Santa Sprint

Add a fun, engaging element to your event by encouraging participants to dress up in festive garb, such as Santa suits, reindeer antlers, or ugly sweaters.

This image shows a Santa-themed 5k event, an excellent Christmas fundraising idea.

To generate an additional revenue stream, create branded merchandise, such as t-shirts and mugs, that reflects your theme to generate. Make sure to include cute Christmas imagery on your merchandise to make it more appealing to supporters.

4. Christmas present auction

Christmas shopping tends to be an anxiety-inducing activity for many people. Take away some of the holiday stress by hosting a Christmas present auction. Attendees can bid on items and then gift the items to their friends and loved ones.

Gather enticing auction items like:

  • Gift baskets
  • Lessons or classes, such as golf lessons or painting classes
  • Event tickets for experiences like concerts or sporting events
  • Custom art
  • Autographed memorabilia

Ask current supporters like your corporate sponsors or major donors to contribute auction items to your event.

5. Polar Plunge

Invite daring supporters to participate in a Polar Plunge fundraising event. In a Polar Plunge, participants jump into cold bodies of water to raise awareness and funds for a charitable cause.

Every Polar Plunge needs these elements to be successful:

  • Creative branded merchandise (think adorable polar bear imagery!)
  • Medical personnel on-site in case of any emergencies
  • Snacks and (warm) drinks for when participants emerge from the icy waters

Collect donations throughout this event by asking participants to gather pledges ahead of time. Donors will fulfill their pledges after participants have completed the plunge.

Take a look at a real-life example of a Polar Plunge event held by Special Olympics:

This image shows an image from a Polar Plunge for Special Olympics event of someone diving into the water.

Special Olympics uses Polar Plunge events to raise awareness and funds for their efforts to make sports more inclusive and accessible for people with intellectual disabilities. Their Polar Plunge events routinely attract dozens of participants and spectators for local events.

6. Bake sale

No holiday party or gathering is complete without tasty treats to share! Host a bake sale for supporters to swing by and pick up their favorite sweets. This can be a great way to ease some of the stress that goes along with baking during the holiday season.

Offer items such as:

  • Christmas cookies
  • Pies
  • Cakes
  • Bread
  • Trifles
  • Bars
  • Gingerbread

Allow supporters to pick up their baked goods on Christmas Eve so they stay fresh.

7. Christmas tree sale

The Christmas tree is the most iconic symbol of the holiday season, with approximately 25-30 million trees sold annually in the U.S. Partner with a local Christmas tree farm or seller to see if they can host a donation box for your nonprofit or donate a portion of their sales to your cause. Ask if your nonprofit can also set up a booth or table at their tree farm to share information about your mission.

8. Holiday gala

Give supporters the excuse to dress up for a night on the town in the form of a holiday gala. Make your gala a night to remember with the following tips:

  • Engage attendees with a performance.
  • Provide a tasty meal and dessert.
  • Highlight your nonprofit’s accomplishments from the year.
  • Host a silent auction alongside your other gala activities to give attendees another way to support your organization.

You can even host a raffle or giveaway during the event to open another fundraising stream and give attendees something to look forward to at the end of the evening.

9. House decorating contest

Decorations like Christmas lights, blow-up figures, wreaths, and candles are staples of the holiday season. Everyone has that one neighbor who takes things up a level with a vibrant Christmas display.

This image shows a house decorated for the Christmas season.

Turn this phenomenon into a fundraising opportunity by asking supporters to send in photos of their decked-out homes. Have participants vote on their favorite house using their donations. This can look like having a unique donation page link for each house or putting a space on your donation form for donors to note their favorite entries.

Announce your winner on your social media page and offer a first-place prize, such as cash or a gift basket.

10. Gratefulness challenge

Challenges are popular social media trends, especially on platforms like Facebook that make it easy to fundraise and spread awareness of a cause at the same time. Invite supporters to participate in a holiday gratefulness challenge. Every day for a week in December, encourage participants to post a photo or description of something they are grateful for, whether loved ones, pets, special places, etc. Then, request that supporters tag a family member or friend in their posts to invite others to get involved in the challenge as well.

To raise funds and awareness for your nonprofit, ask participants to share a link to your online donation page, along with some background information. For example, you might provide text for them to use that says “I’m participating in [your organization’s name]’s Gratefulness Challenge to spread awareness of [your mission]. Here is a link to their online donation page: [link here]. I challenge @[friend or family member’s name] to get involved!”

The holiday season tends to inspire people to reflect on the people and places they’re grateful for, so a gratefulness challenge is an effective way to spread goodwill while enhancing awareness of your cause.

11. Concert or singalong

During the Christmas season, Christmas carols are practically unavoidable. Allow supporters to come together and share in the joy of the holiday season with a holiday-themed concert or carol singalong.

You might feature local performers such as the high school band or a locally famous singer-songwriter to foster a stronger sense of community. Round out your event by offering themed refreshments, like hot chocolate and cookies.

12. Online shopping fundraiser

Online shopping continues to grow, especially around the holiday season — 57% of U.S. consumers said they intended to shop online during the 2021 and 2022 holiday seasons. With an online shopping fundraiser, consumers can support your nonprofit while conducting their regular holiday shopping.

Here’s how supporters can shop for a cause via an online shopping fundraiser:

  • Download an online shopping fundraiser app, like ShopRaise.
  • Make purchases online from participating retailers.
  • Automatically contribute a percentage of their sales to your nonprofit without having to take any action themselves.

Online shopping fundraisers represent the ultimate convenience for supporters. After downloading the app, they won’t have to alter their daily plans in any way, and they can support your organization while shopping for friends and family.

13. Holiday photoshoot

Give supporters the chance to take Christmas card photos by hosting a holiday photoshoot. Recruit a few local photographers or your staff photographers to volunteer their services. Provide plenty of props, such as Santa hats and Christmas trees. And, make sure to send out the printed photos or digital files several weeks before Christmas so participants can get their holiday cards out in a timely manner.

14. Gift catalog

During the holiday season, plenty of folks like to send their family members or friends thoughtful gifts to let them know they’re thinking of them. Consider hosting a gift catalog fundraiser to make it easier for supporters to send these gifts and support your nonprofit at the same time.

Your gift catalogs may feature a variety of products, such as:

  • Popcorn
  • Candy/chocolate
  • Candles
  • Chocolate pretzels
  • Nuts
  • Wrapping paper
  • Cookie dough
  • Kitchenware

Mail your gift catalogs to supporters several weeks before Christmas so they have time to choose the right gifts and send them before the holiday begins.

15. In-kind donation drive

In-kind donations are noncash gifts that supporters donate to your nonprofit, typically in the form of goods or services. With an in-kind donation drive, you can ask supporters to contribute items that your nonprofit typically needs the most.

Depending on your mission, you may ask for gifts like:

  • Toys
  • Canned goods or other nonperishable food items
  • Personal care items and clothing
  • Gardening supplies
  • Pet supplies, like food, leashes, and bowls

Recognize your donors by sharing photos of their in-kind donations on your social media pages or email newsletter.

16. Gingerbread decorating contest

Decorating gingerbread houses is another time-honored Christmas tradition. Invite participants to compete in a gingerbread decorating contest to see who can come up with the most creative or elaborate structure. Require an entry fee for the competition or have participants “vote” with their dollars by placing money into a cash box next to their favorite design.

This image shows a decorated gingerbread house, representing an effective Christmas fundraising idea.

17. Online baking or cooking class

Online classes allow supporters to learn a new skill from the comfort of home. Plus, the holiday season is full of opportunities to try out a new baked good or dinner recipe.

Invite supporters to participate in an online cooking or baking class with a qualified instructor. Reach out to chefs or bakers within your community to see if someone would be willing to donate a couple of hours of their time to teach the class.

Be sure to send out an ingredient list ahead of time so participants can gather everything they need for the day of the class. Supporters will be able to impress their family members and friends at their next gathering with the new skills they’ve picked up!

18. Holiday lights festival

Deck your nonprofit’s halls by creating a Christmas light display for your community to come see. If you have access to several roads on the grounds surrounding your facility, you can create a drive-by light display for visitors. Request donations at the start of the display and offer treats throughout, such as hot chocolate and cookies, that participants can snack on as they explore the winter wonderland.

19. Pictures with Santa

Along with Christmas card photos, pictures with Santa can be cherished memories for families. Recruit volunteers to be Santa and the elves, and ask a staff member or local photographer to take photos. Set up a picture-perfect backdrop with festive lights and a Christmas tree.

Charge a small fee for the photos to earn donations for your nonprofit.

20. Holiday movie marathon

Host a drive-in movie marathon where supporters can tune in to watch a classic holiday film or two. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Christmas Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life are just a handful of classic movies to consider showing at your event. Offer a snack stand where attendees can pick up popcorn, candy, and hot chocolate.

 

These ideas will help raise more for your nonprofit’s mission while spreading positivity throughout your community. When community members see your nonprofit’s efforts to generate goodwill, they’ll feel much more connected to your cause and be more likely to donate.

Looking for even more Christmas fundraising ideas? Check out eCardWidget’s guide to 25 creative ideas to continue brainstorming.

Dive into our favorite Christmas fundraising ideas and get started with eCardWidget.

Matching Gifts and Relief & Development Nonprofits

Matching Gifts and Relief & Development Nonprofits

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In today’s nonprofit world, the collaboration between individual giving and corporate philanthropy has become more essential than ever. Charitable organizations working tirelessly to provide relief and development services often rely on the generosity of both groups to fund their vital initiatives. And that’s how matching gifts and relief and development nonprofits go hand in hand.

In this guide, we’ll explore matching gifts and their role in bringing mission-focused organizations like yours to new heights. This includes:

Corporate matching gifts offer a win-win opportunity for nonprofit causes—including those in the relief and development sector. Growing your knowledge of these powerful initiatives can set you and your team up for long-term, ongoing success.

Let’s get started!

The Basics: Matching Gifts and Relief & Development Orgs

Before jumping into the specific tools and strategies that can aid your relief and development organization in maximizing matching gifts, it helps to build a solid understanding of the opportunity at hand.

By definition, matching gifts are a specific form of corporate philanthropy in which participating companies match donations their employees make to qualifying nonprofit causes.

Corporate matching gift opportunities offer widespread benefits to the participating parties. These include…

  • The recipient organization, which ultimately receives two gifts for the cost of soliciting one. Not to mention, the nonprofit can benefit from increased donor engagement and strengthened individual relationships.
  • The initial donor, who gets to see their charitable contribution stretch twice (or even three times!) as far for a nonprofit cause they care about.
  • The contributing company, as it’s positively impacted by elevated employee engagement, improved brand reputation for its social responsibility, significant tax benefits, and more.

From a nonprofit perspective, the opportunity is too big to overlook. Still, matching gifts are left on the table each year—to the tune of $4 to $7 billion in unclaimed match revenue.

In order to position your organization for matching gift success, it helps to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular matching gift programs and their eligibility criteria.

Companies That Match to Relief & Development Causes

Many companies provide employees with the opportunity to double their support for the nonprofits they care about. Here are a few businesses with standout program offerings in the relief and development sector!

Johnson and Johnson matches gifts to relief and development organizations.

Johnson & Johnson

As a leading provider of matching gift funds, Johnson & Johnson is committed to supporting relief and development through its generous employee matching gift program and other philanthropic initiatives.

Employees who donate to eligible organizations can have their contributions matched by the company, enabling individuals to amplify their giving. Ultimately, it incentivizes team members and corporate leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by relief organizations and beyond.

And here’s an overview of the company’s matching gift guidelines:

  • Minimum donation — $25
  • Maximum donation — $20,000
  • Match ratio — 2:1
  • Qualifying employees — Full-time, part-time, retired
  • Qualifying nonprofits — Relief and development organizations and nearly all other 501(c)(3) causes

Explore Johnson & Johnson’s matching gift program here.

Edgewell matches gifts to relief and development organizations.

Edgewell Personal Care

Encompassing some of the most prominent grooming, skin, sun, and feminine care brands, Edgewell Personal Care recognizes the importance of supporting widespread nonprofit causes. Thus, Edgewell employees have the opportunity to double their donations to eligible relief and development organizations⁠—along with other nonprofit missions.

This empowers qualifying employees to contribute to positive change and aid in disaster recovery, community development, and more. And here’s an overview of the matching program:

  • Minimum donation — $25
  • Maximum donation — $5,000
  • Match ratio — 1:1
  • Qualifying employees — Full-time, part-time employees
  • Qualifying nonprofits — Relief and development organizations and many others

Explore Edgewell Personal Care’s matching gift program here.

3M matches gifts to relief and development organizations.

3M Company

At 3M, employees are encouraged to make a greater impact through personal donations by participating in the company’s matching gift program. When individuals donate to eligible nonprofits⁠—like relief and development organizations⁠—3M Company matches at a dollar-for-dollar rate, effectively doubling the support provided.

This program aids in multiplying the reach of relief and development efforts to help communities grow and thrive. Take a look at the program overview below:

  • Minimum donation — $25
  • Maximum donation — $1,000
  • Match ratio — 1:1
  • Qualifying employees — Full-time, part-time, retired
  • Qualifying nonprofits — Relief and development organizations, educational institutions, and most other nonprofits

Explore 3M Company’s matching gift program here.

Intel matches gifts to relief and development organizations.

Intel Corporation

Intel Corporation aims to make a global difference in relief and development initiatives, and one way it’s doing so is through a generous matching gift program. This effort encourages Intel employees to increase the impact of their donations to eligible organizations, supporting critical relief efforts, contributing to sustainable development projects, and improving the lives of communities around the world.

Here’s an overview of the matching gift program guidelines:

  • Minimum donation — $10
  • Maximum donation — $5,000
  • Match ratio — 1:1
  • Qualifying employees — Full-time, part-time, retired
  • Qualifying nonprofits — Relief and development organizations, educational institutions, and many other nonprofits

Explore Intel Corporation’s matching gift program here.

JPMorgan Chase matches gifts to relief and development organizations.

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase recognizes the importance of supporting relief organizations in their mission to foster sustainable development. Through its employee matching gift program, the company encourages employees to multiply the impact of their own donations to qualifying causes, thus demonstrating an ongoing commitment to supporting global communities.

And here’s an overview of the matching gift program:

  • Minimum donation — $10
  • Maximum donation — $1,000
  • Match ratio — 1:1
  • Qualifying employees — Full-time, part-time
  • Qualifying nonprofits — Relief and development organizations, health and human services, arts and cultural groups, civic and community organizations, and environmental nonprofits

Explore JPMorgan Chase’s matching gift program here.

Making the Most of Matching Gifts for Your Relief Group: Top Tips

At Double the Donation, we’ve worked with many relief and development organizations to aid in elevating their corporate matching gift fundraising. Here, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite tried-and-true tips to help your team unlock the full potential of matching gifts.

1. Utilize matching gifts to reach critical relief goals quickly.

When it comes to generating revenue for organizations that provide immediate assistance during and after natural disasters (such as food, water, shelter, and medical), it’s important to remember that great needs can arise very quickly. Luckily, matching gifts can play a key role in fundraising for these needs more effectively and efficiently than ever before.

After all, the offer of a corporate match does more than provide a free “bonus” donation⁠—which is a significant win in and of itself. It can also produce substantially heightened fundraising response rates and result in larger average gift amounts even before the match comes through.

Impact of matching gifts on relief and development organizations

2. Focus on doubling relief and development impact.

By participating in matching gift programs, eligible donors can contribute in even greater amounts to critical relief efforts, support sustainable development initiatives at new levels, and make an increasingly positive change in the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. Thus, it’s a good idea to communicate the amplified impact that matching gifts make possible in order to encourage your audience to participate.

For the greatest results, position the opportunity in terms of elevated tangible impact. For example, you might say something like this: “Double your contribution to support TWICE as many children in need,” or “Your donation plus a corporate match will enable our team to provide two kits of medical supplies for the cost of one.”

When you communicate the greater potential of each gift with an associated match, donors are more likely to get involved!

3. Automate the process so no matches are left unclaimed.

Our #1 tip for any organization has to do with streamlining matching gift operations with dedicated automation technology. Doing so allows nonprofit fundraisers to benefit from…

  • Better donor experiences (with guided assistance through the process);
  • More matches driven completion, ultimately producing additional matching gift funds for your cause;
  • Additional time not spent manually following up on matches that can be reallocated to other mission-critical activities.

Thus, automating matching gifts will be a game-changer for your relief organization. For example, Double the Donation’s industry-leading solution will identify more match-eligible gifts, integrate matching gifts directly into the giving process, trigger personalized follow-ups with company-specific guidelines and next steps, and track and report on matching gifts from start to finish.

See how it works in the video below:

Sample Matching Gift Messaging for Relief and Development Nonprofits

One of the best things you can do to drive matching gifts is to integrate matching gift promotions into your existing fundraising and marketing strategies. Check out these customizable templates to get started in your efforts!

Matching Gift Email Template:

Subject: Double Your Impact in Support of Relief and Development!

Dear [DONOR],

Your generous support has always made a significant difference in our relief and development efforts. Now, we have an exciting opportunity to make an even greater impact together.

Did you know that [COMPANY] has a matching gift program for employees like you? By simply submitting a matching gift request, you can double the impact of your donation to our organization. It’s an incredible way to amplify your support and help us provide vital relief, foster sustainable development, and transform lives.

Take a moment to check if your employer participates in a matching gift program and join us in this meaningful endeavor. Together, we can bring hope, resilience, and lasting change to communities in need.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our cause!

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[NONPROFIT]

Matching Gift Social Media Post Template:

Did you know that your donation to [NONPROFIT] can go twice as far? Many companies, like [COMPANY], [COMPANY], [COMPANY], and [COMPANY], offer matching gift programs to support nonprofits like ours. Take a moment to find out if your employer matches donations and maximize the impact of your support⁠—click the link to search the database tool on our website and learn more [URL].

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need! #MatchingGifts #DoubleYourImpact #ReliefAndDevelopment

Matching Gift Text Message Template:

Hey [DONOR]! Did you know your employer might match your donation to [NONPROFIT]? Double the impact of your support and make an even greater difference in our relief and development efforts.

Click here to search for your employer, [URL], or get in touch with your HR department about their matching gift program today!

Matching Gift Web Page Template:

Multiply Your Impact for [NONPROFIT] with Matching Gifts

Double Your Donation, Double the Difference

Many companies have matching gift programs to support relief and development organizations like ours. By taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program, you can double the impact of your donation and help us bring hope, support, and sustainable development to those in need. Check if your employer participates in a matching gift program and learn how to double your donation today.

[EMBEDDED COMPANY SEARCH TOOL]

Matching Gift Direct Mail Template:

Dear [DONOR],

Your support has been instrumental in our relief and development initiatives, and we want to share an exciting opportunity with you. Did you know that your employer may offer a matching gift program? By taking advantage of this program, your generous donation to [NONPROFIT] could be matched, effectively doubling the impact of your support.

We encourage you to reach out to your employer’s HR department to inquire about their matching gift program or visit the “Matching Gifts” tab on our website to learn more.

As always, your action makes a world of difference and helps us provide vital assistance to those in need.

Warm regards,

[NAME]

[NONPROFIT]

Final Thoughts

Matching gifts have the remarkable ability to transform nonprofit fundraising. By making the most of individual donor gifts and their associated corporate matches, relief and development organizations like yours can increase funding, expand programming, and maximize benefits for more individuals in need. And equipping your fundraising team with the right knowledge and tools can go a long way toward achieving optimal matching gift success.

Best of luck!

Keep learning⁠—check out these additional resources to dive deeper into matching gift strategies for organizations like yours:

Learn more about matching gifts for animal rescues with Double the Donation.

Matching Gifts for Homeless Shelters & Missions | A Guide

Matching Gifts for Homeless Shelters & Missions | A Guide

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As homelessness remains a persistent issue across the globe, the organizations that provide shelter and assistance to those in need are essential to our society. And in order to generate much-needed financial support for homeless shelters and nonprofit missions, impactful fundraising initiatives often come into play. Our favorite strategy for doing so is built around corporate matching gifts for homeless shelters and missions.

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of corporate matching gift programs and share how these opportunities empower organizations to stretch their impact even further. Ultimately, it allows nonprofits like yours to maximize available resources that benefit widespread homeless communities⁠. In turn, those communities, as well as those supporting them, are also positively impacted.

It’s a win-win-win⁠—and an opportunity that your team should know more about. Dive in to explore the following topics:

A successful matching gift strategy produces more funds through both individual and corporate giving. This sets up nonprofit missions and shelters to do more to support the needs and lives of those experiencing homelessness.

It’s not an opportunity that you want to overlook.

What to Know About Matching Gifts for Homeless Shelters & Missions

Matching gifts can be a game-changer for organizations aiming to make the most of their fundraising efforts. Understanding the ins and outs of the programs is essential for maximizing their impact.

Here, we’ll cover the basics:

Corporate matching gifts are offered by companies to support their employees’ charitable contributions. When an employee donates to a qualifying nonprofit, the company matches the donation, typically at a dollar-for-dollar rate. These programs are designed to encourage philanthropy among employees and provide individuals with an active role in the company’s giving.

Each company establishes its own guidelines and requirements for matching gifts. While the guidelines vary from one employer to another, it helps to become familiar with common criteria⁠. For example, most companies determine minimum and maximum donation thresholds, match ratios, qualifying employees and nonprofit causes, and more.

Organizations interested in increasing revenue through matching gifts should proactively educate their donors. Though more than 26 million individuals qualify for corporate matching programs, an estimated 78% of the group has no idea their company participates. Thus, utilizing your website, emails, social media, and more to inform individuals about the potential to double their impact through matching gift programs can go a long way in driving submissions.

Donors love having the opportunity to get their gifts matched. In fact, studies indicate that the offer of matching gifts can even result in more donors giving⁠ (71% increase in response rate)—and giving in larger amounts⁠ (51% increase in average donation)—in the first place.

The matching gift process can be streamlined with automation. Managing matching gift programs can involve administrative tasks such as screening for potential matches, following up with qualifying donors, and tracking matching gift requests. Matching gift technology can significantly reduce the administrative workload, empowering your team to focus on mission-critical tasks.

Companies That Match Donations to Homeless Shelters

Matching gift programs can greatly benefit nonprofit homeless shelters like yours, providing them with additional funding to support their work. While there are far too many companies with mission-inclusive matching initiatives, take a look at a few exemplary companies with a focus on supporting nonprofit homeless shelters below.

The Home Depot matches gifts for homeless shelters and missions.

The Home Depot

Home Depot aims to support its employees’ philanthropic endeavors and make an impact on the communities in which it operates. With its corporate matching gift program, the company is able to do so!

Through this initiative, Home Depot employees have the opportunity to double their donations to eligible nonprofit organizations, including homeless shelters and missions, with a company match. This empowers employees to effectively double the impact of their own contributions, making a greater difference in supporting those in need.

Here’s a summary of the program offered:

  • Minimum donation ⁠— None
  • Maximum donation ⁠— $3,000
  • Match ratio ⁠— 1:1
  • Qualifying employees ⁠— Full-time, part-time
  • Qualifying nonprofits ⁠— Health and human services, civic and community organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, environmental nonprofits, and more

Dive deeper into Home Depot’s matching gift program.

Starbucks matches gifts for homeless shelters and missions.

Starbucks

Similarly, Starbucks makes a point to financially back the nonprofit causes its employees⁠—or partners⁠—support. This produces a positive impact in the communities the company serves, including a focus on organizations that address homelessness and those affected by it.

Through the Starbucks Giving Match Program, employees have the opportunity to stretch their own dollars further, thus maximizing their donation impact.

Here’s a summary of the program offered:

  • Minimum donation ⁠— $25
  • Maximum donation ⁠— $1,000
  • Match ratio ⁠— 1:1
  • Qualifying employees ⁠— Full-time, part-time
  • Qualifying nonprofits ⁠— Nearly all, including health and human services, civic and community organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, and environmental nonprofits

Dive deeper into Starbucks’s matching gift program.

Kimberly-Clark matches gifts for homeless shelters and missions.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

At Kimberly-Clark, employees’ charitable giving is valued and supported through a generous matching gift program. Qualifying employees are encouraged to donate to eligible nonprofit organizations⁠, with the company matching gifts for homeless shelters and other social good causes.

Kimberly-Clark also boasts a particularly high matching gift cap, encouraging high-level donors to get their gifts matched as well. (Not to mention, companies with lofty maximums tend to see heightened average participation rates of over 40%!)

Here’s a summary of the program offered:

  • Minimum donation ⁠— $50
  • Maximum donation ⁠— $10,000
  • Match ratio ⁠— 1:1
  • Qualifying employees ⁠— Full-time
  • Qualifying nonprofits ⁠— Health and human services, civic and community organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, environmental nonprofits, and most others

Dive deeper into Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s matching gift program.

Colgate-Palmolive matches gifts for homeless shelters and missions.

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Colgate-Palmolive Company recognizes the importance of supporting charitable organizations, including those focused on homelessness and shelter services. Thus, through its matching gift program, employees are encouraged to support such causes. From there, the company matches employee gifts to stretch their value even further for the nonprofits they support.

Here’s a summary of the program offered:

  • Minimum donation ⁠— $25
  • Maximum donation ⁠— $8,000
  • Match ratio ⁠— 1:1
  • Qualifying employees ⁠— Full-time, part-time
  • Qualifying nonprofits ⁠— Health and human services, civic and community organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, environmental nonprofits, and select others

Dive deeper into Colgate-Palmolive Company’s matching gift program.

Caterpillar Inc. matches gifts for homeless shelters and missions.

Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc. values corporate social responsibility and provides a matching gift program as a key component of its dedication to supporting its employees’ charitable giving. Again, this company presents a generous donation maximum on an annual rolling basis⁠—and full-time, part-time, and retired employees are all encouraged to participate.

Here’s a summary of the program offered:

  • Minimum donation ⁠— $25
  • Maximum donation ⁠— $10,000
  • Match ratio ⁠— 1:1
  • Qualifying employees ⁠— Full-time, part-time, retired
  • Qualifying nonprofits ⁠— Health and human services, civic and community organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, environmental nonprofits, and most others

Dive deeper into Caterpillar Inc.’s matching gift program.

Top Tips to Maximize Matching Gifts for Your Shelter or Mission

By effectively leveraging matching gift programs, shelters can enhance their ability to address homelessness and create positive change in their communities. Implementing the following practices in your strategy can help!

1. Use multiple screening methods to identify match-eligible donors.

The more you know about your donors⁠—and particularly the companies they work for⁠—the better you’ll be able to uncover matching gifts. If you already have donor employment data on hand, use the information to identify employers that match donations to shelters like yours.

And if you don’t know where a supporter works, we recommend employing multiple methods for collecting and screening this information. This might include a combination of…

  • Donation forms requesting employment data
  • Dedicated matching gift software
  • Email domain screening
  • Post-donation follow-up outreach
  • Employer appends services

By using multiple methods, organizations can ensure they capture all potential matching gift opportunities and increase their chances of securing additional funding. In fact, studies indicate that taking more than one approach to identifying match-eligible donors results in 77% more identified match-eligible donations.

Matching gift statistics for homeless shelters and missions

2. Don’t discount companies that typically exclude religious organizations.

If your shelter is associated with a religious institution, as many are, keep this in mind: you don’t necessarily need to discount companies with restrictions on matching gifts to religious causes. While some companies won’t match gifts to houses of worship, many still have policies open to supporting missions serving a secular purpose—like homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and more.

Thus, it’s crucial to thoroughly research (and perhaps reach out to) these companies to determine eligibility. And when you do so, be sure to provide a clear understanding of your shelter’s mission and the impact their matching gift could have on your community. Some decisions are made on a one-off basis, so it helps to put your best foot forward in positioning your cause as a worthy match recipient.

3. Consider volunteer grant programs (Dollars for Doers) as well.

In addition to traditional matching gift programs, where a company offers a financial match for an employee’s monetary support, many businesses also offer volunteer grants. Sometimes referred to as Dollars for Doers programs, these grants provide nonprofit organizations with grants based on an employee’s donation of their time. And if your shelter has a solid volunteer base, corporate volunteer grants can go a long way to amplify the value provided by existing support!

Consider volunteer grants in addition to matching gifts for homeless shelters.

Just be sure to inform your volunteer base⁠—as well as your nonprofit audience as a whole⁠—about the potential for corporate grants. Like matching gifts, many qualifying volunteers likely have no idea that their employer will match their time devoted to nonprofits like yours. Leveraging the opportunity can not only produce additional funding but also result in increased volunteer and community engagement.

4. Leverage constituent stories to communicate matching gift impact.

Constituent stories have a powerful impact when connecting with donors and illustrating the mission of a nonprofit homeless shelter. Thus, when communicating the value and importance of matching gifts, consider incorporating personal stories from individuals who have directly benefited from your services.

To get started, take a look at the total funds you’ve received from corporate matching in the past. If your organization has collected $5,000 in donation matches, translate that revenue sum into tangible outcomes and success stories. You might even say something like this: “Matching gifts have produced over $[TOTAL] in value for [ORGANIZATION]. Thanks to this funding made available by matching gift donors going above and beyond for our cause, we’ve been able to serve more people like [SAMPLE CONSTITUENT].”

The more your supporters can understand the impact of corporate matching gifts, the more likely they’ll be to take the steps required to solicit a match from their employer! And it always helps to put a face to your fundraising efforts when possible.

5. Invest in matching gift software to automate your efforts.

Matching gifts offer an excellent opportunity to maximize corporate giving revenue, but pursuing the funding source can be time-consuming on your own. That’s why we recommend organizations employ matching gift software⁠—like 360MatchPro⁠—to automate the process from start to finish.

A matching gift automation platform streamlines the experience for both nonprofits (such as your shelter or mission) and their donors, driving more matching gifts to completion than ever before. With groundbreaking features that include multiple forms of matching gift identification, automated post-donation follow-up messaging for donors, and match tracking through the disbursement process, your team is able to optimize its matching gift fundraising without the added effort.

6 Matching Gift Templates for Missions and Homeless Shelters

Bring your matching gift marketing efforts to the next level and get a headstart on your strategy. Take advantage of these free, customizable templates to begin incorporating corporate matching in your donor outreach.

1. Fundraising Appeal Template

[DONOR],

As we navigate the challenges of providing shelter and support to those experiencing homelessness in our community, we wanted to reach out and share an exciting opportunity to maximize the impact of your generosity.

Did you know that many companies offer matching gift programs to their employees? This means that when you make a donation to our homeless shelter, your employer may be willing to match it, effectively doubling the impact of your gift. It’s like giving twice the help to those in need!

By taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program, you can significantly increase your contribution and provide even more critical resources to individuals and families seeking refuge and stability. This allows us to extend our reach and support more individuals in their journey toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Here’s how you can make an even greater difference:

Make a donation: Your contribution, no matter the size, directly supports our efforts to provide a safe haven, nutritious meals, and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Check if your employer matches gifts: Visit our matching gift page to inquire about your matching gift eligibility using our company search tool here: [URL].

Submit a matching gift request: If your employer offers a match, simply follow the instructions provided by your company to submit a matching gift request. It’s a simple process that can significantly amplify your impact!

Spread the word: Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family members to join you in supporting our mission.

Thank you again for your generosity and dedication to our cause. It makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. By doubling the impact of your donation through matching gifts, we can work towards a future where homelessness is no longer a reality for anyone.

Best regards,

[NONPROFIT]

2. Email Matching Gift Marketing Template

Subject: Double your impact…your donation can make twice the difference for homeless individuals!

Dear [DONOR],

Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide shelter and care for homeless individuals in our community. Did you know that your donation can have an even greater impact? Many companies offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple the value of your contribution.

By taking a few minutes to check if your employer offers a matching gift program, you can amplify the impact of your support. Imagine this: your generous donation could help provide access to a warm bed for two people in need.

To find out if your company participates in a matching gift program, please visit our matching gifts page here: [URL] or reach out to your HR department to learn more.

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. Together, we can make an even greater difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[NONPROFIT]

3. Text Message Matching Gift Marketing Template

[DONOR] ⁠— Did you know your donation to [NONPROFIT] can go even further for our cause? Many companies offer matching gift programs that can double your impact. Check to see if your employer matches gifts by searching here: [URL].

Together, we can make a greater difference for homeless individuals in our community.

4. Social Media Matching Gift Post Template

Your support matters⁠—now more than ever! Did you know that your donation to [NONPROFIT] may be matched by your employer? Take a moment to find out if your company offers a matching gift program and make an even greater impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our communities. #MatchingGifts #DoubleImpact

5. Matching Gift Web Page Template:

Text: Get Your Donation Doubled! Check if your employer matches gifts and amplifies your impact on our shelters.

Make your donation go further with matching gifts.

Your contribution to [NONPROFIT] can have an even greater impact when you participate in a corporate matching gifts program! Many companies offer matching gifts that double or triple the value of your donation.

By making the most of these programs, you can provide essential support to our shelters as we serve the community with your help. Check if your employer offers a matching gift program today and multiply the difference you make. Together, we can help end homelessness once and for all.

6. Direct Mail Matching Gift Marketing Template

Dear [DONOR],

Your generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of homeless individuals in our community. We want to share an exciting opportunity with you that will allow your support to go even further.

Many companies offer matching gift programs, which means your donation could be matched dollar for dollar by your employer. Matching gifts for homeless shelters like ours means that for every dollar you give, two dollars can go towards providing shelter, meals, and vital support for those in need.

Please take a moment to reach out to your HR department or check if your employer participates on our matching gifts page. The simple act of submitting a match request could make an immense difference in the lives of homeless individuals in your community.

Thank you for your continued compassion and support.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[NONPROFIT]

Final Thoughts

By integrating matching gifts into your team’s overall fundraising, you have the chance to multiply the impact of each dollar you raise. Matching gifts for homeless shelters and other missions sets the organizations up to better provide vital resources and support to those who need it most.

Remember, the fight against homelessness is a collective effort. Your shelter should do what you can to partner with individual and corporate donors to make the largest impact possible. By leveraging matching gifts, spreading awareness about the opportunity, and encouraging supporters to participate, your organization can significantly enhance its operations thanks to access to new and growing funding streams.

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

Learn more about matching gifts for animal rescues with Double the Donation.

Matching Gifts and Environmental Nonprofits | What to Know

Matching Gifts and Environmental Nonprofits | What to Know

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In today’s world, where environmental challenges are at the forefront of global concerns, nonprofits dedicated to protecting and preserving our planet play a crucial role. These organizations rely heavily on the generosity of individuals and corporations to fund their initiatives and ultimately make a positive impact on the world around us. One effective way for supporters to maximize their contributions to such causes is through corporate donation matching⁠. And luckily, matching gifts and environmental nonprofits go hand in hand.

In this guide, we’ll explore all things matching gifts and how environmental nonprofits like yours can maximize their benefit. This includes:

Without further ado, let’s dive in and discover what you need to know about matching gifts and their significance for environmental causes.

The Basics of Matching Gifts and Environmental Organizations

Matching gifts offer a valuable opportunity for individuals to increase their charitable giving⁠ impact—and for nonprofits to maximize their fundraising. When an employee donates to an eligible organization, the company contributes an equal (or sometimes greater!) ratio of funds.

In order for a donation to be matched, the process typically follows a few critical steps:

  1. Employee donation: An employee supports a nonprofit through a financial contribution.
  2. Qualification: The employee determines if their employer offers a matching gifts program and whether their recent donation qualifies. (Gifts to environmental causes typically do!)
  3. Submission: The employee completes the necessary online forms or paperwork to request a match.
  4. Review and approval: The company reviews the employee’s matching gift request and confirms the nonprofit and donation eligibility.
  5. Disbursement: Once the employer approves the request, they allocate the matching funds to the organization.

Matching gift process for environmental nonprofits

The benefits of corporate matching gifts are significant and far-reaching for environmental nonprofits of all shapes and sizes. Check out these impressive statistics that highlight the opportunity at hand:

  • 65% of Fortune 500 companies match gifts, along with thousands of smaller and mid-sized businesses.
  • $2 – $3 billion is donated through matching gift programs each year, while an additional $4 – $7 billion goes unclaimed.
  • Over 26 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs. (However, 78% of this group is unaware of their employers’ initiatives.)
  • 84% of donors are more likely to give, while 1 in 3 would give more if a match is applied.
  • An awareness of matching gifts produces a 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average gift amount.

Matching gift marketing statistics

All in all, employee matching gifts positively impact your organization, its donors, corporate partners, and beyond. In other words, it establishes quite a mutually beneficial relationship!

Companies That Match Donations to Environmental Groups

Tons of companies match charitable gifts by their employees to environmental causes. Check out these five standout examples with sustainable values of their own that actively support employee giving by matching environmental donations.

Patagonia matches gifts to environmental nonprofits.

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned for its dedication and commitment to environmental sustainability. The company’s employee matching gift program supports nonprofit organizations focused on environmental conservation and activism and encourages current full- and part-time team members to do the same.

Employees are encouraged to donate to eligible environmental (or most other) nonprofits of their choice, and Patagonia will match their contributions up to $10,000 per year, doubling the impact of their support.

Note: Patagonia employees are encouraged to get donations of $2,000 and above pre-approved by the company by contacting employee.match@patagonia.com in order to guarantee the full match.

Learn more about the Patagonia matching gift program here.

Citadel Environmental matches gifts to environmental nonprofits.

Citadel Environmental

As an employee-owned Environmental, Health, Safety, & Sustainability consulting firm, Citadel Environmental Services, Inc. (or Citadel EHS) values environmental stewardship and supports employees who share this passion. Through its targeted matching gift program, Citadel Environmental employees can contribute to environmental nonprofits, and the company will match their donations.

Not to mention, the company has also acquired RMD Environmental Solutions, thus significantly increasing the number of match-eligible team members. This growing initiative empowers employees to make a difference in the environmental sector (as well as select other nonprofit causes) and amplify the impact of their giving.

Learn more about the Citadel EHS matching gift program here.

ADM matches gifts to environmental nonprofits.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (also known as ADM) recognizes the importance of protecting the environment and thus supports employees in their philanthropic efforts to do so. The company’s matching gift program extends to nonprofit organizations that focus on addressing environmental conservation, sustainability, climate change, and other societal needs.

Employees can donate to these causes, and ADM will match their gifts between $100 and $5,000 per year, effectively doubling the support provided to environmental nonprofits and beyond.

Learn more about the ADM matching gift program here.

Ecolab matches gifts to environmental nonprofits.

Ecolab

A global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies, Ecolab understands the critical role environmental nonprofits play in creating a sustainable future. Through their matching gift program, employees and retirees can contribute to environmentally focused nonprofits, and the company will match their donations. (Note: Current employee gifts are matched at a dollar-for-dollar rate, while retiree donations are matched at fifty cents on the dollar.)

However, the company does stipulate that match-eligible donations must be made through its CSR platform on the Ecolab Giving Site. In addition, Ecolab employees qualify for generous Dollars for Doers and/or Board Leadership grants to further amplify their support.

Learn more about the Ecolab matching gift program here.

Pioneer Natural Resources matches gifts to environmental nonprofits.

Pioneer Natural Resources

As a powerful way to recognize the significance of environmental conservation and support its employees’ commitment to sustainability efforts, Pioneer Natural Resources matches team members’ donations to such nonprofits. Through this matching gift program, full-time and part-time employees can donate to environmental nonprofits (as well as educational institutions, health and human services, arts and cultural groups, community organizations, and more), and the company will match contributions accordingly.

This initiative encourages employees to support organizations dedicated to the environment, with qualifying individuals eligible to request between $50 and $5,000 each year.

Learn more about the Pioneer Natural Resources matching gift program here.

Growing Matching Gifts with a Sustainable Strategy | Key Tips

Encouraging donors to get involved with their employers’ matching gift programs can generate additional funding to support critical environmental initiatives. As you look to integrate matching gifts into your overall giving strategy, keep these recommended practices in mind.

1. Highlight environmental impact in matching gift communications.

When promoting employee giving opportunities to your donors, be sure to emphasize the environmental impact that corporate matching can have. Take the time to explain how an individual’s contributions, in addition to their match, will directly support initiatives like conservation, clean water and energy, and climate change mitigation⁠—or whatever your focus is.

By aligning matching gifts with your organization’s mission, you can better inspire donors to take advantage of the opportunity and make an even greater, tangible impact. Just imagine the results made possible when you’re able to plant two trees for the cost of every one!

This ultimately leads to more sustainable funding and enhanced donor engagement as your supporters feel increasingly connected to your mission.

2. Use donor employment information to your advantage.

The information you have about your donors is the key to developing a targeted matching gift strategy. And the most important data involves your supporters’ employment details. 

For example, if an organization knows which company a donor works for, the fundraising team (or its employer database tool) can research and gather information about the specific matching gift program. This enables the nonprofit to share tailored guidelines and forms required to request a match. And it ultimately simplifies the process and increases the likelihood of donor participation.

Employment information helps drive matching gifts for environmental nonprofits

Additionally, it’s worth noting that donors who back environmental nonprofits like your own tend to be increasingly likely to work for socially conscious companies. And these companies are more likely to offer matching gifts. As a result, your supporters may have a greater chance of eligibility in the programs in the first place than the average corporate employee!

This presents a significant advantage when promoting matching gifts, as you can target donors who are more likely to work for companies that match employee contributions.

3. Establish a seamless matching gift technology ecosystem.

Just like a healthy physical ecosystem is essential for maintaining a balanced environment, so too is an optimized technology ecosystem when it comes to successful fundraising. And one of the most crucial aspects of your organization’s technology system is a fundraising tool that integrates seamlessly with a matching gift platform.

Matching gift ecosystem for environmental nonprofits

This allows your team to enact a coordinated effort that incorporates matching gift opportunities directly into every step of the fundraising process⁠—from donation appeals and other promotions to the giving experience itself and associated follow-ups.

Doing so makes it easier for supporters to get involved with tailored guidance and information while your fundraising team doesn’t have to lift a finger. All in all, you can expect to receive more matching gift revenue and save time and resources that can be reallocated to your highest-value mission activities⁠—not to mention heightened donor engagement!

5 Free Templates to Encourage Matching Gift Participation

It’s time to begin promoting the matching gift opportunity to your network of support. Feel free to work off these provided messaging templates that overview matching gifts and their benefits, explain how donors can get involved, and encourage them to do so accordingly.

Template #1: Social Media Post

Did you know that your donation to [NONPROFIT] could have double the impact? Many companies offer matching gift programs for their employees⁠—and environmental causes like ours are often eligible recipients.

Want to multiply the value of your gift? Take a moment to check if your employer participates and unlock the potential for your donation to be matched! Together, we can make an even greater difference for the world around us. #MatchingGifts #DoubleYourImpact #SaveThePlanet #SupportEnvironmentalCauses

Template #2: Fundraising Appeal

Subject: Your gift has twice the power to protect the environment…

Dear [DONOR],

We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are reaching out today because we know you care deeply about the environment and our organization’s cause. With your continued generosity, we have accomplished remarkable things together, but there’s still so much more we can achieve.

We wanted to share an incredible opportunity to make an even greater impact with your donation. Many companies offer matching gift programs to their employees, which means your gift to [NONPROFIT] can go twice as far in protecting our planet.

Imagine the difference we can make if your donation is matched dollar-for-dollar⁠. Your $50 contribution becomes $100, $100 becomes $200, and so on. It’s an extraordinary chance to amplify your support without any additional cost!

To see if your employer participates in a matching gift program, visit our matching gift page to search our company database here: [URL]. Once you confirm eligibility, just submit your initial donation and follow your company’s instructions to initiate the matching gift process.

We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your commitment to environmental conservation has made a tangible difference. We invite you to join us once again in this extraordinary opportunity to double the power of your gift.

With heartfelt gratitude,

[NAME]

[NONPROFIT]

Template #3: Follow-Up Email

Subject: Double Your Impact: Your Gift Can Go Twice as Far!

Dear [DONOR],

Thank you for your dedication to building a sustainable future through your ongoing support of [NONPROFIT]. We’d like to share an exciting opportunity for you to double the impact of your recent donation: corporate matching gifts.

Many companies offer matching gift programs, which means they match donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. Take a few minutes to explore your company’s matching gift program. In doing so, you can unlock the potential to double the value of your contribution to our environmental initiatives.

Find out if your employer participates in matching gifts! Just click on the ‘Matching Gifts’ tab on our website for more information. Your generosity, combined with your employer’s support, can make a significant difference in our efforts to protect the planet.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to maximize your impact. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Best regards,

[NAME]

[NONPROFIT]

Template #4: Website Copy

Calling all eco-conscious donors! Did you know that your employer might double your donation to [NONPROFIT]? Tens of thousands of companies offer these generous giving initiatives. And more than 26 million individuals qualify to have their donations matched to charitable causes like ours!

And the process to do so is simple —

  • Step 1: Look into your company’s matching gift program by searching the matching gift database embedded in the page.
  • Step 2: Locate your employer’s matching gift submission requirements and complete the dedicated request process.
  • Step 3: Wait while your company processes the request, approves your match, and contributes to our organization on your behalf.

Remember: together, we can create a greener world!

Template #5: Direct Mail Insert

Header: Double Your Impact for a Greener Tomorrow!

Your dedication to preserving our environment through your support of [NONPROFIT] is truly inspiring. We want to share an exciting opportunity with you to make an even greater impact!

Did you know that many companies offer matching gift programs for their employees? This means that your employer might be willing to match your donation, doubling the impact of your gift. By leveraging a matching gift program, you can amplify your contribution and help us protect our planet for future generations.

Take a moment to check if your employer participates in matching gifts. Scan the QR code below to visit our website for more information. Together, we can create a greener tomorrow for a more sustainable world.

Wrapping Up

As you continue your journey to protect and preserve the world around you, matching gifts should remain at the forefront of your fundraising strategy. After all, this valuable⁠—yet continually underutilized⁠—source of support is crucial for maximizing fundraising efforts.

Remember, the key lies in effectively communicating the matching gift opportunity to your nonprofit audience. In doing so, you can empower supporters to strengthen their commitment to your cause. And together, with the support of matching gifts, you can play a key role in establishing a sustainable future.

Interested in learning more about matching gifts for your organization? Check out these additional recommended guides:

Learn more about matching gifts for animal rescues with Double the Donation.