How to Steward Workplace Giving Donors Effectively

How to Steward Workplace Giving Donors Effectively

/in , /by

Workplace giving donors are some of the most valuable supporters an organization can have, but are also some of the trickiest to steward. Also known as employee giving or workplace philanthropy, workplace giving is the practice of making a charitable donation through a program sponsored by an employer, often through a payroll deduction.

It’s no surprise that these programs are growing in popularity. Employees feel a connection to causes they care about. They appreciate programs that make it easier to support social good organizations, especially when there is an employer match to amplify their impact.

When properly stewarded, workplace giving donors can be ideal prospects for cultivating over time. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of stewarding workplace donors and the data you need to make it happen:

But first, let’s take a look at why these donors are so important.

The Value of Workplace Giving Donors

Several factors make workplace giving donors worth your organization’s attention.

1. Workplace donors are loyal.

Workplace philanthropy platforms and workplace-sponsored programs are designed to encourage donations, especially recurring gifts. They make giving easier by providing a path to give with reminders and incentives. Plus, these programs create a culture of philanthropy where giving is the norm rather than the exception.

Because of corporate programs like payroll deduction, matched donations, or monthly philanthropic stipends, workplace donors are far more likely to donate frequently.

2. Workplace donors are reliable.

Donors who give through workplace programs often represent some of the most consistent supporters a nonprofit can have. Their steady income, along with the convenience of payroll deduction or workplace stipends, makes it easy to sustain recurring gifts, creating a dependable foundation of support year after year.

3. Workplace donors are excellent candidates for larger gifts.

Frequency of giving and wealth capacity are the best indicators of major giving eligibility. It makes sense: if a donor has been making a bi-monthly contribution through their paychecks for years, it is likely they have a strong affinity for your organization and clearly have the capacity to budget for charitable giving. For these reasons, corporate donors can be excellent prospects for major or even principal gifts as they advance in their careers.

4. Workplace giving programs often include a corporate match.

Another important reason to pay attention to workplace giving donors is that their contributions often count for more than (even double!) the listed amount. To incentivize philanthropy, workplace giving programs frequently allow for some amount of an employee’s contribution to be matched by the employer. 

If you’re not proactively seeking matched donations, your organization is leaving money on the table. Check out Double the Donation’s technology options to identify and facilitate matched gifts!

The Challenges of Workplace Philanthropy Data

For all their advantages, workplace giving donors pose several core challenges for nonprofit fundraisers. Many organizations struggle to gather the data they need to acknowledge and steward workplace giving donors for long-term support. Here’s why:

Workplace giving data comes at varying times.

Depending on the employer sponsoring the corporate giving program, your organization may receive disbursement files with information about corporate gifts weekly, monthly, quarterly, or at a different interval altogether. Even once you have this gift data, it’s not always clear when it will make its way into your CRM and become available for development and stewardship officers to use.

Workplace giving data arrives in different formats.

Different organizations use different systems for workplace giving programs, including Benevity, YourCause, and Cybergrants, to facilitate gift transactions. Each of these systems formats the information slightly differently, from field names to how it displays street addresses. This causes challenges for moving data into your CRM or general ledger. Not to mention, duplicate records are common. Your organization may have two records for the same donor, one for corporate giving and another for the donor’s personal philanthropy. Without complete corporate philanthropy data, it is difficult to know that both records relate to the same person.

Bad data leads to poor workplace giving stewardship.

Effective donor stewardship hinges on accurate data. Without timely, reliable information on your donors’ giving history, addresses, and communication preferences, it’s hard to thank, update, and develop relationships with donors that foster long-term support.

Moreover, insufficient data holds stewardship back by limiting opportunities for personalization. For example, many organizations find value in thanking first-time donors differently from repeat donors. Sharing a bit about the organization’s mission and current initiatives can make it easier to secure a second gift from a new donor. As a result, flagging new donors depends on having sufficient data on your current donors to ensure they aren’t duplicate records, a struggle for many organizations.

How to Steward Corporate Philanthropy Donors

Now that you understand its importance, as well as potential challenges you may face, let’s dive into a few key strategies nonprofits like yours can implement to effectively steward workplace giving donors.

1. Develop a process for gathering corporate philanthropy donor data.

Investing time in creating a workflow for gathering, transforming, and storing workplace giving donor data will pay off in the future. If your organization relies on manual spreadsheet edits before time-consuming uploads into your CRM, chances are your corporate giving data is plagued with errors, including duplicate records. Luckily, there are solutions for automating workplace giving data imports, so you can spend less time wrangling spreadsheets and more time on the meaningful outreach that will keep your donors engaged.

2. Thank donors promptly.

Once you have a workflow that automates, or at the very least, streamlines moving donor data into your development CRM, create a report that notifies your team about a gift from a corporate donor. Run that report once a week, or have it automatically sent to your inbox.

From there, build a process to thank these donors quickly. Take advantage of email marketing templates and tokens to personalize these notes at scale. A common goal is to let no more than 5 business days pass between receiving a gift and sending an acknowledgement.

Remember to keep automated acknowledgements fresh. Corporate donors are often frequent donors. Sending the same thank-you note to a donor on multiple occasions comes off as insincere, even if well-intentioned. Switch up the images, introductions, subject lines (if applicable), and acknowledgement text at least once a quarter to maintain variety in your content.

3. Personalize your outreach.

Make your acknowledgements meaningful: personalize wherever you can. Using a donor’s preferred name is an obvious starting point. However, we encourage you to get creative and use the data you have at your fingertips. Conduct donor surveys to understand how your donors like to be thanked. Is a phone call, voice mail, email, or text preferred? Think about the areas of interest for your donors. Are there particular initiatives you can provide updates on? Who at your organization is the best person to conduct the outreach? Perhaps a grant recipient, student scholar, researcher, or board member would be best suited for this role. The more you can match your donors’ preferences, the better the effect.

Learn more about building complete donor profiles in a free eBook from Omatic Software.

4. Show impact.

It’s crucial to nail acknowledgments; no donor should go without a proper thank you. Once acknowledgements are in order at your organization, you can move on to another essential aspect of stewardship: impact reporting.

Impact reporting can keep even the most seasoned stewardship officers up at night! Often, the development offices charged with fundraising don’t have much control over how (or when) the organization spends that funding. Reporting on the real-world effects of philanthropy requires tracking gifts and figuring out not only what the gift purchased, but why that matters for your mission. When donors know their funding makes a difference, they’re far more likely to give again. 

5. Don’t forget about the “workplace” in workplace giving.

Finally, think about one of the aspects that makes a corporate giving donor unique: the fact that they give through an employer-sponsored program. This is an opportunity to cultivate a relationship with an institution that can make a significant impact on your organization. Find out who organizes this workplace philanthropy program. Learn who the C-suite champions of the programs are. From there, show gratitude and explore options for collaboration.

It’s worth taking the time to discover which programs help with employee retention and how your organization can get involved, as this could lead to a long-term, fruitful partnership.

Wrapping Up: Data Matters

Effective donor stewardship requires accurate data; you can’t properly thank donors if you don’t know who they are or how they want to be acknowledged. Don’t let the challenges of gathering corporate philanthropy data prevent it from happening; losing a workplace giving donor is losing a shot at long-term, sustained support.

Luckily, there are tools at your disposal to streamline workplace giving data and simplify stewardship. Ready to learn more about stewarding workplace giving donors? Join Omatic Software and Double the Donation for a live webinar on the dos and don’ts of workplace philanthropy. Get your questions answered by experts during the Q&A. Save your seat today!

Building a Matching Gift Strategy A Nonprofit’s Guide

Building a Matching Gift Strategy: A Nonprofit’s Guide

/in , /by

Creating a strong matching gift strategy can be a game-changer for your nonprofit’s fundraising success. After all, matching gifts offer a simple, high-ROI way to increase revenue without asking donors to give more out of pocket. Yet many organizations leave this opportunity untapped due to a lack of awareness, process, or technology.

Don’t let that be you! Take the time to build a plan that works for your team. This guide breaks down the exact steps you need to take:

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your existing efforts, you’ll learn how to turn matching gifts into a sustainable and scalable revenue stream for your mission. Let’s begin!

Step #1: Build your knowledge of matching gifts.

Building a robust knowledge of matching gifts is the first step toward implementing an effective strategy. Why? Tons of companies participate in matching gifts, and the processes, eligibility criteria, and matching ratios can vary significantly. To build participation in the programs, it’s essential for your nonprofit to have a solid understanding of how they work.

Therefore, kick off your matching gift strategy by familiarizing your team with the general experience. This should include…

  • The process: Employees donate to your nonprofit, then submit a matching gift request to their employer. If the employer participates in matching gifts, they will contribute a matching donation, often at a 1:1 ratio, although some companies (like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Soros Fund Management) match at a higher rate.
  • Who qualifies: While most full-time employees qualify for matching gifts, retirees, spouses, and board members might also be eligible, depending on each company’s policy. Some programs match individual donations, while others may only match specific types of donations, such as payroll gifts or those made through their workplace giving platform.
  • Submissions and deadlines: Employers often have their own matching gift submission portals with dedicated request forms (and deadlines by which they must be completed), so it’s essential to be familiar with the information donors must submit.
  • Leading employers: Do some research to see which companies in your network already match gifts. Lists like this one can help!

This foundational knowledge is essential for crafting a strategy that includes educating your team, donors, and board members about matching gift opportunities. The more informed your organization is, the more likely you are to identify and leverage every possible matching gift opportunity.

Ready to get started? Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Academy ($199/year or free for existing users) can be an invaluable resource. This online learning platform provides a complete overview of corporate matching gifts, and can supply an excellent opportunity for nonprofit teams to learn more about and kick off the programs.

Step #2: Audit your current state + set goals for improvement.

Before you begin building or refining your matching gift strategy, it’s crucial to audit the current state of your efforts. This will enable you to measure existing wins (if any) and identify gaps, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth.

As you begin, we recommend asking yourself (or your team) the following questions:

  • Are matching gift opportunities clearly highlighted on your website, including your ‘Ways to Give’ feature and a dedicated matching gifts page?
  • Do your donation forms currently request employer information from donors? Do they mention the potential for matching gift opportunities?
  • Do you inform donors about matching gift opportunities on your thank-you pages, receipts or acknowledgments, and other communications?
  • Are there any roadblocks or friction points in the matching gift process that might be discouraging donors from completing their submissions?
  • How are you tracking matching gift information? Is it easy to follow up with donors who may have eligible gifts?

Take a look at Save the Children’s analysis of their previous and current state matching gift pages:

Save the Children's matching gift strategy analysis

Ready to improve your own efforts? Get started with our free matching gift checklist. Download it below!

Take 10 quick steps to grow your matching gift revenue and funding.

After identifying current strategy gaps, it’s time to implement specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely goals for improvement (also known as SMART goals).

For example, you might want to:

  • Ensure that every donor receives a follow-up email or message regarding matching gift opportunities within 24 hours of receiving their initial donation.
  • Improve donor participation by 20% before the end of the calendar year.
  • Increase the number of match-eligible donations submitted by 50% within the quarter.

By setting clear, actionable goals, you can track progress, measure success, and make any necessary adjustments to your strategy.

Step #3: Secure buy-in for matching gifts.

Securing buy-in for your matching gift strategy is a critical step in ensuring its success and long-term sustainability. Without support from both leadership and other team members, it becomes difficult to implement the necessary tools, dedicate resources, or build an organization-wide culture that promotes matching gifts.

Securing Leadership Buy-In

Firstly, leadership support is crucial to securing the resources and organizational commitment necessary to make your matching gift strategy effective. Here’s how you can ensure your executive team is fully invested in the process:

  • Frame matching gifts as a strategic opportunity. Clearly demonstrate that matching gifts represent “free money” for your nonprofit. Use data-driven insights (such as the ROI expected from such a program) to highlight how much funding your nonprofit could be missing out on by not fully leveraging matching gifts. Executives care about measurable results, and showcasing how a small investment can yield a substantial return will make a compelling argument. Not to mention, a matching gift strategy is especially relevant today as more and more companies are rolling out new giving programs.
  • Align matching gifts with your broader strategy. Whether your focus is on diversifying revenue, increasing retention, or strengthening corporate partnerships, matching gifts can serve as a valuable tool for doing so. Aligning matching with organizational priorities (whatever they are) ensures that your efforts are perceived as a critical component of your fundraising efforts.
  • Showcase nonprofit success stories. Real-world success stories provide concrete evidence of how matching gifts can benefit your organization’s bottom line. If your organization (or similar organizations) has seen positive results from matching gifts, share these outcomes with leadership to help visualize the impact and encourage them to commit to the initiative. If you work for a food security organization, for example, try highlighting insights from Capital Area Food Bank. If you run a local pet shelter, incorporate stats from the SPCA of Texas.
  • Emphasize the scalability and sustainability of matching gifts. Unlike other strategies that require high-touch, ongoing effort, matching gifts can often be automated once systems are in place. This allows your program to grow without requiring significant additional resources, making it a smart, long-term investment.

Once you’ve made your case, it’s crucial to communicate how leadership can help. Clearly articulate what you need to make your matching gift strategy successful, whether it’s funding for software, cross-departmental collaboration, or dedicated time in strategic planning sessions. The more specific your request, the easier it is for leadership to endorse and champion the initiative.

Securing Team Member Buy-In

While leadership buy-in is crucial, your matching gift strategy truly comes to life when team members are actively engaged and committed. Here’s how to get your whole team on board and ensure they actively support the matching gift process.

  • Demonstrate the impact of matching gifts. Encourage staff to see that matching gifts are a way to double donations without asking donors to give more money. When team members understand the value of matching gifts and how they directly contribute to revenue, they are more likely to prioritize these opportunities in their day-to-day work. You can even demonstrate how these programs impact individual team members in reaching their goals or achieving their job priorities!
  • Ensure that everyone knows their role in the process. For example, marketing staff can incorporate reminders about matching gifts into email campaigns and newsletters, while fundraisers can actively inquire about matching gifts during donor conversations, and data managers can ensure that employer information is accurately captured in the platform. Even your hands-on volunteers can play a part!
  • Equip your team with simple, repeatable resources that make promoting matching gifts easy. For example, provide them with email templates and call scripts that highlight matching gift opportunities, FAQs for addressing donor questions, and access to matching gift lookup tools to help donors easily find out if their employer matches gifts. The easier you make it for your team to discuss and promote matching gifts, the more likely they will be to integrate them into their regular workflows.
  • Embed matching gifts into the fabric of your nonprofit’s culture. Ensure that matching gift education is included in the onboarding process for new staff, added to campaign planning checklists, and regularly discussed in team meetings.

When everyone, from leadership to key volunteers, is aligned and actively engaged, your matching gift strategy will become a powerful engine for increased revenue and deeper relationships.

Step #4: Invest in the right matching gift solution.

By adding a matching gift solution to your nonprofit tech stack, you can tap into additional revenue streams with ease, engage donors more effectively, and ultimately expand your fundraising efforts with little to no added effort required. And the good news is that once you have leadership on board, you’ll likely have clearance for a matching gift technology budget. With that, however, comes selecting the right solution to track, manage, and automate your matching gifts.

As you initiate your search, look for a matching gift software solution that offers the following features:

  • Access to a matching gift database: This feature enables you to identify employers that offer matching gift programs (as well as additional giving initiatives like volunteer grants and payroll giving) and view the specific eligibility requirements for each.
  • Ready-built integrations: Select a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing donor management system (CRM) and fundraising platforms to ensure all data is synchronized and you have a clear view of match-eligible donations.
  • Email automation tools: The ability to automatically send follow-up emails to donors and remind them to submit a matching gift request can significantly increase participation without placing a strain on your team.
  • Analytics and reporting: Ensure that the platform can generate detailed reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of your matching gift program. This should include total match-identified dollars, number of matches submitted, overall donor engagement level, and more.

All in all, an efficient matching gift solution reduces manual effort and increases the likelihood of securing matched donations, allowing you to scale your program effectively.

As you search, don’t forget to read reviews from other organizations that have experience with the tools! re: Charity, for example, offers a detailed comparison of top matching gift software providers, making it easy to take your pick. (Hint: Double the Donation is trusted by 6,000+ nonprofits and schools, with a Google rating of 4.9!)

Step #5: Integrate matching gifts with your fundraising tools.

Integration is key to ensuring a seamless and efficient matching gift process. When you integrate your matching gift platform with your donation forms, CRM, and other fundraising tools, you make it easier for both donors and staff to engage with the program.

Here’s how to integrate matching gifts into your existing fundraising process:

  • Donation forms: Make it easy for donors to indicate their eligibility for matching gifts by including an employer field on your donation forms. You can even add a link or automatic lookup feature to help donors identify if their employer offers a matching gift program by integrating your matching gift software with your donation form provider! Plus, add an actionable plugin widget to your confirmation page to guide their next steps toward a match.
  • CRM: Send data directly from your CRM or donor database to your matching gift platform to ensure donor information (including for offline givers) is up to date and that no match-eligible donations are overlooked. All you need to do is connect your CRM to your selected matching gift platform and ensure the flow of information is set.
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising platforms: Allow participants to easily display and promote matching gift opportunities on their personal fundraising pages by integrating an employer lookup tool and providing a field to input employer information, making it simple for donors to determine if their donation is eligible for a match.
  • Event software: During event registration, add a section where attendees can enter employer information and be provided with immediate access to matching gift instructions or links, ensuring matching opportunities are top-of-mind when they register to attend or donate.

Here’s an example of a matching gift-enabled donation page from La Salle University!

Building a matching gift strategy by integrating your technology

By integrating these tools, you’ll create a seamless matching gift experience for both your donors and your team, driving higher engagement and improving your ability to track and process matches.

Step #6: Prioritize follow-up donor outreach.

When it comes to maximizing participation in matching gifts, regular, relevant outreach is a must. Therefore, it’s important to include matching gifts in your email cadences. Such messages can include instructions for submitting a match, links to their employer’s request portal, and reminders about the impact of their donation being multiplied. These kinds of emails help you keep your organization and its fundraising needs top of mind for donors, enhance the overall supporter experience, and provide targeted information to drive additional match submissions.

Here’s how you can make the most of your donor outreach:

  • Go Beyond Templated Language: Feel free to start with a pre-written email template. However, you’ll want to adjust any provided messaging to match your nonprofit’s tone and voice. Some platforms will also allow for dynamic elements, such as the individual’s donation amount or matching company, to make it feel more personal and compelling.
  • Incorporate Relevant Imagery and Design: Try customizing the color scheme and imagery of your emails to align with your nonprofit’s brand. Visuals that reflect your organization’s mission or the specific campaign the donation supports can increase donor engagement and participation.
  • Set the Right Timing: Schedule emails to be sent at optimal times. For instance, an initial email can go out immediately after a donation, followed by a reminder a few days later if the matching gift request hasn’t been submitted. Adjust the timing and frequency of reminders based on donor behavior to increase the likelihood of match submissions.

Managing effective donor outreach on your own can seem overwhelming. Luckily, once donor information starts flowing in through your integrated fundraising systems, configuring automated emails within your matching gift platform ensures that no opportunity is missed. With a few simple steps, you can send high-impact emails to your donors at the right time, without any added manual effort.

Building follow-ups into your matching gift strategy

By automating donor outreach through your matching gift platform, you streamline the process and ensure that your donors receive timely, compelling, and personalized messages that drive action, all while saving your team valuable time and resources.

Step #7: Implement a matching gift tracking system.

A successful matching gift strategy relies heavily on an effective tracking system, ensuring that all match-eligible donations are followed up on, processed, and successfully submitted by donors to their employers.

With proper tracking in place, you can easily monitor each match’s progress, helping optimize your efforts and maximize revenue. Here’s how to create an efficient matching gift tracking system:

  • Incorporate Real-Time Monitoring: Set up your system to track the status of each matching gift request as it progresses. You should be able to monitor whether donors have submitted their matching gift requests and easily identify any next steps in the process.
  • Make it Easy for Donors to Provide Updates: After a donor initiates a match request with their employer, it should be easy for them to provide an update to your fundraising team. One way to do this is by incorporating trackable, clickable buttons in donor outreach emails. When an individual clicks to confirm that they’ve started the process, Double the Donation can automatically update their status in the backend, helping you keep track of where they are without needing to manually check in.
  • Don’t Forget to Follow Up: Implement scheduled reminders to nudge donors about the status of their match or encourage them to submit a request if they haven’t done so already. Automated reminders like these ensure that no match request slips through the cracks and that donors stay engaged throughout the process.
  • Leverage Comprehensive Reporting: Your tracking system should generate detailed reports that provide insight into the success of your matching gift program. These should include KPIs such as the number of matches submitted, the total matching gift dollars identified, and the conversion rates from eligible donors to completed matches.

Building tracking into your matching gift strategy

By implementing a matching gift tracking system with real-time monitoring, automated reminders, and in-depth reporting, you can streamline the matching gift process, ensure no opportunities are missed, and easily track your program’s progress. This also allows you to address any issues quickly, helping you “unstick” any matches that may be delayed.

Step #8: Develop a comprehensive communications plan.

A well-rounded communications plan is crucial for driving awareness of your matching gift program. Beyond donation forms and follow-up emails, it’s essential to integrate matching gift messaging across as many touchpoints as possible.

The more you make matching gifts visible, the more likely donors are to take advantage of the opportunity.

Here’s how to incorporate matching gift messaging into your communication channels:

  • Create a Matching Gift Web Page: Develop a dedicated page on your website that clearly explains matching gift opportunities. Include information about how matching gifts work, instructions on how to request a match, and a searchable employer database or links to popular programs. This page will serve as the go-to resource for donors. Check out this example from the Humane World for Animals to inspire your own asset!
  • Regularly Schedule Social Media Posts: Share information about matching gifts on your social media platforms (whether that’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or even TikTok!) on a regular basis. Think: at least once a month. Highlight success stories, demonstrate matching gifts’ impact, and encourage followers to check if their donation can be matched. Be sure to include a call-to-action with a link to your matching gift page for more details.
  • Make Space in an Email Newsletter: Include matching gift reminders and information in your regular email newsletters. Whether it’s an entirely matching gift-focused email blast or a feature within a general newsletter, be sure to include a section highlighting matching gifts, and always include a link to your matching gift page for easy access.
  • Send a Text Message: Text marketing is a quick and direct way to engage donors. Send out periodic text messages to remind donors about matching gift opportunities, especially during key donation periods. Include a link to your (mobile-friendly!) matching gift page and a simple prompt encouraging donors to check if their employer matches gifts. Here’s an example of how Save the Children leveraged text messaging for matching gifts:

Building a matching gift strategy with a detailed communication plan

By ensuring that your matching gift information is prominently featured across key channels, you can keep matching gifts top-of-mind for donors and significantly increase the likelihood of participation.

Step #9: Acknowledge and steward matching gift donors.

A key aspect of maintaining long-term donor relationships is showing gratitude for their contributions, especially when they’ve gone the extra mile to submit a matching gift. Proper recognition of matching gift donors can encourage continued support and increase participation in future campaigns.

Building donor acknowledgment into your matching gift strategyConsider the following ways to steward your relationships with matching gift donors:

  • Personalized Thank-You Notes: After a matching gift has been successfully processed, send personalized thank-you messages to both the donor and their company. Acknowledge their generosity and explain how their contribution will impact your nonprofit’s mission.
  • Public Recognition: Consider recognizing matching gift donors in your annual reports, newsletters, or on your website with a dedicated donor wall. Public recognition can motivate other donors to participate in matching gift programs through social proof, too!
  • Donor Impact Reports: Provide matching gift donors with reports or updates that show how their contributions (both original and matched) are being used. This reinforces the value of their donations and helps them feel connected to their giving outcomes.
  • Encouraging Additional Workplace Giving Involvement: Empower matching gift donors to take their support to the next level by participating in their company’s volunteer program, making a payroll deduction gift, or advocating for an internal fundraising campaign. Most matching gift companies (including Disney, Verizon, Microsoft, and Allstate, to name a few) offer more than one workplace giving program, so it’s easy to encourage deeper engagement.

By focusing on relationship-building and personalized recognition, your nonprofit can increase donor loyalty, foster long-term giving, and create more opportunities for matching gifts.

Step #10: Analyze performance and optimize your strategy.

After putting all the pieces of your matching gift strategy in place, it’s essential to continuously assess its effectiveness. Analyzing performance and optimizing your strategy allows you to identify what’s working and what areas need improvement.

As previously mentioned, you should be tracking key metrics such as match revenue growth, donor participation, submission and completion rates, and more. Now, it’s time to use those insights to optimize your matching gift program.

For example, if you notice low participation rates among a specific donor segment, consider adjusting your messaging or offering additional guidance to encourage them to get involved. Meanwhile, if you notice that donors who give through specific channels (e.g., peer-to-peer fundraising or event-based donations) have lower matching gift participation compared to those who donate via direct online forms, this could signal that matching gift opportunities aren’t being highlighted effectively within those channels.

All in all, regular evaluation and continuous improvement will ensure that your matching gift strategy evolves with the needs of your donors and the capabilities of your nonprofit.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Building a comprehensive matching gift strategy is a smart, high-impact way to boost your nonprofit’s revenue and deepen donor relationships. From educating your team and stakeholders to automating processes and communicating effectively with donors, every step contributes to an overall strategy that maximizes the potential of corporate matching gifts.

By following the steps outlined above, your nonprofit can establish a sustainable revenue stream that complements your regular fundraising efforts. As you continually optimize and refine your strategy based on data and feedback, you’ll increase the success of your matching gift efforts year after year.

Ready to learn more about corporate matching gifts and how they can fit into your overarching fundraising strategy? Check out these additional resources:

Building matching gift software like Double the Donation into your matching gift strategy

Fundraising in Turbulent Times Diversifying Your Support

Fundraising in Turbulent Times: Diversifying Your Support

/in , /by

Nonprofit fundraising can feel like an uphill battle even in the best periods, but when the economy shifts, donor behaviors change, or unforeseen global challenges arise, the pressure on nonprofits grows even heavier. That’s why diversifying your revenue streams amidst uncertain times is more than a best practice; it’s a lifeline for sustaining your mission.

Interested in learning practical strategies for building resilience, from reaching new donors to expanding corporate partnerships? In this blog, we’ll review the following:

  • Understanding the Trying Fundraising Landscape
  • Navigating Individual & Corporate Donor Expectations
  • Diversifying Your Support While Staying True to Your Mission

Understanding the Trying Fundraising Landscape

We know: it’s hard out there. Nonprofits of today are navigating a fundraising environment shaped by rapid change and mounting pressures. From federal funding shifts to broader economic uncertainty, organizations are being asked to do more with less while still delivering on their missions.

A few challenges these nonprofits face include…

  • Rapidly changing social environment: Donors are influenced by evolving cultural conversations and global issues, making it harder for organizations to keep pace with shifting priorities.
  • Economic volatility and donor caution: Inflation, market instability, and financial insecurity cause donors to give more carefully, with heightened expectations around impact.
  • Increased competition for philanthropic dollars: With more nonprofits vying for a limited amount of attention and resources, standing out requires clarity and creativity.
  • Cuts to federal spending: Many organizations are feeling the strain as government funding shrinks, pushing them to rely more heavily on private giving in a number of ways.

Despite these challenges, the philanthropic sector continues to show resilience. In 2024, Americans gave nearly $600 billion, the second-highest total on record. Breaking it down further:

  • Corporate giving rose by 9.1%, highlighting opportunities for nonprofits to lean into workplace giving, sponsorships, and matching gift programs.
  • Individual giving grew by 3.3%, demonstrating that even in uncertain times, people remain committed to causes they care about.

While these numbers are encouraging, they aren’t guaranteed to hold steady. Political and economic developments in the coming years may significantly reshape giving patterns, making adaptability more critical than ever.

Navigating Individual & Corporate Donor Expectations

Today’s donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations alike) are raising the bar for how nonprofits engage, communicate, and deliver impact. Meeting their expectations requires understanding what matters most to each group, then tailoring your approach to build trust and deepen support.

What Matters Most to Individual Donors

Individual giving continues to represent the largest share of philanthropic dollars, but how people choose where to give is evolving:

  • Selective giving: Donors are narrowing their focus, seeking confidence that their contributions generate strong returns on investment (ROI) for the causes they care about.
  • Tired of politics: Supporters are fatigued by partisanship. They’re drawn to nonprofits with a steady, mission-driven voice that rises above the noise.
  • Next-gen expectations: With Millennials and Gen Z positioned to inherit unprecedented wealth, their influence is already reshaping philanthropy. They value equity, climate action, and authenticity, and expect nonprofits to reflect these commitments in both mission and practice.

The overall message is clear: individuals want more than transactional giving. They’re looking for purpose-driven partnerships with nonprofits that feel aligned with their values and offer a lasting impact.

What Matters Most to Corporate Donors

Corporations remain powerful partners for nonprofits, but their giving priorities are also shifting in response to external pressures. Here’s what we’ve been seeing:

  • Tight budgets: Some corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams are facing shrinking budgets, making nonprofit alignment with business priorities more essential than ever.
  • Risk sensitivity: Many companies are cautious about controversial issues, but they still want to be perceived as responsible and engaged.
  • Visibility: Companies seek safe, positive ways to tell their story, often through employee engagement, cause marketing, and nonprofit partnerships that bolster reputation.

For nonprofits, understanding these shifting priorities is crucial to establishing and maintaining lasting corporate partnerships. By aligning your work with business goals, offering safe yet meaningful avenues for visibility, and demonstrating resilience in uncertain times, you position your organization as a trusted partner. Ultimately, the nonprofits that can meet corporations where they are, while staying mission-focused, will be best equipped to secure support and grow impact.

What Matters Most to Foundation Donors

Finally, foundations occupy a unique position within the philanthropic ecosystem. To successfully engage foundations, nonprofits must understand the priorities that drive these institutional donors.

  • Filling the Gaps: With federal programs being cut or underfunded, many foundations view their role as bridging critical needs that the public sector cannot fully address. They’re looking to support nonprofits that can demonstrate measurable impact in areas where resources are scarce and where their funding can make a meaningful difference.
  • Bigger Picture Lens: Foundations increasingly prioritize cross-cutting issues rather than single-program interventions. Topics such as equity, climate resilience, health access, and systemic change are appealing because they intersect multiple areas of societal impact. Nonprofits that can frame their work within this broader context and demonstrate how their programs contribute to larger societal outcomes are more likely to capture the attention of foundations.
  • Longer Commitments: Multi-year, flexible funding remains the gold standard for foundations. They seek organizations that are well-led, adaptable, and capable of scaling impact over time. However, competition for these grants is fierce. Foundations want confidence that their investment will be managed wisely, yield results, and align with their strategic priorities over the long term.

The takeaway here is clear: foundation donors are seeking partners who go beyond transactional project funding. They value organizations that can demonstrate strategic vision, operational competence, and the ability to respond to evolving social needs. By aligning your proposals with these expectations, you position your nonprofit as a credible, long-term partner capable of turning foundation support into meaningful change.

Diversifying Your Support While Staying True to Your Mission

When times are uncertain, one of the strongest strategies for nonprofit resilience is diversifying funding sources. By broadening your base of support, you not only safeguard your organization against volatility but also deepen trust with stakeholders.

The key, however, is to pursue diversification in a way that strengthens (not dilutes) your mission.

Why Diversification of Funding Matters for Nonprofits

Nonprofit revenue diversification ensures the long-term viability of your organization by reducing the risks that come with overdependence on a single donor or funding source. When one stream contracts, others can help fill the gap, creating greater stability in uncertain times.

At the same time, having a mix of revenue sources builds stronger trust among partners, since funders want to know you have multiple pathways to sustain your mission. Diversification also increases your organization’s visibility, introducing your work to new audiences and expanding your reach across multiple communities. Ultimately, the more balanced your support base, the better positioned your nonprofit will be to weather challenges and continue driving impact.

Best Practices for Successful Revenue Diversification

To diversify effectively while staying grounded in your mission, consider these best practices:

  • Plan ahead. The most successful nonprofits approach diversification with strategy and foresight. Instead of relying on static planning models, organizations are increasingly prioritizing financial modeling to prepare for funding volatility—particularly when government sources are uncertain. Developing best-, moderate-, and worst-case revenue forecasts helps leadership anticipate different scenarios and act decisively. At the same time, it’s essential to evaluate whether your reserves match your risk profile and operational needs.
  • Leverage your connections. Another critical best practice is making the most of your connections. Building authentic relationships with donors and funders starts with honest conversations about where your organization stands today and where it’s headed in the future. Benchmarking against your peers can reveal who is funding similar organizations, while also uncovering opportunities with nontraditional funders—such as community foundations or family funds—that align with your mission. Engaging the “Meaningful Middle” donor segment, those who give between $1 million and $25 million annually, can unlock transformational support that many nonprofits overlook.
  • Remain mission-focused. Perhaps the most important principle in diversification is staying true to your mission. Without clear guardrails, it can be tempting to pursue every new funding opportunity, but diversification is not about chasing dollars; it’s about broadening support in ways that reinforce your purpose. Every new opportunity should be evaluated against your mission and values by asking: Does this align with who we are? Will it strengthen our core work, or distract us from it?

By planning ahead, making the most of your network, and staying firmly rooted in your nonprofit’s mission, organizations like yours can diversify their funding in ways that foster stability and growth.

Remember: diversification is not about spreading yourself thin or chasing every opportunity. It’s about intentionally building a balanced portfolio of support that reduces risk, strengthens donor trust, and ensures your organization is equipped to thrive in any environment.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Turbulent times don’t have to mean stalled growth. By diversifying your support base, leaning into corporate philanthropy opportunities, and staying true to your mission, your organization can weather uncertainty and emerge even stronger.

Now is the perfect moment to evaluate your fundraising mix and identify opportunities to broaden your support base. Whether through matching gifts, volunteer grants, or payroll giving, every new pathway adds security to your mission-driven work.

Unlocking Corporate Grants Using Supporter Employment Data

Unlocking Corporate Grants Using Supporter Employment Data

/in , , , /by

Securing corporate grants can often feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to identifying the right companies and contacts. However, many nonprofits overlook a powerful resource already within reach: corporate grants and employment data. By tapping into the employment information of your supporters, you can unlock a treasure trove of funding opportunities that are closer than you think.

Why? Companies are much more likely to fund organizations that resonate with their employees, whether through matching gift programs, CSR initiatives, or employee-nominated giving. These opportunities often start with a single connection: one of your donors, volunteers, or board members who works for a company eager to give back.

In this post, we’ll show you how to use corporate grants and employment data to identify and secure more funding opportunities than ever before.

1. Why Employment Data Matters for Corporate Grants

Many corporate giving programs, but especially grants, prioritize organizations with an internal advocate. This is usually an employee who donates, volunteers, or nominates the nonprofit in question. Therefore, if you can identify where your supporters work, you instantly gain visibility into which companies might be open to funding your mission.

Here’s why employment data is so valuable in this context:

  • Workplace giving grants: Companies are more likely to fund causes that matter to their workforce, which is where workplace giving programs like matching gifts, volunteer grants, and more come in.
  • Employee-nominated grants: Many companies accept nonprofit nominations from current employees, so knowing where your supporters work allows you to target them effectively.
  • Broader connections to grant opportunities: Even beyond grants that are specifically “employee-nominated,” nonprofits can use employment information to locate existing connections to charitable businesses. When a company sees that a sizable segment of their employee base supports your cause, they may be more likely to shell out grant funds.

The bottom line? Knowing your supporters’ employers allows you to tap into otherwise hidden funding pipelines. But first, in order to do so effectively, you need a system for capturing that data.

2. How to Collect Supporter Employment Information

Collecting employment data doesn’t have to be intrusive or complicated. In fact, most donors are happy to share where they work, especially if you explain how that information can help you unlock more impact.

Start by integrating employment data fields at key touchpoints:

  • Donation forms: Include an optional “Employer Name” field alongside standard fields such as name and email.
  • Confirmation pages: Prompt donors to check if their employer has a giving program immediately after donating by providing their company name in a database search tool.
  • Email follow-ups: Send a follow-up email asking supporters where they work, explaining how it can lead to increased funding.
  • Event sign-ups or volunteer forms: Add a simple employer field here, too; these contacts are often highly engaged and ready to provide additional value.

In addition to collecting data manually, organizations can also use employer data enrichment strategies to uncover employment information for supporters who haven’t provided it directly. These services analyze an individual’s name, email, and other identifying details to match them with publicly available employment records, allowing you to fill in the existing gaps in your database and fueling your corporate grant search.

By combining direct collection with employer append tools, you can build a far more complete picture of your supporter base and proactively identify companies that may be a great fit for outreach.

3. How to Identify Corporate Grants

Once you begin collecting supporter employment information (either through your donation forms or volunteer sign-ups) you can begin identifying which companies offer corporate grants that align with your mission. But with thousands of companies potentially offering funding, it can be tough to know where to start.

Instead of cold outreach, we recommend strategic resources to focus your efforts:

  • Look for curated corporate grant lists. Numerous nonprofit blogs and philanthropy platforms publish regularly updated roundups of companies with active grant programs. For example, check out this list of companies that give grants to nonprofits!
  • Look at your supporters’ employers. At this point, you should know where some of your supporters work. Use this information to research whether their companies offer grants or sponsorships, and whether employees can nominate or advocate for your organization.
  • Explore CSR or community investment pages. Visit the websites of companies in your network and look for terms like “Community Impact,” “Corporate Responsibility,” or “Giving Back.” These often lead to grant program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
  • Track and document your outreach. Use a simple CRM or spreadsheet to track potential grantmakers, application timelines, contact information, and employee advocates within each company.

Once you’ve identified likely prospects, craft proposals that highlight your mission alignment, your existing relationships with their workforce, and the tangible impact of their support. You can also tap into professional grantwriting resources, whether that’s hiring a writer, attending a webinar, or downloading free templates, to strengthen your applications.

4. Using Employment Data to Strengthen Grant Requests

Employment data isn’t just about discovery; it’s also a powerful way to strengthen your actual grant applications. When applying for a corporate grant, having an internal advocate can dramatically increase your odds of success.

Here’s how your team can involve them for the best results:

  • Ask the employee to nominate your nonprofit, if required by the grant.
  • Include their name, role, and connection to your organization in the application.
  • Invite them to provide a testimonial about why they support your mission.
  • Ask them to share internal CSR contacts or program guidelines with your team.

From there, when reaching out to corporate contacts or applying for grants, mention the employee connection explicitly: “We are proud to have 14 donors and 3 volunteers from your company, including Jane Doe from your Marketing team. Their ongoing support makes a meaningful impact, and we would love to explore a deeper partnership.”

All in all, this type of outreach shows alignment, community relevance, and trust: three key factors for funders considering grant applications.

5. Building Long-Term Value with Corporate Partners

Unlocking a single grant is excellent, but turning that grant into a long-term partnership is even better. Luckily, employment data can help you build those bridges.

For example, consider using corporate employment connections as a starting point for ongoing engagement. You can…

  • Send tailored impact reports to the employee advocate and CSR contact;
  • Invite company reps to site visits, events, or webinars;
  • Recognize the company publicly through social media, email, or donor walls;
  • Offer corporate volunteering opportunities that align with their values;
  • Bundle sponsorship, volunteering, and grant opportunities into custom partnership packages;
  • And more.

In the best case scenario, you’re not just asking for money. You’re inviting a company to be part of your mission and vision in a real, tangible way.

By keeping the employee connected, reporting on outcomes, and providing continued value, you can turn a one-time grant into a multi-year relationship that benefits both sides of the party.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Supporter employment data is one of the most underutilized assets in nonprofit fundraising. By simply knowing where your supporters work, you unlock access to employee-driven and broader giving programs, increase your relevance with corporate funders, and make your grant requests more personal and powerful than ever before.

Luckily, you can start today by:

  • Adding an “Employer” field to your donation and event forms
  • Conducting an employer append to gather missing employment info
  • Using that data to research and pursue grant opportunities backed by internal advocates

With complete data and a well-thought-out strategy in place, your nonprofit can open new funding pipelines, build stronger corporate partnerships, and expand your impact, one supporter at a time.

Turning Corporate Event Sponsorships into Strategic Relationships

Turning Corporate Event Sponsorships into Strategic Relationships

/in , , /by

Your gala was a huge success, your corporate sponsors seemed thrilled, and you’re already dreaming about next year’s event. But then… crickets. Your sponsors disappear until you reach out again, twelve months later, asking for the same thing.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and here’s the exciting part: there is untapped potential here.

What if that amazing company that sponsored your silent auction could become so much more than a one-night partner? What if they became your year-round champion, matching employee donations, sending volunteer teams, and even advocating for your cause in their industry?

The secret isn’t in asking for bigger sponsorship checks. It’s in transforming these relationships from simple transactions into genuine partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

Why Nurturing Relationships with Corporate Sponsors Matters

Corporate partners who feel truly connected to your mission will go above and beyond traditional sponsorship. Many companies, especially larger corporations, have budgets for initiatives that would directly benefit nonprofits, such as:

  • Offering matching gift opportunities for your donors
  • Organizing employee volunteer days that bring fresh energy to your programs
  • Donating incredible auction items
  • Providing professional services you couldn’t otherwise afford
  • Using their networks to spread your story far and wide

This guide will show you exactly how to make this transformation happen. We’ll walk through 11 proven strategies to identify the perfect partners, build authentic relationships, create unforgettable experiences, and keep the momentum going all year long.

1. Start with the Right Fit

Before you even think about reaching out, take time to find companies that genuinely align with your mission. The best partnerships feel natural from day one because both organizations share similar values and goals.

Look for companies that make the perfect partners by searching for things like:

  • Companies supporting similar causes – If they’re already writing checks to organizations like yours, they clearly understand and value the work you do
  • Local businesses – Companies in your community have a vested interest in making your area better and want to be known as good community partners
  • Large workforces – More employees mean more potential volunteers who might be passionate about your mission
  • Established CSR programs – Companies with foundations, matching gift programs, or volunteer days already have infrastructure for partnerships

The research phase might seem tedious, but it’s pure gold for relationship building. Use LinkedIn to find CSR managers or community relations directors. Better yet, ask your board members or key donors if they have connections. Warm introductions are incredibly powerful and show the company that people they trust believe in your organization.

Pro tip: Double the Donation’s corporate giving database makes it easier than ever to research companies’ giving priorities, sponsorship guidelines, and contact information. Look for businesses that already participate in matching gift programs since they’ve already demonstrated a commitment to supporting nonprofits like yours.

2. Build a Relationship Before You Pitch

A common mistake nonprofits make is going for the ask before they have warmed up the lead.

Instead of immediately sending a sponsorship packet, start with genuine curiosity about their goals. Schedule a casual coffee meeting and ask questions like “What does community involvement mean to your company?” or “What kinds of partnerships have been most rewarding for your team?”

Sometimes companies aren’t looking for marketing exposure at all. Maybe they want employee engagement opportunities, or they’re trying to build goodwill in the community, or their leadership genuinely cares about your cause and wants to make a difference.

Offer value before asking for anything. Here are some low-key ways to build trust

  • Have your Executive Director speak at a company meeting about trends in your industry
  • Host an employee lunch-and-learn about your programs
  • Offer a behind-the-scenes tour of your facilities

These interactions build trust and help both sides figure out if there’s real potential for partnership. The goal is to have them thinking “We should definitely work with these people” before you ever mention sponsorship dollars.

3. Be Clear On Sponsorship Packages (And Deliver)

Turning Corporate Event Sponsorships into Strategic Relationships

Before connecting with potential event sponsors, come up with meaningful event sponsorship packages. Offering a variety of price points and benefits ensures that any organization interested in participating can find something that fits their budget and goals.

Consider creating tiered packages like:

  • Presenting Partner ($10,000+): Logo on all materials, speaking opportunity, premium table placement, social media shout-outs, and custom activation space
  • Champion Level ($5,000): Logo on select materials, recognition during event, preferred seating, and social media mentions
  • Supporter Level ($2,500): Name in program, table signage, and newsletter mention
  • Friend Level ($1,000): Program listing and website recognition

But here’s the crucial part: whatever you promise, deliver flawlessly. Take photos of their signage, screenshot social media posts featuring them, and document everything. Leverage your nonprofit CRM to make this infinitely easier by creating automated reminders for deliverables and storing all sponsor communications in one place.

4. Offer Measurable Results

While it can be difficult to measure the results of an event sponsorship, there are ways you can provide tangible results and information to your sponsors. If you are promoting your event sponsors on your nonprofit event landing pages, link them with UTM codes so you can track exactly how much traffic you are generating for them.

Create a comprehensive post-event report that includes:

  • Event attendance numbers and demographic breakdown
  • Social media reach and engagement metrics
  • Photos showing their branding and activation
  • Feedback surveys from attendees mentioning their company
  • Stories of impact made possible by their support
  • Media coverage that featured their involvement

The more data you can provide, the easier it becomes for sponsors to justify continued partnership internally. Many corporate sponsors need to show ROI to their executives, so help them build that case.

5. Offer a Seamless Onboarding Experience

Landing a new corporate sponsor is only the first step. How you welcome and integrate them into your mission can make the difference between a one-time check and a multi-year commitment.

A thoughtful onboarding process ensures that your new partner feels informed, appreciated, and excited from the start. Consider these steps:

  • Kickoff Meeting – Schedule a meeting with key contacts to align on shared goals, expectations, and communication preferences.
  • Sponsor Welcome Kit – Provide materials like your latest impact report, brand guidelines, upcoming event calendar, and key staff contact information.
  • CRM Setup – Add sponsor contacts, communication notes, and agreement details into your nonprofit CRM, so you can track every interaction and set automated reminders for follow-ups.
  • Engagement Calendar – Share opportunities for involvement throughout the year, from volunteer days to speaking engagements.

By treating sponsors like valued partners from day one, you lay the foundation for long-term collaboration.

6. Track Your Donor’s Employer Data

One of the most overlooked opportunities in corporate fundraising is right under your nose: your existing individual donors’ employers. Many of your supporters work for companies that could become major sponsors, and you might not even know it.

Employment data is a goldmine for corporate giving strategy because it helps you:

  • Identify Hidden Connections: That $100 annual donor might work for a Fortune 500 company with a massive corporate foundation
  • Find Matching Gift Opportunities: Companies that match employee donations often sponsor nonprofits, too
  • Build Warm Introductions: Current donors can be your best ambassadors to their employers
  • Target Recruitment Efforts: Focus volunteer recruitment on companies where you already have employee support

If you discover that fifteen of your donors work for the same large employer, that’s a clear signal to approach that company about a formal partnership. Your donors become internal champions who can speak authentically about your impact.

7. Transform Events Into Year-Round Partnership Opportunities

The biggest mistake nonprofits make is treating corporate sponsors like ATMs that only get activated once a year. Your annual gala, auction, or festival shouldn’t be the end of a sponsor relationship; it should be the launchpad for deeper, year-round collaboration that creates genuine value for both parties.

Start with post-event momentum. Within two weeks of your event, host an exclusive reception for sponsors to celebrate successes and share behind-the-scenes stories. Use this intimate setting to introduce the concept of ongoing partnership opportunities throughout the year.

Create meaningful touchpoints that matter. Move beyond simple thank-you notes to engagement opportunities that provide real value:

  • Quarterly Volunteer Days: Invite sponsor employees to pack food, mentor clients, or help with facility improvements. These hands-on experiences create emotional connections that last far beyond your annual event and give employees meaningful ways to connect with your mission.
  • Executive Advisory Roles: Invite sponsor executives to serve on project-specific task forces or advisory committees. This insider access makes them feel truly invested in your success while providing your organization with valuable business expertise.
  • Employee Giving Integration: Partner with sponsors to promote workplace giving campaigns among their employees, potentially doubling or tripling the total support you receive from that company while building broader awareness of your mission.
  • Strategic Networking Events: Host quarterly gatherings where sponsors can connect with each other while learning about your programs. Position your organization as a community builder that creates valuable business relationships, not just a beneficiary seeking support.

Make it systematic, not sporadic. Use your donor database to create custom communications that go out on a regular schedule. Quarterly check-ins, monthly impact updates, and timely invitations to relevant opportunities keep your organization top-of-mind without overwhelming busy executives.

When sponsors see their event investment transform into meaningful, ongoing collaboration, they’re far more likely to renew (and increase) their support year after year.

8. Leverage Technology for Corporate Relationship Management

Managing year-round relationships with multiple corporate sponsors requires organization and consistency that’s impossible to maintain with spreadsheets and good intentions alone. A sophisticated nonprofit CRM becomes your relationship management command center.

Look for CRM features specifically designed for corporate relationship management:

  • Contact Hierarchies: Track relationships between individual contacts, their companies, and subsidiary organizations
  • Communication Tracking: Log every email, phone call, and meeting to ensure no interaction falls through the cracks
  • Automated Workflows: Set up reminders for follow-ups, renewals, and stewardship activities
  • Reporting Dashboards: Monitor sponsor engagement levels and identify relationships that need attention
  • Integration Capabilities: Connect with email marketing, event management, accounting, and workplace giving systems for seamless data flow

The right technology doesn’t replace relationship building. It amplifies your ability to be thoughtful, consistent, and strategic in your outreach.

9. Offer Creative Sponsorship Benefits Beyond Logos

Many companies are looking for fresh, meaningful ways to connect with causes, beyond the standard logo placement. By thinking creatively, you can offer benefits that make your sponsorship package stand out while providing genuine value that resonates with modern corporate social responsibility goals.

Create signature experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere:

  • Sponsored Program Days – Dedicate a day of programming to a sponsor, with signage and social media posts highlighting their support. Take it further by naming the day after them (“Wells Fargo Financial Literacy Day”) and creating custom materials they can share with their own stakeholders.
  • Employee Spotlight Stories – Feature sponsor employees in your newsletter or blog to show the human side of their involvement. Include their personal motivations for supporting your cause and how the partnership has impacted them professionally and personally.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Access – Give sponsors VIP tours, access to board meetings, or the chance to meet program participants directly. Create “insider briefings” where they get first access to program updates, challenges, and successes before the general public.

Leverage digital opportunities for maximum impact:

  • Co-Created Content Series – Partner with sponsors to develop educational content, webinars, or social media campaigns that showcase their expertise while advancing your mission. A financial services company could co-host financial literacy workshops, while a tech company could lead digital skills training.
  • Exclusive Digital Channels – Create sponsor-only Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or email newsletters where they can network with other supporters and get insider updates about your work.
  • Custom Impact Dashboards – Use your fundraising and engagement tools to create real-time, personalized reports showing exactly how their support made a difference. Include metrics they care about, like volunteer hours generated, people served, or measurable outcomes achieved.

Think beyond traditional event benefits:

  • Thought Leadership Platforms – Invite sponsor executives to speak at your events, contribute to your blog, or participate in podcast interviews about industry trends that intersect with your mission.
  • Innovation Labs – Partner with tech or consulting sponsors to tackle specific organizational challenges, giving them a chance to showcase their problem-solving skills while helping you improve operations.
  • Legacy Projects – Offer naming opportunities for programs, facilities, or initiatives that will provide long-term brand association and recognition.
  • Cross-Promotion Opportunities – Feature sponsors in grant applications as implementation partners, include them in media interviews about collaborative initiatives, or highlight their support in presentations to other potential funders.

Creative benefits not only make sponsors feel special, but they also deepen the connection between their brand, your mission, and your community while providing them with valuable content and experiences they can’t get elsewhere. The key is understanding what each sponsor values most and crafting benefits that align with their business goals and corporate culture.

10. Automate a Follow-Up Email Series

Don’t let your sponsors disappear into the void after your event ends. Set up an automated email series that keeps corporate sponsors engaged and informed about your organization’s ongoing work throughout the year.

Here’s what a strategic follow-up series might look like:

  • Week 1 Post-Event: Thank you message with event highlights and immediate impact
  • Month 1: Detailed impact report showing how their sponsorship dollars were used
  • Month 3: Update on programs they helped fund with specific success stories
  • Month 6: Invitation to volunteer opportunity or facility tour for their employees
  • Month 9: Preview of next year’s event with early engagement opportunities
  • Month 11: Formal renewal conversation with customized proposal

A nonprofit CRM makes this seamless by automatically triggering these communications based on sponsorship dates and allowing you to personalize messages based on their specific interests and giving history. You can also track open rates and engagement to see which messages resonate most with different sponsors.

11. Measure and Optimize Your Corporate Program

Like any fundraising strategy, corporate relationship building improves with measurement and optimization. Track metrics that matter for long-term partnership development:

  • Retention Rate: What percentage of sponsors renew year over year?
  • Upgrade Rate: How many sponsors increase their investment over time?
  • Engagement Score: How actively do sponsors participate in non-financial opportunities?
  • Lifetime Value: What’s the total value of relationships beyond just sponsorship dollars?
  • Pipeline Health: How many prospects are in each stage of relationship development?

Use this data to refine your approach. Maybe sponsors who attend volunteer days are 3x more likely to renew. Or perhaps companies that start with smaller sponsorships but receive excellent stewardship become your biggest champions over time. Make your data work for you, so you can build upon what works and eliminate what doesn’t.

Final Thoughts

Building lasting partnerships with corporate event sponsors starts with viewing them as strategic allies who believe in your mission rather than one-time transactional donors. The difference between organizations that struggle with sponsor retention and those that cultivate thriving corporate relationships often comes down to this single shift in perspective.

To maximize the potential of corporate sponsors, nonprofits should create a comprehensive stewardship plan. This begins with understanding the sponsor’s goals and creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Staying connected and demonstrating impact throughout the year is essential for maintaining the relationship and unlocking additional opportunities, such as matching gift programs and volunteer days.

Tools like nonprofit CRMs can help manage and track sponsor relationships, and platforms like Double the Donation can help organizations make the most of corporate giving potential.

How Homeless Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations

How Homeless Shelters Can Secure In-Kind Donations

/in , , /by

Homeless shelters play a vital role in providing safety, comfort, and essential services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. To fulfill their missions effectively, these organizations often rely on a combination of financial contributions and in-kind donations. In-kind donations refer to non-cash gifts such as goods, services, or expertise that directly support the shelter’s operations and the well-being of its residents.

Securing in-kind donations can be a game-changer for homeless shelters, as these contributions help reduce operational costs and ensure that residents receive the items they need most. From clothing and toiletries to furniture and cleaning supplies, in-kind gifts can fill critical gaps that monetary donations alone may not cover. Understanding how to identify, request, and manage these donations is essential for nonprofit professionals dedicated to advancing their shelter’s impact.

In this article, we will explore what in-kind donations are, the types most valuable to homeless shelters, where to find potential donors, and best practices for making the ask. We will also introduce tools that can streamline the process, helping your organization build sustainable partnerships and maximize the benefits of in-kind support.

Table of Contents

  • What Are In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters?
  • Types of In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters
  • Where Homeless Shelters Should Look for In-Kind Support
  • How Homeless Shelters Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask
  • Tools and Resources to Help Homeless Shelters Get Started

What Are In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters?

In-kind donations are contributions of goods, services, or expertise rather than cash. Unlike traditional monetary gifts, which provide financial flexibility, in-kind donations offer tangible resources that directly support a nonprofit’s programs or operations. These can range from donated office equipment and supplies to professional services, such as legal advice or transportation assistance.

For homeless shelters, in-kind donations are especially impactful because they address immediate, practical needs. Shelters require a steady supply of essentials such as clothing, food, bedding, and hygiene products to serve their residents effectively. Receiving these items directly from donors enables shelters to allocate their financial resources more effectively toward other critical areas, such as staffing, program development, and facility maintenance.

Moreover, in-kind donations can foster stronger community connections. When local businesses or corporations contribute goods or services, they become active partners in the shelter’s mission, enhancing visibility and community goodwill. This collaborative approach aligns with smarter fundraising strategies that emphasize maximizing impact through diverse revenue streams and resource sharing.

How In-Kind Donations Differ from Cash Gifts

While cash gifts provide flexibility, in-kind donations offer specificity. They ensure that shelters receive exactly what they need, often reducing the time and effort spent on procurement. However, managing in-kind gifts requires clear communication about needs, storage capacity, and distribution plans to avoid surplus or unusable items.

Why In-Kind Donations Matter for Homeless Shelters

Homeless shelters operate with tight budgets and high demand for essential items. In-kind donations help bridge the gap between limited funding and the comprehensive needs of residents. They also enable shelters to respond quickly to emergencies or seasonal demands, such as providing warm clothing in winter or additional bedding during cold snaps.

Aligning In-Kind Donations with Mission Impact

Strategically soliciting in-kind donations ensures that every gift contributes meaningfully to the shelter’s goals. By focusing on items and services that enhance program delivery and resident well-being, shelters can maximize the value of these contributions and build lasting partnerships with donors who share their visions.

Types of In-Kind Donations for Homeless Shelters

Homeless shelters benefit from a wide range of in-kind donations that support both daily operations and ongoing resident care. Below are some of the most valuable types of gifts, along with their tangible impact:

Clothes

Donated clothing is essential for residents who often arrive with few personal belongings. Items such as warm coats, socks, underwear, and seasonal apparel help residents maintain dignity and comfort. Clothes donations also reduce the shelter’s expenses and allow staff to focus resources elsewhere.

Toiletries

Personal hygiene products like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene items are critical for health and self-esteem. Many residents cannot afford these necessities, so in-kind donations ensure consistent availability and promote wellness.

Food

Non-perishable and fresh food donations help shelters provide nutritious meals without straining their budgets. Partnerships with grocery stores or food suppliers can supply staples and specialty items, supporting meal programs and reducing waste.

Bedding

Items such as blankets, pillows, sheets, and mattresses improve the quality of sleep and overall comfort for shelter residents. Bedding donations are especially important during colder months and can significantly enhance the living environment.

Furniture

Shelters often need furniture like beds, chairs, tables, and storage units to create safe, functional spaces. Donated furniture helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere and supports program activities such as counseling or job training.

Cleaning Products

Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is vital for resident health and safety. Donations of disinfectants, detergents, mops, and other cleaning supplies help shelters uphold hygiene standards and comply with health regulations.

Professional Services

Beyond physical goods, services such as legal advice, transportation, medical care, and skilled volunteer work can greatly enhance shelter operations. These contributions often fill gaps that cash donations cannot cover directly.

Where Homeless Shelters Should Look for In-Kind Support

Identifying potential sources of in-kind donations requires strategic research and relationship-building. Homeless shelters should focus on companies and organizations whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives align with their mission and whose products or services meet shelter needs.

Local businesses engaged in community impact efforts are often eager to support shelters through donations or volunteerism. Additionally, partnerships with retailers, manufacturers, and service providers relevant to shelter operations can yield valuable in-kind gifts. Here are a few key examples:

Walmart

Walmart frequently donates clothing, food, and household essentials through its community giving programs. Their broad product range and national presence make them a strong partner for shelters seeking diverse in-kind support. Not to mention, Walmart’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting families aligns well with homeless shelter missions.

Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble offers donations of toiletries and cleaning products, including trusted brands like Tide, Dawn, and Pampers. Their focus on health and hygiene complements shelter needs, helping residents maintain dignity and wellness.

Dove

Dove specializes in personal care products, including soap, lotion, shampoo, and more. Their product donations support hygiene programs and promote self-confidence among shelter residents, particularly women and children.

IKEA

IKEA is known for donating furniture and bedding items that help shelters create comfortable living spaces. Their affordable, functional designs make them an ideal partner for furnishing shelters and enhancing the resident quality of life.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond provides household goods, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Their in-kind donations help shelters maintain clean, safe environments and equip residents with essential home items as they transition to stable housing.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods often donates fresh and organic food items, supporting shelters’ efforts to provide nutritious meals. Their emphasis on healthy eating aligns with programs focused on resident wellness and recovery.

Ecolab

Ecolab supplies cleaning and sanitation products, helping shelters uphold rigorous hygiene standards. Their expertise in health and safety makes them a valuable partner for maintaining clean facilities.

How Homeless Shelters Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask

Making a successful in-kind donation request requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Building long-term relationships with corporate donors involves aligning the shelter’s needs with the company’s goals and making it easy for them to say yes.

Personalize Your Outreach

Research each company’s values and tailor your message to highlight shared goals. Mention any previous collaborations or relevant community initiatives to help build rapport.

Be Specific About Needs

Provide a clear list of desired items or services, explaining how each will support residents or operations. Specificity helps donors understand exactly how they can help.

Highlight Mutual Benefits

Communicate how the donation will enhance the company’s reputation, engage employees, or fulfill CSR objectives. Emphasize the positive community impact their support enables.

Offer Flexible Giving Options

Allow donors to choose from various ways to contribute, accommodating their resources and preferences. Flexibility increases the likelihood of securing support.

Make It Easy to Give

Provide all necessary details upfront, including contact information, delivery instructions, and timelines. Simplifying logistics encourages prompt and hassle-free donations.

Tools and Resources to Help Homeless Shelters Get Started

Using dedicated tools can significantly streamline the process of identifying and securing in-kind donations. Many companies have formal donation programs with application processes, but these opportunities are often scattered across websites and difficult to track manually.

Tools designed for nonprofit professionals help uncover company giving programs that align with a shelter’s mission, saving time and effort. They may even provide direct links to application forms, eligibility criteria, and contact information, enabling more efficient outreach and follow-up.

Double the Donation’s Corporate Giving Program Database

Double the Donation offers a top-tier solution for homeless shelters seeking in-kind donations. Their extensive and searchable database includes thousands of corporate giving programs, covering in-kind gifts, grants, and employee-directed workplace giving opportunities.

By leveraging this resource, nonprofit professionals can quickly identify companies with relevant donation programs, access application details, and manage their outreach efficiently. This data-driven approach empowers shelters to build meaningful partnerships and maximize the impact of in-kind support.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Securing in-kind donations is a powerful strategy for homeless shelters to enhance their programs and better serve residents. By identifying specific needs, researching aligned corporate partners, and using strategic outreach methods, shelters can build sustainable support networks that reduce costs and increase impact.

Meanwhile, leveraging tools like Double the Donation’s corporate giving database further streamlines this process, helping organizations uncover opportunities and manage relationships efficiently. Taking these first steps empowers shelters to maximize the value of in-kind gifts and strengthen their mission-driven work.

Unlock More Support with Double the Donation

Corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations are critical to the success of nonprofit events and programs—but sourcing the right partners can be overwhelming. Luckily, Double the Donation streamlines the entire process, helping your team find, secure, and manage corporate support with ease. With our industry-leading corporate giving database, you can quickly identify companies that offer financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, and corporate grants—giving you a data-driven edge in building meaningful partnerships.

Raise more with corporate grants and in-kind gifts; request a demo today!

How Community Clinics Can Secure In-Kind Donations

How Community Clinics Can Secure In-Kind Donations

/in , , /by

Community clinics play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare services to underserved populations. These clinics often operate with limited budgets and rely heavily on donations to meet the needs of their patients. While cash donations are essential, in-kind donations can significantly enhance a clinic’s capacity to deliver quality care without straining financial resources.

However, understanding how to identify, request, and manage in-kind donations is crucial for nonprofit professionals working in community clinics. By leveraging strategic partnerships with corporations and local businesses, clinics can build sustainable support networks that amplify their impact. This article explores practical approaches to securing in-kind donations tailored specifically to the unique needs of community clinics.

Table of Contents

  • What Are In-Kind Donations for Community Clinics?
  • Types of In-Kind Donations for Community Clinics
  • Where Community Clinics Should Look for In-Kind Support
  • How Community Clinics Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask
  • Tools and Resources to Help Community Clinics Get Started

What Are In-Kind Donations for Community Clinics?

In-kind donations are contributions of goods, services, or resources, rather than monetary contributions. Unlike traditional cash gifts, which provide financial flexibility, in-kind donations offer tangible items or professional services that directly support an organization’s operations or programs. These donations can include a wide range of items, from office equipment and supplies to specialized expertise or volunteer time.

Across the nonprofit sector, in-kind donations serve as a valuable complement to monetary gifts. They help organizations stretch their budgets by offsetting costs that would otherwise require cash outlays. For community clinics, which often face tight funding constraints, in-kind donations can be especially impactful by providing essential medical and operational resources.

Community clinics benefit uniquely from in-kind donations because their work depends heavily on specific supplies and equipment. Medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and sanitation products are critical to patient care and safety.

By securing in-kind donations, community clinics can focus more resources on expanding services and reaching more patients. These donations reduce overhead costs and enable clinics to maintain high standards of care. For nonprofit professionals, understanding the strategic value of in-kind gifts is key to maximizing fundraising success and advancing the clinic’s mission.

Defining In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations encompass a broad range of non-monetary gifts. They can be physical items like medical equipment or consumables, or services such as legal advice, marketing support, or transportation. Unlike cash donations, these gifts require careful coordination to ensure they meet the organization’s needs and can be effectively utilized.

Why In-Kind Donations Matter for Community Clinics

Community clinics operate in environments where every dollar counts. In-kind donations help fill critical gaps by providing resources that might otherwise be unaffordable. For example, donated pharmaceuticals and vaccines ensure patients receive necessary treatments without the clinic bearing the full cost. Similarly, donated cleaning and sanitation supplies maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff.

Types of In-Kind Donations for Community Clinics

Community clinics can benefit from a diverse array of in-kind donations that support both clinical services and administrative functions. Below are some of the most valuable types of in-kind gifts tailored to this nonprofit vertical.

Medical Supplies

Donations of medical supplies such as gloves, syringes, bandages, and diagnostic tools are essential for daily clinic operations. These items enable healthcare providers to deliver safe and effective care while controlling costs. Luckily, many companies specialize in donating high-quality medical supplies that meet regulatory standards.

Pharmaceuticals & Vaccines

Access to donated pharmaceuticals and vaccines can dramatically improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely treatment and prevention. Pharmaceutical companies often have programs to provide medications and vaccines to community health organizations, helping clinics serve vulnerable populations.

Furniture and Office Supplies

Functional furniture like exam tables, chairs, desks, and filing cabinets creates a comfortable and organized environment for patients and staff. Office supplies, including paper, printers, and stationery, support administrative tasks that keep the clinic running smoothly. Such in-kind donations from companies can help clinics maintain a professional and efficient workspace.

Cleaning & Sanitation Products

Maintaining a clean and hygienic clinic environment is critical for infection control. Donations of cleaning agents, disinfectants, and sanitation equipment help clinics uphold health and safety standards without incurring additional expenses.

Food and Nutrition Support

Some community clinics provide nutritional support or food assistance to patients facing food insecurity. Donations from local food providers can supplement these programs, improving patient health outcomes and community well-being.

Technology and Software

Technology donations, including computers, software licenses, and telehealth platforms, enhance clinic efficiency and patient engagement. Many companies even offer technology grants and software donations that enable clinics to modernize their operations and expand virtual care capabilities.

Transportation Assistance

Transportation services or vouchers help patients overcome barriers to accessing care. Donations of transportation assistance, whether through partnerships with local transit providers or ride-share companies, can increase appointment adherence and improve health outcomes.

Where Community Clinics Should Look for In-Kind Support

Identifying the right sources for in-kind donations requires strategic research and relationship-building. For the best results, community clinics should focus on companies whose corporate social responsibility initiatives align with healthcare access, community well-being, and public health.

Below are some companies known for their in-kind donation programs that align well with the needs of community clinics like yours.

Medline

Medline is a leading supplier of medical products and frequently donates medical supplies and equipment to community health organizations. Their support helps clinics maintain essential inventory and improve patient care quality. Medline’s commitment to healthcare access makes them a natural partner for community clinics.

GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides advanced medical technology and equipment donations. Their in-kind support can include diagnostic machines and imaging devices, which are critical for clinics expanding their service offerings.

Pfizer

Pfizer’s pharmaceutical donation programs provide medications and vaccines to underserved populations. Their in-kind support directly addresses patient treatment needs and public health priorities, making the company a key partner for community clinics.

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson supports community health through donations of medical products and health education resources. Their broad portfolio of healthcare goods aligns with clinics’ efforts to deliver comprehensive care.

Microsoft

Microsoft offers technology grants and software donations that help clinics improve administrative functions and telehealth services. Their support enables clinics to leverage digital tools for better patient management and outreach.

Clorox

Clorox donates cleaning and sanitation products essential for maintaining safe clinic environments. Their support ensures clinics can uphold hygiene standards critical to patient and staff safety.

How Community Clinics Should Make the In-Kind Donation Ask

Making a successful in-kind donation request requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Building long-term relationships with corporate donors is essential, as is aligning the clinic’s needs with the company’s mission and giving priorities. A well-crafted ask makes it easy for businesses to say yes and fosters ongoing support.

Personalize Your Outreach

Research the prospective donor’s CSR goals and tailor your message to highlight shared values. Reference any previous support or relevant initiatives to build rapport.

Be Clear and Specific

Specify the exact items or services needed and explain how they will support patient care or clinic operations. Concrete requests are easier for companies to evaluate and fulfill.

Highlight Mutual Benefits

Communicate how the donation will enhance the company’s reputation and community presence. Emphasize opportunities for employee involvement or recognition.

Offer Flexible Giving Options

Allow donors to choose from a range of giving methods to suit their resources and preferences. Flexibility increases the likelihood of securing support.

Facilitate Easy Follow-Through

Provide all necessary logistical details upfront, including shipping addresses, deadlines, and contact information. This clarity streamlines the donation process.

Tools and Resources to Help Community Clinics Get Started

Securing in-kind donations can be a complex and time-consuming process without the right tools. Luckily, dedicated platforms like Double the Donation help nonprofit professionals streamline research and outreach efforts by consolidating information about corporate giving programs.

Many companies offer in-kind donation opportunities through formal programs with specific eligibility criteria and application processes. However, these opportunities are often scattered across multiple websites and are difficult to track manually. Using a centralized tool saves time and increases the chances of finding the best matches.

Double the Donation’s corporate giving database provides community clinics with access to thousands of verified programs, including in-kind donations, grants, and workplace giving initiatives. This resource helps organizations uncover companies aligned with their mission, access application links, and organize outreach efforts efficiently.

By leveraging such tools, community clinics can expand their network of potential in-kind partners, improve fundraising outcomes, and focus more on delivering impactful healthcare services.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Securing in-kind donations is a powerful strategy for community clinics to enhance their capacity and extend their reach. By clearly identifying needs, researching aligned corporate partners, and making thoughtful donation requests, clinics can build sustainable support networks that reduce costs and improve patient care.

Utilizing tools like Double the Donation’s corporate giving database streamlines the process, helping clinics uncover new opportunities and manage outreach effectively. Taking these first steps empowers community clinics to maximize the impact of in-kind gifts and advance their mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare to those who need it most.

Unlock More Support with Double the Donation

Corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations are critical to the success of nonprofit events and programs, but sourcing the right partners can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Luckily, Double the Donation streamlines the entire process, helping your team find, secure, and manage corporate support with ease.

With our industry-leading corporate giving database, you can quickly identify companies that offer financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, and corporate grants, providing you with a data-driven edge in building meaningful partnerships. Raise more with corporate grants and in-kind gifts; get a demo today!

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: What to Know

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Appends: What to Know

/in , , , /by

Employment information is a valuable asset in nonprofit fundraising. It can help identify matching gift opportunities, uncover potential corporate partners, and personalize donor outreach. But how should your organization go about collecting this data? That’s where the question of asking for employer info vs. using appends comes in.

In other words, should you rely on donors to self-report where they work, or use a data append service to fill in the blanks?

Each method has its benefits and limitations, and understanding these differences is crucial for building a strong, complete, and accurate donor database. In this post, we’ll break down what nonprofits should know about both approaches and how to decide which is right for your organization. Specifically, we’ll cover:

Whether you’re just starting to collect employment data or are looking to refine your current approach, this guide will help you weigh your options and make informed decisions about how you do so.

By understanding how to gather and use this information effectively, your nonprofit can unlock new opportunities for engagement, funding, and long-term donor relationships. Let’s dive in!

The value of employer info in nonprofit fundraising

Understanding where your donors work is more than a data point; it’s a strategic advantage. Employer information opens the door to a range of fundraising opportunities that can significantly amplify donor impact and deepen engagement.

After all, tons of companies offer employee-led giving programs. When you know where your supporters work, you can easily determine if they qualify for these programs and configure targeted next steps accordingly.

Here are just a few of the opportunities that employment information can help uncover:

  • Matching Gifts: Many companies match donations their employees make to nonprofits, often doubling or even tripling the original gift. Knowing a donor’s employer helps identify matching gift eligibility and streamline follow-up accordingly.
  • Volunteer Incentives: Some employers offer monetary grants or other incentives in exchange for volunteer hours logged by their employees. Capturing employer info allows you to promote these volunteer programs to the right supporters.
  • Payroll Giving: Payroll giving programs enable employees to donate directly from their paychecks. Identifying where a supporter works enables you to guide them toward these convenient giving options.
  • In-Kind Support and Sponsorships: Employer data can reveal connections to businesses that may offer non-cash support, such as products, services, or corporate sponsorships.
  • Targeted Engagement: With accurate employer information, you can personalize outreach and suggest relevant corporate giving options, maximizing impact for both your organization and your supporters.

In short, employer information helps nonprofits move from one-size-fits-all fundraising to smarter, more strategic engagement. The more you know about where your donors work, the better positioned you are to connect their personal giving to broader opportunities through their employer.

Method #1: Asking for employer info directly

One of the most straightforward and effective ways to gather employment data is to ask donors directly. This method relies on self-reporting, or inviting donors to share their employer information at specific points in their journey with your organization.

What it means:

Asking for employer info directly means including a field in your donation form, event registration, volunteer sign-up, or post-gift follow-up where donors can share where they work. This approach is entirely opt-in and allows you to gather current, self-reported data straight from the source.

Collecting employment information directly from donors

Pros:

  • High Accuracy: Because the data comes directly from the donor, it’s more likely to be correct and up to date. Asking each time an individual engages with your cause reduces the odds of the information going stale, too.
  • Opportunities to Connect Supporters to Next Steps: When you ask donors where they work during or immediately after a donation, it’s easier to connect them to the next opportunity, like submitting a matching gift or volunteer grant request.
  • Gets Individuals Thinking About Eligibility As They Give: The point of donation is often the height of supporter engagement. Requesting employment info at this time gets donors and other supporters thinking about their eligibility as they give, which can even function as a generosity motivator or giving catalyst.

Cons:

  • Gaps in Completion: Donors may skip optional form fields, especially during a streamlined donation or registration process, while others may opt to give offline. This would leave your organization with blank lines in your database, unless you had a backup method in place for collecting this information.

Best practices for success:

  • Make It Optional and Simple: Keep the question brief. For example, consider an additional form field asking “Where do you work?”—and don’t require the information to complete a transaction.
  • Explain the Why: Let donors know why you’re asking by providing context around the form. A simple note like “Your employer may match your gift and increase your impact” encourages participation.
  • Include It Strategically: Add the field to donation forms, confirmation pages, volunteer registrations, and thank-you emails where engagement is already high. It’s easy to do with Double the Donation’s integration options!
  • Follow Up: If the employer field is left blank, consider a polite follow-up email asking for the information and explaining the benefits to both the donor and your mission.
  • Use the Data Promptly: If you collect employer info, make sure it’s tied to direct action, like checking for match eligibility or tracking corporate volunteer hours.

💡 Key Takeaway: Asking for employer information directly can be a highly effective way to gather accurate data and engage donors more deeply. This is especially true when paired with a clear purpose and thoughtful timing.

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: Getting Started With Double the Donation

Method #2: Utilizing employer appends and employer data enrichment

When donor records lack employment information, a data append can help fill in the blanks at scale. This method uses external databases to match donor records with publicly available or proprietary employment data, giving your organization a broader view of where your supporters work.

What it means:

An employer append essentially involves sending a list of donor names, email addresses, and other identifying details to a trusted data provider. The provider then returns employment information for matched records, typically including company name, industry, and even workplace giving eligibility and next steps. This process can enrich your CRM without requiring any action from the donor.

Collecting donor information through an employer append

Pros:

  • Efficient and Scalable: Append hundreds or thousands of donor records in a single batch, saving time and manual effort while scaling up the information available to you.
  • Fills in Gaps: Even with a robust data-collection strategy, you’re not likely to have employment data for every individual in your supporter base. An employer append is perfect for uncovering employer information in legacy data, unresponsive donors, or those who skip form fields.
  • Revenue-Driving Potential: Appending helps connect supporters to their workplace giving programs quickly, leading to more matching gifts, volunteer grant opportunities, and stronger corporate partnership leads.
  • No Disruption to the Donor Journey: Because this method functions entirely behind the scenes, there’s no negative impact on the donor experience or giving flow.

Cons:

  • Potential for Inaccuracy: Matches are based on probability and third-party sources, which can occasionally return outdated or incorrect data.
  • Cost: Most employer append services charge based on volume or subscription, making it a significant investment you’ll need to plan for.

Best practices for success:

  • Start with Clean Data: Ensure your existing donor records (i.e., names, emails, addresses) are accurate and up to date before submitting them for an append.
  • Use a Trusted Provider: Work with a reputable vendor that specializes in nonprofit employment data and can deliver high-confidence matches.
  • Validate Where Possible: If a donor responds or updates their info later, compare it to appended results and adjust the results accordingly.
  • Combine with Workplace Giving Tools: Integrate your new employment data with workplace giving software to automatically prompt eligible supporters with next steps following the donation or volunteer registration flow.
  • Refresh Regularly: Employment changes over time. Consider appending your file annually or semi-annually to keep your data fresh and relevant.

💡 Key Takeaway: Utilizing employer appends allows nonprofits to dramatically expand their understanding of who their donors are without relying solely on self-reported information. When done strategically, it can accelerate your workplace giving efforts and turn hidden data into new revenue opportunities.

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: Getting Started With Double the Donation

Method #3: Taking a combined approach

The most effective strategy for collecting employment data often isn’t choosing between asking supporters or using appends; it’s combining both. By blending direct collection with employer appends, your nonprofit can build a more complete, accurate, and actionable database while maximizing both reach and reliability.

What it means:

A combined approach involves collecting employer information directly from donors through forms, surveys, and follow-ups, while also running periodic employer appends to fill in the blanks or update existing records. This method leverages the strengths of both strategies and minimizes their individual limitations.

For example, you might collect employer info on your donation forms and then run an append on all records that remain blank, or use appends to verify and enrich self-reported data over time.

Pros:

  • Maximum Coverage: You get the best of both worlds: accurate self-reported data and a broader reach through appends. As your database grows, a combined approach ensures new and existing records remain as up-to-date and complete as possible.
  • Stronger Personalization and Segmentation: With more complete data, you can confidently tailor outreach, identify corporate giving opportunities, and create targeted campaigns.
  • Increased Workplace Giving Revenue: More employment data means more potential matches and grants identified, and more donors ultimately connected to workplace giving programs.

Cons:

  • More Complex to Manage: Running both processes requires careful coordination, particular workflows, and detailed attention to data hygiene.
  • Costs Still Apply: Append services still require a budget, and collecting directly can demand time and resources for training, communication, and follow-up.
  • Duplicate or Conflicting Data: You may encounter discrepancies between self-reported info and appended data, requiring validation and thoughtful resolution.

Best practices for success:

  • Create a Data Workflow: Establish clear processes for collecting, appending, validating, and updating employment information across your database.
  • Segment Your Data: Keep track of how employer data was collected (self-reported vs. appended) and treat each group accordingly when testing campaigns or messaging.
  • Prioritize Data Accuracy: When there’s a conflict, favor donor-reported data unless you have a compelling reason to override it. Always aim to confirm before acting.
  • Use Clear Messaging: When asking for employer info, explain how it helps increase impact (e.g., uncovering matching gifts or volunteer grants) to encourage more donors to participate.
  • Schedule Regular Updates: Use append services on a regular basis to keep your records current, especially as employment status frequently changes.

💡 Key Takeaway: By combining direct collection and employer appends, your nonprofit can establish a smarter, more reliable approach to employment data. It’s a strategy that balances donor engagement with data scale, giving you the tools to increase revenue, deepen relationships, and tap into the full potential of workplace giving.

Integrating employment data into your fundraising strategy

Collecting employment data is only valuable if you use it. That’s why the most effective nonprofits treat this information as a core part of their fundraising strategy.

When integrated thoughtfully, employer information can inform everything from campaign planning to workplace giving outreach and corporate partnership development.

Here’s how to make employment data work for your fundraising goals:

1. Identify and Promote Workplace Giving Opportunities

Once you know where a supporter works, you can check if their employer offers a matching gift, volunteer grant, or payroll giving program. From there, you can use this information to trigger workplace giving marketing efforts: personalize follow-up emails, include employer-specific instructions, and make it easy for donors to complete the process of getting involved, ultimately increasing the impact of every gift.

2. Strengthen Corporate Relationships

If multiple donors or volunteers work for the same company, that can be a natural lead-in for broader partnership opportunities. Use this data to approach businesses for event sponsorships, in-kind donations, team volunteer days, or dedicated workplace giving campaigns, backed by the fact that their employees already support your mission.

3. Enhance Stewardship and Donor Experiences

When you receive third-party disbursements, like matching gifts or volunteer grants, it’s a valuable opportunity to thank donors and reinforce your appreciation. Having employment data on hand allows you to follow up promptly and personally, recognizing both their direct and facilitated support.

Mentioning a donor’s employer in thank-you messages or impact reports (when appropriate) shows you’re paying attention and actively working to maximize their impact. This thoughtful, personalized stewardship builds trust, deepens loyalty, and improves the donor experience over time.

Integrating employment data into your stewardship strategy isn’t about adding complexity. It’s about working smarter with insights you likely already have (or can easily collect). When used well, employer information becomes more than just a database field; it’s a powerful tool to drive engagement, gratitude, and lasting impact.

Wrapping up & additional resources

When it comes to collecting employment data, both methods have value, and often, the best strategy combines them. Here’s what it comes down to: asking for employer info vs. using appends isn’t necessarily an either/or decision. Instead, it’s about understanding how each approach fits into your broader data and fundraising goals.

Directly asking donors provides accurate, relationship-building insights, while employer appends can efficiently fill in gaps and scale your outreach. By leveraging both, your nonprofit can build a more complete picture of your donor base and turn workplace connections into meaningful opportunities for engagement, giving, and growth.

Interested in learning more about how supporter employer information can benefit your organization? Check out these additional resources:

Asking for Employer Info vs. Using Employer Appends: You can do both with Double the Donation!

Is an Employer Append Right for Your Nonprofit How to Know

Is an Employer Append Right for Your Nonprofit? How to Know

/in , , /by

If your donor database is missing key employment information, you might be wondering: Is an employer append right for your nonprofit?

Employer appends, or the process of enhancing donor records by filling in employment data, can unlock new opportunities for improved workplace giving efforts, better segmentation, and deepened corporate partnerships. But like any data investment, it’s important to weigh the benefits against your organization’s readiness and goals.

In this post, we’ll walk through the pros, cons, and key inquiries that can help you decide whether this strategy is a smart next step for your fundraising efforts.

Specifically, we invite you to ask yourself (or your team) the following questions:

If you answered “yes” to most (or all) of the above, an employer append might be a strategic next step. Now, let’s take a deeper dive into each key question.

Is an employer append right for your nonprofit? Consider whether you have a high volume of individual gifts.

Do you receive a high volume of individual gifts?

YES: One of the clearest indicators that an employer append might be a wise investment is the volume of individual donations your organization receives. If a significant portion of your fundraising comes from individual donors—especially in the form of small to mid-sized gifts—you likely have untapped potential for employer matching and corporate engagement.

Why does volume matter? Because even if just 20–30% of your individual donors are eligible for matching gifts through their employers, that could represent thousands of dollars in additional revenue you’re currently missing.

NO: By contrast, if your funding is primarily made up of grants, major gifts, or government contracts, an employer append may not deliver the same return. In those cases, employment data may be less relevant to your core fundraising strategy.

So, if you’re regularly processing hundreds or thousands of individual gifts each year, it might be worth it to consider an append. In other words, the higher your individual donor volume, the stronger the case for appending employer data.

Is an employer append right for your nonprofit? Consider whether you have a lot of missing employment data.

Are you missing employment information in your database?

YES: Before you can take advantage of matching gifts or other workplace giving campaigns, you need one essential piece of data: where your supporters work. If your CRM is filled with blank employer fields, that’s a clear sign that an employer append could be beneficial.

Appending employer data helps fill these gaps efficiently, especially for organizations with a large donor base and limited staff capacity. Even if only a portion of your records can be matched, it’s often enough to uncover significant corporate giving potential and segment communications more effectively.

NO: On the other hand, perhaps you collect employer information consistently, whether through your donation forms, volunteer registrations, follow-up emails, or other supporter onboarding efforts⁠—and don’t have many gaps in your donor base. In that case, you may already have a strong foundation in place.

In other words, if the employer field in your database is mostly complete and kept up to date, an employer append may not deliver as much added value. If so, your resources might be better spent on activating the employer data you already have through targeted matching gift outreach or broader workplace giving campaigns.

Is an employer append right for your nonprofit? Consider whether you have a considerable volunteer base.

Does your organization have many volunteers?

YES: Volunteers often give more than just their time—they can also open the door to valuable funding opportunities, especially if you know where they work. If your organization relies heavily on volunteer support but lacks employment information for those individuals, you could be missing out on corporate volunteer grants and Volunteer Time Off (VTO) programs.

After all, many companies offer financial donations in recognition of their employees’ volunteer hours. Others provide paid VTO, encouraging employees to give back during work hours at approved nonprofit partners. But you can’t take advantage of these programs if you don’t know where your volunteers are employed.

An employer append can help fill in those missing details. Plus, it allows you to follow up with volunteers about corporate giving opportunities tied to their time. Even if only a portion of volunteers qualify, the combined value of grants and engagement can make a meaningful impact. If volunteers are a core part of your community, enhancing your data with employer information is a strategic next step.

NO: If your organization doesn’t rely heavily on volunteers—or volunteer engagement makes up a very small portion of your operations—then an employer append for volunteer records may not deliver significant value. In this case, your time and resources might be better spent optimizing donor data or focusing on other segments of your supporter base, such as recurring givers or event participants.

However, if volunteer involvement grows, revisiting this opportunity could unlock new sources of funding and corporate engagement in the future.

Is an employer append right for your nonprofit? Consider whether you have the resources to prioritize workplace giving.

Is your team ready to prioritize workplace giving?

YES: If your team already sees workplace giving as a strategic priority, an employer append can significantly enhance your efforts. However, adding employment data to your records is only valuable if your team has the resources to act on it. That means following up on workplace giving opportunities, running targeted campaigns, and having someone focused on corporate outreach or stewardship.

When workplace giving is embraced organization-wide, you unlock greater ROI and longer-lasting corporate partnerships. If your team is aligned, resourced, and ready to collaborate around workplace giving, an employer append can serve as the catalyst for smarter outreach and greater impact.

NO: If workplace giving hasn’t yet become a focus—or your team lacks the time, tech, or clarity to act on employer data—it may be worth holding off on an employer append until you’re better prepared. Without a clear plan to integrate employment data into your campaigns, stewardship efforts, or corporate outreach, the data may go unused and offer limited returns on your investment.

Instead, consider starting small. Develop a workplace giving strategy, assign ownership of workplace giving-related tasks, and ensure your team is equipped with program knowledge. Keep in mind that prioritizing workplace giving doesn’t need to be difficult, either, especially when your team is equipped with the right tools, as many teams are already stretched thin. Once you’re aligned on prioritizing workplace giving, you’ll be in a stronger position to turn employer data into meaningful results. At that point, an employer append can be a high-impact next step.

Is an employer append right for your nonprofit? Consider whether you have the right tech in place to support one.

Do you have the right tools in place to support your efforts?

YES: If your organization already has strong tech infrastructure, like a modern CRM, mobile-friendly donation forms, and a workplace giving automation platform, you’re in a great position to act on the insights gained from an employer append. These tools allow you to leverage employer data, uncover employee giving eligibility, and send targeted follow-ups based on employment data.

Beyond basic functionality, think about how your tools help connect supporters to their next steps. Is your matching gift tool connected to your giving forms and CRM to enable targeted outreach? Is your corporate volunteering solution integrated with your VMS to provide seamless information and tailored program instructions?

If your systems support those experiences, you’re well-positioned to maximize the value of appended data and drive meaningful action.

NO: If your organization is still working with outdated systems, manual spreadsheets, or donation forms that don’t support employer-related functionality, an employer append might not yield strong results—at least not yet.

Without the right tools to store, track, and act on employment data, much of that insight may go unused. In this case, focus first on upgrading your tech stack. Prioritize a donor management system that allows for custom fields and segmentation. Plus, explore integrations that support matching gifts and workplace giving platforms.

When your tools are ready to handle and act on employer data, you’ll be able to extract real value from an append, boosting engagement, unlocking corporate funding, and streamlining supporter journeys.

Wrapping up & additional employer append resources

Employer appends are a powerful tool for nonprofits looking to deepen donor insights and tap into underutilized corporate giving opportunities. But they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Evaluate your data quality, fundraising strategy, and capacity to act on new information and make a clear, informed decision about whether it’s the right fit.

If you’ve answered “yes” to many of the readiness questions shared above, your organization may be well-positioned to benefit from this next-level data enhancement.

Interested in learning more about employer appends and how your organization can benefit from them? Check out the additional recommended resources below:

How Employer Appending Completes Your Workplace Giving Donor Profiles

How Employer Appending Completes Your Workplace Giving Donor Profiles

/in , /by

When it comes to equipping your team with enhanced workplace giving donor profiles, accurate and complete donor data isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. One of the most overlooked yet powerful pieces of information in your donor database is employer data. After all, knowing where your supporters work can unlock corporate matching gifts, boost campaign targeting, and significantly increase giving potential.

But what happens when this information is missing? That’s where employer appending comes in. This process helps nonprofits fill in the blanks, matching donors with their employers to build more complete, actionable profiles.

In this post, we’ll explore how employer appending works and why it’s a game-changer for enhancing your workplace giving strategy. We’ll cover:

Accurate employer data can be the missing link between a good fundraising program and a great one. In the sections ahead, we’ll show you how employer appending strengthens workplace giving donor profiles and empowers your team to make more informed, strategic outreach decisions.

Why do donor profiles matter for workplace giving?

Workplace giving programs thrive on strong engagement, and comprehensive donor profiles are what make that engagement possible. After all, a well-crafted donor profile is more than just a name and email address. It’s a collection of key data points that help your organization understand who your supporters are, how they prefer to give, and even what engagement opportunities are available to them. This information is especially critical when it comes to unlocking the full potential of workplace giving.

Why? One of the most valuable—but often missing—data points in a donor profile is an individual’s employer. And without it, you may be leaving thousands of dollars in matching gifts or volunteer grants unclaimed. However, simply knowing where a donor works allows you to identify their eligibility for corporate giving programs, tailor outreach messages, and segment communications based on employer partnerships or matching opportunities.

Use our appends services to complete your workplace giving donor profiles.

In short, complete and accurate workplace giving donor profiles enable your team to:

  • Identify workplace giving opportunities like matching gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll giving programs more efficiently
  • Increase participation rates by targeting eligible supporters with tailored engagement information
  • Strengthen corporate relationships by demonstrating shared support and rallying donors to advocate on your behalf
  • Enhance personalization in your appeals and stewardship efforts, demonstrating a deep knowledge of your supporter base

The more you know about your donors—including their employing companies—the more strategic and successful your workplace giving campaigns will be. That’s why maintaining complete profiles isn’t just helpful; it’s mission-critical.

How does appending employer data help?

Appending employer data is a strategic way to strengthen your donor database by filling in one of its most valuable gaps: where your supporters work. This process utilizes extensive third-party data sources to match your donors with their likely employers, based on identifying details such as name, email, or postal address.

The result? Richer, more actionable workplace giving donor profiles that drive greater fundraising impact.

Here’s how employer appending specifically helps your nonprofit:

  • It Uncovers Employee Giving Opportunities: Many companies offer employee giving programs, but if you don’t know where your donors work, you can’t alert them to these opportunities. Appending employer data allows you to proactively identify eligible donors and guide them through the participation process.
  • It Improves Campaign Segmentation and Personalization: With employer data on hand, you can tailor your messaging to resonate with specific workplace audiences or corporate partners. For example, consider sending targeted emails to employees of a company running a giving campaign or creating custom donation appeals aligned with that employer’s CSR priorities.
  • It Fills Data Gaps and Keeps Records Current: Donor records can become outdated quickly, especially if employment changes aren’t captured regularly. Appending services help refresh your data, ensuring your team has the most accurate and complete information to work with.
  • It Strengthens Corporate Partnership Opportunities: When you know which companies your donors work for, you gain insight into potential corporate sponsors or partners. This data can help you identify shared connections and demonstrate employee engagement when approaching companies for in-kind donations, sponsorships, grants, or expanded giving initiatives.

In short, employer appending transforms donor records from passive assets into strategic fundraising tools. By providing you with the employer-focused insights you need, it powers more innovative outreach, better workplace giving outcomes, and stronger donor relationships.

Getting started with employer appends for workplace giving

Employer appending can open new doors for workplace giving. Still, like any data-driven initiative, it works best with thoughtful preparation and execution. The process is relatively straightforward, but taking the proper steps up front will ensure you get the most value out of your appended data.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help your nonprofit get started the right way.

Usig appends to complete your workplace giving donor profiles.

1. Assess the Quality of Your Existing Data

Before you begin the appending process, take time to review and clean your current donor database. After all, the success of an employer append depends heavily on the quality of the data you provide. If your records contain outdated contact information, misspellings, duplicate entries, or inconsistent formats, your match rate will likely suffer.

Key actions to take at this step include:

  • Removing duplicate records.
  • Standardizing naming conventions (e.g., using full names instead of initials).
  • Verifying email addresses and mailing addresses.
  • Filling in missing fields where possible.

Well-organized donor information not only improves your append results but also helps downstream fundraising and communications efforts. It’s great to start the process with fresh, clean data in order to drive the best results overall.

2. Choose a Trusted Data Append Provider

As it comes to data appending, selecting the right partner for your efforts is crucial. This enables you to avoid common employer appending mistakes and maximize the accuracy, relevance, and long-term value of your workplace giving donor profiles.

For the best results, a reliable append service should use verified and frequently updated employment databases, offer transparent match methodologies, and ensure overall data accuracy and integrity.

What to look for:

  • Experience working with nonprofits and schools.
  • High match rates and data accuracy guarantees.
  • Clear pricing structure—such as flat fee vs. per-match pricing.
  • Strong security and confidentiality policies.
  • Detailed workplace giving eligibility insights and next steps.

When selecting the right employer appends service, keep in mind that the more actionable the information they provide, the more you’ll be able to do with it for your cause.

3. Define Your Goals and Use Cases

Before diving into the appending process, be sure to clarify why you want to append employer data. The more specific your goals, the easier it will be to measure success and apply the new data effectively.

Common use cases include:

  • Identifying and targeting donors eligible for corporate matching gifts.
  • Uncovering volunteers who qualify for corporate volunteer incentives.
  • Triggering communications to employees of specific companies.
  • Discovering potential corporate sponsorship or grant opportunities.

All in all, realizing your goals will also help you prioritize which data fields matter most (company name, job title, industry, location, workplace giving eligibility, etc.), allowing you to adjust your appends process accordingly.

4. Upload and Append Your Donor Records

At this point in the process, it’s time to submit your file to your selected appends provider. Most services accept CSV or Excel files and require only a few basic fields—commonly donor name, email, mailing address, or phone number—for matching purposes.

Here are some tips for a smoother upload:

  • Include as many identifiers as possible to increase the accuracy of matches.
  • Make sure your data is formatted according to the provider’s guidelines.
  • Label fields clearly (e.g., “First Name,” “Last Name,” “Email Address,” etc.).

Once you upload your data file, you’ve done your part! While turnaround times can vary, most providers will return results within a few days to a week.

5. Integrate and Act on the Data

Once your results come back, don’t let the data sit unused. Look for ways to use the appended employer information alongside your workplace giving platform—like Double the Donation—to identify matching gift opportunities, trigger outreach, or prioritize volunteer grant follow-up. The goal is to make the data actionable, fueling segmentation, outreach, and campaigns tied to employer-based giving.

Examples of how to use appended data:

  • Send a custom email to donors at companies that offer matching gifts, linking them to their employer’s submission form.
  • Create segmented content for existing volunteers who work at companies with volunteer incentive programs, encouraging them to tap into their workplace benefits.
  • Organize a payroll giving drive, where you encourage eligible employees to enroll in their companies’ payroll giving programs on your behalf.
  • Encourage a supporter who works at a company with an in-kind donation or grant program to advocate for your organization as a potential recipient.
  • At the very least, make sure your team understands how to use the new data and update relevant workflows accordingly.

6. Keep It Fresh

Employment data changes frequently—people change jobs, companies merge, and positions shift. To maintain accuracy, plan to run employer appends on a regular basis (every 6 to 12 months is typical).

Check out these tips for ongoing data hygiene:

  • Schedule regular audits and data refreshes.
  • Encourage supporters to update their employment info on donation forms, volunteer registrations, or email follow-ups.
  • Track employer engagement metrics to inform future corporate outreach.

Keeping your workplace giving donor profiles up to date ensures that your campaigns remain relevant and your workplace giving outreach is as effective as possible.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a more powerful, data-enriched fundraising program. With stronger employer insights, your team can unlock new corporate giving opportunities, personalize workplace giving outreach, and ultimately raise more for your mission.

Wrapping up & additional workplace giving appends resources

A strong workplace giving program starts with strong donor data. Luckily, employer appending offers nonprofits a smart, efficient way to enrich donor profiles, uncover new workplace giving opportunities, and create increasingly personalized outreach. By simply identifying where your donors work, you can gain valuable insights that fuel deeper engagement and facilitate fundraising success.

If you’re looking to maximize your workplace giving efforts, employer appending is a strategic step you can’t afford to skip. Now is the time to take a closer look at your donor records—and fill in the missing pieces that could make all the difference.

Interested in learning more about employer appends and their impact on workplace giving? Check out the additional resources below: