The title of this article: How to Hire A Google Grants Agency + Best Firms

How to Hire A Google Grants Agency + 8 Best Firms for 2024

The Google Ad Grants program empowers nonprofits to connect with prospects searching for causes like theirs around the globe. However, maximize the program’s potential requires a strategic approach.

Google Grants agencies specialize in helping nonprofits fully leverage the program. They handle everything from applying for the program to picking the best keywords, removing the learning curve so you can focus on your mission and engage new constituents.

Whether you’re new to Google Ad Grants or looking to refresh your account management strategies, a Google Ad Grants manager can elevate your ad campaigns and keep your account compliant with Google’s rules. In this guide, we’ll cover the program basics and recommend top Google Grants agencies to help you make the most of your $10,000 monthly grant. Here’s what we’ll cover:

At Double the Donation, we’ve witnessed organizations achieve remarkable results with corporate giving programs like Google’s. While we focus on employee giving programs like matching gifts, we believe Google Ad Grants can also significantly enhance your organization’s impact. Let’s explore how specialized agencies can streamline this process.

To improve your Google Ad Grants management, click here to get started with our recommended Google Grants agency: Getting Attention.


An Overview of Google Ad Grants Management

Before researching specific Google Grants agencies, make sure you know what Google is offering eligible nonprofits through the program. This will help you understand whether outsourcing the work to a professional is the right move. If you’re already well-versed in Google Ad Grants, feel free to jump ahead to learn how an agency fits into your strategies.

What is the Google Ad Grant?

The Google Ad Grants program is a corporate giving initiative that gives 501(c)(3) organizations $10,000 every month to spend on amplifying their pages in Google search results. That adds up to $120,000 every year that qualifying nonprofits can invest into marketing their missions.

Nonprofits pick the landing pages they’d like to promote, then build ad campaigns that target different keywords related to their mission. The goal of the program is to help nonprofits scale their impact by getting in touch with more donors, volunteers, and advocates online.

So long as your nonprofit complies with the program’s guidelines, the grant will automatically renew each month. The program has pretty strict guidelines for eligibility and ongoing compliance. That’s why organizations typically outsource account management to Google Ad Grant marketing agencies who will oversee their campaigns and keep their accounts compliant.

Are Google Ad Grants worth it?

Since 2001, Google has awarded over $10 billion in free advertising to 115,000+ nonprofits in 51 countries, according to recent nonprofit marketing statistics. Your nonprofit can easily become part of this amazing program!

While it can be challenging to create winning ad campaigns, any organization can (and should) apply for the program. It’s $10,000 of free funding every month that can amplify your cause if you allocate it strategically. With proper Google Ad Grants management, the program empowers your nonprofit to:

Effective account management from a Google Grants agency offers these competitive advantages, which are explained below.

  • Increase online conversions such as event signups, donations, and volunteer registrations
  • Connect with lifelong supporters who are motivated by your cause
  • Bid on competitors’ keywords so your ads can show up alongside their listings
  • Build brand awareness and spread awareness for mission-centric operations like matching gifts
  • Establish authority in your field and become a trusted resource for your mission

To make the most of the program, have someone at your organization spend a few hours each week learning about Google Ad Grants management. If you face limited staff bandwidth and can’t invest enough time into your campaigns, outsource the work to a dedicated Google Ad Grants manager.

Either way, $10,000 a month is a good chunk of change that will pale in comparison to the amount of staff time you spend or the money you pay an expert to manage your campaigns.

Why should I invest in Google Ad Grants management?

This Google Ad Grants impact report shows that nonprofits can see incredible returns with proper Google Ad Grants management. In fact, search ads offer the highest ROI among paid advertising platforms for nonprofits.

Google processes 3.5 billion search queries daily and accounts for over 90% of the search engine market, making it the world’s most popular search engine. Advertising your cause on Google connects you with a vast audience, and effective grant management ensures you deliver the right content to the right individuals.

However, getting started comes with a steep learning curve, from conducting keyword research to maintaining compliance with Google’s standards. With your team’s busy schedule, dedicating enough time to manage your Google Ad Grant may be challenging.

Investing in professional Google Ad Grants management offers several benefits:

  • Fast setup: Apply for the program and launch your campaigns quickly with expert guidance.
  • Compelling ads: Experts can create ads that resonate with your target audience and drive engagement.
  • Easy navigation of the program’s complexities: Expert management helps you overcome the learning curve of keyword research, bidding procedures, and compliance rules.
  • Results monitoring and optimization: Professionals can analyze your performance data and make necessary adjustments to maximize your impact.

Especially when working with a Google-certified agency, you’ll gain access to the best advice and a direct line to Google for any account issues.

Get program insights from our recommended Google Grants agency delivered straight to your inbox.


How A Google Grants Agency Can Help Your Nonprofit

From determining your eligibility to finding the right keywords, a lot goes into effective Google Ad Grants management. That’s where a dedicated Google Grants agency comes into play.

Agencies will take the guesswork out of account management and develop winning campaigns that supercharge your marketing efforts. They spend their time understanding the program’s requirements and learning how to leverage relevant tools that will maximize their clients’ results. Specifically, they help nonprofits with the following:

These are some of the most common services you'll need from a Google Grants agency, written below.

  • Google Grant applications. If you haven’t applied for the program, an agency will help you do so by creating your Google For Nonprofits account, getting verified by Percent, ensuring your website has promotable content, and guiding you through your application.
  • Keyword research. A Google Grants agency will develop ad campaigns that target the right keywords. They’ll research keywords associated with your cause and pinpoint the ones that qualified prospects are searching for online.
  • Campaign management. A healthy account will have anywhere from 3-5 active campaigns. An agency will actively track these campaigns, report on performance, and make adjustments to your online content to maximize results. Through Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, they can create live dashboards and reports that keep you looped into your campaigns’ performance.
  • Monthly compliance. The program’s guidelines are extensive, and by not complying, your account might be deactivated. Your Google Grants agency will make sure you’re always complying with the program’s guidelines. Some of these include maintaining a 5% clickthrough rate, avoiding single-word or generic keywords, and responding to the annual program survey. When you hire a Google-certified agency, you’ll have access to the program’s latest guidelines, even if they haven’t been formally announced.
  • Landing page tips. Your grant money will go to waste if the pages you’re promoting don’t inspire users to convert. Some agencies provide advice for improving your landing pages to help boost traffic and conversions.
  • Reactivation if needed. Ideally, your Google Grants agency will keep your account in good standing. However, things happen, especially considering the program has pretty strict guidelines. If your account ever gets suspended, your agency will help reactivate it. Better yet, an agency certified by Google will give you direct access to the Google Grants team, making it easier to resolve any issues.

A Google Grants agency knows what it takes to create winning campaigns that inspire users to click through to your website. And like we mentioned, the money you spend on hiring a professional will be well worth it compared to the $10,000 in marketing money you’ll receive every month.

If you’re curious about any of these services, Getting Attention’s Google Grant agency guide explores how agencies help nonprofits in-depth. That way, you can understand if investing in an agency is the right move.

What Is A Google Partner?

Any marketing agency can offer Google Grants management services. While some promising startup agencies can provide sufficient services, nonprofits can ensure they’re hiring a reliable agency by choosing a certified Google Partner.

A Google Partner is an organization that has earned a certification from Google for demonstrating expertise in managing Google Ads accounts. To become a Google Partner, a company must meet specific requirements set by Google, including:

  • Proficiency in Google Ads: The company must have employees who are certified in Google Ads, demonstrating their knowledge of successful management of Google Ads campaigns.
  • Performance Requirements: The company must maintain strong ad performance across their managed accounts, showing that they can effectively drive results for their clients.
  • Client Spend: The company must meet a certain level of ad spend across their managed accounts, which shows their experience in handling a significant volume of advertising campaigns.

Being a Google Partner provides a company with access to special benefits, including training and support from Google, early access to new features, and the ability to display the Google Partner badge on their website and marketing materials.

This designation is a mark of trust and expertise, indicating that the company is recognized by Google as capable of effectively managing Google Ads campaigns and maximizing the return on investment for their clients.


How To Choose A Google Ad Grants Manager

At this point, you’re almost ready to explore different agencies. As you explore your options, you should take certain steps to make sure you find a Google Grants agency that you can fully depend on to make the most of this CSR opportunity.

For instance, you’ll want to:

Finding the right Google Grants agency starts with these three steps, written below.

  1. Find Google Ad Grants managers that meet your criteria. Many nonprofits look specifically for partners who are certified by Google. That’s because these professional Google Grants agencies have been vetted by the Google Grants team. When exploring these agencies, look for partners that offer services for the specific areas you need help with. For instance, for full transparency into your campaigns’ performance, double-check that your Google Ad Grant agency will provide comprehensive reports to your team. If you’re seeking help because your account’s been deactivated, prioritize agencies that offer account reactivation services.
  2. Explore their website and offerings. An agency’s website will help you understand their approach and specializations. Read through their offerings thoroughly Oftentimes, an established agency might also include testimonials or case studies that display successful client results.
  3. Reach out to learn more about their approach to Google Ad Grant management. Before choosing an agency, contact them to make sure they’re a good fit. This gives you the opportunity to ask lingering questions and see if their team will mesh well with yours. Many agencies start with a complimentary audit of your account to give you an idea of what working with them will look like.

By walking through these steps, you’ll narrow down your options in no time. Remember, the right Google Ad Grant marketing agency will act as an extension of your team and do everything it can to champion your cause. We recommend choosing a Google Partner since these agencies demonstrate a clear understanding of the program.

Whoever you choose, spending time finding a good fit will pay off in the long run as you’ll be able to fully rely on them to make the most of your grant money.


8 Recommended Google Grants Agencies

To simplify the extensive vetting process, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations, so you can find ones that might be a good fit for your team. Each of these partners works with nonprofits to enhance their Google Ad Grants management and displays knowledge of the program’s requirements and opportunities. Use this list to narrow down your options and request their support when you’re ready.

Getting Attention is our top recommended Google Grants agency.

Getting Attention | Best All-Around Agency

Getting Attention specializes solely in Google Ad Grants management. They’re committed to maximizing your grant money, keeping your account compliant, and connecting you with lifelong prospects through powerful marketing campaigns. Backed by a team of seasoned professionals, they’ll act as an extension of your team and work with you to drive results. By managing every aspect of your Google Ad campaigns, they’ll help get your cause in front of qualified prospects who want to make an impact on your cause.

This agency is also a certified Google Partner, meaning the Google Ads team has personally reviewed their team’s abilities to manage Google Ad accounts properly. Their core services include:

  • Google Ad Grant Application. If you haven’t already applied for the program, Getting Attention’s experts can check your eligibility for the program and walk you through every step necessary to get your account reviewed and accepted.
  • Strategy and Campaign Management. They’ll choose goal-oriented conversion actions like donations or volunteer sign-ups. Then they’ll do ample keyword research, craft compelling ads, monitor ad performance, and make adjustments as needed. Not to mention, they’ll stay on top of reporting and pinpoint the most useful opportunities for your team.
  • Ongoing Compliance. Proper Google Ad Grants management means staying on top of the latest rules. As Google Partners, Getting Attention is one of the first ones to hear about compliance rule updates, so you can keep your account in good standing.
  • Account Reactivation. If your account is currently lapsed or ever gets suspended, they’ll get everything up to code, so you can continue amplifying your mission.

Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency

Getting Attention strives to be fully transparent with its clients, which is why they don’t charge any upfront fees and instead only charge a monthly fee of $600. Compared to the $10,000 in grant money they’ll secure for you, that’s a small price to pay for expert Google Ad Grants management, especially from a certified Google Partner!

If you require additional services beyond what’s included in their pricing package, they’re open to discussing their experience with you to find a plan that will work. Reach out to discuss your needs with their team today.

Work with our recommended Google Ad Grants managers at Getting Attention.


While Nonprofits Source doesn’t do Google Ad Grant management, it does offer free educational resources about the program.

Nonprofits Source | Best Agency for Educational Resources

If you’re new to the Google Ad Grant program, the most vital thing you need in this stage is information, and that’s where Nonprofits Source steps in. This digital marketing agency empowers nonprofits to grow their digital footprints, and where it really stands out is its expansive educational library.

Know that they only offer general digital marketing services to nonprofits, though. These services include search engine optimization and web design, which are both essential for improving your Google Search presence. While they don’t manage Ad Grant accounts, they offer plenty of free resources about the program, such as:

  • An Ultimate Google Ad Grant Guide: Become a whiz on the program by learning the basics and how to use the Google Grant to launch your organization toward its digital marketing goals.
  • How to Apply for Google Grants: This guide walks through the key steps your nonprofit needs to take to acquire the Google Grant. It even shares pro tips for improving your website to drive more conversions with your ads.
  • Tips for Hiring A Google Grants Manager: If you still have questions about working with Google Grants agencies, this guide can answer your questions and give you additional recommendations for trusted agencies.

Exploring This Agency’s Resources

Check out Nonprofits Source’s blog for the latest tips in the nonprofit digital marketing world. In no time, you’ll be an expert! You can also partner with them for your SEO and website design needs.


DNL OmniMedia is a Google Grants agency that specializes in nonprofit technology.

DNL OmniMedia | Best Consultant for Nonprofit Technology

DNL OmniMedia is a nonprofit technology consultant. Their mission is to help your nonprofit leverage technology in ways that amplify your cause and focus on goals rather than getting bogged down with code and data. While they don’t specialize solely in Google Grants, they do offer services that will help enhance your Google Ad Grants management.

Their pay-per-click (PPC) marketing services include:

  • Google Grant strategy. DNL OmniMedia can make sure that your Google Ad Grant strategy aligns with other aspects of your nonprofit’s strategy. They’ll help you create a keyword strategy that makes sense for your cause and connects you with the right prospects.
  • Ad copy development. Their digital marketing experts will write and test ads that are designed for optimum impressions and clicks. That way, you can inspire readers to click through to your site.
  • Website development. Backed by a team of skilled developers, DNL OmniMedia will help you create your website and amplify your online presence. That way, you can create valuable landing pages for your Google Ad Grant campaigns that drive users to get involved.
  • Reporting. With Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, DNL OmniMedia will report on campaign performance and interpret the data for your team. This will help improve your site and campaign’s content.

Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency

DNL OmniMedia makes it easy to learn about their services and contact their team by filling out a form on their website. Whether you’re looking to improve your Google Ad landing pages or better understand campaign data, this Google Grants agency is a reliable choice!


Allegiance Group is a professional Google Ad Grant agency that helps nonprofits leverage technology.

Allegiance Group | Best Agency for General Digital Marketing

Allegiance Group works with nonprofits and associations to transform their digital strategies and grow their impact. Whether you’re focused on fundraising, advocacy, stewardship, or content marketing, they’ll tailor your digital marketing plan to do more good for your cause. One of their digital marketing offerings is Google Ad Grants management.

Their advertising-related services include:

  • Website content optimization. They’ll evaluate your website’s existing content and create valuable content that you can then amplify through your ad campaigns.
  • Holistic advertising plan. They’ll identify the best advertising platforms to reach your fundraising, advocacy, stewardship, or content marketing goals. That means you can get help with Google Ads and social media ads. Then, they’ll test different ad formats and creative elements to attract your target audience.
  • Reporting. With web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Allegiance will deliver reports and real-time dashboards that display your marketing performance, like page views, entrances, and goal assists. That way, you can continuously refine your campaigns.

Getting Started With This Google Ad Grants Manager

Allegiance Group empowers you to create a more holistic approach to your nonprofit’s digital marketing. Explore their site to get a sense of whether their offerings align with your Google Ad Grant needs.


RKD Digital is a Google Grants agency that helps nonprofits enhance their digital marketing strategies.

RKD Group | Best Agency for Donor Cultivation

RKD Group is a certified Google Grants agency that understand that nonprofits often have trouble making the most of their free advertising money without professional help and aim to eliminate those obstacles for them. They were the first full-service direct-response company to be added to the Ad Grants Certified Professional Community, so you know you’re in good hands if you choose them. From animal welfare groups to veteran organizations, they strive to help all causes succeed by connecting with donors.

Their team of experts will work closely to manage all aspects of your Ad Grants account through services such as:

  • Account Activation. Between helping you register for Google for Nonprofits and filling out your application RKD Group will help you secure your free grant money.
  • Ad Creation. Their professional Google Ad Grants team will build high-level campaigns with required ad groups and keywords tied to clear goals. Plus, they’ll write strong ads for you.
  • Campaign Optimization. Once your campaigns go live, the work doesn’t stop there! Their Google Grants agency will monitor your campaigns’ performance and make adjustments to boost conversions.

Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency

RKD Group makes it easy to amplify your work and take advantage of the opportunities available to your nonprofit. Before lining up a consultation with their team, check out their services to make sure they offer what you need.


TrueSense Marketing is a Google Grants agency that helps nonprofits grow supporter relationships.

TrueSense Marketing | Best Agency for Search Engine Marketing

As a certified professional Google Ad Grant marketing agency, TrueSense Marketing is a smart addition to your marketing efforts. They’re comprised of professionals with extensive search engine marketing (SEM) experience that can take your Google Ad Grants management to the next level. They’ll handle everything from application to ongoing maintenance, so you can focus on other aspects of your mission.

Some of their services include:

  • Content Creation. TrueSense can help breathe life into your nonprofit’s stories, so you can connect on a deeper level. They’ll help craft content with compelling offers that motivate donors to give generously. Then, you can amplify that content with Google Ads.
  • Hands-On Management. TrueSense Marketing will actively manage your account, edit your campaigns to maximize ad performance, and collaborate closely with your team to highlight the most valuable opportunities for your nonprofit.
  • Multichannel Campaigns. With help from this Google Grants agency, you won’t be confined to search ad campaigns. They’ll help you leverage both paid and organic channels to reach a larger community of prospective clients, volunteers, advocates, and other supporters.

Getting Started With This Google Ad Grants Manager

TrueSense Marketing is devoted to helping you make the most of your $10,000 each month. You can explore their full list of services on their website and determine if they’d be a good fit for your nonprofit.


Koios is a Google Grants agency that works exclusively with libraries, library advocacy groups, and other public information advocates.

Koios | Best Google Grants Agency for Libraries

Koios is a nonprofit organization specializing in digital marketing for public libraries, library advocacy groups, and other public information advocates. Their main service involves using the Google Ad Grants program to enhance the visibility of libraries online.  Koios assists libraries in applying for the program, creating effective advertising strategies, and managing their Google Ads accounts.

They help increase web traffic to library websites and resources, particularly by making library catalogs more discoverable in Google searches. Here’s an overview of this agency’s services:

  • Google Ad Grant Application. They’ll help you register with Google for Nonprofits and apply for the Google Grant. If your application is rejected, they’ll make the necessary adjustments to ensure it’s approved.
  • Ad Optimization. Koios will create standout ads and monitor your campaigns. They have an incredible 12.8% CTR, which is well above the 5% CTR compliance rule. This helps libraries spread awareness and share the joy of learning.
  • Catalog Promotion. Their main offering is promoting each library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) within Google SERPs, allowing the entire catalog to be searchable and visible online.

Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency

Koios works with libraries of varying sizes and tailors its pricing accordingly, offering a 60-day free trial period for new subscribers.


Reef offers Google Grants management services to Australian organizations.

Reef Digital Agency | Best Google Grants Manager for Australian Nonprofits

Located in Australia, Reef Digital specializes in managing Google Ad Grants among other digital marketing services. They were the first agency in Australia to receive the Google Ad Grants Certified Professional designation, which is a testament to their expertise.

After serving 50+ nonprofits, they know how to unlock the power of the Google Ad Grant. Their featured case studies show that they helped the Australian Cancer Research Foundation reach record-breaking EOFY campaign results via the Google Ad Grant. They also helped Care Careers, which is a job board attract people to work in the disability, community, and aged care sector in Australia. They achieved

Here’s a rundown of Reef’s services:

  • Balancing Ad Grants and Paid Ads. They help nonprofits show their grant-funded ads wherever possible and use paid ads to supplement any gaps.
  • Google Grant Compliance. They’ll keep a close eye on your performance to keep your account in good standing with Google.
  • Supplemental Digital Marketing Services. Reef offers a range of services that can enhance your overall Google Ad performance, including landing page optimization, SEO, and content creation.

Getting Started With This Google Ad Grants Manager

Reef charges based on the complexity of your Google Grants needs. They offer a free Google Ad Grants audit to potential clients.


Additional Google Ad Grant Resources

The Google Ad Grant program offers an immensely valuable marketing opportunity for your team. You can amplify your work and expedite your mission, but only if you choose the right keywords and deliver optimized landing pages to prospects.

A professional Google Grants agency eliminates the guesswork and makes it incredibly easy to get your content in front of the right audiences.

Plus, agencies that are fully devoted to Google Ad Grants management spend their time learning the ins and outs of the program. They fully understand everything from compliance requirements to keyword research best practices. That way, you can rest assured that you’re creating winning campaigns and that your account will stay compliant. In turn, you can keep receiving your free $10,000 grant every month.

As the only agency fully dedicated to Google Ad Grants on our list, we highly recommend you check out Getting Attention. They offer everything you need to get your account activated and create optimized campaigns. Plus, they’re a certified Google Partner, so you know you’re receiving professional guidance.

Looking to learn more about the program? As you start researching different agencies, check out these educational resources:

Get a free consultation with Getting Attention, the best Google Grants agency for nonprofits.

Double Your Giving Tuesday Matching Gifts Success

Double Your Giving Tuesday Impact with Matching Gifts

One of the largest global giving pushes in the world, Giving Tuesday, will be here this year before we know it⁠. So now is the time to prepare for Giving Tuesday matching gifts success.

Falling each year on the first Tuesday immediately after Thanksgiving, this worldwide day of generosity can have a tremendous impact on nonprofit fundraisers. Last year boasted a record-breaking giving day, with 37 million participating adults contributing over $3.1 billion in the U.S. alone. And corporate matching gifts empower nonprofits to double their fundraising success.

However, many organizations did not realize their fullest potential when it came to matching gifts. After all, more than $4 to $7 billion in available match funds goes unclaimed on an annual basis. This is largely due to a lack of awareness by eligible donors who do not ultimately request the associated match funding from their employers. Taking steps to secure this revenue for your organization as you head into the end-of-year giving season can go a long way.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the unmatched value of corporate gift-matching⁠—and expert practices your team can implement to make each donation count more.

Understanding Your Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Potential

Matching gifts can dramatically improve fundraising outcomes. On Giving Tuesday, organizations expect to see elevated donor engagement, surges in incoming funds, and more. And, Giving Tuesday campaigns leveraging donation-matching typically raise 3-5x more than those that do not.

But why is this⁠—and how does it impact your fundraising group?

The impact of matching gifts on Giving Tuesday

Matching gifts are one of the most widely utilized types of corporate philanthropy by companies of all shapes, sizes, and sectors. When donors give to their favorite nonprofits, their employers pledge to match those gifts with their own funds. It’s essentially the “Buy One, Get One Free” sale of fundraising.

Not only do matching gifts provide an accessible form of corporate giving revenue, but they tend to drive individual involvement in fundraising as well. In fact, our research indicates that 84% of surveyed donors are more likely to contribute to a fundraising campaign if a match is available. At the same time, 1 in 3 supporters stated that they’d increase the size of their donation if they knew it would be matched.

This results in fundraising appeals that incorporate matching gifts producing a 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average donation amount.

Each year, Giving Tuesday sees millions of donor gifts matched by employers, generating significant additional revenue for nonprofits and schools to support their missions. This year, we’re aiming to surpass those numbers—and the Double the Donation team is here to help you achieve that goal.

Dive deeper with our FREE downloadable resource:

14 Tips to Incorporate Matching Gifts in Your Giving Tuesday Plan

We have a lot of experience working with fundraising organizations to optimize their matching gift strategies. Thus, we know the most effective methods for driving matching gift success this Giving Tuesday and beyond.

Check out these tried-and-true practices as your team begins crafting its giving day fundraising plan. Then, determine how you can implement these tips in your own strategy.

1. Introduce matching gifts in internal Giving Tuesday preparations.

More than likely, your organization plans to host some sort of dedicated Giving Tuesday training leading up to the big day. This may involve establishing a fundraising timeline, crafting donor-facing messaging, and setting specific goals to ensure your whole team is on the same page.

One of the first things you can do to set your nonprofit up for Giving Tuesday success is to incorporate matching gifts throughout these preparations.

Getting your fundraising staff on board with the opportunity allows you to empower them as some of your greatest matching gift advocates.

And how can you do so? It all starts with marketing matching gifts to your internal team.

Specifically, you’ll want to cover:

  • The basics of corporate matching gift programs (i.e., what they are, common stipulations, etc.)
  • The impact that corporate gift-matching can have on your fundraising efforts (donation response rates and gift sizes, corporate partnerships, supporter engagement)
  • An overview of the matching gift cycle (from identification to submission and funding disbursement) and how to assist donors through the process
  • How team members can make the most of any matching gift technology in your fundraising software toolkit
  • How to learn more about the opportunity (attend a webinarenroll in Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Academy)

Consider utilizing a number of communication channels to engage your internal audience (such as fundraising staff, marketers, board members, key volunteers, and more). This may include in-person or virtual presentations, emails, and other resources to spread awareness.

Ultimately, it’s critical that you get your team excited to make the most of matching gifts come Giving Tuesday and beyond.

2. Establish a matching gift fundraising goal beforehand.

Just like you probably have (or will have) a goal that represents your supporters’ total giving on Giving Tuesday, it’s a good idea to establish a separate goal exclusive to matching gifts for the campaign. Regardless of whether you opt to measure total revenue through corporate gifts or the number of donations successfully matched, tracking goals is the key to determining success and inspiring engagement.

To set a lofty yet realistic matching gift fundraising goal this Giving Tuesday, you’ll first want to analyze your past fundraising and matching gift performance. For example, let’s say your team collected $1,000 worth of matching gifts associated with Giving Tuesday donations last year⁠—with little to no promotional activity around corporate matching. This year, you can expect to see a significant increase by taking a proactive approach to informing donors, encouraging participation, and even automating the matching gift experience.

Encourage matching gifts on Giving Tuesday with a dedicated goal.

From there, be sure to communicate this goal (and your progress toward it) leading up to, during, and after your Giving Tuesday campaign. Aiming for a specific target will allow you to establish a sense of urgency and motivate eligible supporters to take their next steps. Try using a fundraising thermometer on your campaign page, social media, or donor messaging to illustrate your movement toward the matching gift goal in a visual way.

Note: As you set your goal, however, keep in mind that the disbursement of matching gift funds is often delayed. That said, tracking your matching gift participation by the total number or value of matches identified⁠—or the number of matching gifts requested⁠—can be an excellent substitute. This is especially beneficial for a time-bound campaign during the giving season!

3. Consider engaging taglines, graphics, and blurbs.

Many nonprofits devote significant time, energy, and creativity to planning and executing their Giving Tuesday fundraising efforts. And often, the campaigns with the most unique and engaging elements are the ones that stand out and see the greatest level of success.

The Giving Tuesday organizers even encourage nonprofits to customize the official campaign logo to best connect with their own audiences for this reason.

Leverage creativity in your Giving Tuesday matching gifts campaign.

So, what does that mean for your matching gift efforts on this day?

We, like the Giving Tuesday team, encourage you to get creative with your promotions. That might mean coming up with inventive taglines, crafting novel hashtags, designing eye-catching graphics, or writing witty blurbs. While the goal is to drive participation in your matching gift campaign, the path to get there involves unique content and actionable messaging.

Here are a few examples⁠ to consider. Feel free to adjust these ideas to reflect your organization’s mission, voice, and style!

Double the #GivingTuesday Love

Double the Giving Tuesday love with matching gifts.

Promote corporate matching gifts as a way to amplify the impact of donations on Giving Tuesday. This type of effort pairs well with match-related imagery⁠ to symbolize the doubling of donations. For instance⁠—pairs of animals, twins posing in identical outfits, matching (or mismatched) socks, and more. If it’s something relevant to your mission, that’s even better.

By emphasizing that donors’ contributions may be matched, you can reiterate the way that each gift can multiply in value for your cause.

After #GivingTuesday comes #MatchingWednesday

After Giving Tuesday comes Matching Wednesday

Another idea involves engaging your donors in matching gifts the day after Giving Tuesday. By introducing a #MatchingWednesday follow-up campaign, you can retain your organization at the forefront of supporters’ minds for longer. Plus, allow them to stretch their gifts without re-opening their wallets.

Not to mention, much of the Giving Tuesday buzz will have settled down. This means you’ll have less competition for your audience’s attention and likely a more prominent spot in their inboxes. However, it still allows you to capitalize on the momentum of Giving Tuesday to drive continued giving and impact.

4. Get inspired by other nonprofits’ matching gift efforts.

Sometimes the best way to inspire your own organization’s fundraising initiatives is to take a look at other nonprofits that have seen great success in their efforts. When it comes to matching gifts on Giving Tuesday, exploring organizations that have done so effectively in previous years can help inform your team’s strategy.

We’ve located a few standout examples of Giving Tuesday matching gifts campaigns that engaged their audiences, informed supporters of matching gift opportunities, and ultimately drove more matches to completion.

First, these matching gift banners were incorporated into one of the largest healthcare and research organizations’ Giving Tuesday pages:

Matching gifts on Giving Tuesday - nonprofit promotional example

Matching gifts on Giving Tuesday - nonprofit promotional example

This organization repeatedly highlights the matching gift opportunity throughout its campaign landing page. It also uses a customized Giving Tuesday logo to attract the audience’s attention and enlists donor-centric language to call the supporter to immediate action.

Not to mention, this nonprofit also equips its supporters with a matching gift automation platform. This makes it quicker and easier than ever before for donors to double their impact with a match from their employer!

Here’s another example from an animal welfare and service dog training organization promoting matching gifts in its Giving Tuesday campaign:

Matching gifts on Giving Tuesday - nonprofit promotional example

This visually focused campaign utilizes the “cuteness factor” to catch supporters’ eyes and elicit an emotional response to the fundraising appeal. With matching dog photos to represent the matching donation opportunity, the organization aims to drive donations and matches with a mission-relevant custom graphic.

And again, this organization leverages matching gift software to simplify the employee matching gift experience for its donors! The simpler it is for supporters to complete the match request process, the more revenue a team can expect from the funding source.

Next, a Utah-based food bank incorporates a matching gift appeal on its Giving Tuesday page, as seen below:

Matching gifts on Giving Tuesday - nonprofit promotional example

This effort focuses heavily on the organization’s impact. Not only does the campaign graphic quite literally put a face to the fundraising need, but it also shares a relevant statistic that emphasizes the importance of donor giving for the nonprofit’s audience. And it allows the supporter to see how their potential gift can make twice the difference!

Plus, with a matching gift software in this food bank’s Giving Tuesday tech stack, supporters can receive information about and participate in their employers’ matching gift programs with just a few easy (and guided) steps.

Finally, check out this example from an environmental nonprofit based in Los Angeles, California:

Matching gifts on Giving Tuesday - nonprofit promotional example

This Giving Tuesday matching gifts promotion incorporates a dedicated blog post on the organization’s website. The content shares several easy ways that supporters can strengthen their donations when participating in the giving day campaign and is designed to aid the fundraiser in maximizing individual support.

The ways highlighted include making a recurring donation, contributing gifts of stock, amplifying the organization’s efforts with word-of-mouth marketing, and, of course, participating in employee matching gifts.

5. Read up on companies with Giving Tuesday matching programs.

More than 24,000 companies have known matching gift programs worldwide. Some of the most notable examples include General Electric, Microsoft, Google, Walt Disney Company, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot. As these are generally organized as a year-long initiative, employees who work for these companies will likely qualify to have their Giving Tuesday donations matched.

However, it’s also worth noting that some businesses opt to go above and beyond with their matching gift programs⁠—specifically for Giving Tuesday! Familiarizing your staff with top matching gift programs beforehand will allow you to prepare to best share the information with donors who work for these companies. Not to mention, promoting Giving Tuesday-specific matches is a great way to incentivize giving and matching by eligible employees.

For instance, the companies below have increased their matching gift ratios to multiply employee gifts made on Giving Tuesday at a greater rate.

The Estée Lauder Companies

Typically matching donations at a 1:1 rate (i.e., a $50 gift produces a $50 match), Estée Lauder offers its employees a “double-matching gifts” program on Giving Tuesday. When a qualifying staff member makes a donation on Giving Tuesday, the company ultimately triples the gift for the organization.

Estee Lauder's Giving Tuesday matching gifts efforts

Fiserv, Inc.

Fiserv generally matches employee gifts at a standard 1:1 match rate. However, gifts made on Giving Tuesday were multiplied at a higher level⁠—offering a limited-time 2:1 matching gift ratio.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc., matching gifts through the Caterpillar Foundation, incentivizes participation in Giving Tuesday by its employees by offering a greater 2:1 match. This limited-time motivator is typically hosted for the two weeks leading up to Giving Tuesday while the company establishes an annual match limit of $1.5 million.

Caterpillar's Giving Tuesday matching gifts efforts

BlackRock

BlackRock encourages employee giving on giving days by offering a 2:1 match ratio for gifts made during the span of Giving Tuesday. For most other donations throughout the year, however, the company matches at a standard 1:1 rate.

Elevance Health

Though this company typically matches gifts at a dollar-for-dollar rate, team member gifts contributed on Giving Tuesday were matched at a 3:1 ratio. That means if an employee gives $100, Elevance Health matches with $300⁠—essentially quadrupling the value of the initial gift.

6. Propose Giving Tuesday custom match programs with corporate partners.

Unfortunately, some companies still don’t have widely accessible matching gift programs—but that doesn’t mean you should give up on match opportunities for those donors. It just means you need to adjust your strategy! And one tactic that we recommend goes particularly well with Giving Days, end-of-year fundraising, and other time-based initiatives: custom (or one-off) matching gift programs.

Custom matching gift programs' backend management for Giving Tuesday

Here’s how it works: As you prepare for Giving Tuesday, locate a company that employs a decent segment of your donor base but doesn’t currently match team members’ donations. Reach out to that company’s leadership (or encourage your donors to reach out themselves to forge a connection) and propose a dedicated matching gift partnership for Giving Tuesday.

Once agreed upon, your team will add the custom program to your matching gift search tool. (Hint: Nonprofits using Double the Donation’s platform can add one-off initiatives to their database using the unique program management feature.) This way, it will populate in qualifying donors’ employer queries when the campaign is live.

In this type of program, the company would commit only to matching gifts to your organization, likely within a set campaign window on or around this year’s annual Giving Day. And it’s a great way for unfamiliar employers to become acquainted with employee donation-matching, too!

*As a note, this feature is designed specifically for fundraisers looking to manage custom matching gift initiatives—360MatchPro does not work directly with corporations. If you’re a company interested in creating a matching gift program, contact us, and we’ll share information about our corporate vendor partners.

7. Share about Giving Tuesday and matching gifts on social media.

Your organization’s social media profiles are likely some of your greatest marketing and communications assets⁠—especially regarding your fundraising efforts. As Giving Tuesday is a largely digital campaign, leveraging your online presence is a must. And promoting matching gift opportunities through these channels can be particularly impactful.

Prior to the big day, teaser posts can create anticipation by highlighting not only the upcoming Giving Tuesday campaign but also the opportunity to amplify donation impact with employee matching gifts.

Check out the sample post below⁠—and be sure to link to your matching gifts page in the caption to provide additional information.

Pre-Giving Tuesday matching gifts social media content example

At the start of Giving Tuesday, consider posting something like this (hint: it can also be added to your giving day campaign page!). Again, be sure it sends viewers to your match page or donation form, empowering supporters to learn more and get involved.

Giving Tuesday matching gifts social media content example

Then, throughout the day, real-time updates (such as progress toward your general fundraising and matching gift goals) can showcase engagement and inspire giving through social proof.

Soon after Giving Tuesday concludes, share something like this to acknowledge and appreciate donor giving and encourage them to take the next steps:

Post-Giving Tuesday matching gifts social media content example

Remember: consistent messaging across these phases enhances engagement, prompts urgency, and extends your campaign’s influence. Not to mention, you also provide digital content that is easily shareable for donors who want to increase their impact even further by spreading the word about the opportunity to their own networks!

8. Don’t forget about volunteer grants.

Giving Tuesday isn’t just about giving financially, either. Many nonprofit supporters worldwide choose to engage with this global day of giving by donating their time and skills. Thus, make sure your team isn’t overlooking another type of workplace giving program: volunteer grants!

Unfortunately, like traditional matching gifts, many eligible employees remain completely unaware of the opportunity available to them. By informing the volunteers who support your nonprofit’s efforts about the chance to amplify their impact with volunteer grants, your team can further enhance engagement on⁠—and long after⁠—Giving Tuesday⁠.

Encourage existing volunteers to research their employers’ giving programs to determine eligibility. (Hint: If you have access to a matching gift database, see if it contains volunteer grant information, too. Double the Donation’s does!) Then, ask that your volunteers apply for these grants to support your organization.

9. Highlight matching gifts on your campaign landing page and giving form.

You likely expect a lot of web traffic heading to your Giving Tuesday campaign landing page. Don’t let this resource go to waste! Instead, incorporate information about corporate matching gift programs to ensure each visitor is exposed to the opportunity.

Not only will this increase the likelihood that qualifying donors ultimately complete their matches, but it can also inspire more supporters to give in the first place.

From there, donors will click to access your donation form and provide the information required to process the gift. In addition to the basics⁠—such as their name, intended donation amount, and payment details⁠—we also recommend collecting employment information.

Collecting employment information for Giving Tuesday matching gifts.

When supporters provide the name of the company they work for, it will be easier to uncover eligible gifts and follow up with targeted instructions for completing the match.

Hint: If your team has purchased a matching gift database software, it’s a good idea to embed your search tool on both the Giving Tuesday landing page and your online giving form. This widget can collect company data in the donation process and provide program guidelines and links to submission forms from your confirmation page⁠—making it as easy as possible for your donors!

10. Craft an inspiring matching gift ask.

Your matching gift appeal is one of the most essential components of your Giving Tuesday matching gifts plan. Crafting an ask that incites your intended action⁠—donors completing corporate matching gifts on your behalf⁠—requires a strategic blend of urgency, emotion, and information. As you begin workshopping your match appeal, consider borrowing tips and tricks from your broader donation requests.

For example, the official Giving Tuesday toolkit provides a framework for establishing impactful fundraising asks. This includes a…

  • Belief statement ⁠— a declaration of the organization’s core values and convictions (ex: “We believe that no student should have to choose between food and learning.”)
  • You statement ⁠— an explanation of the donor’s role in the campaign and how their support can help (ex: “You can help us stock the pantry so that no student goes hungry.”)
  • Opportunity statement ⁠— a call to action inspiring donors to get involved (ex: “Are you with us?”)

Working off these three elements, here’s a sample matching gift appeal the same institution might use to promote corporate-matching opportunities on Giving Tuesday:

  • Belief statement ⁠— “Matching gifts have the potential to multiply our school’s fundraising impact, ultimately providing much-needed support for students in our community.”
  • You statement ⁠— “By completing a brief online submission form for your employer, you can double the value of your initial donation to our food pantry fundraiser, allowing more students to benefit from essential food and resources.”
  • Opportunity statement ⁠— “Will you click here to complete your matching gift request?”

As always, just remember to adjust this sample messaging to reflect your organization’s own mission, vision, and fundraising need.

11. Build out your fundraising and matching gift tech stack.

Powering your Giving Tuesday campaign with the right software is essential for optimal fundraising results.

The Giving Tuesday team recommends testing your technology by walking through the entire giving process from the donor’s perspective. This allows you to gauge the user experience, identify any roadblocks, and ensure seamless giving come Giving Tuesday. We suggest going a step further and also testing out your matching gift experience!

As you make your test donation, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does the giving page request my employment information?
  • Does the confirmation page encourage me to pursue a corporate matching gift, if applicable?
  • If I provided my employment information, does the confirmation page populate with company-specific program details?
  • If I provided my employment information, am I provided with a link to my company’s online match request form?
  • Do I receive a follow-up email that contains detailed information on the matching gift process and urges me to complete my match?

If you notice areas with room for improvement in your strategy⁠—or identify significant gaps in your tech stack⁠—begin tackling any issues that arise immediately. You want to be sure you provide your supporters with the best experience possible, and an integrated fundraising platform and matching gift tool can do a lot!

12. Send post-transaction matching gift outreach.

After donors contribute to your Giving Tuesday campaign, be sure they’re informed (or reminded) about matching gift opportunities to keep them engaged. Sending post-transaction match-related outreach is a great way to utilize your already high levels of donor engagement.

Post-Giving Tuesday matching gifts email

It’s important to provide clear instructions on how supporters can initiate the matching process with their employers. And for the best results, timing matters! Double the Donation studies indicate that matching gift emails sent within 24 hours of a donation being made see a 53% open rate. That’s 2-3x the average nonprofit email open rate.

Plus, with a matching gift software, you can automate tailored messaging so that your fundraising team doesn’t have to lift a finger.

Free resource: Check out our sample matching gift letters to get a head start on your organization’s matching gift communications. Customize our free templates to best engage your audience!

13. Enlist supporters to advocate for matching gifts on your behalf.

Another key component of Giving Tuesday participation is advocacy. Thus, using this chance to empower your nonprofit supporters to advocate for matching gifts on behalf of your organization and its mission should be a no-brainer.

For example, not all of your donors will work for employers that have existing matching gift programs. But if an employee were to ask the company to reconsider its workplace giving offerings by matching gifts, it could make a big difference. Thus, enlisting supporters as advocates for matching gifts on (or leading up to) Giving Tuesday can help your team amplify its long-term impact and engagement⁠—even if it doesn’t result immediately in a match.

Consider sharing a customizable email template, like this one, with your supporters:

Subject line: Request for a corporate matching gift program at [company name]

Hi [company leader],

I am writing to request the addition of a corporate matching gift program at [company name].

Thousands of companies offer employee matching gift programs as a way to support their staff and give back to their communities.

These programs also tend to benefit companies in terms of employee engagement and retention, opportunities to attract competitive candidates, improved brand image, increased sales, and more.

Thank you for your consideration,

[Your name]
[Job position]

Not to mention, donors can also advocate for matching gifts to their friends, families, colleagues, and more. We previously mentioned that tons of match-eligible individuals remain unaware of the opportunity, and your supporters can help bridge the knowledge gap by spreading the word!

14. Thank donors for all their involvement in your Giving Tuesday efforts.

At the conclusion of Giving Tuesday, it’s time to shift your efforts from an ongoing campaign to post-fundraising stewardship and retention. And for matching gift donors, doing so is more important than ever!

Thanking supporters for their involvement in your campaign is vital for building and strengthening lasting relationships. In the days following Giving Tuesday, automate personalized thank-you emails, make phone calls, or send handwritten letters that express gratitude for donors’ support.

Then, as matching gifts are completed, don’t forget to send match-related acknowledgments, as well! We recommend thanking donors at two key points: once they confirm that they’ve submitted their match request and after your organization receives their employer’s match.

Be sure to thank your Giving Tuesday matching gifts donors.

Plus, if you had supporters get involved through volunteerism, advocacy, or other employee giving programs, be sure to thank them for their engagement, too.


Next Steps

With Giving Tuesday quickly approaching, there’s no better time to revamp your organization’s matching gift efforts. You certainly don’t want to overlook this key source of revenue or the individual and corporate engagement opportunities it brings. To optimize your strategy, it’s important to take a proactive approach to matching gifts.

But remember: equipping your fundraising team with the right tools to do so is a must. Automation allows you to make the most of matching gifts without investing much of your (perhaps already stretched-thin) time and resources.

And it’s not just helpful on the big day, either. A matching gift platform can enhance matching gifts throughout the rest of your giving season, into the new year, and beyond.

Start prepping for Giving Tuesday! Get your matching gifts strategy ready by exploring these additional guides:

Maximize Giving Tuesday matching gifts with Double the Donation.

Leveraging Volunteer Incentive Programs [Nonprofit FAQ

Leveraging Volunteer Incentive Programs [Nonprofit FAQ]

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

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

Specifically, we’ll answer the following questions:

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

What are Employee Volunteer Incentive Programs?

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

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

What are the most popular types of Employee Volunteer Incentives?

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

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

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

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

What benefits do Volunteer Incentive Programs offer?

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

For Nonprofits

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

For Companies

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

For Employees

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

What are some companies with standout Volunteer Incentive Programs?

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

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

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Volunteer incentive company example: Chipotle

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer incentive program example: EY

EY

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

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

Siemens

Volunteer incentive program example: Siemens

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

IBM

Volunteer incentive program example: IBM

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

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

Volunteer incentive program example: InfobipInfobip

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

Volunteer incentive program example: CiscoCisco

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

Volunteer incentive program example: ToyotaToyota

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

Intel

Volunteer incentive program example: Intel

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

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

Bank of America

Volunteer incentive program example: Bank of America

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

Google

Volunteer incentive program example: Google

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

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

How can nonprofits maximize the impact of Volunteer Incentive Programs?

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

Here’s how organizations like yours can do so:

1. Promote Volunteer Incentive Programs to Volunteers

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

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

2. Create Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities

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

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

3. Implement Efficient Tracking and Reporting Systems

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

4. Recognize and Reward Volunteers

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

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

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

5. Leverage Technology for Uncover Opportunities

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

Employee volunteer incentive programs database

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


Wrapping up & additional resources

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

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

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

Data Management for Nonprofits-Overcoming Common Challenges

Data Management for Nonprofits: Overcoming Common Challenges

In today’s data-driven world, effective data management is essential for nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact. However, many organizations face significant challenges when it comes to handling the vast amounts of data they collect—from donor information and volunteer records to corporate partnerships and financial reporting.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common data management challenges nonprofits encounter and offer practical solutions to help organizations overcome these obstacles. But first, we’ll start with the basics:

Without a solid data management strategy, nonprofits and other fundraising groups face a lot of risks: including fragmented data, factual inaccuracies, and missed opportunities for growth and engagement.

With the right operational practices and a powerful set of tools, however, organizations can transform these challenges into opportunities, turning their data into a strategic asset that drives informed decision-making, enhances donor relationships, and ultimately amplifies their impact.

Let’s find out more about how your team can do so.

What is data management for nonprofits?

Data management is the process of collecting, storing, organizing, maintaining, and utilizing data in a way that ensures it is accurate, accessible, and secure. It involves a range of activities aimed at optimizing how data is handled, ensuring that it can be effectively used for decision-making, operational efficiency, and strategic planning in a way that supports the organization’s overall mission.

For nonprofits and other fundraising organizations, this data can include a wide range of information, such as:

  • Donor engagement
  • Volunteer participation
  • Program outcomes
  • Financial records
  • Beneficiary details
  • And more!

Regardless of the specific points, smart data management encompasses multiple processes, which include:

  1. Data Collection: Gathering data from various assets, such as donation pages, volunteer registration forms, surveys, transactions, and external resources.
  2. Data Storage: Safely storing data in a manner that ensures it can be easily accessed and retrieved when needed.
  3. Data Maintenance: Regularly updating, cleaning, and standardizing data to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
  4. Data Security: Protecting data from unauthorized access, breaches, and loss, including through encryption, access controls, and other measures.
  5. Data Governance: Establishing policies and procedures for how data is handled within an organization.
  6. Data Analysis: Analyzing data to extract insights, identify trends, and support decision-making.
  7. Data Sharing: Ensuring that data is available to the right people at the right time while maintaining privacy and security.

In summary, data management is all about making sure information is handled efficiently and effectively throughout its lifecycle, enabling organizations to leverage it as a valuable asset for achieving their goals.

Why does effective data management matter for fundraisers?

Donor data is an invaluable tool when it comes to nonprofit fundraising. After all, an effective data management strategy directly impacts an organization’s ability to sustain its overarching mission.

The benefits are widespread and include:

1. Targeted Campaigns: With well-managed data, fundraisers can segment their donor base and tailor campaigns to specific groups. This personalization increases the likelihood of engagement and improves fundraising success.

2. Donor Retention: Accurate and organized data allows fundraisers to track donor engagement, enabling them to build stronger relationships and increase retention. Knowing when to follow up, how to communicate, and what donors care about can significantly enhance loyalty!

3. Improved Decision-Making: Effective data management provides fundraisers with insights into past campaigns, donor behavior, and financial trends. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions about where to allocate resources, which strategies to pursue, and how to optimize future campaigns.

4. Enhanced Reporting and Transparency: Fundraisers often need to report outcomes to stakeholders, including donors, board members, and grantors. Reliable data management ensures that these reports are accurate, comprehensive, and transparent, which is essential for maintaining trust and securing ongoing support.

5. Maximized Revenue Opportunities: By effectively managing data, fundraisers can identify opportunities for matching gifts, volunteer incentives, major givers, and other revenue-enhancing strategies.

6. Compliance and Risk Management: Fundraisers must comply with data privacy regulations and ethical standards. Effective data management ensures that donor information is handled securely and responsibly, reducing the risk of data breaches and legal issues.

7. Measuring Impact: Fundraisers can use data to demonstrate the impact of donations and campaigns. This not only satisfies current donors but also attracts new ones by showing the tangible outcomes of their contributions.

What common challenges impact data management⁠—and how can your team overcome them?

Data management is critical to the success of any organization, but it comes with a range of challenges that can hinder efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making. Here are some common challenges that impact data management and strategies your team can use to overcome them.

Data management for nonprofits - challenges: information gaps

Information gaps

Challenge:

Information gaps occur when critical data is missing or incomplete, which can hinder a nonprofit’s ability to make informed decisions, engage with stakeholders effectively, or measure impact accurately. Gaps in data can result from inadequate data collection methods or inconsistent data entry practices.

Solution:

Implement standardized data collection procedures and use comprehensive data management tools to ensure that all relevant information is captured. Determine which information you need (contact details, personal history, employment information, etc.), and regularly audit and review data to identify and fill gaps. You might even consider using a data append service to enrich existing data and fill in missing details!

Data management for nonprofits - challenges: data silos

Data silos

Challenge:

Data silos happen when information is stored in separate, isolated systems or departments, making it difficult to get a unified view of the organization’s data. This fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies, duplicated efforts, and incomplete insights.

Solution:

Integrate data from various sources using data integration tools and centralized databases. Promote cross-departmental collaboration and ensure that all systems are connected to a central data repository where possible. This allows for a more cohesive and comprehensive view of organizational data, as well as providing a better look at each individual supporter and their engagement with your cause.

For example, 360MatchPro’s Matching Hub and Volunteer Hub connect with one another to provide essential data insights across the system!

Data management for nonprofits - challenges: outdated information

Outdated information

Challenge:

Outdated information can occur when data is not regularly updated, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies. This can affect everything from donor engagement to compliance with regulations and more.

Solution:

Establish regular data maintenance routines, including scheduled updates and data cleansing processes. Use automated tools to track and refresh information where possible. Plus, be sure to collect and update new details from donors each time they engage with your organization! After all, decades-old employment information isn’t going to be much help in determining matching gift eligibility if the individual has left their previous place of work.

Data management for nonprofits - challenges: disorganized databases

Disorganized databases

Challenge:

Disorganized databases can result from inconsistent data entry practices, lack of standardization, or inadequate database design. This disorganization makes it difficult to retrieve, analyze, and use data effectively.

Solution:

Develop and enforce data entry standards and use structured database management systems to organize data consistently. Implement data governance practices to ensure that data is categorized, tagged, and indexed appropriately. Plus, regularly review and reorganize databases to improve usability and efficiency.

Data management for nonprofits - challenges: security concerns

Security and privacy concerns

Challenge:

Security and privacy concerns involve protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, breaches, and misuse. Nonprofits often handle personal information from donors, beneficiaries, and volunteers, making data security a critical issue.

Solution:

Implement robust data security measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and provide training for staff on data security best practices.

Not to mention, investing only in highly secure platforms and technologies is a must to protect data integrity and confidentiality. (Hint: For this reason, Double the Donation has achieved SOC 2 Type II Compliance!)

Data management for nonprofits - challenges: lack of reporting

Lack of reporting

Challenge:

A lack of reporting can occur when organizations do not have the tools or processes in place to generate accurate and comprehensive reports. This limits the ability to track performance, measure impact, and communicate results to stakeholders.

Solution:

Invest in data analytics and reporting tools that allow for customizable and automated reporting. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) early on and create standard templates to streamline the reporting process. Then, ensure that reporting tools are integrated with other data management systems to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

What tools can power organizations’ data management strategies?

Organizations often leverage a variety of software to enhance their data management strategies, each designed to address specific aspects of data collection, storage, analysis, and security. Here are some of the most effective kinds of tools that can power your data management strategy!

Donation Tools

Donation tools are designed to streamline the donation process, making it easier for donors to contribute online or through other channels. These tools automatically collect and store donor information, including donation amounts, dates, and payment methods.

This data is crucial for tracking fundraising progress, generating reports, and understanding donor behavior. By integrating donation tools with a nonprofit’s broader data management system, organizations can ensure that all donation-related data is accurately captured, easily accessible, and ready for analysis. This enhances the nonprofit’s ability to engage donors, track fundraising performance, and optimize future campaigns.

Explore our integration partners to uncover leading donation tools.

CRM

CRMs, or constituent relationship management systems, are central to managing relationships with donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders. These tools consolidate data from various touchpoints, providing a comprehensive view of interactions, preferences, and engagement history. By centralizing this information, CRMs help nonprofits manage communications more effectively, personalize outreach, and identify opportunities for deeper engagement.

Additionally, CRMs support data-driven decision-making by offering insights into donor retention, campaign effectiveness, and overall fundraising health.

Check out our nonprofit CRM buyer’s guide to learn more.

Volunteer Management Software

Volunteer management software (or VMS) helps nonprofits efficiently manage volunteer recruitment, scheduling, tracking, and communication. It collects data on volunteer hours, skills, preferences, and participation in events or programs, which is essential for reporting on volunteer contributions, recognizing volunteer efforts, and planning future activities.

When integrated with other data management systems, volunteer management software ensures that volunteer data is aligned with overall organizational goals and can be analyzed alongside donor data to identify patterns or opportunities for cross-engagement.

Learn more with our top VMS recommendations.

Workplace Giving Software

Workplace giving software (like Double the Donation) plays a key role in identifying and pursuing invaluable corporate philanthropy opportunities, such as matching gifts, corporate volunteer incentives, and other employee-led giving initiatives. And it works by connecting with your other data management tools (i.e., donation software, CRMs, volunteer management platforms, and more).

By using donor information, Double the Donation uncovers individuals who work for companies with existing giving programs, triggers tailored outreach, and reports on possibilities for growth and expansion.

Request a demo of Double the Donation to get started.

Data Appends

More of an outsourced service than a tool in your own toolbox, a data append can be an excellent way to fill in missing points in your organization’s existing data. All you need to do is partner with a data enhancement service provider, supply them with the information you have about your donors, and they’ll fill in as many of the gaps as possible.

This can include employment information, demographics, contact details, and more, helping your team maintain accurate and complete donor records.

Get more information about our data enhancement services!


Wrapping up & next steps for powerful data management

Data management is a critical component of a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission and drive meaningful change. By addressing common challenges, nonprofits can harness the power of their supporter information to enhance decision-making, improve donor relations, and measure their impact more effectively.

Implementing these best practices and investing in the right tools and training can transform data from a burden into a valuable asset, empowering organizations like yours to operate more efficiently and achieve greater success in their endeavors.

Keep learning! Check out these additional resources we recommend to further your data management and fundraising knowledge:

Fuel data management for nonprofits with our data append services.

The title of the article: Boost Your Association’s Membership Engagement in 7 Steps

Boost Your Association’s Membership Engagement in 7 Steps

If you want to grow and maintain your membership program, you’ll likely spend a large chunk of your time planning and executing some sort of membership engagement plan.

Unfortunately, because “membership engagement” is such a broad concept, it’s tough to get your strategy right on the first try (or even after many tries!).

Lucky for you, we’ve made tackling the membership engagement issue a little less tricky. Here, we’ll provide you with 7 simple steps for increasing your organization’s membership engagement.

Here’s a preview of the subjects we’ll cover:

  1. Define membership engagement.
  2. Understand your members.
  3. Communicate consistently.
  4. Establish online engagement spaces.
  5. Prioritize community-building.
  6. Streamline the member renewal experience.
  7. Track your membership engagement efforts.

Pretty soon, you’ll be a master of membership engagement (and you’ll have the member retention rates to show for it)!

Still in the planning phase of your new membership organization? Read our guide to starting a nonprofit membership program first!

Looking for a platform that can skyrocket your membership engagement? Explore Tradewing.

1. Define membership engagement.

Before you can begin engaging your members in an effective way, you’ll need to figure out exactly what you hope to accomplish.

Membership engagement can take many forms, and if your team isn’t all on the same page with your expectations, you’ll find it much harder to accomplish anything.

So, take a few minutes to review your current engagement level and determine a few tangible goals for the future. Perhaps you want to:

  • Increase attendance at membership events.
  • Boost volunteer involvement.
  • Encourage more participation in online communities.

Your engagement marker might be totally different than another organization’s, and that’s okay! Be sure that your goals reflect the needs and interests of your members and your organization, and you’ll be able to reach new heights sooner than you think.

Start your member stewardship strategy on the right foot with membership software that offers robust member profiles. The more your organization or association knows about its members, the more targeted your stewardship strategies can be!

2. Understand your members.

How can you cater to your members’ personalities if you’re not well acquainted with them? The short answer: you can’t.

That’s why it’s extremely important for you to get to know your members on a personal level. If you don’t, your engagement strategies run the risk of being generic and unappealing to your constituents.

It might seem like a daunting task to get to know each one of your many members on a one-on-one basis, but fortunately, your organization likely already has a tool on hand to make it much easier.

That tool? Your membership management software, of course!

With powerful membership management software (also known as association management software), you’ll be able to manage member data more effectively and leverage it to its full potential.

Not only will software help you stay organized, but it’s the only way you can get a full picture of your members’ participation and giving history in one centralized location.

With a knowledge of members’ interests, preferences, past involvement, and giving habits, you’ll be able to plan engagement opportunities that actually make sense for them—without any of the hassle of manual data management! 

Bonus: Still searching for the right association management software for your organization? Check out our list of the best tools before you start shopping around!

3. Communicate consistently.

Your members joined your organization or association because they’re personally invested in your efforts.

As your most devoted supporters, they deserve to be kept in the loop on your organization’s projects and your community’s trends and hot topics. 

To that end, you should be regularly communicating with your members in any (or all!) of the following ways:

  • Email newsletters.
  • Participation acknowledgements.
  • In-person forums and events.
  • Social media updates.
  • Personal outreach.

By staying active in your members’ lives through regular communication efforts, you’ll remind them of their interest in your organization and encourage them to participate themselves.  

As important as it is for your organization to get the word out about important updates, it’s equally important that your members have a place to communicate, too!

Make sure your members know that your team is always accessible should they want to voice concerns, ask questions, or provide feedback. You can also send out surveys asking for targeted feedback on a regular basis, or host events dedicated to member-leadership interaction.

4. Establish online engagement spaces.

There’s a good chance that several of your members joined your association to connect with one another. From building professional connections to collaborating with others in their field to simply forming friendships, a professional or trade association membership can create a sense of community. 

However, many associations need help encouraging members to make connections, offering only a handful of annual events for them to meet up. By establishing online spaces where members can interact, your trade or association can build an active community and increase retention. 

When building an online engagement space, your first instinct might be to craft a social media strategy. While social media is a useful marketing tool, ultimately sending members away from your website to engage with one another on a third-party platform decreases focus on your association. 

Instead, create an online engagement space directly on your website using a community engagement platform. For example, let’s take a look at how our recommended community engagement platform for trade and professional associations, Tradewing, facilitates member engagement:

A screenshot of Tradewing's community engagement platform.

With Tradewing, members can log into their membership accounts on your association’s website to view their membership activity feed. Similar to social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter/X, Tradewing allows members to make posts and interact with each other’s content. However, unlike public social media sites, all posts on your Tradewing platform are relevant to your association, keeping members focused on your content and making connections. 

Additionally, platforms like Tradewing also include:

  • Membership directory. When joining your association, members will be prompted to create a membership profile and share information about themselves, such as their company name, email address, alma mater, phone number, and any other custom fields your association thinks would be useful. Members can then choose which fields to make public to other members. For example, a member who has experienced issues with excessive spam may choose not to share their email address. 
  • Messaging tools. Members can click on each other’s names or search the membership directory to view others’ profiles. From there, they can send direct messages to start conversations, form group chats, and build connections. 
  • Announcements. Create announcement posts to keep your members informed about the latest happenings at your association. These posts are pinned to the top of your members’ community feeds, and associations can enable email messaging to ensure all members are alerted to new announcement posts. 

Platforms like Tradewing encourage member-generated content, community building, and increased online engagement. 

Leverage your community engagement software to create online spaces where your members can not just connect between in-person events but actively engage with each other all year round.

Let your members connect whenever, wherever with Tradewing. Request a demo.

5. Prioritize community-building.

Membership programs are unique in that they can create a thriving community based around shared goals, interests, and values.

Think about it: when an individual chooses to donate to or volunteer for a nonprofit, they might meet like-minded individuals at community service events or fundraisers, but more often than not, their involvement is a solo activity.

But when they sign up for the nonprofit’s membership program, they’re immediately met with a collective of others with similar passions!

Make sure your members are aware of the vibrant community within your membership program, and do your part to foster community-building whenever you can. 

Design online and in-person opportunities that facilitate member-to-member engagement, from starting a discussion in an online forum to hosting a member mixer filled with interactive activities for your guests. Get creative with it!

Choosing the right association management software can go a long way to help build a culture of community-wide engagement for your association or organization. Top features like online message boards, member-managed groups and committees, member directories, and self-service profiles make a big difference in letting members feel empowered to engage with your work in the ways that work best for them.

When your members are engaged with one another, they’ll be more connected to your organization overall (and they’ll be much more likely to participate in member activities when they know they have friendly faces to join them!). 

6. Streamline the renewal experience.

So far, we’ve been discussing how to keep your members engaged throughout their membership. However, there is another aspect of membership engagement that we can’t ignore: the member renewal process!

No matter how involved your members are, if they don’t sign up for another year, you’ve got some membership engagement problems to address. 

To make sure your members are excited to come back to your organization year after year, you should ensure that the renewal process is as simple and straightforward as possible. Consider implementing one (or more) of the following strategies:

  • Automated renewal. Some software providers allow you to set up automated renewal reminders or even provide members with the option of recurring membership fee payments. Never let a member lapse due to forgetfulness again!
  • Optimize your application process. Whether they’re applying for the first time or renewing for another year, your members should have no issue completing their application form. Optimize their experience by creating a form that’s user-friendly and easily accessible.
  • Encourage additional giving. Give your members options for adding extra donations on top of their membership dues by using your membership management software’s built-in donation tools (or integrating with another online giving tool). Plus, give them the option to upgrade their membership level during the renewal process.

Bonus: Need some guidance before you send your next round of member renewal letters? Take a look at Fundly’s handy guide!

7. Track your membership engagement efforts.

As you implement different member engagement strategies within your organization, some efforts will inevitably see better results than others.

To make sure you’re moving forward (and that mistakes don’t repeat themselves), you’ll need to be able to track and analyze your engagement in a meaningful way. 

Thankfully, membership management software can make such a task much more doable. In fact, depending on your platform, you may be able to:

  • Create custom reports. Find and assess the data you need by building your own reports using any information in your database. Then, easily share them with your team or constituents as needed.
  • Quickly view fiscal data. Don’t waste time wondering which members have paid their dues; instead, get a comprehensive view of your fiscal situation in as little as one click.
  • Evaluate event success. Assess event registration and attendance, view payment records, and compare overall success between multiple events to see which are worth revisiting next year.

When you use powerful membership management software to handle all your reporting needs, you’ll be able to easily gain insight into your engagement success and use that knowledge to prepare for the future.


Needless to say, developing a successful membership engagement strategy is a major undertaking for any organization. But with these tips in mind, you’ll be able to confidently navigate all of your future membership engagement endeavors!

For more ways to engage supporters through your membership program, take a look at these additional resources:

Turn your association's members into a vibrant community. Increase engagement with our favorite membership engagement platform, Tradewing. Request a demo.

 

Learn how to determine your Google Grants eligibility and get started with the program.

Google Grants Eligibility: How To Check If You Qualify

Did you know Google awards nonprofits with free ad credits to boost their digital presence? It’s true, and it’s all thanks to a program called Google Ad Grants.

Through this program, any organization that meets the Google Grants eligibility requirements receives a monthly grant of $10,000 to spend on Google Ads. When used effectively, this funding can go a long way to boost traffic to your nonprofit website, spread awareness, and increase donations.

If your nonprofit wants to get started with Google Grants, the first step is to apply. In this post, we’ll walk you through questions you need to ask before applying to ensure your nonprofit obtains (and keeps!) your Google Ad Grant:

Applying for a Google Ad Grant doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow our guide, and you’ll be on your way to your new Google Ad Grants account!

Get a free consultation with Getting Attention to determine your Google Grant eligibility.


What are Google Ad Grants?

Google Grants (formally known as Google Ad Grants) is a program where Google provides eligible nonprofits with an in-kind donation of $10,000 in monthly ad funding.

But let’s back up even further—what exactly are Google Ads in the first place?

Google Ads are the paid search results that appear at the top of your search results screen based on the keywords included in your query. Here’s an example of what an ad might look like:

If you're Google Grants eligible, you can create ads like this one and be placed at the top of search results - for free!

In order to see your ads appear here, your nonprofit must bid on relevant search keywords using your Google Grant money. 

There are certain compliance requirements for Google Grant recipients, including a $2 cap on your maximum bidding amount and a requirement that all keywords must be relevant to your cause. These restrictions mean that you won’t be able to spend your money on exceptionally high-traffic terms (think “animal rights organization” or “wildlife sanctuary”) or terms that are too general (think “free eBook” or “donate to nonprofits”), but it also means that you’re likely to see greater results from the ads you do run.

If your nonprofit meets the Google Ad Grants eligibility requirements, you can use the grant to promote your donation page, volunteer opportunities, educational content, and other mission-driven initiatives. Plus, you’ll continue to receive the Ad Grant for as long as you meet the program’s criteria.

Bonus! Already have your Google Ads account set up? Learn how to manage your Google Grant and see better results by reading this essential Google Ad Grant management guide from the Google-certified consultants at Getting Attention.

How do search ads differ from organic results?

Nexus Marketing’s guide to SEO for nonprofits explains that when users search keywords or phrases, Google delivers content based on what it assumes the user is attempting to accomplish. Below ads, Google provides organic results, which are pages that have demonstrated their authority and expertise to Google.

Paid and organic methods can both enhance your online presence, and each has its own benefits and challenges. Here are the key differences between Google Ads and organic search results:

A chart comparing the differences between Google Ads and organic results

  • Placement: Ads appear at the top and bottom of the search results page and are marked with a “Sponsored” label. Organic listings appear below the ads and are based on relevance to the search query.
  • Cost: You pay for each ad click, and costs vary based on keyword competitiveness. There’s no direct cost associated with SEO outside of choosing to hire a marketing agency. Rather, you invest time into SEO strategies and content creation.
  • Time to Rank: Ads start appearing on Google search results pages almost immediately. With SEO, results depend on search engine algorithms and ongoing efforts like backlink building, meaning content can rank highly early on or take some time.
  • Control: You have more control over which keywords your ads are shown for and who your ads are shown to. You have less direct control over organic rankings since they depend on the search engine’s algorithms and your content’s quality.
  • Duration: Ads run as long as your budget allows; Google will stop displaying your ads once your budget is depleted. Meanwhile, organic visibility can be sustained long-term with continuous SEO efforts, providing lasting value.

These strategies can complement each other, because Google Ads provide immediate traffic while organic SEO builds sustainable visibility. Know that anyone, including those who aren’t eligible for Google Ad Grants, can implement SEO strategies. For the best results, leverage both methods to market your content and maximize your search engine presence.


Why should nonprofits check their Google Grants eligibility?

Beyond expanding your marketing budget, Google Grants offer advantages for organizations that know how to optimize their funding. A key benefit is that 98% of searchers click on a result on Google’s first page, making Google Ads a powerful tool for driving traffic.

Especially when you put time into Google Ad Grants management, you might experience:

  • Greater visibility and reach for your nonprofit.
  • Increased traffic to key landing pages on your site (such as your donation form or volunteer information page).
  • Greater awareness for corporate giving opportunities.
  • Free promotion for your online content, including your blog or educational resources.
  • Potential for online donations, volunteer sign-ups, event registrations, and email list subscriptions.

Depending on your exact Google Ad Grants management strategy, you can use your ads to achieve nearly any goal you have in mind. With a bit of creativity and research, the options are endless!

The bottom line: Google Ad Grants is a highly profitable marketing tool that almost all nonprofits can leverage with very low risk. Through this program, you can put your name in front of thousands of new eyes every day—why wouldn’t you take advantage of that?


Are all nonprofits eligible for Google Ad Grants?

The program can be an exceptional resource for many nonprofits, but it’s important to know that not all organizations are eligible for Google Grants.

Specifically, the following types of nonprofits are automatically ineligible for Google Grants:

  • Schools or educational institutions (philanthropic arms of educational organizations are still eligible)
  • Government organizations
  • Hospitals or healthcare organizations (charitable arms or foundations associated with healthcare organizations are still eligible)

If you don’t meet these initial Google Ad Grants eligibility requirements, you may still be in luck. For instance, Google has similar philanthropic resources for educational institutions, known as Google for Education.

Basic Google Ad Grants eligibility requirements

After confirming that your organization isn’t automatically ineligible, you’ll still need to meet additional Google Ad Grant requirements the program’s coordinators use to ensure that all grant recipients are legitimate charitable organizations. Getting Attention’s guide to Google Grants eligibility breaks the requirements down into a few key pieces. Here’s a checklist based on those recommendations:

A checklist of the Google Ad Grant requirements, listed below.

To qualify for a grant, your organization must:

  • Hold valid charitable status in your country. In the U.S., you’ll need to be registered as a 501(c)(3) organization.
  • Be registered with Google for Nonprofits. (Not registered? We’ll walk you through how to get started in another section.)
  • Have a functional, updated website that is secured with secure socket layers certification, highlights your mission, and features relevant content.
  • Adhere to the program policies for using your Google Grant funding. For example, you can’t use your Google Ad Grant to promote anything outside your mission’s scope or sell products that don’t contribute to your organization’s work.

Here’s a video from the Google Partners at Getting Attention that highlights these requirements:

Google implements these standards to make sure it’s only funding valid, upstanding nonprofits who can actually benefit from the ads. Take some time to review their Google Ad Grant requirements as a team (or with your Google Grant management consultant) and make sure you’re up to code. If not, you can always look into alternative fundraising strategies!

The bottom line: Google Ad Grants are not given to all types of nonprofits. Your nonprofit must abide by certain criteria, so make sure you understand the Google Grant eligibility requirements before attempting to enroll.

Should my nonprofit use the Google Ad Grant?

Even if you are eligible for the Google Ad Grant, whether or not you should apply depends on your organization’s goals. While the grant can provide significant benefits, some objectives may be better suited to other marketing strategies.

Here are a few goals that benefit more from other strategies than the Google Ad Grant:

  • Selling Products and Services: If your nonprofit sells products or services such as curriculum, training, or camp registrations, leverage targeted email marketing, social media advertising, and SEO to directly reach potential customers. These channels drive long-term, organic traffic that’s more sustainable than short-term results from Google Ads.
  • Boosting Long-Term Traffic: If your goal is to ensure steady traffic growth, SEO provides a more reliable approach than short-term ad campaigns. While paid ads require continuous funding, SEO efforts can yield ongoing benefits long after the initial work is done.
  • Becoming A Thought Leader: Building authority in your field is often achieved through high-quality content and backlinks. If your nonprofit produces detailed reports or educational resources, focusing on strategies like SEO can help these assets reach a broader audience.
  • Promoting Events: Promote events like charity runs or educational workshops using SEO, social media marketing, and influencer partnerships. These strategies help you reach a wider audience, generate buzz through engaging content and endorsements, and ensure your event is easily discoverable in search engine results.

The Google Ad Grant offers tremendous opportunities for many nonprofits. However, even if you meet the Google Ad Grants requirements, you should determine whether it’s the best approach based on your organization’s goals.


What can my nonprofit do to become eligible for Google Ad Grants?

If your nonprofit meets the baseline Google Ad Grants requirements but isn’t quite ready to enroll, there are a few measures you can take to get your application approved on the first try.

If you’d like to apply for a Google Ad Grant, there are several approaches your organization could take: you could DIY it, could hire someone onto your team to manage it, or work with a Google Ad Grant management consultant who can walk you through the application process.

Confirming your Google Grants application and completing your application yourself will be the least expensive option; however, it will require the biggest investment of your time.

Google Ad Grant consultants (who often offer other digital marketing or fundraising strategy services) have experience identifying issues that might keep you from receiving a grant and can make sure you don’t get denied on a technicality or mistake.

Once you’ve been approved for your grant, the consultant can help you put together a strategy for maintaining your Google Ad Grants eligibility and using your full $10,000 as effectively as possible!

Basic tips to qualify

Regardless of whether your team works with a consultant, take these steps to prepare for your Google Ad Grants application:

  • Prepare for the verification process. When you apply for Google for Nonprofits, Google’s validation partner Percent will confirm whether your nonprofit is legitimate, playing a direct role in confirming your Google Ad Grants eligibility. When creating your Google for Nonprofits account, make sure you give them everything they need to confirm that your nonprofit is real.
  • Make sure your mission is clear. Both on your nonprofit’s website and your grant application, your nonprofit’s mission should be front and center. Make sure Google can quickly understand what programs or efforts you’ll be using Google Ads to promote. Note: it helps to have a concise mission statement and your EIN in the footer of your site.
  • Update your nonprofit website. You’ll need to connect your Google Ads with your website, so make sure it’s in good shape and complies with legal requirements before applying. It should be secured with SSL encryption, feature a positive user experience, include limited advertisements, and feature quality content about your nonprofit’s mission. (Hint: follow our web design best practices, and your site will be ready in no time.)

A mockup of a nonprofit's website that meets the Google Grants eligibility requirements

From there, you should be on your way to receiving your account and funding. Keep in mind that the Google Ad Grants requirements may change according to Google’s current standards. To limit confusion and frustration, we recommend working with a consultant who can streamline the process. After all, it’s their full-time job to understand Google Ad Grants management, not yours!

The bottom line: There are steps nonprofits can take to increase their chances of receiving the Google Ad Grant, such as optimizing their websites and double-checking their charitable status. For best results, work with an expert Google Ad Grants manager who can get your application approved on the first try.


What should I do after confirming my nonprofit’s Google Grants eligibility?

Once you’re confident in your Google Ad Grants eligibility, it’s time to start the application process! Luckily, when it comes to managing your account, the application is the easy part. Follow these guidelines to start your enrollment:

  1. Sign up for Google for Nonprofits. Along with Ad Grants, Google offers other benefits to nonprofits as part of their Google for Nonprofits program. Once you’re a registered “Google Nonprofit,” you can also access the YouTube Nonprofit Program, Google Workspace, and other useful tools. Visit the Google for Nonprofits website to register, and expect questions about your tax ID, non-discrimination policies, and general contact and organization information.
  2. Wait for verification. As we mentioned, Google works with Percent to verify nonprofits’ legitimacy. The organization typically reviews requests within 2-14 business days, but keep an eye on your email if they contact you for more information or documentation.
  3. Register for Google Ad Grants. Once your Google for Nonprofits application is approved, access the Google Ad Grants application in your Google account. Log in, click “Get started” under Google Ad Grants, enter your website URL, and click “Submit website.” After your site is verified as secure, fill out the Google Ad Grants eligibility form and answer basic questions about your nonprofit and Ad Grant goals. Then, return to the Google Ad Grants section, confirm you’ve completed the form, and click “Submit activation request.”
  4. Accept the invitation from Google. After up to 10 business days, you should receive an email invitation from the Google Ad Grants team to join the program and set up your billing information. Now you’re ready to set up your account!

This is the typical timeline for confirming your Google Grants eligibility and applying for the program.

Completing the application is the easy part; the real work begins when you set up your first campaign. As we’ll discuss below, there are a number of compliance standards you have to follow to keep your Google Ad Grants funding.

Read this guide to learn how to apply after determining your Google Grants eligibility.

Creating Your First Campaign

Once you’ve defined your goals and strategy for managing your Google Grant account, follow these steps to launch your first campaign:

  1. Create your Ads account. Follow Google’s instructions to set up your account. Enter the required information to proceed to ad campaign creation.
  2. Set up your campaigns. Remember, there are a few key Google Ad Grant requirements for program participants. For example, use specific and high-quality keywords, and set up valid conversion tracking via Google Analytics.
  3. Have your account reviewed by Google. After you’ve finalized setup, submit your account for Google’s review using your account ID number (which you can find by clicking the person icon in the top-right corner of your account). Google will review your account to ensure it’s in line with its Ads policies, and you’ll be notified of your approval (or any errors that need to be addressed) via email.

That’s it! Your nonprofit should now have everything you need to start managing your account and driving results with your new ads.

The bottom line: To apply for the Google Ad Grant, sign up for Google for Nonprofits first. Once that’s done, follow Google’s guidelines to complete the Ads registration and approval process following Google’s guidelines, with assistance from your Google Ad Grant manager if needed.


Can my nonprofit lose its Google Grants eligibility?

Managing your account and maintaining your Google Ad Grants eligibility is an ongoing process. If you aren’t maintaining your Ads account to Google’s standards, your grant funding may be suspended temporarily or indefinitely.

To keep your account in good standing, pay attention to all Google Ad Grants requirements, such as:

  • No single-word, overly generic, or low-quality keywords. Sufficient research will ensure you’re choosing the best Google Ads keywords. Set up an automated rule so the system will pause keywords with a score of 1 or 2, so you can optimize your keyword list and avoid deactivation.
  • A minimum 5% click-through rate. To improve ad relevance and user experience, Google requires that all nonprofit accounts maintain a 5% click-through rate (CTR). Failing to meet 5% CTR for two consecutive months can result in temporary account deactivation or loss of Google Grants eligibility.
  • Valid conversion tracking. Set up Google Analytics to track meaningful conversions, such as donations, newsletter sign-ups, or volunteer registrations. You must also report at least one conversion per month.

Though these are some of the most important eligibility and management requirements, they aren’t the only ones. It’s important that your team stays active in your campaigns and is consistently optimizing your nonprofit advertising strategy in order to maintain your account.

Management options to maintain your Google Grants eligibility

You have a few options for maintaining your account, avoid suspension, and maximize your Google Grant results:

  • Use your existing staff to manage your ad campaigns, which may not be a great choice for smaller organizations already strapped for staff time.
  • Bring someone on full-time to manage your ads (this is the most expensive option).
  • Hire a consultant with experience in Google Ad Grant management.

For many organizations, hiring an external consultant is the best choice. A Google Ad Grants manager is generally less expensive than a full-time employee and has the benefit of working with lots of different organizations to achieve various goals. Chances are, they know what strategies work for organizations like yours.

We recommend working with Getting Attention. They’re a certified Google partner, so you’ll know you’re receiving expert insights and leveraging your grant fully. Plus, you’ll have a direct link to the Google Ad Grants team and can get your account working again if you fall out of compliance.

The bottom line: Google requires that accounts meet certain requirements to remain active. By paying attention to these goals, you can keep your account in good standing.


How do I get started with Google Grants?

Now that you know more about Google Grants eligibility requirements and the application process, you’re ready to get started!

Improve your chances of getting approved, maintaining your grant, and seeing great results from your Ad campaigns by working with a Google Grant consultant. Getting Attention offers free consultations to assess your nonprofit’s needs. Plus, they’re certified by Google, so you know you’ll receive Ad Grants account support from trusted professionals.

Their experts will handle every step of the process for you, even beyond the initial application. Here are their core services:

  • Google Grant eligibility check and application assistance
  • Campaign creation, including keyword research
  • Ongoing account management to comply with the Google Grant rules
  • Campaign reporting
  • Account reactivation for lapsed and deactivated accounts

Once you’ve assembled your team and are ready to begin your application, head to Google’s Get Started page and click “apply,” and you’re on your way!

Sign up for Getting Attention's newsletter to learn more about the program, including how to check your Google Grants eligibility.


How can I make the most of Google Ad Grants?

Acquiring the Google Ad Grant is one thing, but making the most of your funding is another challenge entirely. Properly managing your account is a learning process that involves closely monitoring your campaigns and making adjustments based on what’s working.

From optimizing your website’s content to crafting compelling ad copy,  generate more value from the grant with our favorite Google Ad Grant management tips.

Make the most of your Google Ad Grants eligibility by practicing these account management tips.

1. Optimize your landing pages.

Your landing pages are the web pages you’ll promote via Google Ads. When readers click on your ad, they’ll be directed to whichever page you choose on your site. It’s up to you to pick the ones that are most relevant to their needs.

For example, someone who searches “animal shelter volunteering” is clearly looking to volunteer, in which case,  you’d direct them to a volunteer signup page. Someone searching “donate to refugees” is looking to give, which means you’ll want to direct them to a donation form.

Beyond choosing the right landing pages, design your pages in a way that drives users to take action. To optimize each landing page, you’ll want to:

  • Include your ad’s keywords in the copy and headings of your page.
  • Feature a strong call to action (CTA).
  • Establish your brand identity by featuring your official colors and logo.
  • Include compelling imagery.
  • Have testimonials or other social proof that speaks to your legitimacy.

Your landing pages will seal the deal for your Google Ads. Make sure each one prioritizes the user experience and makes it incredibly clear that supporting your nonprofit is the right choice for each visitor.

2. Track meaningful conversions.

The primary purpose of the Google Ad Grant is to spread awareness of worthy causes and generate value for participating nonprofits. That’s done by achieving meaningful conversions.

A “meaningful conversion” is any action someone can take that your nonprofit finds valuable to achieving your mission. For example, Google breaks conversions down into a few primary categories:

  • Purchase or Sale: Donations, purchases, membership sales, ticket sales, and so on
  • Sign Up: Volunteer sign-up, email sign-up, new membership form completion, event sign-up, and so on
  • Lead Generation: Information downloads, clicks to call, clicks to social accounts, and so on
  • View of a Key Page: Time on site, pages per session, watching videos, and so on

You can work toward any conversion goal so long as it supports your work. Think carefully about what types of actions are actually meaningful to your nonprofit, especially considering that the Google Ad Grants team will require you to report at least 1 conversion per month.

3. Carefully choose keywords to display your ads to the right audience.

Your keywords are an essential part of your Google Ads. Think about the terms your prospects are likely searching online to kickstart your brainstorming session.

You can use the negative keyword feature to refine your ads further. NXUnite’s guide to Google Ad Grants explains that “negative keywords are used to prevent your content from showing up in searches that contain certain words.” Adding negative keywords allows you to eliminate searches from people who aren’t looking for content related to your services.

For example, let’s say you’re running ads that target keywords related to saving endangered bears. In this case, you might notice that your ads show up for search queries like “Chicago bears,” “teddy bears,” and “the Berenstain Bears.” To prevent this, use negative keywords that eliminate irrelevant search queries, such as:

  • -chicago
  • -teddy
  • -berenstain

In turn, you’ll ensure your ads only show to qualified prospects, reducing wasted ad spend.

4. Keep SEO in mind.

To maximize your presence within search results and encourage engagement with your cause, integrate your SEO and Google Ad strategies. The right combination of outbound (paid) and inbound (organic) strategies can help you reach and convert more visitors into supporters. Here’s how to make these strategies work together:

  • Align keyword research. Conduct comprehensive keyword research to identify your highest-return keywords for both paid and organic strategies. When you actively target these keywords with both SEO and paid ads, you’ll maximize ownership over these terms.
  • Ensure consistent messaging. Consistency across your ad copy and website reinforces your nonprofit’s brand and provides a seamless experience for users transitioning from paid ads to your website.
  • Optimize your landing pages. High-quality, keyword-rich content improves your organic search rankings and provides a better user experience for visitors who click on your ads, potentially increasing conversion rates.
  • Create valuable content. Create valuable, keyword-optimized content that aligns with the themes of your Google Ad campaigns. This approach not only boosts your organic rankings but also provides users who click on your ads with relevant and informative content.
  • Enhance your site’s user experience (UX). A well-structured, easy-to-navigate, and mobile-optimized site with fast loading times positively impacts your organic rankings, keeps visitors engaged, and reduces bounce rates from paid ads.

By aligning your SEO and Google Ad Grant strategies, you can create a cohesive and powerful digital marketing approach that maximizes your nonprofit’s online presence and drives both immediate and long-term results.

The bottom line: Meeting the Google Grants eligibility requirements is only step one. You’ll need to use strategies like optimizing your landing pages and picking the right keywords to make the most of your funding.


Additional Resources

Google Ad Grants are one of the most valuable marketing tools your nonprofit can access. Now that you know how to apply for these grants, you’re halfway to Google Ads success!

Remember, working with a professional can simplify your Google Ad Grant management and help you skip the learning curve that comes with the program. We suggest the certified professionals at Getting Attention for their attention to detail and dedication to helping nonprofits make the most of their $10,000 each month.

Check out these resources for more insight into online marketing and fundraising:

Get a free consultation with Getting Attention to determine your Google Ad Grants eligibility.

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism _ A How-To Guide For Orgs

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism | A How-To Guide For Orgs

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

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

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

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

Understanding Corporate Volunteerism Opportunities

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

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

Individual Volunteer Grants

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

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

Team Volunteer Grants

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

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

Paid Volunteer Time Off

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

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

Skills-Based Volunteerism

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

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

Company-Sponsored Volunteer Days

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

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

Identifying Corporate Volunteer Programs in Your Network

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

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

1. Collecting Employment Information From Supporters:

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

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

2. Researching Employers with Well-Known Volunteer Programs:

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

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

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

3. Using Corporate Volunteer Databases:

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

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

4. Conducting Manual Research:

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

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

5. Encouraging Supporters to Check with Their Employers:

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

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism to Supporters

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

Educate Supporters on Corporate Volunteerism:

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

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

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

Communicate the Impact of Corporate Volunteerism:

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

Encourage Inquiries at Work:

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

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

Promote Suitable Corporate Volunteer Opportunities:

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

Offer Recognition:

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

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

Leverage Peer Influence:

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

Marketing Volunteerism to Corporate Partners

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

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

Understand Corporate Goals and CSR Objectives:

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

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

Develop Tailored Volunteer Packages:

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

Highlight the Impact of Volunteerism:

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

Recognize Corporate Support:

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

Facilitate Employee Engagement:

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

5 Organizations Marketing Corporate Volunteerism Well

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

Organization #1: NFED

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Dollars for Doers Blog Post

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

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

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_NFED example

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

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

Organization #2: United Way

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Volunteer Time Off Blog Post

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

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

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

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

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

Organization #3: LLS

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

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

Take a look at the landing page below:

Marketing Corporate Volunteerism A How-To Guide For Orgs_LLS example

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

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

Organization #4: Habitat for Humanity

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Corporate Volunteer Page and Blog Post

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

Take a look at these resources below:

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

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

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

Organization #5: Florida State Parks

Corporate Volunteer Marketing Spotlight | Corporate Volunteer Opportunities Page

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

Take a look at the landing page below:

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

Here’s what this marketing example does well:

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

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


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

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

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

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

Matching Gift Q&A with Workplace Giving Expert Tom Mansmith

Matching Gift Q&A with Workplace Giving Expert Tom Mansmith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how it works:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership buy-in

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

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

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

Lack of staffing

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

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

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

Marketing dollars

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

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

Lack of employment data

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

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

Not taking advantage of technology

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

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

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

4. How can I earn more matching gifts?

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

Socialize the impact of matching gifts with your developmental team.

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

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

Take full advantage of Double the Donation’s technology.

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

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

Regularly check your database through 360MatchPro.

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

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

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

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

Corporate development staff

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

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

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

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

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

Peer-to-peer staff

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

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

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

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

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

IT staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

Storytelling

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

Generational appropriateness

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

Acknowledge the employee-employer partnership

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

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

💡 Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts

7. What other fundraising opportunities can matching gifts uncover?

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

Corporate teams

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

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

Cause marketing and corporate grants

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

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

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

Major gifts

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

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

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

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


Wrapping Up

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

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

Good luck!

DTD_Matching Gifts CTA

Examples & Insights from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

10 Examples & Insights from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

In June 2024, Double the Donation organized the industry’s first-ever Matching Gift Idea Exchange. This was an opportunity for nonprofits, schools, and other groups to share their best matching gift materials and be inspired by their peers’ ideas as well.

Why?

Matching gifts are a powerful tool for fundraising organizations, allowing them to maximize donations and engage supporters more deeply. However, few organizations are truly maximizing their matching gift potential, and a lack of promotion is a leading reason why.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into 10 inspiring examples and key insights from the completed Matching Gift Idea Exchange. From streamlined matching processes to creative promotional tactics, these examples demonstrate the power of matching gifts to significantly enhance fundraising with valuable inspiration and practical tips.

  1. Supplement your match page with video content.
  2. Make the page accessible from your site navigation.
  3. Host a matching gifts tool on event pages, too. ⁠
  4. Meet your donors where they are with SMS messaging. ⁠
  5. Leverage direct mail to promote matching opportunities.
  6. Pair corporate matching with matching gift challenges. ⁠
  7. Thoroughly thank donors for matching their gifts.
  8. Acknowledge companies that match to your cause. ⁠
  9. Promote matching through personal and mass emails.
  10. Turn corporate matching into a dedicated campaign effort.

Note: Explore how many clients use Double the Donation’s tools to streamline and enhance their matching gift promotions. Not a client yet? No worries! Click here to request a personalized demo.

1) Supplement your match page with video content.

An organization’s matching gifts page is one of its most invaluable assets, especially when it comes to marketing matching gifts effectively. Implementing the right content on the page is essential for driving more matches to completion!

What this Organization Did Well:

OKCMOA, or Oklahoma City Museum of Art, has embedded a minute-long informational video on their matching gifts page. This resource, which the organization submitted as part of our Matching Gift Idea Exchange, quickly overviews the matching gift opportunity, how it helps nonprofits, and how donors can determine their eligibility and next steps using Double the Donation’s matching gift database embedded above.

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Take a multimedia approach on your organization’s dedicated matching gifts page. We recommend incorporating a combination of text, video, and graphic elements to best grasp and retain your audience’s attention while they learn about matching gifts on your site.

Double the Donation clients can access a free, pre-made matching gift video (plus a ton of other graphics and materials) or request a custom-branded version for a fee within the platform.

2) Make the page accessible from your site navigation.

It hardly matters how well-designed your matching gifts page is if no donors can locate it on your website. That’s why making your information easily accessible is a must! Prominently featuring matching gifts on your navigation menu ensures a seamless donor experience and signifies the importance of matching gifts in your fundraising.

What this Organization Does Well:

Blue Faery (the Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association) makes matching gift information easy to locate. All a user has to do is access the drop-down menu from the main “Donate” button and select “Matching Gifts.”

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Add a link to your matching gifts page to your main site navigation! Feel free to nest it under relevant parent pages, such as your “Donate” button or “Ways to Give” compilation for the best results.

3) Host a matching gifts tool on event pages, too. ⁠

Sometimes, an organization will host separate event pages or microsites to market upcoming opportunities (hint: this is a fairly common practice for run/walk/rides and other peer-to-peer fundraisers!). If that’s the case for your team, you’ll want to be sure you’re promoting matching gifts throughout your event pages as well⁠—after all, those gifts are often eligible to be matched, too.

What this Organization Does Well:

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a largely peer-to-peer-based organization, and much of its revenue comes from large-scale fundraising events like the annual Tour de Pier. In order to ensure eligible gifts get successfully matched, the nonprofit has implemented a dedicated Matching Gifts page on its event microsite⁠—complete with a matching gift search tool and an overview of the programs.

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

And, in order to mitigate any confusion, the fundraising team even provides the correct name and tax ID number an individual should use when they go to submit their matching gift requests.

Best Practice For Your Team:

At the very least, mention matching gifts with a dedicated callout on your event or campaign pages. Even better? Establish a separate matching gifts page on your event site to ensure your audience is exposed to the idea and provided with the information they need to get started.

4) Meet your donors where they are with SMS messaging.

According to Nonprofits Source, mobile donations have increased by more than 205% in the past year, and 51% of nonprofit website traffic originates from a mobile device.

What does that mean for you? Your donors’ phones are where they’re at⁠—and you can meet them there with text message engagement strategies.

What this Organization Does Well:

This text message campaign from Save the Children demonstrates the ease with which a matching gift can be requested right from a donor’s mobile device. An individual receives one or both of the texts below and can initiate their match without hesitation simply by clicking the provided link. Talk about frictionless giving experiences!

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Take a multi-channel engagement approach by incorporating SMS into your outreach strategy in addition to standard follow-up emails and more.

Note: Double the Donation offers automated SMS messaging for its Enterprise-level users. Interested? Learn more about upgrading your account here.

5) Leverage direct mail to promote matching opportunities.

In today’s digital world, it can be easy to forget about the power of direct mail marketing. However, incorporating snail mail into your matching gift promotional strategy can have a big impact.

What this Organization Does Well:

Scripps College leverages beautifully designed, eye-catching direct mail cards as a way to draw its supporters’ attention to matching gifts. And, to empower donors to take the next steps without delay, the institution implements a scannable QR code that directs recipients to its online matching gifts page.

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Diversify your messaging with direct mail! If you already have a direct mail fundraising package going out, try adding an insert dedicated to matching gifts. Otherwise, consider a matching gift-focused postcard to spread the word.

6) Pair corporate matching with matching gift challenges.

Did you know that corporate or employee matching gifts represent only a single form of matching donation opportunity an organization might have? Matching gift challenges, or major donor matches, can also play a significant role in boosting a nonprofit’s fundraising. And they’re typically not mutually exclusive⁠, either—meaning donors can have the chance to multiply their gifts twice!

What this Organization Does Well:

UWC-USA noted in the Matching Gift Idea Exchange that it combines the power of corporate matching gifts with other forms of donation matching, including major donor matching gift challenges. In a campaign, interest is typically generated by offering a major donor match. Then, once supporters have navigated to the campaign page, UWC promotes corporate matching gift opportunities as well.

The results? The organization shared that campaign revenue is typically about 30% higher than for those without a matching gift offer. Plus, a significantly higher percentage of donors check to see if their companies provide a donation match!

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Try running a double-matching campaign! If you can find a major donor willing to put up a significant match amount, leverage that opportunity in addition to corporate matching gifts to get donors’ gifts multiplied again and again.

7) Thoroughly thank donors for matching their gifts.

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting a gift matched. Thanking your donors for their involvement allows you to communicate your gratitude and close the loop at each step of the process.

What this Organization Does Well:

UNCF makes a serious effort to thank its matching gift donors at multiple touch points in the supporter journey. That includes upon the submission of their matching gift request and after the company pays out the matching donation.

To best grab the recipient’s attention and get their message across, the organization does so with a well-designed postcard (or two!).

A sample screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Showing thanks is essential for any donor relationships, and communicating gratitude to your matching gift donors is essential for retaining their support in the long run. As you do so, remember that they went above and beyond in requesting a matching gift. You, too, should go above and beyond in your thanksgiving.

8) Acknowledge companies that match to your cause. ⁠

When it comes to thanking donors for matching gifts, it’s generally recommended that you center your efforts around the individual who requested the match. However, acknowledging the company (AKA the entity that pays out the match) can go a long way in building long-term relationships, too.

What this Organization Does Well:

Michigan Technological University uses its matching gifts page for an additional purpose: highlighting leading matching gift companies that have completed matches to the school in the past year. This way, the companies listed can feel the appreciation of their support and donors accessing the page can gain at-a-glance insights into top matching gift companies in their network.

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Shine a spotlight on examples of companies that have supported your cause with matching gifts in the past. Not only is this an excellent way to thank these matching gift contributors (with additional publicity), but it can also inspire more donors (from the spotlighted companies and otherwise) to want to get involved.

9) Promote matching through personal and mass emails.

More than likely, email makes up a significant portion of your supporter engagement strategy. There are emails you send to all donors (mass marketing) and those you send one at a time.

For the best matching gift results, consider a mix of both types of outreach to grab your audience’s attention and drive more submissions to completion.

What this Organization Does Well:

Save the Boundary Waters takes a multi-faceted approach to promoting matching gift opportunities through email marketing. When a donor gives, they receive a personalized copy of the automated email (powered by Double the Donation) on the left. This encourages them to pursue a match for their recent gift while they are still at the height of their engagement with the organization.

Then, the team also regularly promotes matching gifts through a segment of its digital newsletter sent to all donors, on the right. This allows the organization to drive awareness of the programs across its entire audience at once!

Ideas and Insights From the Matching Gift Idea Exchange_Save the Boundary Waters A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Double the Donation research indicates that organizations that send a single matching gift email see an estimated 31% of eligible donations submitted for matching. Meanwhile, a second reminder email increases submissions by 45%, and a third email brings the total percentage of submitted eligible gifts to 49%.

So, what does that mean for you? To engage the greatest number of donors and achieve the best results, incorporate more than one matching gift email into your follow-up cadence. For even better results, vary the formatting and structure between newsletters, email blasts, personal reminders, and more.

10) Turn corporate matching into a dedicated campaign effort.

Rallying support around matching gifts can significantly amplify the support received from donors. Generating enthusiasm through campaigns, events, and other dedicated communications can go a long way in increasing awareness and participation in the programs.

What this Organization Does Well:

In this final submission from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange, Community Ministry has launched a dedicated campaign effort called the “Hunger Heroes.” This initiative included a campaign logo, a one-pager overviewing the opportunity and how donors can get involved, an email blast, and a number of related social media posts.

Donors who get their gifts matched by their employers then earn the “Hunger Heroes” designation as a way to celebrate their above-and-beyond support and leverage social proof to drive additional engagement in the campaign.

A samples screenshot from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange

Best Practice For Your Team:

Make matching gifts fun and exciting by adding a layer of novelty. Try providing donors with a digital “Matching Gift Donor” certificate or hosting an event alongside a big matching gift push.


Final Thoughts & Next Steps

As the above examples from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange show, there are countless ways for nonprofits and schools to innovate and improve their matching gift efforts. By implementing the strategies highlighted above, organizations can unlock additional funding, strengthen relationships with donors, and drive greater community impact.

All in all, we hope these insights have inspired you to bring your matching gift efforts to new heights. Stay tuned to participate in the Matching Gift Idea Exchange next year!

In the meantime, check out these additional resources to grow your knowledge of all things matching gifts:

Matching Gift Insights and Ideas CTA

This guide reviews 12 of the best nonprofit conferences and provides advice for maximizing the impact of your attendance.

12 of the Best Nonprofit Conferences in 2024 and Beyond

Nonprofits thrive on collaboration and the pursuit of positive change. Nonprofit conferences serve as a vital platform professionals from various organizations to come together, share insights, and strategize on achieving both collective and individual goals..

Attending a nonprofit conference is one of the best ways to grow professionally, make powerful personal and professional connections, and stay ahead of the curve with the latest fundraising techniques and tools.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of attending nonprofit conferences and provide our top recommendations for must-attend events. Here’s what you can expect:

When choosing which conferences to attend, it’s essential to consider both your nonprofit’s objectives and your personal development goals. For instance, are you aiming to enhance your strategies for corporate giving, leverage nonprofit technology, or engage more effectively with major donors? Keep these goals in mind as you browse the conferences in this list to find opportunities that align with your interests and needs.

Download our free guide, so you can learn how to maximize fundraising with cutting-edge matching gift software.

The Basics of Nonprofit Conferences

Use the answers to these frequently asked questions to help guide your search for the best nonprofit conferences.

What are nonprofit conferences?

Nonprofit conferences serve as essential gatherings where nonprofit professionals come together to learn, collaborate, and share best practices. These events provide a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, empowering organizations to enhance their impact and strengthen their connections within the sector.

Additionally, nonprofit conferences raise awareness and support for various causes by showcasing the work of nonprofits. They attract potential donors, sponsors, and volunteers, fostering personal and organizational growth. Ultimately, these conferences enable nonprofits to better serve their communities and fulfill their missions.

Why are nonprofit conferences important?

Attending a nonprofit conference requires an initial investment of your organization’s time and resources. For example, you may have to block out a work day to participate, pay a registration fee, and travel to the conference location (if it isn’t a virtual event). Considering all of those requirements, is attending a nonprofit conference really worth it for you and your organization?

To help answer this question, consider a these benefits of attending a nonprofit conference:

The benefits of nonprofit conferences, written below

  • Stay up to date with trends and innovations. Targeted advertising, artificial intelligence, social media trends, and livestreaming are just a few of the innovative technological considerations that nonprofit professionals are talking about now. By attending nonprofit conferences, you can stay on the cutting edge of these new technologies and trends to ensure your organization is using technology to its full potential.
  • Network with fellow nonprofit professionals. The networking aspect of most nonprofit conferences allows you to make professional connections that can help your organization down the road. You can learn about other organizations’ successes and failures and ask questions about how other nonprofits have tackled specific issues that you’re also facing. The relationships you build with other nonprofit professionals can help your organization well into the future as you continue collaborating and sharing resources.
  • Learn fundraising best practices. Whether the conference topics include the benefits of corporate philanthropy for businesses and nonprofits, innovative marketing strategies, or insightful tips on engaging with different generations of donors, you’re bound to leave with new knowledge in your pocket. You can apply what you learn to your organization’s ongoing activities, programs, projects, and outreach strategies.

Many nonprofit professionals find that the value of attending conferences often makes up for the time and resources required to attend. Nevertheless, be sure to carefully consider whether conference attendance is something that you can fit into your organization’s budget.

The Best Nonprofit Conferences in 2024

Nonprofit conferences happen throughout the year at different locations across the country (and virtually). Some events occur annually, so if you’ve missed one you were interested in this year, don’t worry! Check the host’s website to see if they’ll have it again next year.

Here are 12 of the best conferences to consider adding to your 2024 calendars:

Double the Donation's Matching Gift Summit is one of the top nonprofit conferences.

Double the Donation’s Fall 2024 Matching Gift Summit for Nonprofits and K-12 Schools

About this conference: 

Matching gifts are an incredible yet often untapped source of fundraising support for nonprofits, universities, and other fundraising organizations. In matching gift programs, corporations match the donations that their employees make to charitable organizations. According to recent matching gift statistics, companies donate $2-3 billion annually through matching gift programs, but an estimated $4-$7 billion is left unclaimed.

Double the Donation’s goal is to assist organizations in securing the matching gift revenue available to them. This includes through resources provided in our Matching Gift Summit, matching gift automation platform, and more.

Specifically, the Summit is dedicated to sharing matching gift best practices, resources, success stories, and more to help nonprofits and K-12 schools manage this fundraising channel more effectively. Attendees will learn about forming strong business partnerships and earning valuable corporate sponsorships to support their projects, events, programs, and more. Plus, attendees have the opportunity to engage with fundraising peers in round table discussions.

Date: September 29th–October 1st, 2024

Location: Atlanta, GA

Registration: https://events.doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-summit-all-nonprofits-and-schools#/

Can’t wait? Check out Double the Donation’s online Matching Gift Academy to explore powerful matching gift insights in the meantime.

What Fundraisers Are Saying:

“Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Summit is invaluable for corporate philanthropy professionals. I would recommend this event to anyone who is interested in growing their matching gift fundraising. The Summit has served as an incredibly helpful resource for our team as we have implemented insights and learnings from the event into our matching gift fundraising strategy.”

— Ariana Romanelli, Lead Associate, Corporate Partnerships at Save the Children

Register for our Matching Gift Summit and learn how to maximize your corporate giving revenue.

Double the Donation’s Fall 2024 Matching Gift Summit for Higher Education

About this conference: 

For professionals in the higher education space, we offer another conference that’s tailored to the specific and advanced fundraising needs of these organizations. Matching gifts are an incredible source of university funding. With 26 million individuals eligible for matching gifts, educational institutions likely have alumni and other donors who are eligible for these powerful corporate giving opportunities.

Double the Donation’s strives to empower organizations to secure available matching gift revenue through our powerful matching gift automation platform, educational resources, and our Matching Gift Summit.

Similar to our Summit for nonprofits and K-12 schools, you’ll connect with other higher ed professionals, hear success stories, discover matching gift best practices, and more through powerful roundtable discussions. Attendees will discover how to form strong business partnerships to support their projects, events, programs, and more. We’ll explore matching gift data across top higher education institutions and helpful topics like messag strategies to inspire alumni to complete their matching gift requests.

By the end of the conference, you’ll be able to manage this fundraising channel more effectively at your institution.

Date: October 1-3, 2024

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Registration: https://events.doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-summit-higher-education-2024#/

Can’t wait? Check out Double the Donation’s online Matching Gift Academy to explore powerful matching gift insights in the meantime.

The Nonprofit Marketing Summit is a top nonprofit conference for expanding your marketing knowledge.

Nonprofit Marketing Summit

About this nonprofit conference: 

There are several marketing conferences on this list, and for good reason. Digital tools and strategies evolve constantly, making it imperative for nonprofit professionals to stay updated on the latest trends.

That’s where the Nonprofit Marketing Summit comes in. This virtual conference brings together 30,000+ nonprofit marketing professionals featuring 75+ High Impact Sessions about new digital marketing strategies. You’ll hear directly from the most influential thought leaders in the space. Although this event is virtual, there are plenty of networking opportunities to take advantage of, including getting connected on social media and joining a text community.

Date: August 20-22, 2024

Location: Virtual

Registration

Collaborative is a nonprofit technology conference.

Collaborative

About this nonprofit conference: 

Collaborative is a virtual and in-person conference run by Classy, an online fundraising software platform. The conference is focused on helping nonprofit professionals understand fundraising best practices and how to leverage nonprofit technology effectively.

As the conference’s name suggests, the event is focused on bringing nonprofit professionals together in collaborative sessions and workshops. The goal is to challenge your thinking, explore the future of fundraising, and stay on the cutting edge of technology. You’ll leave with new ideas to raise more for your cause.

Plus, speakers include leaders from some of the most prominent nonprofit organizations across the country, connecting attendees directly with experienced leaders and influencers.

Date: May 15-16, 2024 — stay tuned for 2025’s dates

Location: TBD for 2025

Registration

The Nonprofit Technology Conference is a great place to expand your nonprofit tech knowledge.

Nonprofit Technology Conference

About this nonprofit conference: 

From matching gift software to constituent relationship management systems (CRMs), nonprofit technology is what keeps the nonprofit sector in motion.

The Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) is an annual gathering hosted by NTEN, an organization that unites nonprofit professionals to discuss using technology for social good. This conference educates attendees on nonprofit tech best practices and how to use technology to promote change in your community.

Attendees include everyone from nonprofit staff members and volunteers to board members, consultants, and tech vendors. By attending, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions, share resources with fellow attendees, and make long-lasting connections. Plus, the NTC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment, with racial affinity spaces, a dedication to accessibility for all, and more.

Date: April 16–18, 2025

Location: Baltimore, MD and virtual

Registration

AFP ICON is often considered the largest nonprofit fundraising conference in the world.

AFP ICON

About this nonprofit conference: 

AFP ICON is often considered the largest fundraising conference in the world. Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), ICON features dozens of speakers covering a wide range of topics. Past sessions include topics like using donor data to improve future fundraising efforts and ending mental health stigma in the nonprofit workplace.

Attending AFP ICON can help you set yourself and your organization up to effectively tackle the biggest fundraising challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.

Date: April 7-9, 2024 — stay tuned for 2025’s dates

Location: TBD for 2025

Registration

Cause Camp is another top nonprofit conference to consider attending.

Cause Camp

About this nonprofit conference: 

Designated a “must-attend” nonprofit conference by Forbes, Cause Camp is an annual gathering of nonprofit leaders, professionals, and industry experts to share resources and discuss every aspect of the nonprofit sector. Cause Camp’s breakout sessions go beyond simple discussions to equip attendees with actionable insights and training materials.

Additionally, participants can browse a comprehensive exhibit hall to connect with vendors and learn more about other nonprofit organizations in attendance. Plus, the conference’s fun evening gatherings allow attendees to get to know one another in a more relaxed environment.

Date: October 21-22, 2024

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Registration

Engage for Good is a conference that links nonprofit and corporate professionals.

Engage for Good

About this nonprofit conference: 

Engage for Good links nonprofit professionals with leaders from the corporate world whose organizations are dedicated to furthering positive social change. Attendees can participate in targeted workshops and networking sessions that bring together individuals who face similar issues or focus on similar topic areas.

As a nonprofit professional, attending this conference will enable you to understand corporate philanthropy from a business perspective and make connections with prospective corporate partners. Then, you can return to your organization with deeper insights that can optimize your corporate partnership strategy.

Date: May 14-16, 2024 — stay tuned for 2025’s dates

Location: TBD for 2025

Registration: TBA for 2025

Upswell is an annual virtual nonprofit conference.

Upswell Summit

About this nonprofit conference: 

The Upswell Summit is an annual event for community changemakers who are focused on making their communities stronger and more equitable. Organized by Independent Sector, the event connects professionals from various sectors to address pressing social issues and drive positive change. More information on speakers and panel topics is to come, so keep an eye on the Upswell website.

Date: Fall 2025

Location: Atlanta, GA

Registration

The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit ensures all attendees leave with strategies and advice for growing their online fundraising.

The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit

About this nonprofit conference: 

The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit (NIO) is an annual conference focused on equipping nonprofit organizations with the latest strategies, tools, and techniques for digital fundraising and marketing. Speakers include the leading experts in fundraising and marketing innovation, meaning attendees can receive insights into cutting-edge outreach techniques to better engage their audiences.

In addition, nonprofit leaders can browse new technology solutions in a sales-free environment to see which tools might work best for their organizations.

Date: September 18-19, 2024

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Registration

The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is designed to help nonprofit professionals tell better stories to raise more donations.

Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

About this nonprofit conference: 

The foundation of any powerful fundraising or marketing initiative is compelling storytelling. A story can help build a strong emotional connection with your nonprofit’s supporters, inspiring them to lend a hand and support your cause.

The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is designed to help nonprofit professionals tell better stories to raise more donations. The conference offers three types of sessions:

The “Main Stage Sessions” are designed to reimagine the way you connect with donors by sharing groundbreaking strategies and mind-bending concepts. The “Deep Dive Intensives” are 2.5-hour intensive workshops intended to give you a framework for major donor, direct mail, event, and creative fundraising campaigns. “Implementation Workshops” are 60-minute sessions with small groups, and each workshop teaches a new storytelling and fundraising skill. Attendees will receive personalized help applying each new skill to their organization.

Date: November 11-13, 2024

Location: Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

Registration

Good Tech Fest is a nonprofit conference that focuses on how to use technology for good.

Good Tech Fest

About this nonprofit conference:

Good Tech Fest focuses on how to use technology and data to make a positive difference in the world. Sessions are led by data scientists, product managers, and fundraising and tech professionals. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about everything from machine learning tools and equity issues in the tech world to crypto philanthropy.

This year, Good Tech Fest will be hosting three conferences on separate dates and in separate locations.

Dates: October 7-8, 2024; April 28-May 1, 2025; May 20-21, 2025

Locations: Nairobi (Fall 2024); Utah (April-May 2025); Virtual (May 2025)

Registration

the Bridge Conference is an annual gathering of nonprofit fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders along with consultants, agencies, and other marketing professionals.

Bridge Conference

About this nonprofit conference: 

The Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference, also known as the Bridge Conference, is an annual gathering of nonprofit fundraising professionals, leaders, consultants, agencies, and other marketing professionals. The conference covers both innovative fundraising and marketing strategies along with common issues nonprofits have traditionally faced, such as how to keep donors engaged and transform them into recurring givers.

Date: July 31-August 2, 2024 — stay tuned for 2025’s dates

Location: TBD for 2025

Tips for Making the Most of Your Conference Attendance

Your conference preparation shouldn’t end after you complete the registration form. Conferences are concentrated, action-packed events that seem to fly by once you’re there. That’s why it’s important to go in with a plan of who you want to speak with and what you want to do while at the conference.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your conference attendance:

Follow these tips to make the most of the nonprofit conferences you attend.

  1. Do your research beforehand. Who will be at the conference? Who do you absolutely want to talk to before the event concludes? How can you start a natural conversation with those individuals that builds on things you have in common? Make a list of individuals you’d like to connect with and a few facts you already know about them.
  2. Decide who will attend the conference. Should a group of staff members from your nonprofit attend the conference or just one or two individuals? Determine who will be the best representatives for your cause and benefit the most from attending.
  3. Participate in everything you can. You probably won’t be able to attend every single session or panel. However, make an effort to attend a wide array of presentations and discussions based on the topics that interest you the most or that you think will be most beneficial for your organization. This allows you to get the most value out of the event.
  4. Seek out presentations that are outside of your purview. Consider attending one or two sessions or panels that don’t directly relate to what you do daily. These sessions could end up being the most valuable, because they show you a different perspective or share information about something that you aren’t very familiar with.
  5. Collect business cards. Gather business cards for organizations and individuals that you interact with and follow up with them after the nonprofit conference. In these messages, thank them for their conversation or presentation and ask any follow-up questions you may have thought of since. If the individual lives nearby, see if you can schedule an in-person meeting or lunch with them to maintain the connection you’ve built.
  6. Share the information you’ve learned with your team. Create a short presentation for your nonprofit’s other team members who didn’t attend the conference. Summarize the key takeaways you received from the conference and any changes or strategies you think the team should implement going forward. Let team members chime in with their thoughts and feedback on any proposed changes.

We also recommend carrying a folder and notebook with you during the conference to take notes and store business cards, handouts, and other printed materials.

A Final Note About Nonprofit Conferences

When signing up for any nonprofit conferences, remember to approach these events with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be prepared to engage in meaningful conversations, share your own experiences, and learn from others who are equally passionate about creating positive change.

For more information about nonprofit conferences, bookmark the Double the Donation and NXUnite websites. These sites offer ongoing updates on nonprofit webinars, panels, and conferences that any nonprofit professional can join to expand their skill set and fundraising knowledge.

Attend our Matching Gift Summit to ensure your nonprofit fulfills its corporate donation potential.