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Learn how to use social media to promote matching gifts today.

Social Media: 12 Matching Gift Posts to Schedule Today

January 18, 2013/in Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

Social media – we all use it in one way or another. Whether we’re connecting with friends or catching up on the latest breaking news, social media has become an integral part of the daily routines of many.

But are you maximizing the impact of your social media platforms for your fundraising efforts, specifically in regards to matching gift programs?

Remember: With corporate matching gift programs, your organization is able to collect two donations for the price of soliciting one. Through these programs, employers pledge to match the donations made by their employees to nonprofit organizations such as yours, effectively doubling the impact of the original gift. These programs present a huge opportunity to increase your fundraising revenue,and you want to capitalize on them whenever possible.

Promoting corporate matching gift options using Twitter, Facebook, and the like is a quick, easy and cost-effective way (read: free) to reach your digitally savvy masses.

Social media is incredibly efficient, as you’re able to schedule posts in advance and on a recurring basis. This means you don’t have to remember to continue posting– the networks will do it for you! This paired with the extensive network available to you through these platforms makes social media an opportunity to use to the fullest.

We’re going to examine marketing matching gifts on social media through the following:

Sample Matching Gift Posts for Twitter
Sample Matching Gift Posts for Facebook

However, before you begin posting about matching gifts on social media– which will inevitably bring forth donors interested in the programs– ensure your internal matching gifts processes are comprehensive.

The Best Way to Market Matching Gifts

Once you begin posting about matching gifts on social media, there’s a decent chance you’ll have a few interested donors inquiring about their eligibility. The easiest way to push donors in the right direction and get them started with the matching gift process is by simply directing them to a comprehensive matching gift tool!

For example, Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro is the perfect tool for nonprofits looking to build their matching gifts solicitation processes. Embed this comprehensive, searchable database directly on your donation form and website, and then link to it in your social media posts. Then, when donors see your posts and are interested, they know exactly where to look to search for their own eligibility!

Additionally, this automated matching gifts tool allows for the immediate searching of a donor’s eligibility upon making a donation. Once an eligible donor is identified, the software sends automated marketing communications to inform the donor of matching gift opportunities.

Matching gift software provides you with an easy way to manage the influx of interest generated by social media posting. Now, let’s check out the following 12 sample posts to inspire your Twitter and Facebook-based matching gift marketing.

Sample Matching Gift Posts for Twitter

Because of Twitter’s 280-character limitation, be concise and to-the-point in your communications. Further, include a quick link to your organization’s giving page, website, or dedicated matching gift page so interested donors can access it on-the-fly via tweet

Here are some example matching gift tweets:

1. Did you know your gift can be doubled, tripled & even quadrupled? Your employer might offer matching gift programs.

2. Did you donate to us this year? There’s still time to submit a matching gift request from your employer!

3. It’s February – do you love us? We love you, too! Click here to see if your company will double your donations: <insert URL>

4. Ever wonder if your employer matches donations? Search our database to learn more about your employer at <insert URL>.

5. Last year, we raised $X from corporate matching gift programs – help make 20XX a better year!

6. Did you know that tons of organizations offer matching gift opportunities? Check to see if yours does.

7. It takes just a few minutes to submit corporate employee matching gift forms… have you submitted yours?

Additionally, with retweets, donors can also easily share the word about your organization’s offering. The platform was made with efficiency in mind—so if you want to simply and quickly inform your donors, Twitter is a great place.

However, to educate donors about matching gifts through more in-depth communications, consider using Facebook.

Sample Matching Gift Posts for Facebook

Facebook doesn’t present the challenge of character limitations as Twitter does, but that doesn’t mean you can ramble on. The following examples balance offering more in-depth information with catering to the shorter attention span associated with the internet.

Here are some example matching gift posts for Facebook:

1. We sincerely appreciate all donations to <Your Organization’s Name>! Did you know that your generosity has the potential to be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled? Check to see if your employer offers a matching gift program!

2. What do Microsoft, Bank of America, IBM, and Verizon all have in common? Each one matches donations made by their employees’ to nonprofit organizations. This means that if you donate, or have donated to <Your Organization’s Name>, and work for one of these four companies, the company will double your donation. Many major employers offer similar programs. Search <insert URL> to find out if your employer offers something like this, as well as to access program guidelines, how-to instructions, and relevant forms.

3. A huge thanks to all of our donors, and a double thanks to those who submit matching fund requests from their employers! Does your employer offer a program like this? Check today!

4. Help us <Your Organization’s Mission>. Ask your employer to match, double, or even triple your donation today! Check out your organization’s matching gift options here: <insert URL>

5. We like to brag that our donors are the best. Not only do they contribute to us, but they also take the extra step to see if their employer offers a matching gift program that may double the total donation to our organization! Have you checked to see if your company offers a matching gift option? Thanks for being a super donor if so! Check here to see if your company has a program like this: <insert URL>

Just as with Twitter, donors can easily share your Facebook posts with their friends and family. It’s a great way to get in front of new donors you might not reach otherwise!

If used correctly, social media can be a valuable resource in marketing matching gift opportunities. For more information on how to use social media to market matching gift programs, check out some additional social media ideas.

Read about the top companies in Phoenix offering matching gift programs.

Matching Gift Opportunities: Companies in Phoenix, Arizona

January 18, 2013/in Learning Center, Matching Gift Companies, Lists and Rankings /by Adam Weinger

Through corporate matching gift programs, employers pledge to match the donations made by their employees to approved nonprofits. This effectively provides twice the donation to the nonprofit, and if these programs exist within your donor base, it’s vital that you take advantage of them!

These opportunities exist in cities across the country. Today, we’re examining those in Phoenix, AR. We’ll begin with our favorite way to discover matching gift programs, before discussing the following companies:

Freeport-McMoRan
Intel
Wells Fargo
General Dynamics

Each of the above companies provide a huge opportunity for nonprofits to collect matched donations! Unfortunately, many employees have no idea that these benefits exist. We at Double the Donation specialize in equipping nonprofits with the tools to discover matching gifts, allowing them to optimize fundraising with matching gift programs.

Our Favorite Way to Discover Matching Gift Programs

Nonprofits, whether large or small, struggle to capitalize on matching gift programs, especially when they’re unaware of where these programs exist. We always recommend nonprofits use matching gift tools to bridge this gap.

For example, nonprofits looking to grow their already matching gift efforts can benefit from 360MatchPro. With this matching gift automation platform, nonprofits can automate the process of searching for a donor’s eligibility, as well as the communications that occur after eligibility is established.

This tool is a powerful resource for nonprofits looking to increase their revenue through matching gift programs. With that, continue reading for a look at the top companies with matching gift programs in Phoenix.

List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs in Phoenix

In addition to being the capital of Arizona and the largest city in the state, Phoenix is also the 12th largest metro area in the US. The local economy is diversified into fields such as technology, telecommunications, education, and commerce. The city headquarters 4 of the Fortune 500 companies and is also home to 30 consulates. As far as matching gift programs are concerned, there are quite a few opportunities in Phoenix.

Check out the top companies in the city that are currently offering matching gift benefits to their employees.

Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan will triple employees’ donations (2:1) up to $1,000 to qualifying nonprofits. Then, it will match donations above the $1,000 limit on a 1:1 ratio, for up to $40,000 a year. Does your organization qualify?

Intel

Intel matches donations on a 1:1 ratio up to $10,000, with a minimum gift set at $25. The technology company will match gifts to a wide range of organizations, so be sure to check out the program if you have donors working for the company.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo matches on a 1:1 ratio. All employees can take part in the program and have donations up to $6,500 doubled. The company also has a volunteer grant program and awards more than $500,000 annually in such grants to nonprofits.

General Dynamics

General Dynamics does not currently offer an employee matching gift program, but they do offer another powerful type of corporate philanthropy: volunteer grant programs. Through this, the company donates $1,000 to nonprofits every time an employee volunteers 25+ hours with them.

Corporate matching gift programs are a great resource for nonprofits looking to receive two donations for the price of soliciting one. This shortlist is nowhere near comprehensive when it comes to opportunities in Phoenix, and further across the country as a whole, so consider employing a matching gift discovery tool in your processes.

Check out these Seattle companies with matching gift programs that can enhance your nonprofit's fundraising strategy.

Companies with Matching Gift Programs in Seattle, Washington

January 15, 2013/in Matching Gift Companies, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam Weinger

Corporate giving programs, specifically matching gifts, play a major role in nonprofit fundraising. Many nonprofits overlook these opportunities, lowering their potential revenue.

Double the Donation works with nonprofits across the country to enhance their fundraising strategies. This is done by pinpointing matching gift programs and corporate volunteer grant opportunities.

With a population of around 4.5 million including its metropolitan area, Seattle is home to some of the nation’s most philanthropic Fortune 500 companies. In fact, the city has become a leader in sustainable, green living. In response, many companies in the area took notice and instantly became champions of corporate social responsibility as well. Brush up on these employers in the Seattle area:

Starbucks
Microsoft
Wells Fargo
QuoteWizard
Boeing
Intermec Foundation
Liberty Mutual Group
Alaska Airlines

Donors who work for companies offering these programs can double, even triple their contributions to eligible nonprofits! All it takes is a little extra work on your end to encourage donors to complete the process.

If you’re ready to boost your nonprofit’s revenue, let’s take a look at some of the top companies in Seattle, Washington that offer matching gift programs.

Starbucks

Starbucks opened its first shop over 40 years ago in Seattle, Washington. Since then, Starbucks not only has become one of the world’s most recognizable brands, but it also offers a well-designed giving program.

Starbucks offers a matching gift program where the company matches donations anywhere from $20 to $1,500 per employee each year. Full-time, part-time, and retired employees are eligible.

For employees who prefer to donate their time rather than money, Starbucks offers a volunteer grant program, where they’ll write a check up to $1,000 depending on the number of hours volunteered.

Microsoft

As one of the most generous corporate philanthropists in not only Seattle but in the world, Microsoft offers a variety of employee giving programs.

Through its employee match program, the company doubles employee donations to almost all nonprofits. Microsoft has increased its matching gift maximum from an already impressive $12,000 to a tremendous $15,000.

To make things even better, Microsoft also has a volunteer grant program where the company donates $25 to organizations for every hour its employees volunteer—no minimum number of hours required! Additionally, the company provides each new employee with a small grant to allocate to a nonprofit of his or her choosing.

Wells Fargo

As a top Fortune 500 company, Wells Fargo & Company has a strong presence in Seattle and many other major US cities.

While Wells Fargo only matches donations to educational institutions, its $2,000 limit for each employee can still increase donors’ impact on causes that they care about. The minimum matched by Wells Fargo is $25, and they’ll match donations at a 1:1 ratio. In other words, eligible donations can be doubled!

Plus, Wells Fargo also offers a volunteer grant program, with no minimum number of hours required! Each year, Wells Fargo awards more than $500,000 in volunteer grants, making a major difference for eligible nonprofits.

QuoteWizard

While QuoteWizard has only a little over 100 employees, it’s a well-known company in Seattle. As a way of giving back to the Seattle community, it offers a matching gift program where donations are offered at a 3:1 match. In other words, eligible donations can be quadrupled!

The company matches donations anywhere from $25 to $10,000 to most nonprofits. Since its inception, the company has donated over $400,000 to nonprofit organizations and is an avid supporter of the Seattle community.

Boeing

Boeing, a well-known company in Seattle, offers a matching gift program for employees who give to charitable organizations. Even after moving its headquarters to Chicago, Boeing remains the largest private employer in the city.

The company will match gifts between $25 and $10,000. While charitable donations made by current employees can be matched at a 1:1 ratio, donations made by retired employees can be matched at a .5:1 ratio.

Boeing also provides grants to nonprofits where employees donate their time. The company provides a $10 grant for every 10 hours of volunteering, with a max of $10,000. To qualify, employees must volunteer at least 25 hours. Boeing also offers team volunteer grants, awarded to groups of employees who volunteer for nonprofits. The gift is scaled by the number of employees in the group.

Intermec Foundation

With a 5:1 match on donations from employees and directors, the Intermec Foundation offers one of the most generous matching gift programs in the corporate world, let alone Seattle.

The Intermec Foundation will provide up to $75,000 in matching funds per employee per year and up to $150,000 in matching funds per director per year.

For example, let’s say an Intermec Foundation employee donates $2,000 to an eligible nonprofit. Assuming the individual submits a match request, the Intermec Foundation will provide a matching gift of an additional $10,000, totaling $12,000. A program like this has the power to completely change a nonprofit’s growth trajectory!

Liberty Mutual Group

The Liberty Mutual Group provides matching funds to select types of organizations during Give with Liberty, the company’s annual giving campaign.

Through online pledging and payroll deduction, Liberty Mutual matches 50 cents on every dollar (i.e. a .5:1 ratio) that employees donate to a wide variety of social service nonprofits. Their payroll giving campaign is only a portion of the company’s matching gift program.

Plus, Liberty Mutual also offers volunteer grants for 3 employees annually. Each of these 3 selected employees receives $10,000 to donate to a nonprofit of their choosing. Nonprofit volunteers must register for this award, known as the Chairman’s Community Service Award.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines works with nonprofit groups in the areas of health and human services, arts and cultural programs, as well as education, environmental, and civic organizations.

They will match gifts with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $4,000 at a 1:1 ratio. Like many organizations, their match request process is done electronically, which speeds up the process.

Alaska Air also gives organizations volunteer grants of $10 per hour for up to $1,000, after an employee volunteers at that organization for a minimum of 5 hours.

Learn more about Alaska Air’s matching gift program.

Matching Gift Database: How Double the Donation Can Help

As the most comprehensive source for all things corporate giving, Double the Donation’s database allows corporate employees to quickly check their match eligibility, submit matching gift requests, and submit volunteer grant requests to their employers.

With more than 20,000 companies that represent over 15 million match-eligible individuals, it’s the world’s leading matching gift database. A database like this can pinpoint major revenue opportunities for nonprofits!

Larger nonprofit organizations may benefit even more from 360MatchPro by Double the Donation, which goes above and beyond providing the necessary forms and guidelines. It recognizes match-eligible donors through email domain screening and will automatically follow up with these individuals until they complete the match process.

Think your organization may benefit from Double the Donation’s tools?

Get a demo of the #1 matching gift database!

Corporate philanthropy is a driving force in the nonprofit world. If your organization isn’t taking advantage of it, you may be missing out on major revenue opportunities.

A substantial amount of Seattle businesses offer these programs, so make sure to familiarize yourself with your donors’ employers. That way, you can boost your revenue and double (maybe even triple!) your donors’ impact. Don’t let these important opportunities slip through the cracks. Start researching your donors’ employers now!

Portland, Oregon Companies with Employee Matching Gift Programs

January 2, 2013/in Matching Gift Companies, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam Weinger

Matching Gifts Help Nonprofits?

If your donors work for a company with a matching gift program their donations can be matched be their companies. Double the Donation can help you optimize your fundraising from sources like matching gifts and double your donations overnight. Start your journey here at Double the Donation. There are many resources across the site to help nonprofits increase their fundraising.

List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs in Portland

Portland is known for it’s forward-thinking, progressive culture. Many companies have adopted these attitudes and now offer a wide variety of corporate philanthropy initiatives. Portland is one of the most populous cities in Oregon. While only a few Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the city, many others have a strong presence. Check with your donors to see if their companies match charitable donations.

In the meantime, consider these companies currently offering matching gift benefits to their employees. Be sure to take advantage of this vital fundraising source!

Nike

Nike will match up to $2,500 per employee to most charitable organizations. They will also match $1,000 a year for part-time employees.

Read more about Nike’s matching gift program.

Siemens

Siemens AG will match donations on a 1:1 ratio to educational institutions. Each employee is eligible to have up to $2,000 matched by the company.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank matches $3,000 donations to many types of nonprofit organizations. Does your nonprofit qualify?

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo will match up to $6,500 a year to educational institutions. The company also has a dynamic volunteer grant program.

Read more about the Wells Fargo matching gift program.

Want to learn more about how Double the Donation can help your organization? Read about some of our nonprofit clients here.

Employers in Minneapolis, Minnesota which Match Donations

December 20, 2012/in Matching Gift Companies, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam Weinger

Nonprofits and Matching Gift Programs

Double the Donation has received several requests asking about matching gift programs in Minneapolis. To clear up some of the confusion we created this post highlighting some of the top companies in the area that currently offer these programs. Matching gifts can increase nonprofit fundraising without asking donors to contribute more of their own funds.

List of Companies in Minneapolis with Matching Gifts

The city of Lakes just so happens to be the largest city in the state of Minnesota. 5 Fortune 500 companies are based out of the city and several foreign corporations are starting to place offices in Minneapolis. The area has an estimated GDP of around 200 billion dollars. Many of the companies with a presence in the city also offer matching gift or volunteer grant programs.

If a nonprofit has donors working for any of these companies their donations could be doubled. Check out this list of some of the companies in Minneapolis with the best matching gift programs.

Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods will match up to $15,000 a year donated to a school. They will also match up $1,000 a year per employee. Employees can donated upwards of $10,000 a year to colleges and universities and have the gift matched 1:1

General Mills

General Mills, another food industry giant, also offers matching gifts. General Mills will match gifts made up to $5,000 per employee. See if your organization is eligible.

Read more about the General Mills matching gift program.

U.S. Bancorp

U.S. Bancorp will match up to $3,000 annually. The company also has a volunteer grant program that will pay nonprofits $5 per hour an employee spends volunteering for their organization.

Read more about the U.S. Bancorp matching gift program.

Graco

Through The Graco Foundation the company provides donations to nonprofits which Graco employees support.

Each year through the Employee Giving Campaign, every contribution made by Graco employees to eligible nonprofit organizations is matched $1 for $1 by the Foundation.

Graco also offers a Dollars for Doers Program where the Foundation donates $1,000 to any eligible nonprofit organization where an employee has volunteered 50 hours or more. And the best part is that time that a spouse or dependent of a Graco employee volunteers counts toward the 50 hours.

Companies with Matching Gift Programs in Tampa, Florida

December 15, 2012/in Learning Center, Matching Gift Companies /by Adam Weinger

Nonprofit Matching Gift Programs

Matching gifts are becoming a favorite way of giving among America’s top companies. Matching gifts are an easy way to double your current donations. Familiarize your organization staff with this list of companies.

Unfortunately, many donors are unaware that their companies have these programs. Often the responsibility falls on nonprofits to inform their donors.

List of Companies in Tampa

Tampa has a dynamic economy that relies on industry, national defense, tourism, and shipping. The city is home to several multinational corporations and Fortune 1000 companies, many of which operate employee giving programs.

Learn about the top companies in Tampa, Fl with matching gift programs. Use this list to help your organization optimize its fundraising efforts.

Honeywell

Honeywell does not currently offer matching gift programs, but it does offer an employee volunteer grant program. Volunteers can earn up to $500 for a nonprofit by volunteering 50 hours.

Read more about the Honeywell employee volunteer grants.

Humana

Humana will match up to $1,000 for each of its employees who donate to eligible causes. The company also offers an interesting incentive for volunteers.

Read more about Humana’s employee giving programs.

Publix

Publix will match donations made between $25 and $5,000 per employee. Part-time workers and retirees are eligible.

Read more about the Publix matching gift program.

USAA

USAA will match gifts made between $25 and $500. They match on a 1:1 ratio. See if your organization is eligible.

Read more about the USAA matching gift program.

Interested in learning how Double the Donation increases nonprofit fundraising with employee matching gifts?

Learn how to determine the tax-deductible amount for events for corporate matching gift programs.

Determining the Tax-Deductible Amount for Matching Gifts

November 15, 2012/in Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

If your organization derives a significant amount of funding from membership programs, annual fundraising galas, or special events, you may wonder whether those donations are eligible for corporate matching gift programs.

By not promoting matching gifts to donors, your organization may be leaving money on the table. In almost every case, the tax-deductible amount of nearly all cash and stock contributions is eligible to be doubled through employer matching gift programs.

To take advantage of these important revenue opportunities, go over the following key subjects:

The Relationship Between Tax-Deductible Contributions and Matching Gifts
Calculating the Tax-Deductible Amount for Matching Gifts
How a Matching Gift Database Can Help

Need a refresher on corporate philanthropy? Visit our guide to learn more about corporate matching gift programs. Otherwise, let’s get started!

1. The Relationship Between Tax-Deductible Contributions and Matching Gifts

When nonprofits have membership programs or host special events, there should be a defined tax-deductible amount listed. This should be a specific dollar amount. Also, it should be above the fair market value (FMV) of any benefits received.

That way, attendees and their employers know the specific amount for IRS income tax reporting purposes. The tax-deductible amount of the donation, event ticket, or membership is also what donors should submit to their employers when requesting a match.

It’s the responsibility of the organization to determine the tax-deductible amount and inform event attendees or its program’s members.

For instance, for events, the tickets should have a line similar to the following: “Did you know that $X of your ticket is tax-deductible? If your employer has a matching gift program, this amount might be eligible to be matched.” To learn other ways to promote matching gifts to attendees, visit this guide about matching gifts for special fundraising events.

Now that you know the tax-deductible amount of contributions can be matched, let’s dive into how to calculate it.

2. Calculating the Tax-Deductible Amount for Matching Gifts

As previously stated, it’s up to the nonprofit organization to determine the tax-deductible amount of each contribution. The first step is to determine the FMV of the benefits received.

There are a few ways to do this. Start by comparing the benefits received by the donor with what those benefits would cost if it were not a fundraiser.

For example, let’s say you charge $500 for an annual gala ticket. At the gala, there’s a performance by a well-known band as well as a five-course dinner. Let’s say the nonprofit determines the dinner would cost $50 from a local restaurant while a ticket to see the band would cost $100. In this case, the fair market value of the gala ticket would be $150. Therefore, the tax-deductible amount of the ticket would be $350.

Donors should use this fair market value, rather than the overall purchase price, on their company’s matching gift form.

While each organization has full discretion in determining the FMV, the key is to ensure the values placed on each benefit are reasonable. For instance, is it reasonable for a steak and lobster dinner with dessert to cost $10 at a five-star restaurant? Probably not. An appropriate method is to take a look at the menu of a local restaurant and use its pricing as guidance.

Calculating the FMV isn’t an exact science. It could vary by several dollars and any amount within a reasonable range would be acceptable for government reporting and matching gift requests. The important part is that your organization is taking a fair and honest approach when estimating the FMV.

3. How a Matching Gift Database Can Help

When hosting event fundraisers or heading a membership program, nonprofits might overlook corporate giving opportunities. Corporate philanthropy is vital for nonprofits. Missing out on these opportunities can be detrimental to an organization. That’s where Double the Donation, the industry-leading matching gift database, can help!

By adding a matching gift database to your tech toolkit, your nonprofit won’t overlook revenue from corporate giving programs. For instance, Double the Donation:

Enables donors and volunteers to search for 20,000+ companies.
Gives users all available info and forms on companies’ giving programs.
Allows nonprofits to embed the tool on their online fundraising channels.
Allows nonprofits to do even more with matching gifts!

Before your event, research your attendees’ employers. You’ll be able to pinpoint which donors are matching-gift eligible. That way, you’ll know who to approach about corporate giving at your event. Whenever someone signs up for your membership program, your team can see which donors might be match-eligible, too! Then, you can reach out to them.

Plus, larger nonprofits might benefit even more from 360MatchPro by Double the Donation. This tool streamlines the process by automatically identifying match-eligible donors in a comprehensive database, following up with them until they complete the match process, and even creating an automated plan for matching gifts! Either tool is great for pinpointing corporate giving opportunities.

Many different types of donations to your organization have a tax-deductible component that can be submitted to corporate matching gift programs. Make sure you’re communicating this with your donors.

Now that you know more about tax-deductible contributions, relay this information to your team and supporters. Start boosting your nonprofit’s matching gift revenue now!

Matching Gift Opportunities: Companies in Phoenix, Arizona

Our Favorite Way to Discover Matching Gift Programs

List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs in Phoenix