Directing Donors to Matching Gift Forms Key Methods

Directing Donors to Matching Gift Forms | 5 Key Methods

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Does your organization have a strategy in place to maximize fundraising from employee matching gift programs? Directing donors to matching gift forms is a great place to start.

After all, one of the biggest challenges nonprofits face isn’t just spreading awareness about matching gifts—it’s helping donors actually follow through. Even when donors are eager to maximize their impact, they often don’t know where to go or what steps to take. That’s where clear direction and smart strategy come in.

In this post, we’ll break down several key methods your organization can use to guide donors straight to their matching gift forms—making the experience a seamless one and boosting your fundraising potential in the process.

Specifically, we’ll cover:

At Double the Donation, we utilize a number of different approaches to direct your organization’s supporters to the forms they need to submit matching gift requests. We know each method isn’t created equal, so we’ve prioritized the information we provide to donors to maximize the likelihood they’ll ultimately submit a request.

Ready to find out how? Let’s get started with the basics.

What are matching gift forms?

Matching gift forms are the key documents that employees use to request a matching donation from their employer after they’ve contributed to a nonprofit organization. These forms are part of a company’s corporate philanthropy program, allowing eligible donations to be matched—often dollar for dollar—by the employer.

There are typically two types of matching gift forms:

  1. Paper Forms – Some companies still provide physical forms that employees fill out with their donation details, the nonprofit’s information, and sometimes a copy of the donation receipt. The employee then submits the form to their HR department or a designated matching gift administrator for processing.
  2. Online Submission Portals – Most modern companies now use digital platforms to manage their programs. Employees log in, search for the organization they supported, enter their donation details, and submit the request—all online.

The nonprofit may then be required to verify the donation before the match is approved and disbursed. It’s a simple process, but many donors don’t know where to start, making it crucial for organizations to guide them to the correct form at the right time.

Why directing donors to matching gift forms matters

You might be spreading the word about matching gifts, but if donors don’t know how or where to submit a request, those potential matches can easily fall through the cracks. That’s why directing donors to their matching gift forms isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Here’s why it matters:

  1. Increased Match Completion Rates
    Even donors who are aware of matching gifts may not follow through without explicit instructions. Providing direct access to their employer’s matching gift form removes a key barrier, making it more likely they’ll take action.
  2. Improved Donor Experience
    Donors want their contributions to make a difference. When you streamline the matching gift process, you show that you value their time and are committed to helping their generosity go further—with minimal effort on their part.
  3. Strengthened Corporate Relationships
    When donors successfully complete a match, it opens a door between your organization and their employer. This can lead to long-term opportunities for corporate sponsorships, volunteer engagement, and deeper partnerships.

In short, directing donors to matching gift forms is one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase fundraising without asking supporters to reach deeper into their pockets. It’s all about turning good intentions into meaningful, multiplied impact⁠—and guiding them through the process of doing so.

Click through to learn how Double the Donation can help you direct donors to matching gift forms.

Method #1: Guide Donors to Their Electronic Matching Gift Portals

Many of the largest companies offer an electronic matching gift submission process. While a few companies have developed their own proprietary process, the majority of companies contract the matching gift administration process out to a dedicated corporate matching gift vendor.

Fortunately for nonprofits, in the majority of instances, the electronic login page is actually publicly available on a website that anyone can access. Therefore, we recommend directing donors to the login page, where they enter their username and password and proceed through the matching gift submission process.

Check out the example showcasing how our database directs users to the correct login pages for their matching gift forms:

Directing donors to matching gift forms using online portals

Method #2: Link to Matching Gift Forms on a Company’s Website

While more and more companies continue to migrate over to an electronic submission process, many still require donors to print and complete a paper matching gift form. In many cases, the form is posted on a publicly accessible website, so we direct donors to the company page where the matching form can be accessed.

Here’s an example of a public-facing web page from Alliant Energy:

Directing donors to matching gift forms using public websites

Method #3: Provide Donors with Matching Gift Forms on our Servers

If a company requires employees to submit a paper matching gift form, we do our best to provide the donor with a copy of the form. If it isn’t posted publicly on the company’s website, we request that the company provide us with a copy of the form. In these cases, we host the form on our server (typically as a PDF) so your donors can easily download it.

Here’s a sample form for Coca-Cola’s matching gift program hosted on our servers:

Directing donors to matching gift forms using PDFS

Method #4: Direct Donors to their Company Intranet or HR Contact

Sometimes, a company’s matching gift forms can only be accessed via the company’s intranet servers, often for internal security-related reasons.

In these cases, we typically encourage donors to access the form via a quick inquiry on the company intranet. If it’s an online submission process, we notify the donor and ask them to go to a specific location on the intranet or to search for “matching gifts.”

Here’s what this looks like for one company, Freddie Mac, using our matching gift database:

Directing donors to matching gift forms using the company intranet

While this is less than ideal, simply telling donors, “Hey, company XYZ will match your donation up to $5,000, and your organization is eligible,” increases the likelihood they’ll log into the company intranet to retrieve and submit the form.

Bonus Method: Skip Matching Gift Forms with Double the Donation’s Auto-Submission

What if your donors didn’t have to fill out a separate matching gift form at all?

Thanks to Double the Donation’s auto-submission feature, select donors can now submit their matching gift requests directly from your donation form or follow-up email—no extra steps, no confusion, and no portal hopping. It’s the most seamless way to turn one donation into two.

Here’s how it works:

  • When a donor gives to your organization, they’re prompted to search for their employer.
  • If their company supports auto-submission, they’ll see the option to submit their matching gift request automatically—right then and there.
  • All it takes is a few clicks, and their match request is submitted in the background—no need to visit a separate platform or fill out a detailed form.

This feature drastically increases match completion rates by removing friction from the process. By enabling auto-submission through Double the Donation, your organization makes it easier than ever for donors to double their impact—and that means more matching gift revenue with less donor effort.

Want to see it in action? Check out this short clip:

Next Steps & Additional Resources

Making it easy for donors to submit their matching gift requests can mean the difference between doubling your impact and leaving money on the table. By implementing these methods in your strategy, your organization can streamline the process, remove donor confusion, and unlock more corporate matching opportunities.

It’s not just about raising more—it’s about empowering your supporters to do more with every dollar. Start applying these strategies today, and watch your matching gift revenue grow.

Looking to learn more about matching gift strategies and beyond? Check out these additional recommended resources:

Click through to learn how Double the Donation can help you direct donors to matching gift forms.

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

Social Media: 12 Matching Gift Posts to Schedule Today

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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.

Learn the best way to market matching gifts.

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.

Twitter is a great tool to market matching gifts.

Learn how to use Twitter in your 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.

Facebook is a great tool for marketing matching gifts.

Learn how to use Facebook when marketing matching gift programs.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.

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

Determining the Tax-Deductible Amount for Matching Gifts

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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:

  1. The Relationship Between Tax-Deductible Contributions and Matching Gifts
  2. Calculating the Tax-Deductible Amount for Matching Gifts
  3. 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!
Tax-deductible donations are fairly straightforward when requesting matching gifts.

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.
Calculating the tax-deductible amount for matching gifts requires the nonprofit to determine the fair market value of the benefits.

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.
A matching gift database simplifies the process of determining which donors have employers who will match gifts for the tax-deductible amount.

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:

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, there’s even more to Double the Donation. Their 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.

Sign up for a free trial of our matching gift database!

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!