Learning Center Archives - Page 7 of 38

Match Like Megan: Driving Matching Gifts with Social Proof

November 22, 2024/in Donor communications, Fundraising Ideas, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

In the world of fundraising, one of the most effective yet underutilized tools for maximizing donations is the power of social proof. People tend to follow the lead of others, especially when making decisions about giving. That’s why showcasing existing support through matching gifts with social proof can be a game-changer for nonprofits like yours.

In this post, we’ll explore how organizations can encourage donors to take advantage of matching gift programs, demonstrating how social proof can turn a single matching gift into a chain reaction of doubled giving.

Specifically, we’ll cover:

What is social proof?
How to increase matching gifts with social proof
Case study: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Match Like Megan

Ready to see how your team can benefit from matching gifts with social proof and more? Let’s get started with the basics.

What is social proof?

According to Sprout Social,

Social proof is the psychological concept that people are influenced in their decision-making by others, compelling them to act within societal norms or expectations. In the context of marketing, social proof provides evidence of the popularity or usability of a brand among consumers to influence the purchase decisions of prospective and returning customers.

In other words, social proof is the idea that people are more likely to make choices or take actions when they see others doing the same.

In terms of fundraising, it means supporters (prospective and existing ones alike) are increasingly inclined to get involved when their peers are doing so, too. This can take a lot of forms, from giving to participating in matching gifts and beyond. And it’s beneficial for fundraising organizations, as social proof can help build trust and momentum around their causes.

How to increase matching gifts with social proof

For many donors, matching gifts are a completely new concept. In fact, research shows that despite 26 million individuals working for companies with matching gift programs, an astounding 78% have no idea that they’re eligible.

The solution? Marketing matching gifts to your audience. And for the best results, incorporating social proof throughout your efforts can go a long way. Lucky for you, there are quite a few ways that your team can do so. These include:

Sourcing matching gift facts & figures

It’s hard to argue with facts. That’s why matching gift statistics⁠ (whether industry-wide or within your organization⁠) can be a valuable tool in establishing social proof. After all, accurate and relevant facts and figures about matching gifts⁠—and your supporters’ behavior regarding the programs⁠—can be crucial for communicating the benefits of these programs to donors and other existing stakeholders.

Example:

More than 580 donors have had their gifts matched to our organization in the last year. That’s a lot of support!

How to Get Started:

Check your Double the Donation Matching dashboard and reporting module to uncover valuable insights you can use to demonstrate matching gift impact.

Not a Double the Donation user yet? Click here to get a personalized demo and see how your organization will benefit from our tools⁠—including tracking and reporting on donor involvement!

Promoting matching gift donor testimonials

Often, there’s nothing more powerful than hearing a story in a donor’s own words⁠. For supporters considering matching gifts, hearing about the experience from a peer who has successfully completed the process can go a long way. After all, promoting matching gift donor testimonials is an effective strategy to enhance awareness, encourage participation, and build trust in your organization’s matching gift programs.

For an added personal flair, aim to include photos or videos of the donor whose testimonial you share!

Example:

Meet Sarah. Sarah is a generous donor to our organization, and she recently took the extra step to have her already significant gift doubled for our cause. Here’s what Sarah has to say: “I loved having the opportunity to double my impact on my favorite organization while getting my employer involved in the causes I care about. The whole process was quick and easy, too!”

How to Get Started:

In Double the Donation, first, navigate to the “Donations” tab. From there, filter the statuses to include those marked as “Match Complete” to identify your best prospects for matching gift testimonials. Then, reach out to your list of supporters to solicit feedback and collect testimonials from those interested in sharing their experiences.

Not a Double the Donation user? Sift through your existing data in your CRM to manually uncover potential testimonial providers. Just make sure you’re contacting individuals who have successfully completed a match in the past!

Encouraging social sharing of matching gift content

When your organization posts something on its social media pages, it’s likely able to reach your network of supporters. If you’d like to extend your reach to new audiences, however, social sharing can be the key. All it takes is getting your existing supporters to interact with and share (or re-post) the content you publish on your social channels.

Encouraging social sharing of matching gift content is an effective strategy to amplify awareness, drive participation, and leverage social proof in fundraising efforts. When supporters share information about matching gifts on social media or within their networks, it not only broadens your outreach but also reinforces the message that matching gifts are a valuable part of giving.

Example:

Over 65% of Fortune 500 companies match employee donations. Share this post with a colleague or peer to encourage them to check if their employer matches, too!

How to Get Started:

Create and share eye-catching graphics, visuals, or video content that quickly and easily explains the basics of matching gifts. You can even provide supporters (or advocates) with pre-written messages they can use when sharing, making it even easier for them to promote your cause⁠—and the matching opportunity⁠—to their own audiences.

P.S. Double the Donation provides free, customizable Canva templates that users can access from within their accounts. Just head to the “Resources” and select “Marketing Assets!”

Incorporating matching in peer-to-peer fundraising

Incorporating matching gifts into peer-to-peer fundraising is an impactful way to drive increased donations through social proof. When donors see others matching contributions within peer fundraising campaigns, it reinforces the idea that matching is a standard part of giving, encouraging additional supporters to look into matching opportunities through their own employers.

Example:

Thanks for giving to our peer-to-peer fundraising campaign! Did you know your gift can have twice the impact on our cause with a match? Contact your fundraiser to learn more about the benefits of matching gifts and how you can get involved.

How to Get Started:

Equip your peer-to-peer fundraisers with matching gift resources so that they’re well-prepared to promote the opportunity to their donors. This can include email and social media graphics (such as those provided by Double the Donation), templated messages, and more.

From there, it’s crucial to have a matching gift search tool embedded in your peer-to-peer giving forms, too, so all donors can interact with the widget.

Highlighting matching companies supporting your efforts

Many donors remain unaware that their employers offer matching gifts. By highlighting companies with matching gift programs (particularly those that are actively supporting your mission), you educate donors on the availability of these benefits⁠—and encourage them to explore their own employer’s matching options.

Meanwhile, recognizing companies that support matching gifts demonstrates how accessible and straightforward the process can be. Seeing well-known companies participate reinforces that matching gifts are widely available and beneficial to both employees and nonprofits.

Example:

This year, companies like Home Depot, Apple, State Farm, Verizon, Bank of America, and more are supporting our organization through matching gifts. And that’s thanks to generous donors like you who work for these employers!

How to Get Started:

Check out the “Top Companies” report within Double the Donation to access insights about the companies most highly represented in your donor base. Then, spotlight those leading employers on your dedicated Match Page along with other matching gift materials!

Implementing public recognition for matching gifts

Implementing public recognition for matching gifts is a strategic way to harness the power of social proof and encourage more donors to participate in the programs. Publicly recognizing donors who engage in matching gifts signals to others that matching gifts are valued, achievable, and impactful, often resulting in similar action.

This not only celebrates donors but also educates prospects about matching gifts, showcasing that they are a common, achievable, and powerful way to increase impact.

Example:

We want to give a big shoutout to a donor who has gone above and beyond for our mission: John Doe! John recently contributed a generous amount that was then doubled by his employer through a matching gift program.

How to Get Started:

Implement a strategy for tracking matching gifts to completion. We recommend having donors indicate when they’ve submitted a match, such as with a built-in button within Double the Donation’s email streams. This way, your team can be prepared to reconcile the records in your system when the match ultimately arrives.

Then, take to social media, email newsletters, donor walls, or other recognition channels to highlight your completed matches!

Case study: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Match Like Megan

About the Organization

Phillips Exeter Academy, commonly known as Exeter, is a prestigious, private co-educational boarding school in Exeter, New Hampshire. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Exeter has a distinguished history of preparing its students for success in higher education and beyond.

Uncovering the Matching Gift Need

Recently, the school’s development team was tasked with doubling its annual fundraising revenue in order to better support its academic and other programming. As part of determining how to do so, the team ultimately decided to revitalize its corporate matching gift efforts, as they realized they were not fulfilling their matching gift potential as-is.

When the director located the school’s matching gift software, the team began to play around with it, looking to identify new ways to bring matching gifts to the forefront of their fundraising strategy. And what they came up with was Match Like Megan.

About the Campaign

Match Like Megan was born from a single matching gift donor, Megan, who gave generously to her alma mater. From there, she also got her gift matched by her employer (Macy’s), doubling her impact and bringing her total annual giving to the next society level.

As a result, the Exeter team decided to launch an initiative around the idea that just about anyone can “Match Like Megan.” This came following a number of other alliteration-style campaigns, including Donate Like Dave and Lead Like Lawrence. The school then spotlighted Megan’s matching gift participation across its marketing and educational efforts, including social media posts, email campaigns, and more.

When supporters see how easy it is for someone like Megan to get her gift matched for her school, they’re more likely to take the steps themselves to do so. Hence, the concept of social proof.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

When it comes to amplifying support for your cause through matching gifts, social proof is a powerful catalyst. The “Match Like Megan” campaign shows that leveraging real-life examples of matching gift donors can drive others to join in, boosting overall participation and revenue.

By placing a spotlight on your own donors, your organization not only strengthens relationships with existing supporters but also cultivates a giving culture that feels accessible, inspiring, and community-driven. As more donors participate in matching gifts, their impact grows exponentially, creating a lasting influence on your mission.

Let social proof be the spark that fuels your matching gift success—and watch your community rally around your cause, one match at a time.

Ready to learn more about innovative matching gift tactics your team can adopt for big results? Check out the following resources:

A Look at Save the Children’s Winning Matching Gift Strategy. See how Save the Children refreshed its match page and implemented a text campaign to drive awareness of matching gifts. Learn more here!
How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts. The American Cancer Society took a smart approach to marketing matching gifts⁠—starting with its internal fundraising team. Dive into the blog post to learn more.
Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access Double the Donation Case Studies. Access 30+ inspirational case studies to explore how leading organizations are driving matching gifts with social proof and more.

Employers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that Match Donations

November 20, 2024/in Lists and Rankings, Matching Gift Companies, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

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 that have 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 to $1,000 a year per employee. Employees can donate upwards of $10,000 a year to colleges and universities and have the gift matched 1:1

Read more about Hormel’s matching gift program.

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.

Matching Gift Marketing Plan Presentation Template

[Free Download] Matching Gift Marketing Plan: Template

November 19, 2024/in Learning Center, About Double the Donation /by Adam Weinger

What is the Matching Gift Marketing Plan Presentation Template?

Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Marketing Plan Template is a well-structured resource designed to help nonprofits create, present, and execute an effective marketing strategy to maximize matching gift opportunities.

The template provides a comprehensive framework with a clear structure for planning and presenting a matching gift marketing plan, including goals, strategies, and actionable steps. Not to mention, each slide is designed to be easily tailored to fit a nonprofit’s unique needs, branding, and matching gift goals.

Why download the Matching Gift Marketing Plan?

Maximize fundraising potential.

Access actionable strategies to significantly boost donation revenue by leveraging corporate matching gift programs. By understanding how to tap into this often underutilized resource, nonprofits can unlock additional funding.

Streamline matching gift processes.

Uncover clear steps for optimizing the management of matching gifts, from identifying eligible donors to simplifying the follow-up process. This helps organizations save time and effort while ensuring they don’t miss out on match-eligible contributions.

Enhance donor engagement.

Donors are more likely to give if they know about matching gifts. Unleash best practices for educating and motivating donors to participate in matching gift programs, strengthening donor relationships and increasing engagement with your cause.

GET MY FREE DOWNLOAD TODAY

Additional Recommended Resources

Volunteerism Trends in 2025 | Corporate Incentives and More

November 19, 2024/in About Double the Donation, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

Did you know that the value of a single volunteer hour (according to the benefit it produces for an organization) is estimated to be $29.95? Or that thousands of companies offer generous volunteer grant programs to encourage staff to support philanthropic efforts? Volunteerism trends like these can shed significant light on an invaluable opportunity for your team.

To help your nonprofit understand your volunteers a bit more, this guide will conduct a deep dive into the following essential volunteer trends and patterns:

One-third of the nonprofit workforce is made up of volunteers.
Most U.S.-based volunteers are between the ages of 35 and 44.
Regular volunteerism offers numerous benefits for individuals.
Formal volunteerism rates are declining in most states.
Companies are increasingly encouraging their staff to partake in volunteerism.
There’s a significant overlap between companies offering matching gifts and ones offering volunteer incentives.
Many corporate volunteer incentives continue to be underutilized.

Volunteers play an integral role in your nonprofit, handling responsibilities from behind-the-scenes bookkeeping to on-the-ground work at your program sites. When solidifying your volunteer program’s recruitment strategies, understanding the nonprofit landscape allows you to source powerful insights from broader trends in volunteer behavior and motivations. Then, you can use the insights to adjust your strategy and better attract and retain a solid group of volunteers.

Ready? Let’s begin with the first trend!

One-third of the nonprofit workforce is made up of volunteers.

For U.S.-based nonprofits, volunteers are everywhere. In fact, recent reports indicate that an estimated 63 million Americans volunteer their time and energy with organizations like yours.

That said, your nonprofit’s staff is instrumental in providing beneficiaries with the services they need. However, most nonprofits have tight budgets and often rely on volunteer labor to get work done. This is so much the case that an astounding one-third of all nonprofit workers are volunteers.

Of course, the ratio of paid employees to volunteers will vary from one nonprofit to the next. For example, many small organizations do incredibly important work but are entirely made up of volunteers. In contrast, enterprise-size nonprofits often have entire departments of paid employees.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Because so much labor at charitable organizations goes unpaid, calculations of the nonprofit sector’s economic value will always be off. Don’t let this impact how your nonprofit values your volunteers. Instead, show your appreciation and ensure your volunteer staff feel like they’re a real part of your team. Ultimately, they are!

This also means that, by sourcing new volunteers, organizations can often expand their capabilities and do even more for their missions.

Most U.S.-based volunteers are between the ages of 35 and 44.

Reports show that the average U.S. volunteer is a woman between the ages of 35 and 44, usually with a child less than 18 years of age.

It’s important to recognize that non-women, along with people of other age groups, certainly volunteer, as well. However, there are a few key assumptions we can draw from the average organization’s volunteer profile.

For example, middle-aged mothers are likely to volunteer at their children’s school, church, and neighborhood activities. This assessment also holds true for reports of informal volunteering⁠—such as cooking for neighbors, taking care of children, and improving the state of their communities.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Assess your current supporter base to see if your nonprofit’s average volunteer fits this profile. Then, use the information to tap into audiences your nonprofit may have previously neglected.

For example, how can you reach more families? Do you offer volunteer positions that are convenient for working professionals? Be sure to assess not just your volunteer marketing but the overall accessibility of your volunteer program for individuals with differing circumstances, needs, and opportunities.

Regular volunteerism offers numerous benefits for individuals.

Partaking in volunteerism provides numerous and widespread benefits for volunteers, the organizations with which they devote their time, and their communities as a whole. For volunteers themselves, the value includes personal fulfillment, a deepened sense of purpose, and professional skill development.

When asked why they volunteer, 35% of individuals indicated their primary reason was to socialize. However, the majority of volunteers (83%) say their main motivator is helping a cause they care about.

In addition to these benefits, research indicates that individuals who regularly volunteer have a 27% higher chance of finding employment, too. Not to mention, individuals who volunteer tend to experience 38% fewer nights in the hospital.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

It’s easy to focus solely on how volunteering helps the nonprofit recruit supporters. However, while volunteers do want to help causes they care about, it never hurts to mention the benefits they can receive in addition to making a positive impact.

Be upfront about the skills and experience supporters can gain from volunteering. This can include anything from customer service experience, data management, specific labor and technical skills, or anything else related to your programs that’s also applicable in the workplace.

Formal volunteerism rates are declining in most states.

Nonprofits need volunteers to staff events, help during fundraisers, and complete tasks that keep their programs running. However, finding enough people to fill all available volunteer positions isn’t always easy, and 62% of nonprofit CEOs state that recruiting enough volunteers is an issue. This goes hand-in-hand with additional data reporting that the demand for many nonprofit services is up.

If your nonprofit has had trouble filling volunteer positions, know that you’re not alone. The majority of U.S. states have seen a decrease in the percentage of their population that formally volunteers. How much volunteering has declined varies from state to state, with some following routine ebbs and flows, while others have experienced as much as a 10% drop. For example, in Florida, already a state with low volunteering rates, 22.8% of the population volunteered in 2017. Four years later, it’s just 15.9%.

Meanwhile, of those who do volunteer, 72% work with just one organization⁠—and a mere 18% are involved with two.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

While volunteer rates can shift for a number of reasons, there are several factors your nonprofit can control. For example, consider what roles you have open for volunteers. How do you promote these opportunities? Are these roles volunteers would be interested in, or are they positions that are mostly rote work? Is your team sourcing support through corporate volunteer initiatives?

Additionally, if you’re constantly having to find new volunteers, that might be a sign to take a step back and assess your volunteer retention strategy. Talk with these volunteers about improvements to your program they’d like to see and show your appreciation. Even if you’re low on staff, make sure not to overwork them to avoid volunteer burnout, too.

Companies are increasingly encouraging their staff to partake in volunteerism.

More and more, companies are actively encouraging their employees to engage in volunteerism, recognizing the benefits of such initiatives for team building, employee satisfaction, corporate social responsibility, and more.

For example, 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grants, where they encourage their employees to volunteer by donating to the nonprofits their employees support. It generally works like this:

An employee volunteers at an eligible nonprofit.
The employee reports their volunteer hours and other needed information. Most employee volunteer grant programs are based on the hours an employee volunteers. Some provide a per-hour rate, while others require a certain number of hours to be met before donating a flat amount. Additionally, employers often require the nonprofit’s name, tax ID, and mailing address.
The company donates to the nonprofit. Once a volunteer grant application is submitted, the company reviews it. If the nonprofit and hours requirements have been met, the grant application is improved, and the nonprofit receives a donation.

While the amount offered will vary from one company to another, 80% of employers report offering grants worth $8 to $15 per hour a team member volunteers.

Another way companies incentivize volunteerism is through volunteer time off (VTO), generally offering between 8 and 40 hours each year. Around 60% of companies currently provide employees with paid VTO, with an additional 21% planning to implement a VTO policy in the coming months.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Your supporters’ time is already an invaluable resource for your organization. When you consider that your nonprofit may qualify for grant funding in addition to the hours volunteers donate, you’re presented with an excellent opportunity to maximize this group’s support. Every hour a volunteer spends with your organization not only contributes their time and skills (which is currently worth an estimated $29.95), but also translates into direct financial support.

Therefore, start educating your volunteers about the power of volunteer grants and other incentives. Keep careful track of their hours, and help them discover if they’re eligible for employer-sponsored programming. Most companies will have the relevant information accessible through their CSR portal or in their office handbook. If you can’t find any information there, it also never hurts to ask!

Meanwhile, Volunteer Time Off programs provide employees with the opportunity to volunteer during work hours without sacrificing their income. And 67% of survey respondents say having paid time off to volunteer would make for a positive engagement experience! Take a look at the supporters in your network, and see if any work for companies that offer these programs.

There’s a significant overlap between companies offering matching gifts and ones offering volunteer incentives.

You may have heard that more than 24,000 companies offer matching gifts for their employees. But did you know that companies contributing matching gifts often overlap significantly with those offering volunteer grant programs? In fact, recent studies indicate that over 85% of the top matching gift companies also offer volunteer grants.

In other words, philanthropic-minded employers generally offer more than one opportunity for staff to get involved. If you know a company matches monetary donations, the chances are good that it’ll match volunteer time as well⁠—and vice versa!

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

If you’re looking for volunteer grant opportunities to pursue, identifying well-known matching gift companies can give your organization the boost you need. This can also provide an excellent chance to pitch volunteer activities to matching gift donors and matching gift opportunities to “Dollars for Doers” volunteers.

This also means that a dual approach to marketing can further amplify fundraising efforts. When engaging with donors, it’s beneficial to educate them about both matching gift and volunteer grant opportunities. You don’t want to let either program fall by the wayside!

Many corporate volunteer incentives continue to be underutilized.

Despite the rise in corporate encouragement for volunteerism, many corporate volunteer incentives remain underutilized. Why? Unfortunately, awareness rates are often low, suggesting a need for better promotion around the program to maximize the opportunities.
Today, the average employee participation level for volunteer grants, or Dollars for Doers, is a mere 3%. Like matching gifts, there’s a significant knowledge gap when it comes to eligible volunteers being aware of the opportunities.

Meanwhile, the average corporate volunteer participation rate stands at 33%. Although not all employees participate in existing volunteer incentive programs, it’s worth noting that companies with fewer than 10,000 employees achieved a higher-than-average participation rate of 39%. At the same time, those with more than 50,000 employees had a participation rate of 24%.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

For nonprofits, a steadily low participation rate represents an opportunity to increase awareness and, subsequently, engagement in the programs. Volunteers who don’t know about their companies’ existing programming won’t know to request volunteer grant funding on your organization’s behalf, thus leaving dollars on the table.

By actively promoting the benefits of volunteer grants and other corporate incentives to volunteers, donors, and partners alike, your nonprofit can encourage higher participation and secure more employee giving revenue than before. And it’s easy to raise awareness using Double the Donation’s volunteering functionality! Watch the quick video to learn how:

Wrapping Up & Additional Philanthropy Resources

As the volunteer landscape continues to evolve, nonprofits like yours face a unique opportunity to make the most of your supporter base. Companies are recognizing the dual benefits of volunteer programs: enhancing corporate social responsibility while fostering employee engagement. Meanwhile, innovations in technology are making it easier than ever for individuals to find and participate in volunteer activities that align with their passions and skills.

Incorporating these trends into your organization’s volunteer strategy can lead to more robust and effective programs. By staying ahead of these developments, businesses and nonprofits alike can maximize their impact, build stronger communities, and create a more engaged and fulfilled workforce.

Interested in learning more about volunteerism trends and other philanthropy opportunities? Check out these recommended resources:

Essential Corporate Giving and Matching Gift Statistics. Dive into the world of corporate giving and employee matching gifts with a look at our key research. Uncover must-know statistics and see how these findings can impact your team.
Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Volunteer Grants. Make the most of volunteerism for your organization by leveraging corporate volunteer grants. Learn everything you need to know about Dollars for Doers programs, and how your cause can benefit.
Winning Workplace Giving Strategies & How to Leverage Them. Explore top workplace giving strategies offered by companies across the globe. From volunteer incentives to matching gifts and more, these programs can significantly elevate your fundraising.

Scale up your organization's corporate volunteer strategy with 360MatchPro 💡

Corporate Sponsorship Statistics | Facts & Figures to Know

November 18, 2024/in Learning Center, About Double the Donation, Corporate Sponsorships /by Adam Weinger

Corporate sponsorships are a cornerstone for many nonprofits, providing vital financial support and fostering meaningful partnerships. However, to truly understand the impact and potential of corporate sponsorships, it’s essential to examine the facts and figures that drive these relationships. From industry trends to the return on investment for nonprofits and companies alike, corporate sponsorship statistics offer valuable insights into how sponsorships are evolving, the types of partnerships that are thriving, and how nonprofits can optimize their sponsorship strategies.

In this post, we’ll explore key corporate sponsorship statistics that every nonprofit should know to better navigate and leverage these partnerships.

Sponsorship makes up 12% of a brand’s marketing budget on average.

Key Takeaway 🔑

With sponsorships accounting for such a significant portion of a brand’s marketing budget, nonprofits have a valuable opportunity to secure funding by aligning with companies looking to invest in high-impact partnerships. By demonstrating how your organization can provide meaningful exposure and engagement, you can attract sponsors who see the value in supporting your cause.

In 2022, global brands invested an astounding $97.4 billion in corporate sponsorships, with the figure expected to reach $189.5 billion by 2030.

Key Takeaway 🔑

The substantial growth in corporate sponsorships, projected to nearly double by 2030, presents a significant opportunity for nonprofits. By strategically aligning with corporate sponsors and demonstrating measurable impact, nonprofits can tap into this growing funding stream to support their missions and expand their reach.

The largest portion of global sponsorship spending comes from North America, totaling over $22.3 billion annually. North America also had the highest growth of global sponsorship spending, increasing by more than $4.2 billion over five years.

Key Takeaway 🔑

North America’s dominance and rapid growth in global sponsorship spending highlight a prime opportunity for nonprofits in the region. By targeting corporate sponsors in this thriving market and showcasing the mutual benefits of partnership, nonprofits can secure a larger share of this expanding investment to fuel their missions.

Source: Sponsorship Spending Worldwide – Statista

KPIs companies track to demonstrate sponsorship value:

Sales leads – 48%
Booth traffic – 46%
Attendance/participation – 38%
Social media impressions – 28%
Return on investment – 24%
Brand impressions – 23%
Website traffic – 23%
Post-event surveys ⁠- 17%
Media coverage – 12%

Key Takeaway 🔑

Companies prioritize measurable KPIs, such as sales leads, booth traffic, and social media impressions, to evaluate sponsorship success. Nonprofits can attract and retain sponsors by aligning partnership opportunities with these metrics, providing data-driven results, and demonstrating clear value for the company’s investment.

52% of companies that purchase sponsorships prefer to select from a la carte options rather than packages that bundle multiple items at a fixed price.

Key Takeaway 🔑

In order to best attract companies for partnerships, nonprofits should offer customizable sponsorship opportunities. Tailoring packages to meet specific corporate goals can increase appeal, foster flexibility, and maximize sponsorship revenue.

Corporate survey respondents ranked the following sponsorship opportunities as the most effective in terms of marketing potential:

Speaking opportunities
Networking events
Social media
E-blasts
Boards/graphics
Official receptions
Event apps
Hospitality lounges
Show directories
Badge lanyards

Corporate survey respondents ranked the following sponsorship opportunities as the least effective in terms of marketing potential:

Headrest covers
Taxi toppers
Public transit graphics
Hotel in-room television
Yoga/wellness activities
Hotel room door hangers
Cups/napkins
Shuttle bus wraps
Hotel room drops
Hotel key cards/sleeves

Key Takeaway 🔑

Sponsors prioritize opportunities with high visibility and direct audience engagement, such as speaking opportunities, networking events, and social media. Nonprofits should focus on these high-impact sponsorship offerings while being strategic with alternative options to ensure sponsors see value in their investments.

Source: The Statistics of Sponsorships – EXHIBITOR Magazine

81% of corporate survey respondents indicated a belief that sponsorships have moderate or significant potential in terms of business value.

Key Takeaway 🔑

With the vast majority of corporate respondents recognizing sponsorships as valuable for their business, nonprofits have a strong case for presenting sponsorships as win-win opportunities. Highlighting measurable benefits like brand visibility, audience engagement, and alignment with social impact goals can help secure corporate partnerships, too!

Roughly 4 in 10 corporate survey respondents who do not invest in sponsorships say their lack of doing so is driven by inadequate budgets and/or personnel. Meanwhile, an additional 40% opted out of sponsorship investments due to insubstantial previous sponsorship results.

Key Takeaway 🔑

Budget constraints and past performance concerns are key barriers for companies not investing in sponsorships. Nonprofits can address these hesitations by offering scalable, cost-effective options and presenting data-backed success stories that demonstrate the tangible value of sponsorships.

When asked what they considered important actions when meeting with a sponsorship representative, corporate sponsors ranked the following most essential:

Being well-prepared
Presenting creative ideas
Asking relevant questions to understand needs
Customizing sponsorship programs to meet the company’s objectives
Providing relevant research data and insights

Key Takeaway 🔑

Corporate sponsors value preparation, creativity, and customization in sponsorship proposals. Nonprofits should focus on understanding a sponsor’s goals, presenting tailored opportunities, and backing their pitch with relevant data to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Interested in learning how? Check out our webinar replay on building a corporate development strategy!

Corporate marketers reported strong growth in sponsorship spending for the year, with 44% increasing their budgets over 2022.

Nearly 3 in 10 sponsors increasing their spending did so by more than 40%, while another 4 out of 10 grew their budgets by between 20% and 40%.

69% of corporate sponsors reported that their sponsorship departments would “gain more attention/have an increasingly important role” within their organizations in the next few years.

Key Takeaway 🔑

With nearly half of corporate marketers increasing sponsorship budgets and a majority anticipating greater organizational focus on sponsorships, nonprofits have a prime opportunity to engage with sponsors eager to invest in impactful partnerships. By showcasing measurable results and aligning with corporate goals, nonprofits can secure a share of this growing investment.

Source: New Sponsorship Industry Survey Reveals Dramatic Growth in Spending – Ticket Manager

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Corporate sponsorships continue to be a significant driver of growth for nonprofits, with trends pointing toward increased investment in cause-driven partnerships. By understanding the statistics behind corporate sponsorships, nonprofits can make better-informed decisions, craft more compelling proposals, and engage with potential sponsors in ways that deliver mutual value.

With the right data in hand, nonprofits are better positioned to build strong, long-lasting relationships that support their mission and drive their success. Stay informed, adapt to emerging trends, and leverage the power of corporate sponsorships to elevate your organization’s impact. Even better? Double the Donation’s database now contains information about corporate sponsorship opportunities, making it easier than ever to uncover and make the most of these programs.

Ready to learn more about corporate sponsorships and beyond? Check out these recommended blog articles:

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Corporate Sponsorships. Put the power of these corporate sponsorship statistics into action. Find out how you can market sponsorships to raise more and engage new partners here.
How to Track Corporate Sponsorships [A Nonprofit’s Guide]. Ensure the sponsorship process is a clear, easy, and trackable one. Learn everything you need to know about tracking corporate sponsorships in this guide!
Identifying Corporate Partnerships [With Double the Donation]. Start with the best corporate sponsorship prospects for your cause. Uncover ideal opportunities with Double the Donation’s matching gift insights.

How to Track Corporate Sponsorships [A Nonprofit’s Guide]

November 18, 2024/in Learning Center, About Double the Donation, Corporate Sponsorships /by Adam Weinger

Corporate sponsorships play a vital role in helping nonprofits achieve their missions. After all, these partnerships provide much-needed financial resources, increase visibility, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships between fundraising organizations and the companies that support them. However, to fully leverage the opportunities, nonprofits must track corporate sponsorships effectively to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term success.

Lucky for you, this guide is here to provide actionable strategies, tools, and best practices for tracking sponsorships with ease.

Specifically, we’ll cover the following:

Why is tracking corporate sponsorships essential?
Core steps in the corporate sponsorship tracking process
Metrics & KPIs for tracking corporate sponsorship success

Whether you’re new to corporate fundraising or are looking to refine your processes for better results, this post will equip you with the knowledge to manage your sponsorships like a pro.

Why is tracking corporate sponsorships essential?

Tracking corporate sponsorships ensures effective management of these valuable partnerships⁠—not to mention maximizes their benefits. Here’s why it’s so important for organizations like yours:

Strengthening Relationships with Sponsors. Corporate sponsorships thrive on strong relationships. By keeping detailed records of contributions, obligations, and communications, nonprofits can ensure consistent and meaningful engagement with sponsors.
Growing Accountability and Transparency. Nonprofits have a responsibility to show how sponsorship funds are used. Tracking enables organizations to provide detailed reports to sponsors, demonstrating that resources are allocated appropriately and in line with agreed-upon objectives.
Measuring Impact. Tracking allows nonprofits to assess the success of sponsorships. This includes evaluating the financial support received, the success of sponsored initiatives, and the value delivered to the sponsor, such as brand visibility or audience engagement.
Streamlining Reporting. Accurate tracking simplifies the reporting process for internal use, sponsors, and regulatory bodies. Well-documented sponsorships save time and reduce errors when creating financial reports, filing taxes, or preparing performance updates for stakeholders.
Improving Strategy. A thorough tracking system provides insights into which sponsorships are the most effective. Nonprofits can use this data to refine sponsorship packages, enhance proposals, and focus on partnerships that align with their mission and generate the most value.
Avoiding Missed Opportunities. Corporate sponsorships often come with deliverables such as event branding, media mentions, or reporting requirements. Tracking these commitments ensures nonprofits meet their obligations, maintain credibility, and avoid jeopardizing future sponsorships.

By prioritizing the tracking of corporate sponsorships, nonprofits can maintain organized, impactful, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Remember: it’s not just about managing sponsorships effectively—it’s about setting the stage for growth, trust, and ongoing wins.

Core steps in the corporate sponsorship tracking process

For the best results, tracking should occur at every stage in the corporate sponsorship process. Here’s a look at how your organization can begin implementing partnerships⁠—and what to track for each phase:

1. Identify Potential Sponsors

Targeting the right sponsors increases the likelihood of securing partnerships and ensures a good mission fit. That said, this first step in the partnership process involves researching and identifying companies that align with your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and target audience.

We recommend looking for companies with a history of philanthropy or partnerships with nonprofits like yours. Then, analyze their marketing or corporate social responsibility goals to ensure alignment with your organization. From there, you can use tools like LinkedIn, networking events, local business directories, or even Double the Donation’s newly updated database to identify and engage with prospective sponsors.

And don’t forget to look for companies with existing relationships to your cause, such as employee giving engagement, either! Your donors’ employers are going to be some of your greatest prospects, while you can use other components to narrow down your list and target your focus.

What to track at this stage: Potential sponsors, companies to reach out to, your donors’ employers

2. Develop a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal

A sponsorship proposal serves as your pitch to potential sponsors, outlining the benefits and specifics of the partnership you seek. A strong, tailored proposal shows potential sponsors how a partnership would meet their objectives and add value to their bottom line.

As you craft your proposal, include details about your nonprofit’s mission, audience demographics, and past successes. Plus, offer sponsorship packages that highlight visibility opportunities, such as logo placements, event sponsorships, or media mentions. You can even personalize proposals based on the sponsor’s interests, whether it be employee engagement or brand alignment.

After all, the best sponsorships occur when both parties’ needs are being met, allowing the relationship to co-create value on all sides.

What to track at this stage: Outreach to potential sponsors, as well as any responses you receive

3. Secure Sponsorship Agreements

Once a sponsor agrees to work with you, you’ll want to formalize the arrangement through a written agreement that outlines specific expectations. After all, a clear agreement protects both parties and ensures transparency and accountability throughout the partnership.

In the arrangement, start by clearly defining any financial or in-kind contributions, timelines, and deliverables. Specify how and when the sponsor will receive agreed-upon benefits and include terms for any modifications that may arise.

What to track at this stage: Partnership expectations and timelines

4. Deliver on Commitments

Delivering on your promises strengthens relationships and boosts the likelihood of companies ultimately renewing their sponsorships. This next step ensures that all obligations outlined in the agreement are fulfilled to maintain the sponsor’s trust and satisfaction.

To do so, be sure to track milestones and deadlines to ensure timely execution. Provide promised benefits, such as branding opportunities, event access, or social media mentions, and document the process to show proof of fulfillment throughout.

What to track at this stage: Tangible deliverables agreed upon through the sponsorship

5. Measure and Report Impact

At this point, it’s time to evaluate the outcomes of the sponsorship to demonstrate its success to the sponsor⁠—and inform future partnerships. Sponsors want to see the value and impact of their support, which justifies their investment and builds trust.

For the best results, track metrics like funds raised, audience engagement, or the number of beneficiaries served (but there’s more on that below). You can even use visuals such as charts, photos, or testimonials to make reports engaging, highlighting key achievements and alignment with the sponsor’s overall goals.

What to track at this stage: Mission impact through funds raised or collected

6. Maintain and Strengthen Relationships

This final step focuses on nurturing the sponsor relationship to foster loyalty and future collaborations. After all, strong relationships lead to repeat sponsorships, referrals, and long-term partnerships.

Keep in regular contact with sponsors even after their engagement ends, sharing updates and thanking them for their contributions. Plus, you’ll want to actively seek feedback to improve their experience and explore ongoing sponsorships.

What to track at this stage: Sponsor feedback, opportunities for future improvements or engagement

Metrics & KPIs for tracking corporate sponsorship success

Tracking the success of corporate sponsorships involves the measurement of both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Here are some key metrics and KPIs nonprofits can use to evaluate and optimize their sponsorships:

Sponsorship revenue	Total monetary contributions received from sponsors.
Percentage of goal achieved	How much the sponsorship helped reach specific campaign or event fundraising goals.
Return on investment (ROI)	Sponsorship income compared to costs incurred in delivering the partnership (e.g., branding, events, or communications).
Audience reach	The number of people exposed to the sponsor’s brand through the partnership (e.g., event attendance, social media impressions, or website traffic).
Social media mentions	Posts, shares, or comments that highlight the sponsor or partnership.
Media coverage	Articles, press mentions, or interviews that reference the sponsorship.
Campaign performance	Results from co-branded marketing campaigns, including click-through rates, conversions, and lead generation.
Event participation	Number of sponsor representatives or employees attending events or engaging in sponsored activities.
Beneficiaries served	The number of people or communities positively impacted due to the sponsorship.
Program outcomes	Tangible results of the sponsorship, such as meals provided, scholarships awarded, or shelters built.
Sponsor retention rate	Percentage of sponsors who renew their support year after year.

By consistently monitoring these metrics, nonprofits can assess the effectiveness of their corporate sponsorships, demonstrate value to their sponsors, and identify areas for improvement to build stronger, more impactful partnerships in the long term.

Next steps & additional resources

Tracking corporate sponsorships effectively is the key to building stronger relationships. By implementing the right tools, following our recommended best practices, and analyzing KPIs to calculate corporate partner success, your organization can foster lasting relationships with sponsors while achieving its mission better.

Remember, the effort you put into tracking today will pay off in future sponsorship opportunities and increased trust with your partners. Take the next step: evaluate your current tracking processes, explore new tools, and refine your strategy to unlock the full potential of your corporate sponsorships.

With the right approach, you’ll not only meet your goals but also create a sustainable framework for long-term success.

Interested in learning more? Check out these additional resources on corporate sponsorships and other forms of workplace giving:

How to Identify Corporate Partnerships [With Double the Donation]. Did you know you can use your matching gift software to uncover corporate partnership opportunities? Read this guide to find out how.
The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Corporate Sponsorships. Get better sponsorship results by marketing the opportunity well. Learn how you can promote sponsorships and build better corporate relationships here.
Improve the Donor Journey with Matching Gifts. Grow your donor relationships with corporate giving! Explore how matching gifts can supercharge the donor experience with this free downloadable guide.

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

Matching Gift Opportunities: Companies in Phoenix, Arizona

November 18, 2024/in Matching Gift Companies, Learning Center, 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 provides 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 Double the Donation. 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.

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Corporate Sponsorships

November 14, 2024/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, Corporate Sponsorships /by Adam Weinger

Corporate sponsorships can be a game-changer for nonprofits, offering essential funding, resources, and visibility that help amplify their impact. But attracting and maintaining these partnerships takes more than just a compelling mission. It requires strategic promotion, targeted outreach, and strong relationship-building. In other words, marketing corporate sponsorships is about showcasing the value of partnership in a way that resonates with corporate goals while advancing your nonprofit’s mission.

Lucky for you, this guide will show you exactly how to approach and excel in each of these areas, empowering your nonprofit to build impactful, lasting partnerships. Specifically, we’ll cover:

Understanding Corporate Sponsorships
Developing a Sponsorship Marketing Strategy
Attracting Corporate Sponsorships
Marketing Sponsorships, Once Secured

From identifying the right partners to creating tailored sponsorship packages and measuring your success, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to build sustainable, mutually beneficial sponsor relationships. Let’s begin!

Understanding Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships can be defined as dedicated partnerships in which a business or other organization provides financial support, goods, or services to a nonprofit, event, or cause in exchange for brand exposure and other benefits.

These partnerships are typically designed to be mutually beneficial. The nonprofit receives valuable resources, funding, or in-kind contributions. Meanwhile, the company gains visibility, positive brand association, and opportunities to align with causes that matter to its target audience.

Corporate sponsorships can take many forms and often include:

Financial contributions

This is the most traditional form of sponsorship, where a company provides monetary support (one-time or ongoing) to a nonprofit. In exchange, the company typically receives brand exposure, recognition, or specific benefits as outlined in a sponsorship agreement.

In-kind donations

Rather than cash, companies provide goods, services, or knowledge that can directly benefit the nonprofit or its programs. Examples of corporate in-kind donations include providing technology, office supplies, event space, or skills-based volunteer hours. This type of sponsorship can significantly reduce a nonprofit’s operating costs while allowing companies to contribute in a way that aligns with their products or expertise.

Media sponsorships

In a media sponsorship, a company (usually a media outlet) provides promotional support to increase visibility for a nonprofit’s event or cause. This support can include free or discounted advertising space, social media promotion, press coverage, or even media production assistance. Media sponsorships are valuable as they help nonprofits reach a wider audience, often without the usual advertising costs.

Corporate and employee giving

Corporate and employee giving programs allow companies and their employees to contribute to nonprofits through matching gift programs, payroll deductions, and volunteer grants or hours. These programs not only boost direct funding but also encourage employee involvement in causes, fostering a culture of philanthropy within the company and organization alike.

Not to mention, the partnerships can be formed for many purposes, such as upcoming events, new or expanded programs, and other projects.

Developing a Sponsorship Marketing Strategy

Before you jump into marketing corporate sponsorships, it’s a good idea to establish a dedicated strategy for doing so. Here are a few steps you can take prior to your marketing rollout:

Identify target sponsors.

Finding the right sponsors is the foundation of a successful corporate sponsorship strategy. Begin by researching companies that have a history of supporting causes similar to your nonprofit’s mission⁠—or that have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus that aligns with your values.

A corporate giving solution for nonprofits like Double the Donation can make this research process faster, smarter, and more effective. Our platform offers access to an extensive, continually updated database of corporate giving programs, including matching gifts, volunteer grants, in-kind donations, payroll contributions, corporate grants, and more. With these insights at your fingertips, finding aligned and high-potential sponsors becomes much more manageable.

From there, you’ll want to consider their audience, industry, and goals. Are they looking to boost community involvement, improve their brand image, or reach new markets? Knowing their motivations can help you present a partnership that speaks directly to their interests.

Not to mention, your donors’ employment information can have some valuable insights here as well! If a ton of your donors (particularly those engaging in matching gift programs) work for a specific company, that company can be a great place to kick off your outreach efforts.

Create a value proposition.

Your value proposition is the core of your sponsorship pitch. It essentially answers the question, “Why should a company sponsor us?” making it clear that a partnership with your nonprofit is more than just a charitable act—it’s a strategic, impactful investment.

To craft a strong value-add, focus on the unique benefits a partnership with your organization can offer the potential sponsor. This might include audience reach, media exposure, community engagement, or brand alignment with a meaningful cause.

In your planning, be sure to emphasize how the partnership will advance both the company’s CSR goals and your nonprofit’s mission. And whenever possible, offer real data insights to showcase the tangible benefits a sponsor could gain.

Establish sponsorship packages.

Sponsorship packages provide companies with structured options for involvement, allowing you to offer tailored benefits that meet varying levels of sponsorship commitment.

A tiered sponsorship package (e.g., Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc.) gives businesses flexibility and enables your nonprofit to cater to different types of companies, from local small businesses to enterprise-level corporations.

For the best results, sponsorship packages should include the following key components:

Levels and Benefits: Define clear sponsorship levels with ascending benefits. For example, higher-tier sponsors may receive more prominent logo placement, exclusive media mentions, or speaking opportunities at events.
Customization Options: Offer ways for sponsors to customize packages based on their unique goals, such as targeted event promotions or digital-only sponsorships.
Clear Deliverables: Outline exactly what the sponsor will receive⁠—and the benefits of each package⁠—to avoid misunderstandings and ensure transparency throughout the process.

All in all, having well-defined sponsorship packages will make it easy for potential partners to see the value of working with you and select a level that aligns with their budget and impact goals.

Build a corporate sponsorships landing page.

Your website is where most supporters will go to research your organization and the various ways you offer to get involved. That includes corporate partners! Thus, establishing a dedicated sponsorships page on your website can be a great way to turn interest into action.

Ideally, this page should serve as a one-stop hub where potential sponsors can learn about your organization, explore sponsorship opportunities, and take steps to initiate a partnership. Here are a few key elements you’ll want to include:

Clear and Compelling Content: Describe your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and the impact of corporate partnerships in a way that engages and motivates potential sponsors.
Sponsorship Benefits: Clearly outline the benefits of sponsorship, such as brand exposure, media mentions, and event participation.
Past Successes: Include case studies, testimonials, or success stories from previous sponsors to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your partnerships.
Easy Contact or Inquiry Form: Make it simple for sponsors to reach out by including an inquiry form, allowing them to express interest and connect with you for more information.

A dedicated partnerships page can be the first step in converting a company’s interest into a lasting sponsorship, providing everything they need to understand the value and start the conversation.

Attracting Corporate Sponsorships

Now, it’s time to reach out to potential sponsors and drum up interest in your organization’s partnership opportunities. Here are three tangible steps you can take to do so effectively:

Initiate personalized outreach.

When it comes to securing corporate sponsorships, personalized outreach can make all the difference. Companies typically receive many partnership requests, so tailoring your communication to speak directly to a potential sponsor’s goals, brand identity, and social values shows you’ve done your research and see them as more than just a funding source.

Start by identifying the right point of contact⁠—ideally someone within their CSR, marketing, or HR departments⁠—and personalize your outreach to reflect the specific ways a partnership could align with their objectives.

Check out these tips and strategies for effectively personalizing your outreach:

Research Company Values and Goals: Study their mission statement, CSR initiatives, and past partnerships. Reference these in your outreach to show your proposal aligns with their priorities.
Highlight Relevant Sponsorship Benefits: Frame your proposal around how their brand could benefit from supporting your nonprofit, using language that speaks to their industry or audience.
Follow Up Thoughtfully: If you don’t receive an immediate response, follow up in a respectful and value-driven way, such as by sharing a relevant success story or impact update.

Initiating personalized outreach demonstrates respect for their brand and positions your organization as a professional, mission-driven partner worth considering. And your supporters may be able to help here, too! If you have a donor who works for one of your potential partners, see if you can use that connection to get your foot in the sponsorship door.

Showcase tangible impact.

Companies want to see the impact their sponsorship will have—not just on your organization but on the communities you serve. By showcasing tangible outcomes, such as the number of people helped, environmental changes made, or specific projects supported, you create a compelling story that resonates with their values and provides concrete evidence of the difference their contribution makes.

Demonstrating tangible sponsorship impact reassures companies that their support is driving meaningful change, making them more likely to engage and continue partnering with you.

Leverage employee engagement.

Employee engagement can be a powerful asset when attracting corporate sponsorships. After all, many companies are eager to involve their employees in social impact activities, as it boosts morale, strengthens team dynamics, and fosters a positive corporate culture.

In order to market corporate sponsorship opportunities well, we recommend highlighting ways the partnership could engage their staff, such as through hands-on volunteer days, team fundraising events, or workplace giving campaigns like matching gifts and more. You can even focus on one-off engagement opportunities such as custom or unique matching gift programs!

Integrating employee engagement options into sponsorship proposals creates added value for corporate partners, strengthening the appeal of sponsorship and establishing a more comprehensive relationship model.

Marketing Sponsorships, Once Secured

After you’ve connected with companies and established sponsorship agreements, you’ll want to market the partnerships to your broader audience, too. Check out these tips and tricks to promote your new partnerships:

Showcase corporate sponsorships on social media.

Social media is a powerful medium for highlighting corporate sponsorships and demonstrating the positive impact your partners are making. By publicly acknowledging sponsors through social channels, you can increase their brand exposure, showcase their commitment to your cause, and encourage engagement from their audience as well.

To do so well, we suggest sharing visuals, videos, or testimonials that highlight the sponsor’s involvement in a way that tells a story and engages viewers. Meanwhile, tagging sponsors and using relevant hashtags can increase the visibility of your posts, too. You can even invite sponsors to collaborate on social media campaigns, such as with joint posts, live events, or story takeovers, to enhance interaction and brand alignment.

When done well, social media posts that celebrate sponsorships help reinforce the sponsor’s brand while also boosting your nonprofit’s credibility and reach.

Not to mention, regularly showcasing corporate sponsorships on social media also reinforces the value of sponsoring your organization to other potential partners!

Incorporate co-branded marketing opportunities.

Co-branded marketing has the potential to amplify the reach and impact of both your nonprofit and the corporate sponsor. All you need to do is create and share promotional content that benefits both brands.

Whether it’s through a joint email campaign, special edition merchandise, or shared media initiatives, co-marketing offers sponsors unique visibility while reinforcing your collaboration and demonstrating a united front for the cause.

Tracking and communicating sponsorship KPIs.

To demonstrate the success and value of your sponsorships, it’s essential to track and communicate key performance indicators (or KPIs) that matter to sponsors. These might include metrics like…

Brand reach
Social media impressions
Engagement levels, open, and click rates
Event attendance
Audience demographics
Specific outcomes achieved with their funding

Regularly reporting on sponsorship KPIs helps sponsors see the tangible results of their investment and strengthens the case for ongoing support. By sharing data-driven insights like these, you can give sponsors a clear picture of the impact their support has had, reinforcing the value of your partnership and laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

Next Steps & Additional Resources

Marketing corporate sponsorships is an art that combines storytelling, strategy, and relationship management. By applying the tactics provided in this guide, your organization can create meaningful partnerships that not only boost funding but also enhance brand recognition and community impact.

Remember, corporate sponsorships are most successful when they provide value to both parties, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual growth. As you implement these tips, don’t forget to continuously assess and refine your approach, nurturing long-term relationships that can support your mission for years to come.

With the right marketing, your nonprofit can attract sponsors eager to make a difference together.

Interested in growing your knowledge of all things corporate giving? Check out these recommended resources to learn more:

How to Identify Corporate Partnerships. Did you know you can use your matching gift software to uncover corporate partnership opportunities? Read this guide to find out how.
The Ultimate Fundraising Guide to Corporate Giving Programs. There’s more to corporate giving than sponsorships. Browse our guide to corporate giving programs to familiarize yourself with common opportunities.
Become an Expert: Access The Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts. Matching gifts can go a long way in engaging your donors and raising more through corporate funding. Get the free downloadable guide to learn more.

Adding Corporate Programs to our Workplace Giving Database

November 13, 2024/in Volunteer Grant Companies, Learning Center, Matching Gift Companies, About Double the Donation, Company Updates /by Adam Weinger

In today’s landscape, companies are increasingly focusing on giving back through a variety of corporate social responsibility (or CSR) initiatives. Among these are workplace giving programs, which include matching gifts, volunteer grants, and more, all designed to amplify the impact of employees’ contributions to nonprofits. However, so many companies are giving back that it can be difficult to keep track of which businesses offer these giving initiatives⁠. That’s where a workplace giving database comes in!

Still, keeping your database updated with fresh insights is a must. After all, nonprofits understanding and leveraging these programs can open doors to greater financial support, as well as unlock a broader network of donors and volunteers. And a comprehensive dataset is a great place to start.

That said, this guide will address the basics of workplace giving databases and how organizations like yours can add to and enhance ours. Specifically, we’ll cover:

What is a workplace giving database?
Benefits of a comprehensive workplace giving database
About Double the Donation’s workplace giving database
How our database gets updated (regularly!)
Adding corporate programs to our database

An accurate and up-to-date database is an invaluable resource for nonprofits seeking to make the most of corporate philanthropy, ensuring that no available support goes untapped. Let’s dive in to see how your team can play a role in this occurrence.

What is a workplace giving database?

A workplace giving database is a comprehensive resource that aggregates information about corporate philanthropy programs offered by companies. These databases typically include details on workplace giving initiatives such as matching gifts, corporate volunteer incentives, and more.

To increase accessibility, a workplace giving database generally comes with a built-in search tool as well, making it quick and easy for donors to uncover the information they need to get involved.

A database tool is typically embeddable, too, offering a simple way for organizations to implement the solution on their websites⁠—including donation pages, volunteer registration forms, confirmation screens, and more.

Benefits of a comprehensive workplace giving database

A comprehensive workplace giving database offers numerous benefits for both nonprofits and donors, empowering them to maximize support through corporate philanthropy programs. Here are some key advantages:

1. Increased Revenue Opportunities

By providing up-to-date information on companies offering matching gifts, volunteer grants, and more, a comprehensive database makes it easy for nonprofits to identify opportunities for additional funding.

2. Streamlined Supporter Engagement

A database helps nonprofits encourage donors to leverage workplace giving programs, such as matching gifts or volunteer grants, that they might not know are available. Donors can quickly check if their employers offer programs that amplify their contributions, which builds stronger connections between donors and the organization.

3. Time Savings and Efficiency

A centralized, comprehensive database saves nonprofits time by eliminating the need for manual research on each company’s corporate giving policies. With eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and deadlines all in one place, organizations can spend less time researching and more time acting on these opportunities.

4. Improved Corporate Relationships

By understanding corporate giving options in detail, nonprofits are better positioned to cultivate relationships with potential corporate partners. A database provides insights into which companies are aligned with the nonprofit’s mission and values, too, making outreach efforts more targeted and likely to succeed.

5. Proactive Fundraising Strategies

With access to a wide array of corporate giving programs, nonprofits can build more proactive fundraising strategies. Instead of waiting for donors to ask if their contributions can be matched, nonprofits can actively promote these programs, especially during campaigns like year-end giving.

In summary, a comprehensive workplace giving database simplifies the process of connecting with corporate giving opportunities, enabling nonprofits to increase funding, strengthen donor relationships, and build proactive strategies—all while promoting greater corporate involvement in social responsibility.

About Double the Donation’s workplace giving database

Double the Donation’s workplace giving database is the largest and most comprehensive resource available for nonprofits and donors looking to maximize the impact of corporate giving programs. It’s designed to streamline the identification of corporate philanthropy opportunities, providing nonprofits with the tools they need to increase revenue through workplace giving.

This specific database includes information on:

Matching gifts
Volunteer grants (team and individual)
Volunteer time off
Fundraising matches
Corporate sponsorships (in-kind gifts and grants)
And more!

Here’s what makes Double the Donation’s solution stand out:

Extensive Company Coverage: Double the Donation’s database includes detailed information on thousands of companies with matching gift and volunteer programs. This coverage ensures that nonprofits and their supporters can find opportunities related to almost any company, regardless of industry or location.

Real-Time Program Updates: To keep nonprofits informed and reduce outdated information, Double the Donation regularly updates its database, ensuring that users have access to the latest information on corporate giving guidelines, eligibility requirements, submission deadlines, and more.

Easy Integration with Nonprofit Websites: Double the Donation’s database tool seamlessly integrates with a nonprofit’s website and donation forms, making it easy for donors to check if their employers offer workplace giving programs right as they engage with your cause.

Automated Donor Outreach and Matching Gift Reminders: In addition to the database tool, Double the Donation also offers automated email streams to remind donors to get involved. These messages empower nonprofits to follow up with those who may be eligible for matching gifts or volunteer grants, complete with company-specific workplace giving insights from the database, too! This proactive approach increases the likelihood that donors will complete the matching gift process, meaning more revenue for your cause.

How our database gets updated (regularly!)

Double the Donation’s workplace giving database is kept accurate and up-to-date through a systematic process. This ensures nonprofits and donors always have access to the latest information on corporate giving programs.

Here’s how Double the Donation maintains the database’s accuracy and reliability:

Continuous program monitoring. Double the Donation maintains a dedicated database team devoted to actively monitoring companies for changes in their corporate giving policies. This group tracks updates through company websites, press releases, and other announcements, ensuring our database reflects the most up-to-date information.
CSR platform data syncs. Double the Donation offers exclusive partnerships with companies’ CSR platforms⁠ that enable matching gift auto-submission. But another key win is that the integrations also allow our database to pull companies’ program guidelines directly from the platforms that manage the programs.
Companies submitting updates themselves. Double the Donation collaborates directly with workplace giving companies. As a result, many employers add their programs to the database themselves. Then, by staying in contact with corporate representatives, our team can receive timely updates when companies make program changes.
Donors submitting their employers. Donors using the database often provide feedback if they encounter outdated or inaccurate information⁠. For example, not finding their company if they know a program is available. This user-driven approach allows our team to promptly investigate reported discrepancies, ensuring the data reflects current guidelines.
Nonprofits submitting unregistered companies. Sometimes, nonprofits receive funds from companies not currently registered with Double the Donation’s database. In that case, organizations may choose to submit the new companies to be added for easier access going forward.

Together, these practices ensure that nonprofits and donors can rely on Double the Donation’s database to provide the most accurate information, making it a valuable resource for maximizing corporate giving opportunities.

Adding corporate programs to our database

Double the Donation provides several straightforward options for organizations, companies, or employees to add or update information about corporate giving programs in its database. Thus, individuals or groups can ensure their workplace giving programs are accurately represented by following one of these methods:

Complete the Add a Company Form.

If you want to add a corporate giving program (such as a matching gift, volunteer grant, or VTO program) to Double the Donation’s database for the first time, representatives can fill out the Add a Company Form on Double the Donation’s website. This brief online submission gathers essential information about the company’s programs, including:

Matching gift or volunteer grant eligibility requirements
Match ratios and minimum/maximum donation amounts
Submission process and deadlines
Any specific program guidelines or criteria

Then, once the form is submitted, Double the Donation’s team reviews the information and adds the program to the database. From there, the record will become accessible to nonprofits and donors through the search tool.

Complete the Update Company Information Form.

If a company already listed in the database makes changes to its workplace giving program (for instance, altering match ratios or adjusting eligibility requirements) or otherwise notices inaccurate information, a representative can fill out the Update Company Information Form. This allows users to provide updated details, ensuring that donors see the latest version of the program when they search.

Again, after submission, the information is reviewed by Double the Donation’s data team and promptly updated in the database. This keeps it current for nonprofits and donors who may be impacted by the changes.

Send an Email to data@doublethedonation.com.

For those who prefer a direct approach to adding or refreshing company records, our team also accepts requests via email. All you need to do is send an email to data@doublethedonation.com with the necessary details about the program.

This might include:

New program details or recent updates
Any corrections needed in existing database entries
Supporting documents or links that clarify the information
Other feedback on the workplace giving database

From there, the Double the Donation team will verify the information provided in the email. Then, update the database accordingly, ensuring the accuracy of the program details going forward.

[For One-Off Matching Gifts] Manage Programs in Double the Donation Matching.

Note: Sometimes, a company will offer a matching gift program with a single nonprofit rather than a widely available initiative. These are referred to as one-off (or custom, unique) matching gift programs, and there’s an easy way to add the program to your database within the Double the Donation platform itself⁠—that is, ⁠if the program is specific only to your organization.

In that case, simply log into your Double the Donation account, navigate to the “Settings” tab, and select “Manage Programs.” From there, you’ll be prompted to add a new one-off matching gift program by filling out the requested information.

Once complete, the program will show up in your organization’s database⁠ search tool—but not for other nonprofits’ donors.

Wrapping up & next steps

Empowering organizations and companies to add new corporate programs to our workplace giving database is just one more step in our commitment to helping nonprofits reach their fundraising potential. By keeping this resource up-to-date with the latest information on matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other workplace giving opportunities, we aim to empower nonprofits to connect more deeply with donors and leverage support from their employers.

Take a look at the companies that have contributed matching gifts to your organization in the past. Are they already included in our database? If not, follow the steps to get them added so that your donors can access program guidelines, forms, and more. That means more matches in the future!

Add a program Update company information

Together, we can make giving back a seamless, rewarding experience for companies, employees, and nonprofits alike.

Matching Wednesday: Drive Matching Gifts Post #GivingTuesday

November 7, 2024/in Donor communications, News, Fundraising Ideas, About Double the Donation, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

After the whirlwind of #GivingTuesday, many nonprofits find themselves wondering how to maintain the momentum of generosity⁠—and make the most of corporate matching gifts in their efforts. While donations tend to surge on Giving Tuesday, organizations can amplify their impact by making the following day just as powerful. And that’s why we’re introducing the idea of Matching Wednesday.

By strategically focusing on matching gifts the day after Giving Tuesday, nonprofits like yours can create an additional wave of support that builds on the previous day’s success.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to get started with this unique and impactful campaign idea. This includes:

What is Matching Wednesday?
Following Up With #GivingTuesday Donors
Engaging Supporters Who Gave Earlier in the Year
Best Practices for Matching Wednesday Success
6 Sample #MatchingWednesday Promotions

Matching Wednesday can help nonprofits capitalize on donors’ enthusiasm, encourage more employees to seek corporate matches, and double (or even triple) the support for their causes.

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

Check out our other leading workplace giving strategies for end-of-year fundraising! Access the free, downloadable guide: What to Know About Workplace Giving & the Year-End Fundraising Season.

What is Matching Wednesday?

Matching Wednesday is a strategic fundraising initiative in which nonprofits can participate immediately following #GivingTuesday.

While Giving Tuesday sparks a boost in donations from individuals eager to support their favorite causes, Matching Wednesday aims to keep this momentum going by encouraging donors to double (or even triple) the impact of their contributions through corporate matching gift programs.

Here’s how it works: on Matching Wednesday, nonprofits reach out to donors who gave on Giving Tuesday (or even before) and remind them to submit their gifts for matching through their employers. They can also highlight matching gift opportunities to new donors, underscoring the added impact their support can have.

The idea behind Matching Wednesday is simple yet powerful⁠—leveraging the enthusiasm generated on Giving Tuesday to unlock even more funding for the cause. By making matching gifts easy and front-of-mind, nonprofits can turn a single day of generosity into an extended period of amplified giving, helping them reach their goals and maximize their mission impact.

Following Up With #GivingTuesday Donors

Giving Tuesday sees some of the highest rates of charitable giving each year. In 2023, 34 million adults in the U.S. alone participated in Giving Tuesday festivities, contributing a total of more than $3.1 billion. And while a lot of those gifts were matched by donors’ employers, the truth is that a lot of match-eligible gifts went unclaimed. And that’s where Matching Wednesday steps in!

Following up with Giving Tuesday donors come Matching Wednesday is essential to capture the full potential of corporate matching gifts. Many donors may not realize that their contributions can be matched by their employers, effectively doubling or even tripling their impact on the cause. But when they do know, they’ll be eager to get involved.

Here are a few things your team can do to engage these donors and make the most of Matching Wednesday:

1. Send a Personalized Matching Gift Reminder Follow-Up.

The day after Giving Tuesday, send a follow-up message reminding donors who gave about the chance to make an even bigger difference with a matching gift.

Start with a heartfelt thank-you for their Giving Tuesday support, expressing gratitude for their contribution and sharing the impact it will make. Then, (re)introduce the concept of matching gifts, highlighting that many employers will match their donations at no additional cost to them. This gentle reminder can spark interest and motivate donors to check if their employer participates in a matching gift program.

2. Educate Donors About the Ease and Benefits of Matching Gifts.

Many donors may be unfamiliar with how matching gifts work. Use Matching Wednesday as an opportunity to educate them on the process. Provide clear, easy-to-follow, and company-specific instructions on how they can request a matching gift from their employer, and offer assistance for any questions or concerns donors might have about matching gift submissions.

3. Establish a Sense of Doubled Impact.

Use Matching Wednesday to create a sense of amplified donation impact by highlighting how beneficial matched gifts can be. Let donors know how their contributions, when doubled, can address specific needs, such as providing additional meals, funding critical programs, or expanding highly demanded services. This approach makes the matching gift feel like an extension of their Giving Tuesday contribution, deepening their connection to your cause.

Engaging Supporters Who Gave Earlier in the Year

While the idea is centered around the better-known global giving day, it’s important to note that Matching Wednesday doesn’t have to be exclusive to Giving Tuesday donors, either. In fact, it’s also an ideal time to engage supporters who donated earlier in the year but, as far as you know, haven’t submitted their gifts for matching.

By reaching out with a timely reminder to submit their matches, nonprofits can turn previous contributions into a new wave of support on Matching Wednesday.

Here’s how to maximize engagement with these past donors:

1. Segment and Personalize Your Outreach.

Identify donors who gave earlier in the year but may not have submitted their gifts for matching. Send a personalized email acknowledging their previous support and sharing how impactful it would be if they submitted their gift for a match⁠—and how Matching Wednesday is the perfect time to do it. After all, a tailored message makes supporters feel valued and motivates them to take the extra step, knowing that their contributions are still on the nonprofit’s radar.

2. Create a “Last Call for Matching Gifts” Campaign.

Use Matching Wednesday as a final push for matching gift submissions, presenting it as a time-sensitive opportunity. Explain that this is a last chance to double or triple their support this year, especially for those who might have forgotten or overlooked the option earlier. A sense of urgency can inspire action, as donors may be more likely to submit a match if they know it’s the final opportunity for the year. Many companies establish year-end request deadlines, too, meaning time is of the essence.

3. Provide a Simple, Step-by-Step Guide for Matching Gifts.

Many supporters might hesitate to submit their gifts for matching due to uncertainty around the process. Include a quick guide in your Matching Wednesday email to help simplify it. A “Check Your Eligibility” button leading to a matching gift search tool can be particularly effective, allowing donors to quickly confirm if their company offers matching and access any necessary forms.

Re-engaging past supporters for Matching Wednesday allows nonprofits to revive donations from throughout the year and turn them into even greater impact. This last-call reminder serves as an easy and effective way to connect with donors, ensuring their gifts stretch further and help end the year on a high note for the cause.

Best Practices for Matching Wednesday Success

To maximize the impact of Matching Wednesday, nonprofits can implement several best practices to ensure their outreach is compelling and effective. From targeted follow-ups to clear messaging, here are strategies that can help nonprofits make the most of this post-Giving Tuesday initiative:

Mention matching gifts leading up to and on Giving Tuesday, too.

Matching Wednesday is all about matching gifts. But it shouldn’t be the first time your audience hears about the opportunity. In fact, it’s best to begin highlighting matching gifts alongside Giving Tuesday promotions leading up to and on the big day.

By promoting matching gift opportunities early and often, nonprofits can begin building familiarity with the programs. This can substantially boost the day’s revenue, motivating more donors to give⁠—and encouraging them to make their contributions go further when the time comes.

Not to mention, knowing that their donation could be matched can even inspire donors to contribute in larger amounts. Matching gifts allows donors to double or triple their contributions, which is a compelling reason to increase their initial support. Research shows that fundraising appeals⁠—such as those for Giving Tuesday⁠—see a 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average gift size when matching gifts are mentioned.

Take a multi-channel approach to engaging donors.

When it comes to marketing matching gifts, you want to make sure your message is getting across far and wide. Luckily, a multi-channel approach engages donors on multiple platforms, making it easier for them to take action and get involved.

Not to mention, each donor has preferred ways of receiving information. Some may respond best to email reminders, while others are more likely to engage on social media or through text. By reaching out across multiple channels, you can ensure you’re meeting donors where they already are.

Leveraging a combination of email, social media, SMS, and even phone calls empowers nonprofits to create comprehensive, engaging Matching Wednesday experiences that keep matching gifts at the top of donors’ minds.

Highlight matching gift success stories.

Social proof is a powerful tool. On a big giving day like Giving Tuesday (or the subsequent Matching Wednesday), incorporating success stories regarding corporate matching gifts can go a long way toward inspiring action.

For the best results, we recommend supplying specific examples to illustrate the power of matching gifts. Try sharing stories or metrics that showcase what matching funds have previously achieved for your organization. For instance, you might say, “Last year, matching gifts helped us provide meals for 500 additional families.” Impact-driven messaging like this can inspire donors to act, as they can directly see how their matched gifts contribute to the mission.

Alternatively, consider sharing a brief story or example of a past donor whose gift was matched. You can even source a quote from a previous matching gift donor to act as a testimonial! After all, real-world examples can serve as powerful motivation, helping donors see the tangible outcomes of submitting a matching gift.

Invest in matching gift software before Matching Wednesday.

Leading up to Matching Wednesday (or Giving Tuesday, for that matter), you’ll want to conduct an analysis of your existing tech stack and decide if you have what you need for success. If you’re currently missing a matching gift software, we highly recommend getting up and running with such a solution prior to the start of the giving season.

After all, this kind of tool simplifies the matching process by enabling donors to quickly find their employer’s matching gift policy, forms, and submission instructions. The easier it is for donors to confirm eligibility and access forms, the more likely they’ll be to follow through⁠—so this is not something you want to overlook. Not to mention, an automation platform like Double the Donation’s can streamline the entire process from start to finish, so your team doesn’t have to lift a finger!

Ready to get started? Request a personalized demo or uncover your expected ROI with matching gifts!

Share Matching Wednesday results and outcomes.

After Matching Wednesday concludes, maintain the matching gift momentum by sharing the campaign results with your supporters. For example, highlight the total number of submitted matches and the impact they’ll have on your programs. This kind of transparency fosters trust and shows donors that their efforts to secure a match made a concrete difference, setting the stage for continued engagement.

From there, you’ll want to track key metrics, such as the number of matching gifts secured, total matched revenue, and engagement rates, so you can adjust and improve your efforts for the next year. After all, a successful Matching Wednesday can become an ongoing part of your end-of-year fundraising efforts, extending Giving Tuesday’s impact well beyond a single day in the years to come.

6 Sample #MatchingWednesday Promotions

Ready to get started promoting Matching Wednesday but not sure where to begin? We’ve created a few sample promotions your team can use to engage its donors leading up to and on to the big day.

Matching Wednesday Text Message

Text message copy: Thank you for supporting us on #GivingTuesday! 🎉 Did you know your donation could go twice as far? Today is #MatchingWednesday—click here to see if your employer matches: [Matching Gift Page URL]

Matching Wednesday Email Template

Subject line: Have you given to [nonprofit] this year? Double your impact today⁠—on #MatchingWednesday!

Body:

Dear [donor’s first name],

Thank you for being part of the [nonprofit] family! Your support means the world to us, and today, on #MatchingWednesday, there’s an exciting opportunity to make your impact go even further.

If you’ve donated to [nonprofit] this year, you might be able to double or even triple your gift through your employer’s matching gift program! Many companies offer to match their employees’ charitable donations, but these matches often go unclaimed. Submitting a matching gift request is a simple way to amplify your impact and ensure your generosity reaches even more people in need.

Here’s how you can participate in #MatchingWednesday:

Check if your employer matches donations – Use our matching gift search tool here [Matching Gift Page URL] to see if your company offers matching gifts.
Follow the provided steps – If your employer participates, complete a matching gift request through their system by following the instructions our tool provides.
Watch your impact grow! Every matched dollar helps us bring hope and resources to even more individuals and families.

Why submit your gift for a match today? Matching Wednesday is a limited opportunity to help us close out the year strong and make a difference for the communities we serve. Your support matters, and by taking just a few minutes to check your match eligibility, you can double the power of your donation at no extra cost!

Thank you for your continued generosity. Together, we can make an even greater impact.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Nonprofit Name]
[Nonprofit Contact Information]

Matching Wednesday Facebook Post

Caption: Many employers match donations to [nonprofit], doubling (or even tripling!) your impact at no extra cost to you. Take a moment today to check if your gift qualifies for a match by visiting the Matching Gifts page on our website: [Matching Gift Page URL] #DoubleYourImpact #MatchingGifts

Matching Wednesday Instagram Post

Caption: It’s #MatchingWednesday! 🎉 Did you know that thousands of companies match employee donations? That means your gift could go twice as far—just by submitting a matching request!

Don’t miss this chance to maximize your support and make an even bigger impact. Visit our Matching Gifts page to learn more. #GiveMore #AmplifyYourImpact #MatchingGifts

Matching Wednesday LinkedIn Post

Caption: #GivingTuesday was just the beginning! 🌟 Did you know that your donation could go even further? Many companies offer matching gift programs, meaning your contribution can be doubled or even tripled at no extra cost to you.

Now, Matching Wednesday is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity! If you gave to [nonprofit] yesterday or at any point this year, check to see if your employer will match your donation. It’s an easy way to maximize your impact and support the causes that matter most to you.

Not sure if your company participates? Don’t worry⁠—just use our matching gift search tool to find out: [Matching Gift Page URL]

This #MatchingWednesday, let’s make every dollar count for even more. Thanks again for helping us create lasting change. #DoubleYourImpact #EmployerMatching #CorporateGiving #SocialGood #GivingTuesday

Matching Wednesday Twitter Post

Caption: #MatchingWednesday is here! 🎉 It’s the perfect chance to make your #GivingTuesday gift go even further. Check to see if your employer will match your donation and double your impact today! [URL]

Next Steps & Additional Giving Season Resources

Establishing a Matching Wednesday campaign following Giving Tuesday is a smart way for nonprofits to extend their outreach⁠—and make every gift count twice. By promoting matching gift opportunities immediately after a major giving day, organizations can reinforce their message, reach new donors, and deepen their impact overall.

This strategic timing leverages the global popularity and extensive goodwill of Giving Tuesday and engages donors further, reminding them that their support can do more. Embracing the idea of Matching Wednesday can ensure the season of giving extends beyond a single day, unlocking new possibilities for funding and growth in the year-end season and beyond. Just don’t forget to equip your team with the right software going into it!

Interested in learning more about matching gifts heading into a period of holiday giving? Check out these additional resources:

Double Your Giving Tuesday Impact with Matching Gifts. Set yourself up for a powerful Matching Wednesday with significant Giving Tuesday success. This guide shares our top tips and tricks for doing so.
Year-End Fundraising and Matching Gifts: It’s Not Too Late! The year-end fundraising season is an essential time for nonprofits and other fundraising groups. Find out how to make the most of matching gifts now!
Free Download: Access 10 Quick Steps to Matching Gift Success. Get our free matching gift checklist to kickstart your organization’s strategy. Follow the provided steps to produce a greater impact than ever before.

What is social proof?

How to increase matching gifts with social proof

Sourcing matching gift facts & figures

Promoting matching gift donor testimonials

Encouraging social sharing of matching gift content

Incorporating matching in peer-to-peer fundraising

Highlighting matching companies supporting your efforts

Implementing public recognition for matching gifts

Case study: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Match Like Megan

About the Organization

Uncovering the Matching Gift Need

About the Campaign

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

List of Companies in Minneapolis with Matching Gifts

Hormel Foods

General Mills

U.S. Bancorp

Graco

What is the Matching Gift Marketing Plan Presentation Template?

Why download the Matching Gift Marketing Plan?

Additional Recommended Resources

Matching Gifts in the Donor Journey

10 Quick Steps to Matching Gift Success

What to Know About Volunteer Grants

One-third of the nonprofit workforce is made up of volunteers.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Most U.S.-based volunteers are between the ages of 35 and 44.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Regular volunteerism offers numerous benefits for individuals.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Formal volunteerism rates are declining in most states.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Companies are increasingly encouraging their staff to partake in volunteerism.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

There’s a significant overlap between companies offering matching gifts and ones offering volunteer incentives.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Many corporate volunteer incentives continue to be underutilized.

What does this volunteerism trend mean for your nonprofit?

Wrapping Up & Additional Philanthropy Resources

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Key Takeaway 🔑

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Why is tracking corporate sponsorships essential?

Core steps in the corporate sponsorship tracking process

1. Identify Potential Sponsors

2. Develop a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal

3. Secure Sponsorship Agreements

4. Deliver on Commitments

5. Measure and Report Impact

6. Maintain and Strengthen Relationships

Metrics & KPIs for tracking corporate sponsorship success

Next steps & additional resources

Our Favorite Way to Discover Matching Gift Programs

List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs in Phoenix

Freeport-McMoRan<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-76555" src="https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Matching-Gift-Companies-Phoenix_Freeport-McMoRan.jpg" alt="Freeport McMoRan is a top company in Phoenix with a matching gift program." width="148" height="148" />

Intel<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-76556 alignright" src="https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Matching-Gift-Companies-Phoenix_Intel.jpg" alt="Intel is a top company in Phoenix with a matching gift program." width="148" height="148" />

Wells Fargo<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-76557" src="https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Matching-Gift-Companies-Phoenix_Wells-Fargo.jpg" alt="Wells Fargo is a top company in Phoenix with a matching gift program." width="151" height="151" />

General Dynamics<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-76558" src="https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Matching-Gift-Companies-Phoenix_-General-Dynamics.jpg" alt="General Dynamics is a top company in Phoenix with a matching gift program." width="155" height="155" />

Understanding Corporate Sponsorships

Financial contributions

In-kind donations

Media sponsorships

Corporate and employee giving

Developing a Sponsorship Marketing Strategy

Identify target sponsors.

Create a value proposition.

Establish sponsorship packages.

Build a corporate sponsorships landing page.

Attracting Corporate Sponsorships

Initiate personalized outreach.

Showcase tangible impact.

Leverage employee engagement.

Freeport-McMoRan

Intel

Wells Fargo

General Dynamics