In today’s competitive business landscape, corporate philanthropy has become more than just a feel-good initiative. Instead, it’s a strategic imperative that strengthens brand reputation, boosts employee morale, and reinforces community ties—all while supporting the nonprofits that are making a difference. One of the most effective ways to communicate these efforts is through visually engaging corporate philanthropy infographics.
Infographics offer a powerful way to convey complex data, milestones, and success stories in an easily digestible format that resonates with audiences both inside and outside the organization.
In this post, we’re highlighting eight inspiring corporate philanthropy infographics that can motivate your own approach to visual design. These include:
From encompassing workplace giving efforts to highlighting employee volunteerism, each of these examples shows how a well-designed visual asset can be a game-changer for CSR communication. Let’s begin!
360MatchPro is a leading corporate philanthropy platform designed to help nonprofits increase revenue through matching gifts and volunteer programs. By automating the workplace giving process, 360MatchPro empowers nonprofits to capture more funds available from companies.
As a result, the company is very familiar with all things philanthropy, and the team has provided the following infographic to illustrate the current state of corporate giving:
This infographic covers key statistics related to corporate matching gifts and other philanthropy opportunities. Highlights include:
Corporations gave more than $21 billion to nonprofits last year.
Over 26 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs.
65% of Fortune 500 companies match employee donations, while 40% offer volunteer grant programs.
Overall, the infographic from 360MatchPro demonstrates the significant value offered by corporate philanthropy to nonprofit causes. Plus, it highlights the opportunity for organizations to increase their revenue by utilizing the 360MatchPro platform!
re: Charity is a free online resource hub that shares insights and best practices for nonprofits to optimize their fundraising and outreach strategies. The site frequently covers topics related to corporate philanthropy, including corporate matching gifts, volunteer grants, and other workplace giving programs.
Within a recent blog post, the company shared the following infographic:
Starting out with an easily digestible definition of corporate philanthropy, re: Charity then provides a number of statistics relating to the nonprofit and the business side of company-sponsored giving. That makes it a valuable resource for fundraisers and corporate leaders alike!
#3: Zerocater’s Giving is Good For Business Infographic
Zerocater, primarily known as a corporate catering company, is particularly invested in philanthropy through its community engagement and giving initiatives. Zerocater encourages its employees to participate in volunteer activities, and the company often supports nonprofit organizations that tackle food insecurity.
The Zerocater team also encourages other companies to give back, as exemplified in the following corporate philanthropy infographic:
This infographic is broken down into two primary sections: Giving is Good For Business, which covers the benefits of philanthropy for businesses, and 6 Ways to Inspire Your Team to Give Back, which provides actionable ways for companies to support nonprofits and communities.
Paragon, a technology company focused on workflow automation, integrates philanthropy into its operations by encouraging its workforce to give back. This is largely done through corporate-sponsored volunteer events and matching gift programs, ultimately amplifying the impact of employee donations.
The following infographic shared by Paragon provides a basic guide for other companies interested in getting involved with corporate philanthropy, too:
This guide contains a few key sections—answering questions such as:
What is Corporate Philanthropy?
Where Do You Begin?
What Are the Benefits?
What Are the Proof Points?
The company even highlights other businesses that are doing philanthropy well—including Deloitte, Bank of America, Cisco, and more.
Technology company Salesforce is a pioneer in corporate philanthropy, renowned for its “1-1-1” model, where 1% of equity, 1% of product, and 1% of employee time are dedicated to charitable causes. This business structure empowers Salesforce employees to contribute their time, skills, and resources to nonprofits worldwide—and encourages other companies to follow suit in adopting Pledge 1%.
In order to effectively communicate the business value of doing so, Salesforce has published the following corporate philanthropy infographic:
This infographic visually depicts the power of corporate philanthropy, including inspiring statistics such as these:
76% of people feel healthier, and 94% of people are in better moods after volunteering.
77% of employees say health and wellness programs, such as giving or volunteer initiatives, have a positive impact on company culture.
The annual replacement cost for disengaged employees is more than $5 million.
Overall, the resource makes the argument that participating in corporate giving is beneficial for companies, employees, and nonprofits alike. And it does it in a visually appealing, well-organized manner!
#6: Boston College’s Corporate Citizenship Infographic
Boston College actively supports corporate philanthropy through its Center for Corporate Citizenship (also known as BCCCC). In order to encourage companies to give back, the BCCCC offers resources, research, and training programs designed to help build effective corporate responsibility strategies. Their initiatives promote collaboration between academia and the business world, advancing best practices in CSR and philanthropy alike.
Check out the following infographic shared by the BCCCC as a way to communicate the value of corporate citizenship:
This graphic reveals a general upward trend in business investment in corporate citizenship and a rising understanding of the necessity of these programs. Specifically, it zeroes in on the benefits of corporate citizenship, which it separates into three categories:
contributing to company success
returning value to shareholders
meriting additional investment
All in all, corporate citizenship initiatives, which usually include employee volunteering programs and corporate philanthropic giving, are implemented with the idea of businesses serving the communities in which they thrive. This generates a mutually beneficial situation between the company and its stakeholders, as demonstrated by the infographic.
#7: Quill.com’s Baking Philanthropy Into Your Company Culture Infographic
Quill.com, an office supply company, supports corporate philanthropy through various community involvement programs. They often provide in-kind donations of office supplies to schools and nonprofits in need, helping organizations reduce costs and allocate more resources to their missions.
Quill also encourages employees to participate in volunteer opportunities and regularly highlights corporate philanthropy as part of its broader CSR commitment to social impact. And they’ve created the following infographic as a way to encourage other companies to do the same:
This resource provides actionable suggestions for companies looking to give back, and includes:
Establishing philanthropy as a company value—and ensuring higher level staff are actively modeling a commitment to this value.
Ensuring staff are empowered to act as ambassadors for your philanthropy program.
And the best part is that they’re all practices that Quill.com has already implemented within their philanthropy programs!
#8: BP’s Fabric of America Infographic
Oil and gas company BP’s corporate philanthropy initiatives are embedded in its global strategy for social responsibility. BP invests in a number of community development, educational initiatives, and environmental projects, particularly in the areas where it operates.
BP also supports employee volunteerism and charitable giving, encouraging a culture of philanthropy within its workforce. Through these efforts, BP aims to balance its business interests with meaningful contributions to society. And the following infographic highlights one specific way in which it does so:
This infographic is a great example of a corporation taking the initiative to outline and highlight its own efforts both internally and externally. Through its Fabric of America Fund, BP will donate $300 to the charity of an employee’s choice each year.
The result? The company’s contributed more than $20 million to thousands of charities across the nation—and that figure only continues to grow.
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
Corporate philanthropy infographics are an invaluable tool for organizations looking to enhance their corporate giving communications. These resources provide a concise, visually appealing way to share impactful data and stories, helping audiences quickly understand the ins and outs of corporate philanthropy and beyond.
The designs we shared in this post should serve as motivation for showcasing everything from community engagement to employee volunteerism and social impact outcomes. Let these graphics inspire your next steps in creating a memorable and meaningful representation of philanthropy among your audience!
Interested in learning more about corporate philanthropy resources? Check out these additional guides:
8 Trends in Corporate Philanthropy: How to Tap In. Like these infographics have shown, corporate philanthropy continues to grow. See how your team can expand its efforts by targeting up-and-coming trends!
#GivingTuesday might not be until December, but because planning and preparation are key to any successful campaign, the best time to start thinking about how to take advantage of this fundraising opportunity is now. That’s why Double the Donation’s team has compiled standout Giving Tuesday advice from over 30 experts on how nonprofit organizations can make this #GivingTuesday a hit.
Let’s jump in with our first set of recommendations.
Start Planning Now!
Far and away, the most common piece of advice was to start planning as soon as possible. Getting a head start on promotions, social media trends, and marketing materials and engaging with donors (individuals, foundations, corporations, etc.) is going to be the key to a successful campaign!
Lynne D. Filderman, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at America’s Charities, says: “#GivingTuesday is a movement to inspire generosity, not just another website where you list your charity profile or an event that replaces your existing year-end campaign. The hype from #GivingTuesday should be used to draw attention to your organization’s story and impact. It’s an opportunity to reach new donors and find new ways to excite existing supporters. Whether you choose to integrate #GivingTuesday into your year-end fundraising campaign or as a stand-alone awareness day event, your success will be determined by how focused your message is, how clear your call to action is, how active you are in promoting your initiative, and how well you plan – starting now.”
Gretchen Barry, Director of Marketing and Communications at NonprofitEasy, says: Don’t have a #GivingTuesday plan? Don’t stress. Many organizations dread #GivingTuesday, mostly because they haven’t created a plan or set any objectives. Here are three tips to jump-start your strategy.
Tip #1: There are many ways to tap into the #GivingTuesday machine, so if you don’t already have a plan, no worries! Break out a flip chart, grab a few of your most creative thinkers, determine your #GivingTuesday objective (it’s okay to start small), and spend 30 minutes on a quick brainstorming session.
Tip #2: Communication is the key to success. Once your plan is in place, pull a short list of your most active volunteers, board members and donors and start making personal calls asking them for help in spreading the word. Then, send them a follow-up email thanking them for their help – very important!
Tip #3: Make the call to action clear and ensure that it’s easy for people to connect with your organization on #GivingTuesday. For example, hold an open house and encourage the community to drop by and learn more about your mission. If you don’t have the budget for an open house, hold a virtual open house through social media and invite community leaders and your volunteers to share stories about your mission and ways that people can help. Make a list of volunteer opportunities and post one through social media every hour or two throughout the day.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to review your results. Document what worked and what didn’t work, and then pat yourself on the back because you’re already on your way to a plan for next year’s #GivingTuesday.
“Create some images showing your nonprofit’s involvement with #GivingTuesday and invite your supporters to share them – with a link to your site. Don’t forget a call to action on the image.”
“Plan ahead – invite your corporate supporters to match donations made on #GivingTuesday, either in total or, more likely, up to a certain amount.”
“Invite a medium or major donor (or business donor?) to give out one hundred $10 or £10 notes to supporters who promise to use them to raise at least triple the amount in time for #GivingTuesday.”
“Stuck for ideas for #GivingTuesday? Ask your supporters now, and choose the best.”
“Change the thank you page on your online donation platform, if you can, so that it shows a #GivingTuesday message, which donors are invited to share. For example, ‘I gave to [nonprofit] to help [children, animals, the environment] on #GivingTuesday. You can, too: [link].'”
Dan Fonseca of FrontStream says: “#GivingTuesday is a growing charitable movement that takes place during the holiday season. For one day (the Tuesday after Black Friday), we’re reminded that giving back and aiding important causes is just as (if not more) important as super savings deals. Back in 2012, FirstGiving’s #GivingTuesday donation grand total was $159,102.96. In 2013, we announced that $438,018.50 was raised in a single day. In that year alone, #GivingTuesday’s momentum grew almost fourfold. And in the years following, it grew even more substantially. Of course, this is all thanks to our partnering nonprofits. We’re just here to help facilitate what these nonprofits do best. We’re excited to see what this new year brings!
If we had any word of advice, it’d be to start planning for your #GivingTuesday campaign early, we’re talking months of planning in advance. Take advantage of the buzz and momentum of this fantastic charitable movement. Learn what successful organizations did in the past and think about how you can take what you’ve learned and apply it to your organization. Think about donation incentives and how to motivate your supporters. Do you know what motivates them?”
Blue Hovatter, Founder of Community Funded, says: “The best thing you can do to make your #GivingTuesday a success is put together a solid plan of attack and pre-promote the event. Make sure you have a plan for how you are going to reach out to your network, and make sure the event has plenty of pre-promotion. Get everyone on your team ready to go and make sure your community is aware and ready to take action.”
Dan Quirk, Marketing Specialist at SalsaLabs, says: “Test and analyze several different donation landing page designs and layouts in advance so that you are using your highest performing (converting) page on #GivingTuesday.”
Julia Campbell, Founder of JC Social Marketing, says: “The key to success in a #GivingTuesday campaign is planning ahead. Plan for the day as you would a big in-person fundraising event, with tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities. Do not leave the promotion of your campaign up to one person – get a group involved and form a #GivingTuesday committee! Encourage donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and community members to spread the word about your campaign online via the social media channel they like best. Create an example Social Media Kit with graphics and sample tweets and posts to make it super easy for people to share the info. Don’t forget to thank people afterward and follow up with everyone who participates to let them know the results and create momentum for next year!”
Amy DeVita, Founder of Top Nonprofits, says: “#GivingTuesday is an ingenious way for any-sized organization to gain greater awareness by leveraging a national campaign that appeals to the growing number of people who are fundamentally turned off by “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” – basically a counter to consumerism for the sake of consumerism. Prepare and strategize…in advance!
Look at Giving Tuesday as the harvest date and plant seeds and pathways for your donors to connect with you for the months leading up to it. But first, have a plan. Will you find a matching donor? Will you solicit time donations in addition to monetary donations? Think about where you want to end up—and make a map that will get you there; don’t just spin around aimlessly.
Start now, maybe with regular posts on Facebook that give a look at the difference your group is making, and include the hashtag #GivingTuesday. Use the hashtag in your Tweets—start making your organization discoverable to those searching for #GivingTuesday—now or months from now.”
Craig Van Korlaar, Founder of Top Nonprofits, says: “As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.’
I think that it’s important to remember that any successful #GivingTuesday campaign is, first and foremost, a campaign. All great campaigns require advanced planning and strategy. Stating objectives, determining an audience, and identifying campaign success KPIs are all important. While a nonprofit organization that works with an agency can certainly call on its team to create a campaign, to the hundreds of thousands of nonprofits relying on their own in-house staff, creating a campaign may seem daunting.
Fortunately, there are free tools that one can utilize to produce a robust and documented strategy, including robust campaign planning documents and editorial calendars.”
Hesha Patel, Director of Marketing for JK Group, says: “The key to a successful giving campaign is proper planning and communications. Non-profits should work with their corporate partners in devising a multi-touch communication plan that not only talks about the logistics of the campaign but also what the cause aims to achieve. That will drive employee participation.”
Don’t Treat #GivingTuesday as a One-Day Event
Several experts agree that while #GivingTuesday IS a one-day event, you shouldn’t treat it as such. This is a great opportunity to work on donor cultivation for the long-term.
Ken Berger, President and CEO of Charity Navigator, says: “We are a strong supporter of #GivingTuesday and its ability to inspire new acts of generosity. But December 2nd should just be the stepping stone on the path of cultivating new donors. Charities that have excelled at leveraging #GivingTuesday are the ones that feed their donors’ demand for data on their impact. These charities engage in ongoing communications with their new #GivingTuesday supporters to inform them about the results of their charitable programs and services. We believe and have seen that the more transparent charities are about their performance, the more donors will respect, value, and support their efforts.”
Sarah Ford, Associate Marketing Manager for America’s Charities, says: “While #GivingTuesday culminates in a single, 24-hour period, it is by no means a one-day event. It is a movement to encourage giving and celebrate philanthropy. Whether it’s through workplace giving, volunteering, cause marketing, matching gifts, charity fairs, donating items to charity, or simply telling the world about your company’s cause work and impact, there are several ways to leverage your company’s social responsibility initiatives with #GivingTuesday. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to reach out to industry experts for advice.”
Megan Keane, Membership Director at NTEN, says: “Remember, #GivingTuesday goes beyond a single day of giving – a successful campaign is part of a larger donor cultivation and fundraising strategy. At NTEN, our #GivingTuesday participation was one piece of our annual giving campaign that followed our month-long Member Appreciation Month. We encouraged supporters to extend the spirit of thanks by giving back to the NTEN community, and #GivingTuesday was a way of showcasing our community through being a part of a larger movement.”
Partner Up with Corporations and Foundations
An important part of nonprofit success is the partnerships an organization can forge with both local and national businesses. These experts advise building relationships around #GivingTuesday can make for a successful campaign, and even beyond!
Donna Callejon, Chief Business Officer of Global Giving, says: “Nonprofits should be in touch with their corporate and foundation funders to see if there is a campaign or program they can join as part of #GivingTuesday.”
Mark Feinberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Uruut, says: “#GivingTuesday provides an incredible opportunity for businesses and foundations of all sizes, individuals of all age groups and backgrounds to come together to support causes they care deeply about. I hope we can use the energy and success of #GivingTuesday and move us even closer to a “Giving Everyday” framework. We continue to make great progress in this regard, but there is even more we can do.”
Lori Forte Harnick, General Manager of Microsoft Citizenship and Public Affairs, says: “Nonprofits can maximize fundraising during #GivingTuesday by working with corporations with similar philanthropy goals. Through the Microsoft YouthSpark initiative, we’re partnering with a full range of youth-serving nonprofits to empower young people with technology tools and education and help them fulfill their dreams.”
Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation, says: “It’s important for nonprofits to leverage matching gifts or general corporate support into positive PR for both you and the corporation to ensure future collaboration and, therefore, a stronger nonprofit-corporate relationship. If you receive a donation from a corporation, think about how your organization can publicly acknowledge the support through your website, social media, or press releases.”
Engage and Thank Your Donors: Before, During, and After #GivingTuesday
Keeping your donors and constituents engaged and acknowledging their support before #GivingTuesday will make it easier to make a direct ask for the event. Your donors should know how grateful you are for their past support before you make an ask, while you’re making the ask, and especially after you make the ask.
Bill Tedesco, CEO of DonorSearch, says: “After #GivingTuesday, evaluate your list of new donors to determine if any of them could be prospects for a larger gift in the future. Performing prospect research on new donors is a great way to identify donors who have given large donations to other nonprofits. Once you identify these donors, have a member of your team reach out to personally thank them for their donation.”
Karrie Hungerford, Co-Founder & CEO of GivingTrax, says: “A great way to increase overall contributions is to engage local businesses to offer public match challenges or increased employee matching gifts. You can provide value back to businesses by using social media to create awareness of their contribution and support of your organization.
Tweet the matching gift offer and post it to social media channels multiple times before and during #GivingTuesday. Be sure to tag the business sponsors’ handle and include applicable hashtags for your area. An example of this would be the following tweet: ‘Kudos to @donor for giving @your-organization’s-handle on #GivingTuesday a #matchinggift of $5,000. Give at: [link to giving page]’. Be sure to use short codes to a donation landing page for the event or include a way to donate within the post.”
Randy Hawthorne, Executive Director/Publisher of Nonprofit Hub, says: “Thank all of your donors in early November as part of a Thanksgiving campaign so that you’ve had contact before you make an ask at the end of the month.”
Alexandra Saavedra, Marketing Programs Manager of Greater Giving, says: “Share your results on social media after the fact and let people know how you did (perhaps a ‘thank you’ video on YouTube).”
Claire Axelrad, Principal at Clairification, says: “If you’re a nonprofit that’s already swamped with fundraising initiatives at this busy time of year, perhaps there’s another alternative that won’t interfere with your current schedule or risk confusing your donors by multiple, overlapping asks for donations. Personally, I like using the day for gratitude. Why does the giving have to be on the donor’s end? Why not consider it a day to give back to your donors?
There are all sorts of things you could do. Think of it as one big giant opportunity to honor your donors! Here are a few ideas for starters:
How about a thank-a-thon? It’s a great way to involve volunteers because, inevitably, it’s a feel-good experience for everyone involved. It’s more fun to do it as a group – with refreshments, of course! But it’s okay to dole out the names and have folks do it from their home or office. Leaving messages on voicemail is fine. If you get someone on the phone, most supporters are pleasantly surprised to be receiving a call that’s purely a thank you, and this pleasant feeling is passed along to the caller. For volunteers who’ve been afraid to pick up the phone to call donors requesting support, this is a terrific way to get their feet wet. Just make sure to arm them with a script in advance.
How about a greeting card or e-greeting? Time it to land in your donor’s mailbox on Giving Tuesday. I can imagine a message like: It’s Giving Tuesday; And Just So Rare; It’s Our “Won’t Lose Day”; Because You Care! Then add a little personal note letting your donor know how much their support means to you. Maybe put it on a card with a photo that visually shows what their giving accomplishes. And don’t be afraid to be corny or schmaltzy.
How about a token gift? Could you get a local retailer to offer a coupon for a cup of coffee? An ice cream? A pizza slice? A hamburger?
You may have something you can give your donors that costs you next to nothing. It could be free parking or VIP seating at an upcoming event. A discount at your on-site café. This year Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco did a combination of “give and get” for #GivingTuesday, offering those who give on December 1st a free glass of champagne if they’ll be attending their upcoming Gala.
So, if you’re one of those nonprofits who’ve rejected the notion of #GivingTuesday out of fear it might cannibalize your other fundraising efforts or burn out your staff and/or volunteers, I urge you to consider some giving alternatives. We don’t thank our supporters nearly enough, so why not have a day dedicated to donor love?”
Use #GivingTuesday as a Platform to Share Success Stories and Positive Outcomes
These experts agree that #GivingTuesday is a great opportunity to show your donors and supporters what you do with the donations you receive throughout the year. Telling great stories and using high-impacting numbers and figures is the best way to keep your constituents in the know and excited about continuing to give to your cause.
Rafi Norberg, President of Nexus Marketing, says: “#GivingTuesday is more than just an online donation drive, it’s an opportunity to improve your organization’s online authority. After #GivingTuesday is over, write a blog entry thanking your supporters and letting them know how their donations will be used. After you publish the post, share it via social media, the #GivingTuesday website, and your newsletter.”
Lindsay J.K. Nichols, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at GuideStar, says: “Nonprofits can use #GivingTuesday to signal to people that give wisely (as in they give with their heads as well as their hearts – the only way to go!) that your organization “gets it.” Create a quick tip sheet of the ways people can give to your nonprofit – with their money, their time, their online/social media support, etc. – and use the #GivingTuesday hashtag to help spread the word among the ready and waiting (huge) audience that supports the campaign. Make sure you talk about your outcomes, not just your outputs, when asking for donations – remember, no stories without data and no data without stories!”
Use #GivingTuesday to Encourage Millennial Giving
Millennials are the driving force behind today’s nonprofit success. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 are shaping the way organizations are run, whether through engagement, employment, or simply donations (be it money or time). Get them involved and motivated to support your cause!
Megan Reile, Sales & Marketing Director at 360Alumni, says: “#GivingTuesday is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and corporations to raise non-profit support. Following Cyber Monday, which is a consumption-driven whirlwind, #GivingTuesday is a chance to give back to non-profits worldwide and remember the true spirit of the holidays. #GivingTuesday is especially impactful in engaging Millennials, those born after 1979. According to Achieve’s Millennial Impact report, 87% of millennials donated to a nonprofit in the last year, and 55% of millennials were influenced to take the job they currently have after discussing cause work with their interviewer. Millennials want to give back, so why not utilize the cause to encourage them? And using corporate matching programs gives these individuals the emotional satisfaction of knowing that their dollar went even further, often doubled. What better motivation for action?”
Listen to What Others are Doing to Make #GivingTuesday Successful
It’s always beneficial to see how others perceive a successful campaign. Take advantage of the abundance of resources out there, including webinars and radio segments, to hear ideas you may not otherwise have thought of.
Tony Martignetti, Host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, says: “Leverage all of the webinars and radio segments on #GivingTuesday. The #GivingTuesday team maintains a large library at http://www.givingtuesday.org/watch/, and there are also radio segments such as this one of Giving Tuesday early adopters sharing their best ideas: http://tony.ma/1bWl976.”
Think Outside the “Giving” Box
#GivingTuesday doesn’t only have to be about monetary donations. Thinking outside the box can help people think creatively in terms of how they give to your organization.
Shari Ilsen, Director of Engagement at VolunteerMatch, says: “Why limit the ways in which your community can support you for #GivingTuesday? Instead, think outside the “giving” box and encourage people to get creative by giving time to volunteer by activating their social networks to run social media campaigns and sending in their own stories of how your organization has helped and inspired them. In addition to increased awareness, you’ll get even more committed folks who will connect with your nonprofit emotionally and be even more likely to donate in the future!”
Asha Curran, Director of 92Y Center for Innovation & Social Impact (and creator of #GivingTuesday), says: “At 92Y – which will celebrate its 140th anniversary next year – #GivingTuesday grew out of looking at our core beliefs in community and philanthropy and imagining how social media might catapult them well beyond our walls. The result has been a global movement around giving that exceeded all of our expectations. This kind of experimentation is critical for the nonprofit sector; it makes for better, more effective campaigns, and it can also help transform an organization’s thinking. Think of #GivingTuesday as an opportunity to try new things or collaborate with new partners.”
Be Transparent and Direct with Pitches
Your supporters want to know where the money they’re donating is going. Being direct and transparent will increase the likelihood of donations and ongoing support from individuals who fully support your mission.
Jen Boynton, Editor in Chief, and Mary Mazzoni, Senior Editor of Triple Pundit, say: “Create urgency with your pitch and make a specific ask – let funders know where their money will go.”
Peter Lowy, Founder of MassNonprofit.org, says: “Tangible projects work best rather than raising money for ‘general operating expenses.’ Choose a project based on need and what is most likely to excite your donors and get new donors on board. Determine a fundraising goal and have a big announcement explaining your participation in #GivingTuesday.”
On the Contrary…
Not everyone thinks a successful #GivingTuesday campaign is the best way to increase support for your nonprofit organization.
Joe Garecht, President of Garecht Fundraising Associates, says: “If you want to raise more money for your non-profit on a consistent basis, avoid gimmicks like #GivingTuesday, and focus on building long-term relationships with your donors. You’ll find more donors who will give more on a more consistent basis. Avoid the #GivingTuesday rat race!”
Keep Employees Engaged (Advice for Companies)
Corporate giving programs wouldn’t be successful without employees with a big heart and the passion to make a difference. #GivingTuesday isn’t any different!
Ryan Scott, CEO of Causecast, says: “The number one thing people forget? A great employee giving and volunteering campaign comes down to being able to tap into both employee passion and expertise. Everything you do has to be authentic, meaningful, and relevant, or your impact will be next to zero. No one will want to play with you next year if you don’t engage their hearts and minds. So ask your employees what they love, what they care about, and then build a campaign that captures and delivers upon that spirit.”
Chris Jarvis, Senior Partner, and Corey Diamond, Partner, from RealizedWorth, say: “The paradigm is shifting – clearly, companies that facilitate giving without engaging their staff are missing a large part of the equation. Matching gift programs, Dollar for Doer initiatives, and working with employees to choose the causes to support are revolutionizing how a company gives to not-for-profits. Companies now want to see how many hands touch the dollar bill before it goes out the door.”
Dustin Joost, Lead Sales and Digital Marketing Manager at YourCause, says: “Like many CSR programs, #GivingTuesday is an event that can help build a sense of community within a company. Have your executive leaders kick it off by recording short video snippets of why #GivingTuesday is important to them and how they plan on making an impact. Release these videos are few days before the big day and encourage others to submit video snippets of what they did for #GivingTuesday. It’s a great way to encourage engagement, and the videos can be used next year to tell a story and further drive participation.”
We hope these bits of expert advice can help your nonprofit make this year’s #GivingTuesday the best one yet!
The Google Ad Grants program empowers nonprofits to connect with prospects searching for causes like theirs around the globe. However, maximize the program’s potential requires a strategic approach.
Google Grants agencies specialize in helping nonprofits fully leverage the program. They handle everything from applying for the program to picking the best keywords, removing the learning curve so you can focus on your mission and engage new constituents.
Whether you’re new to Google Ad Grants or looking to refresh your account management strategies, a Google Ad Grants manager can elevate your ad campaigns and keep your account compliant with Google’s rules. In this guide, we’ll cover the program basics and recommend top Google Grants agencies to help you make the most of your $10,000 monthly grant. Here’s what we’ll cover:
At Double the Donation, we’ve witnessed organizations achieve remarkable results with corporate giving programs like Google’s. While we focus on employee giving programs like matching gifts, we believe Google Ad Grants can also significantly enhance your organization’s impact. Let’s explore how specialized agencies can streamline this process.
An Overview of Google Ad Grants Management
Before researching specific Google Grants agencies, make sure you know what Google is offering eligible nonprofits through the program. This will help you understand whether outsourcing the work to a professional is the right move. If you’re already well-versed in Google Ad Grants, feel free to jump ahead to learn how an agency fits into your strategies.
What is the Google Ad Grant?
The Google Ad Grants program is a corporate giving initiative that gives 501(c)(3) organizations $10,000 every month to spend on amplifying their pages in Google search results. That adds up to $120,000 every year that qualifying nonprofits can invest into marketing their missions.
Nonprofits pick the landing pages they’d like to promote, then build ad campaigns that target different keywords related to their mission. The goal of the program is to help nonprofits scale their impact by getting in touch with more donors, volunteers, and advocates online.
So long as your nonprofit complies with the program’s guidelines, the grant will automatically renew each month. The program has pretty strict guidelines for eligibility and ongoing compliance. That’s why organizations typically outsource account management to Google Ad Grant marketing agencies who will oversee their campaigns and keep their accounts compliant.
Are Google Ad Grants worth it?
Since 2001, Google has awarded over $10 billion in free advertising to 115,000+ nonprofits in 51 countries, according to recent nonprofit marketing statistics. Your nonprofit can easily become part of this amazing program!
While it can be challenging to create winning ad campaigns, any organization can (and should) apply for the program. It’s $10,000 of free funding every month that can amplify your cause if you allocate it strategically. With proper Google Ad Grants management, the program empowers your nonprofit to:
Increase online conversions such as event signups, donations, and volunteer registrations
Connect with lifelong supporters who are motivated by your cause
Bid on competitors’ keywords so your ads can show up alongside their listings
Build brand awareness and spread awareness for mission-centric operations like matching gifts
Establish authority in your field and become a trusted resource for your mission
To make the most of the program, have someone at your organization spend a few hours each week learning about Google Ad Grants management. If you face limited staff bandwidth and can’t invest enough time into your campaigns, outsource the work to a dedicated Google Ad Grants manager.
Either way, $10,000 a month is a good chunk of change that will pale in comparison to the amount of staff time you spend or the money you pay an expert to manage your campaigns.
Why should I invest in Google Ad Grants management?
This Google Ad Grants impact report shows that nonprofits can see incredible returns with proper Google Ad Grants management. In fact, search ads offer the highest ROI among paid advertising platforms for nonprofits.
Google processes 3.5 billion search queries daily and accounts for over 90% of the search engine market, making it the world’s most popular search engine. Advertising your cause on Google connects you with a vast audience, and effective grant management ensures you deliver the right content to the right individuals.
However, getting started comes with a steep learning curve, from conducting keyword research to maintaining compliance with Google’s standards. With your team’s busy schedule, dedicating enough time to manage your Google Ad Grant may be challenging.
Fast setup: Apply for the program and launch your campaigns quickly with expert guidance.
Compelling ads: Experts can create ads that resonate with your target audience and drive engagement.
Easy navigation of the program’s complexities: Expert management helps you overcome the learning curve of keyword research, bidding procedures, and compliance rules.
Results monitoring and optimization: Professionals can analyze your performance data and make necessary adjustments to maximize your impact.
Especially when working with a Google-certified agency, you’ll gain access to the best advice and a direct line to Google for any account issues.
How A Google Grants Agency Can Help Your Nonprofit
From determining your eligibility to finding the right keywords, a lot goes into effective Google Ad Grants management. That’s where a dedicated Google Grants agency comes into play.
Agencies will take the guesswork out of account management and develop winning campaigns that supercharge your marketing efforts. They spend their time understanding the program’s requirements and learning how to leverage relevant tools that will maximize their clients’ results. Specifically, they help nonprofits with the following:
Google Grant applications. If you haven’t applied for the program, an agency will help you do so by creating your Google For Nonprofits account, getting verified by Percent, ensuring your website has promotable content, and guiding you through your application.
Keyword research. A Google Grants agency will develop ad campaigns that target the right keywords. They’ll research keywords associated with your cause and pinpoint the ones that qualified prospects are searching for online.
Campaign management. A healthy account will have anywhere from 3-5 active campaigns. An agency will actively track these campaigns, report on performance, and make adjustments to your online content to maximize results. Through Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, they can create live dashboards and reports that keep you looped into your campaigns’ performance.
Monthly compliance. The program’s guidelines are extensive, and by not complying, your account might be deactivated. Your Google Grants agency will make sure you’re always complying with the program’s guidelines. Some of these include maintaining a 5% clickthrough rate, avoiding single-word or generic keywords, and responding to the annual program survey. When you hire a Google-certified agency, you’ll have access to the program’s latest guidelines, even if they haven’t been formally announced.
Landing page tips. Your grant money will go to waste if the pages you’re promoting don’t inspire users to convert. Some agencies provide advice for improving your landing pages to help boost traffic and conversions.
Reactivation if needed. Ideally, your Google Grants agency will keep your account in good standing. However, things happen, especially considering the program has pretty strict guidelines. If your account ever gets suspended, your agency will help reactivate it. Better yet, an agency certified by Google will give you direct access to the Google Grants team, making it easier to resolve any issues.
A Google Grants agency knows what it takes to create winning campaigns that inspire users to click through to your website. And like we mentioned, the money you spend on hiring a professional will be well worth it compared to the $10,000 in marketing money you’ll receive every month.
If you’re curious about any of these services, Getting Attention’s Google Grant agency guide explores how agencies help nonprofits in-depth. That way, you can understand if investing in an agency is the right move.
What Is A Google Partner?
Any marketing agency can offer Google Grants management services. While some promising startup agencies can provide sufficient services, nonprofits can ensure they’re hiring a reliable agency by choosing a certified Google Partner.
A Google Partner is an organization that has earned a certification from Google for demonstrating expertise in managing Google Ads accounts. To become a Google Partner, a company must meet specific requirements set by Google, including:
Proficiency in Google Ads: The company must have employees who are certified in Google Ads, demonstrating their knowledge of successful management of Google Ads campaigns.
Performance Requirements: The company must maintain strong ad performance across their managed accounts, showing that they can effectively drive results for their clients.
Client Spend: The company must meet a certain level of ad spend across their managed accounts, which shows their experience in handling a significant volume of advertising campaigns.
Being a Google Partner provides a company with access to special benefits, including training and support from Google, early access to new features, and the ability to display the Google Partner badge on their website and marketing materials.
This designation is a mark of trust and expertise, indicating that the company is recognized by Google as capable of effectively managing Google Ads campaigns and maximizing the return on investment for their clients.
How To Choose A Google Ad Grants Manager
At this point, you’re almost ready to explore different agencies. As you explore your options, you should take certain steps to make sure you find a Google Grants agency that you can fully depend on to make the most of this CSR opportunity.
For instance, you’ll want to:
Find Google Ad Grants managers that meet your criteria. Many nonprofits look specifically for partners who are certified by Google. That’s because these professional Google Grants agencies have been vetted by the Google Grants team. When exploring these agencies, look for partners that offer services for the specific areas you need help with. For instance, for full transparency into your campaigns’ performance, double-check that your Google Ad Grant agency will provide comprehensive reports to your team. If you’re seeking help because your account’s been deactivated, prioritize agencies that offer account reactivation services.
Explore their website and offerings. An agency’s website will help you understand their approach and specializations. Read through their offerings thoroughly Oftentimes, an established agency might also include testimonials or case studies that display successful client results.
Reach out to learn more about their approach to Google Ad Grant management. Before choosing an agency, contact them to make sure they’re a good fit. This gives you the opportunity to ask lingering questions and see if their team will mesh well with yours. Many agencies start with a complimentary audit of your account to give you an idea of what working with them will look like.
By walking through these steps, you’ll narrow down your options in no time. Remember, the right Google Ad Grant marketing agency will act as an extension of your team and do everything it can to champion your cause. We recommend choosing a Google Partner since these agencies demonstrate a clear understanding of the program.
Whoever you choose, spending time finding a good fit will pay off in the long run as you’ll be able to fully rely on them to make the most of your grant money.
8 Recommended Google Grants Agencies
To simplify the extensive vetting process, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations, so you can find ones that might be a good fit for your team. Each of these partners works with nonprofits to enhance their Google Ad Grants management and displays knowledge of the program’s requirements and opportunities. Use this list to narrow down your options and request their support when you’re ready.
Getting Attention | Best All-Around Agency
Getting Attention specializes solely in Google Ad Grants management. They’re committed to maximizing your grant money, keeping your account compliant, and connecting you with lifelong prospects through powerful marketing campaigns. Backed by a team of seasoned professionals, they’ll act as an extension of your team and work with you to drive results. By managing every aspect of your Google Ad campaigns, they’ll help get your cause in front of qualified prospects who want to make an impact on your cause.
This agency is also a certified Google Partner, meaning the Google Ads team has personally reviewed their team’s abilities to manage Google Ad accounts properly. Their core services include:
Google Ad Grant Application. If you haven’t already applied for the program, Getting Attention’s experts can check your eligibility for the program and walk you through every step necessary to get your account reviewed and accepted.
Strategy and Campaign Management. They’ll choose goal-oriented conversion actions like donations or volunteer sign-ups. Then they’ll do ample keyword research, craft compelling ads, monitor ad performance, and make adjustments as needed. Not to mention, they’ll stay on top of reporting and pinpoint the most useful opportunities for your team.
Ongoing Compliance. Proper Google Ad Grants management means staying on top of the latest rules. As Google Partners, Getting Attention is one of the first ones to hear about compliance rule updates, so you can keep your account in good standing.
Account Reactivation. If your account is currently lapsed or ever gets suspended, they’ll get everything up to code, so you can continue amplifying your mission.
Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency
Getting Attention strives to be fully transparent with its clients, which is why they don’t charge any upfront fees and instead only charge a monthly fee of $600. Compared to the $10,000 in grant money they’ll secure for you, that’s a small price to pay for expert Google Ad Grants management, especially from a certified Google Partner!
If you require additional services beyond what’s included in their pricing package, they’re open to discussing their experience with you to find a plan that will work. Reach out to discuss your needs with their team today.
Nonprofits Source | Best Agency for Educational Resources
If you’re new to the Google Ad Grant program, the most vital thing you need in this stage is information, and that’s where Nonprofits Source steps in. This digital marketing agency empowers nonprofits to grow their digital footprints, and where it really stands out is its expansive educational library.
Know that they only offer general digital marketing services to nonprofits, though. These services include search engine optimization and web design, which are both essential for improving your Google Search presence. While they don’t manage Ad Grant accounts, they offer plenty of free resources about the program, such as:
An Ultimate Google Ad Grant Guide: Become a whiz on the program by learning the basics and how to use the Google Grant to launch your organization toward its digital marketing goals.
How to Apply for Google Grants: This guide walks through the key steps your nonprofit needs to take to acquire the Google Grant. It even shares pro tips for improving your website to drive more conversions with your ads.
Tips for Hiring A Google Grants Manager: If you still have questions about working with Google Grants agencies, this guide can answer your questions and give you additional recommendations for trusted agencies.
Exploring This Agency’s Resources
Check out Nonprofits Source’s blog for the latest tips in the nonprofit digital marketing world. In no time, you’ll be an expert! You can also partner with them for your SEO and website design needs.
DNL OmniMedia | Best Consultant for Nonprofit Technology
DNL OmniMedia is a nonprofit technology consultant. Their mission is to help your nonprofit leverage technology in ways that amplify your cause and focus on goals rather than getting bogged down with code and data. While they don’t specialize solely in Google Grants, they do offer services that will help enhance your Google Ad Grants management.
Their pay-per-click (PPC) marketing services include:
Google Grant strategy. DNL OmniMedia can make sure that your Google Ad Grant strategy aligns with other aspects of your nonprofit’s strategy. They’ll help you create a keyword strategy that makes sense for your cause and connects you with the right prospects.
Ad copy development. Their digital marketing experts will write and test ads that are designed for optimum impressions and clicks. That way, you can inspire readers to click through to your site.
Website development. Backed by a team of skilled developers, DNL OmniMedia will help you create your website and amplify your online presence. That way, you can create valuable landing pages for your Google Ad Grant campaigns that drive users to get involved.
Reporting. With Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, DNL OmniMedia will report on campaign performance and interpret the data for your team. This will help improve your site and campaign’s content.
Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency
DNL OmniMedia makes it easy to learn about their services and contact their team by filling out a form on their website. Whether you’re looking to improve your Google Ad landing pages or better understand campaign data, this Google Grants agency is a reliable choice!
Allegiance Group | Best Agency for General Digital Marketing
Allegiance Group works with nonprofits and associations to transform their digital strategies and grow their impact. Whether you’re focused on fundraising, advocacy, stewardship, or content marketing, they’ll tailor your digital marketing plan to do more good for your cause. One of their digital marketing offerings is Google Ad Grants management.
Their advertising-related services include:
Website content optimization. They’ll evaluate your website’s existing content and create valuable content that you can then amplify through your ad campaigns.
Holistic advertising plan. They’ll identify the best advertising platforms to reach your fundraising, advocacy, stewardship, or content marketing goals. That means you can get help with Google Ads and social media ads. Then, they’ll test different ad formats and creative elements to attract your target audience.
Reporting. With web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Allegiance will deliver reports and real-time dashboards that display your marketing performance, like page views, entrances, and goal assists. That way, you can continuously refine your campaigns.
Getting Started With This Google Ad Grants Manager
Allegiance Group empowers you to create a more holistic approach to your nonprofit’s digital marketing. Explore their site to get a sense of whether their offerings align with your Google Ad Grant needs.
RKD Group is a certified Google Grants agency that understand that nonprofits often have trouble making the most of their free advertising money without professional help and aim to eliminate those obstacles for them. They were the first full-service direct-response company to be added to the Ad Grants Certified Professional Community, so you know you’re in good hands if you choose them. From animal welfare groups to veteran organizations, they strive to help all causes succeed by connecting with donors.
Their team of experts will work closely to manage all aspects of your Ad Grants account through services such as:
Account Activation. Between helping you register for Google for Nonprofits and filling out your application RKD Group will help you secure your free grant money.
Ad Creation. Their professional Google Ad Grants team will build high-level campaigns with required ad groups and keywords tied to clear goals. Plus, they’ll write strong ads for you.
Campaign Optimization. Once your campaigns go live, the work doesn’t stop there! Their Google Grants agency will monitor your campaigns’ performance and make adjustments to boost conversions.
Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency
RKD Group makes it easy to amplify your work and take advantage of the opportunities available to your nonprofit. Before lining up a consultation with their team, check out their services to make sure they offer what you need.
TrueSense Marketing | Best Agency for Search Engine Marketing
As a certified professional Google Ad Grant marketing agency, TrueSense Marketing is a smart addition to your marketing efforts. They’re comprised of professionals with extensive search engine marketing (SEM) experience that can take your Google Ad Grants management to the next level. They’ll handle everything from application to ongoing maintenance, so you can focus on other aspects of your mission.
Some of their services include:
Content Creation. TrueSense can help breathe life into your nonprofit’s stories, so you can connect on a deeper level. They’ll help craft content with compelling offers that motivate donors to give generously. Then, you can amplify that content with Google Ads.
Hands-On Management. TrueSense Marketing will actively manage your account, edit your campaigns to maximize ad performance, and collaborate closely with your team to highlight the most valuable opportunities for your nonprofit.
Multichannel Campaigns. With help from this Google Grants agency, you won’t be confined to search ad campaigns. They’ll help you leverage both paid and organic channels to reach a larger community of prospective clients, volunteers, advocates, and other supporters.
Getting Started With This Google Ad Grants Manager
TrueSense Marketing is devoted to helping you make the most of your $10,000 each month. You can explore their full list of services on their website and determine if they’d be a good fit for your nonprofit.
Koios is a nonprofit organization specializing in digital marketing for public libraries, library advocacy groups, and other public information advocates. Their main service involves using the Google Ad Grants program to enhance the visibility of libraries online. Koios assists libraries in applying for the program, creating effective advertising strategies, and managing their Google Ads accounts.
They help increase web traffic to library websites and resources, particularly by making library catalogs more discoverable in Google searches. Here’s an overview of this agency’s services:
Google Ad Grant Application. They’ll help you register with Google for Nonprofits and apply for the Google Grant. If your application is rejected, they’ll make the necessary adjustments to ensure it’s approved.
Ad Optimization. Koios will create standout ads and monitor your campaigns. They have an incredible 12.8% CTR, which is well above the 5% CTR compliance rule. This helps libraries spread awareness and share the joy of learning.
Catalog Promotion. Their main offering is promoting each library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) within Google SERPs, allowing the entire catalog to be searchable and visible online.
Getting Started With This Google Grants Agency
Koios works with libraries of varying sizes and tailors its pricing accordingly, offering a 60-day free trial period for new subscribers.
Reef Digital Agency | Best Google Grants Manager for Australian Nonprofits
Located in Australia, Reef Digital specializes in managing Google Ad Grants among other digital marketing services. They were the first agency in Australia to receive the Google Ad Grants Certified Professional designation, which is a testament to their expertise.
After serving 50+ nonprofits, they know how to unlock the power of the Google Ad Grant. Their featured case studies show that they helped the Australian Cancer Research Foundation reach record-breaking EOFY campaign results via the Google Ad Grant. They also helped Care Careers, which is a job board attract people to work in the disability, community, and aged care sector in Australia. They achieved
Here’s a rundown of Reef’s services:
Balancing Ad Grants and Paid Ads. They help nonprofits show their grant-funded ads wherever possible and use paid ads to supplement any gaps.
Google Grant Compliance. They’ll keep a close eye on your performance to keep your account in good standing with Google.
Supplemental Digital Marketing Services. Reef offers a range of services that can enhance your overall Google Ad performance, including landing page optimization, SEO, and content creation.
Getting Started With This Google Ad Grants Manager
Reef charges based on the complexity of your Google Grants needs. They offer a free Google Ad Grants audit to potential clients.
The Google Ad Grant program offers an immensely valuable marketing opportunity for your team. You can amplify your work and expedite your mission, but only if you choose the right keywords and deliver optimized landing pages to prospects.
A professional Google Grants agency eliminates the guesswork and makes it incredibly easy to get your content in front of the right audiences.
Plus, agencies that are fully devoted to Google Ad Grants management spend their time learning the ins and outs of the program. They fully understand everything from compliance requirements to keyword research best practices. That way, you can rest assured that you’re creating winning campaigns and that your account will stay compliant. In turn, you can keep receiving your free $10,000 grant every month.
As the only agency fully dedicated to Google Ad Grants on our list, we highly recommend you check out Getting Attention. They offer everything you need to get your account activated and create optimized campaigns. Plus, they’re a certified Google Partner, so you know you’re receiving professional guidance.
Looking to learn more about the program? As you start researching different agencies, check out these educational resources:
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Google-Grants-Agency_Feature.png7502000Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-09-10 08:00:002024-09-10 14:39:05How to Hire A Google Grants Agency + 8 Best Firms for 2024
In June 2024, Double the Donation organized the industry’s first-ever Matching Gift Idea Exchange. This was an opportunity for nonprofits, schools, and other groups to share their best matching gift materials and be inspired by their peers’ ideas as well.
Why?
Matching gifts are a powerful tool for fundraising organizations, allowing them to maximize donations and engage supporters more deeply. However, few organizations are truly maximizing their matching gift potential, and a lack of promotion is a leading reason why.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into 10 inspiring examples and key insights from the completed Matching Gift Idea Exchange. From streamlined matching processes to creative promotional tactics, these examples demonstrate the power of matching gifts to significantly enhance fundraising with valuable inspiration and practical tips.
Note: Explore how many clients use Double the Donation’s tools to streamline and enhance their matching gift promotions. Not a client yet? No worries! Click here to request a personalized demo.
1) Supplement your match page with video content.
An organization’s matching gifts page is one of its most invaluable assets, especially when it comes to marketing matching gifts effectively. Implementing the right content on the page is essential for driving more matches to completion!
What this Organization Did Well:
OKCMOA, or Oklahoma City Museum of Art, has embedded a minute-long informational video on their matching gifts page. This resource, which the organization submitted as part of our Matching Gift Idea Exchange, quickly overviews the matching gift opportunity, how it helps nonprofits, and how donors can determine their eligibility and next steps using Double the Donation’s matching gift database embedded above.
Best Practice For Your Team:
Take a multimedia approach on your organization’s dedicated matching gifts page. We recommend incorporating a combination of text, video, and graphic elements to best grasp and retain your audience’s attention while they learn about matching gifts on your site.
Double the Donation clients can access a free, pre-made matching gift video (plus a ton of other graphics and materials) or request a custom-branded version for a fee within the platform.
2) Make the page accessible from your site navigation.
It hardly matters how well-designed your matching gifts page is if no donors can locate it on your website. That’s why making your information easily accessible is a must! Prominently featuring matching gifts on your navigation menu ensures a seamless donor experience and signifies the importance of matching gifts in your fundraising.
What this Organization Does Well:
Blue Faery (the Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association) makes matching gift information easy to locate. All a user has to do is access the drop-down menu from the main “Donate” button and select “Matching Gifts.”
Best Practice For Your Team:
Add a link to your matching gifts page to your main site navigation! Feel free to nest it under relevant parent pages, such as your “Donate” button or “Ways to Give” compilation for the best results.
3) Host a matching gifts tool on event pages, too.
Sometimes, an organization will host separate event pages or microsites to market upcoming opportunities (hint: this is a fairly common practice for run/walk/rides and other peer-to-peer fundraisers!). If that’s the case for your team, you’ll want to be sure you’re promoting matching gifts throughout your event pages as well—after all, those gifts are often eligible to be matched, too.
What this Organization Does Well:
The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a largely peer-to-peer-based organization, and much of its revenue comes from large-scale fundraising events like the annual Tour de Pier. In order to ensure eligible gifts get successfully matched, the nonprofit has implemented a dedicated Matching Gifts page on its event microsite—complete with a matching gift search tool and an overview of the programs.
And, in order to mitigate any confusion, the fundraising team even provides the correct name and tax ID number an individual should use when they go to submit their matching gift requests.
Best Practice For Your Team:
At the very least, mention matching gifts with a dedicated callout on your event or campaign pages. Even better? Establish a separate matching gifts page on your event site to ensure your audience is exposed to the idea and provided with the information they need to get started.
4) Meet your donors where they are with SMS messaging.
According to Nonprofits Source, mobile donations have increased by more than 205% in the past year, and 51% of nonprofit website traffic originates from a mobile device.
What does that mean for you? Your donors’ phones are where they’re at—and you can meet them there with text message engagement strategies.
What this Organization Does Well:
This text message campaign from Save the Children demonstrates the ease with which a matching gift can be requested right from a donor’s mobile device. An individual receives one or both of the texts below and can initiate their match without hesitation simply by clicking the provided link. Talk about frictionless giving experiences!
Best Practice For Your Team:
Take a multi-channel engagement approach by incorporating SMS into your outreach strategy in addition to standard follow-up emails and more.
Note: Double the Donation offers automated SMS messaging for its Enterprise-level users. Interested? Learn more about upgrading your account here.
5) Leverage direct mail to promote matching opportunities.
In today’s digital world, it can be easy to forget about the power of direct mail marketing. However, incorporating snail mail into your matching gift promotional strategy can have a big impact.
What this Organization Does Well:
Scripps College leverages beautifully designed, eye-catching direct mail cards as a way to draw its supporters’ attention to matching gifts. And, to empower donors to take the next steps without delay, the institution implements a scannable QR code that directs recipients to its online matching gifts page.
Best Practice For Your Team:
Diversify your messaging with direct mail! If you already have a direct mail fundraising package going out, try adding an insert dedicated to matching gifts. Otherwise, consider a matching gift-focused postcard to spread the word.
6) Pair corporate matching with matching gift challenges.
Did you know that corporate or employee matching gifts represent only a single form of matching donation opportunity an organization might have? Matching gift challenges, or major donor matches, can also play a significant role in boosting a nonprofit’s fundraising. And they’re typically not mutually exclusive, either—meaning donors can have the chance to multiply their gifts twice!
What this Organization Does Well:
UWC-USA noted in the Matching Gift Idea Exchange that it combines the power of corporate matching gifts with other forms of donation matching, including major donor matching gift challenges. In a campaign, interest is typically generated by offering a major donor match. Then, once supporters have navigated to the campaign page, UWC promotes corporate matching gift opportunities as well.
The results? The organization shared that campaign revenue is typically about 30% higher than for those without a matching gift offer. Plus, a significantly higher percentage of donors check to see if their companies provide a donation match!
Best Practice For Your Team:
Try running a double-matching campaign! If you can find a major donor willing to put up a significant match amount, leverage that opportunity in addition to corporate matching gifts to get donors’ gifts multiplied again and again.
7) Thoroughly thank donors for matching their gifts.
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting a gift matched. Thanking your donors for their involvement allows you to communicate your gratitude and close the loop at each step of the process.
What this Organization Does Well:
UNCF makes a serious effort to thank its matching gift donors at multiple touch points in the supporter journey. That includes upon the submission of their matching gift request and after the company pays out the matching donation.
To best grab the recipient’s attention and get their message across, the organization does so with a well-designed postcard (or two!).
Best Practice For Your Team:
Showing thanks is essential for any donor relationships, and communicating gratitude to your matching gift donors is essential for retaining their support in the long run. As you do so, remember that they went above and beyond in requesting a matching gift. You, too, should go above and beyond in your thanksgiving.
8) Acknowledge companies that match to your cause.
When it comes to thanking donors for matching gifts, it’s generally recommended that you center your efforts around the individual who requested the match. However, acknowledging the company (AKA the entity that pays out the match) can go a long way in building long-term relationships, too.
What this Organization Does Well:
Michigan Technological University uses its matching gifts page for an additional purpose: highlighting leading matching gift companies that have completed matches to the school in the past year. This way, the companies listed can feel the appreciation of their support and donors accessing the page can gain at-a-glance insights into top matching gift companies in their network.
Best Practice For Your Team:
Shine a spotlight on examples of companies that have supported your cause with matching gifts in the past. Not only is this an excellent way to thank these matching gift contributors (with additional publicity), but it can also inspire more donors (from the spotlighted companies and otherwise) to want to get involved.
9) Promote matching through personal and mass emails.
More than likely, email makes up a significant portion of your supporter engagement strategy. There are emails you send to all donors (mass marketing) and those you send one at a time.
For the best matching gift results, consider a mix of both types of outreach to grab your audience’s attention and drive more submissions to completion.
What this Organization Does Well:
Save the Boundary Waters takes a multi-faceted approach to promoting matching gift opportunities through email marketing. When a donor gives, they receive a personalized copy of the automated email (powered by Double the Donation) on the left. This encourages them to pursue a match for their recent gift while they are still at the height of their engagement with the organization.
Then, the team also regularly promotes matching gifts through a segment of its digital newsletter sent to all donors, on the right. This allows the organization to drive awareness of the programs across its entire audience at once!
Best Practice For Your Team:
Double the Donation research indicates that organizations that send a single matching gift email see an estimated 31% of eligible donations submitted for matching. Meanwhile, a second reminder email increases submissions by 45%, and a third email brings the total percentage of submitted eligible gifts to 49%.
So, what does that mean for you? To engage the greatest number of donors and achieve the best results, incorporate more than one matching gift email into your follow-up cadence. For even better results, vary the formatting and structure between newsletters, email blasts, personal reminders, and more.
10) Turn corporate matching into a dedicated campaign effort.
Rallying support around matching gifts can significantly amplify the support received from donors. Generating enthusiasm through campaigns, events, and other dedicated communications can go a long way in increasing awareness and participation in the programs.
What this Organization Does Well:
In this final submission from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange, Community Ministry has launched a dedicated campaign effort called the “Hunger Heroes.” This initiative included a campaign logo, a one-pager overviewing the opportunity and how donors can get involved, an email blast, and a number of related social media posts.
Donors who get their gifts matched by their employers then earn the “Hunger Heroes” designation as a way to celebrate their above-and-beyond support and leverage social proof to drive additional engagement in the campaign.
Best Practice For Your Team:
Make matching gifts fun and exciting by adding a layer of novelty. Try providing donors with a digital “Matching Gift Donor” certificate or hosting an event alongside a big matching gift push.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
As the above examples from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange show, there are countless ways for nonprofits and schools to innovate and improve their matching gift efforts. By implementing the strategies highlighted above, organizations can unlock additional funding, strengthen relationships with donors, and drive greater community impact.
All in all, we hope these insights have inspired you to bring your matching gift efforts to new heights. Stay tuned to participate in the Matching Gift Idea Exchange next year!
In the meantime, check out these additional resources to grow your knowledge of all things matching gifts:
Free Downloadable Guide: Top Strategies for Marketing Matching Gifts. This comprehensive resource provides actionable tips and proven tactics to help you effectively promote matching gift programs to your donors. Get the guide to learn more and spread the word about these programs.
Grow Your Fundraising Revenue: Access Real 360MatchPro Case Studies. Discover how other nonprofits have successfully increased their fundraising revenue with 360MatchPro. See the tangible results achieved and learn how you can replicate their success to boost your donations.
8 Ways to Encourage Donors to Submit Employee Matching Gift Requests. This resource offers practical strategies to motivate your supporters to take advantage of their employers’ matching gift opportunities. Implement these strategies to unlock the full potential of matching gifts.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DTD_Examples-Insights-from-the-Matching-Gift-Idea-Exchange_Feature-1.png6001600Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-07-29 16:35:412024-07-29 16:35:4110 Examples & Insights from the Matching Gift Idea Exchange
In today’s business landscape, corporate social responsibility (or CSR) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a crucial aspect of how companies operate and influence the world. Leading CSR companies are recognizing the importance of giving back to their communities, investing in sustainable practices, and driving positive change. This commitment not only enhances their brand reputation but also attracts conscious consumers and employees who value ethical practices.
In this post, we’ll highlight nine exemplary companies that are setting the standard in CSR. From innovative environmental initiatives to impactful social programs, these businesses are making a significant difference in their industries.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility is a business model that helps companies be socially accountable—to themselves, their stakeholders, and the public. By practicing CSR, companies can be conscious of the impact they have on all aspects of society, including the environment, the economy, and beyond.
Critical aspects of CSR include:
Philanthropic Responsibility: Businesses engage in activities that benefit society. This can involve community development programs, charitable donations, volunteer efforts, and supporting social causes like education, health, and equality.
Ethical Responsibility: Organizations operate in a fair and ethical manner. This involves treating employees fairly, ensuring product safety, and conducting business with integrity.
Legal Responsibility: Businesses comply with all relevant laws and legal regulations, ensuring they operate safely and fairly on a consistent basis.
Economic Responsibility: Companies adopt practices that ensure fair trade, ethical labor practices, and transparent business operations. They strive to create economic value while also producing value for society.
All in all, CSR initiatives help companies build a positive brand image, foster customer loyalty, attract and retain employees, and ultimately contribute to long-term business success.
What defines the best CSR companies?
The best CSR companies are defined by key characteristics that demonstrate their commitment to philanthropic, ethical, economic, and legal responsibilities. These companies go beyond mere compliance with legal requirements and actively seek to make a positive impact.
Wondering if your company meets the criteria? Looking for leading businesses to seek support for your nonprofit? No matter your intent, here are the defining attributes of the best CSR companies to consider:
They have a well-defined CSR vision and strategy that aligns with their core business values and goals, and their CSR initiatives are integrated into their overall business operations. This information should be available online, in employee-facing materials, and more.
They invest in community development and social programs that address local and global challenges such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and more.
They prioritize employee welfare and active involvement in CSR activities such as giving and volunteerism.
They collaborate with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other businesses to amplify their impact.
They maintain transparency in their CSR efforts by regularly reporting on their progress and outcomes.
They demonstrate a long-term commitment to CSR by continuously evaluating and improving their initiatives with measurable goals and plans for achieving tangible results.
By embodying these characteristics, the best CSR companies create value not only for their business but also for society and the environment, setting a powerful example for others to follow.
And we’ve compiled a list of companies by which to be inspired below!
How does the CLMA designation reflect CSR efforts?
One of the greatest indicators of a company’s CSR efforts is its devotion to matching employee gifts. As a result, the CLMA designation, which is awarded to Certified Leaders in Matching Automation, reflects a company’s commitment to ongoing philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
This certificate directly reflects a company’s devotion to CSR by showcasing its dedication to facilitating seamless and accessible support for a wide range of nonprofit causes. Top companies that hold this designation exemplify the integration of automated processes to foster a culture of giving and social responsibility.
Why does this matter for nonprofits and other fundraisers?
Understanding the offerings of top CSR companies and other CLMA-certified employers is essential for nonprofits, schools, and fundraisers for several reasons. First, familiarity with companies offering standout matching gift programs allows organizations to effectively double or even triple the donations received, significantly boosting fundraising efforts.
These companies can also be significant suppliers of grants, sponsorships, volunteer services, and more, making them valuable targets for establishing lucrative long-term partnerships.
Top Companies with Standout CSR Strategies & More
Familiarity with top CSR companies can help nonprofits and schools identify partners committed to the greater good. At the same time, understanding the successes of leading examples can provide invaluable insights and ideas for improving a business or organization’s own practices and initiatives.
Read on to explore our selection of standout CSR initiatives and see which elements you can adopt in your efforts.
Top CSR Company #1: Chipotle
Company Overview:
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain headquartered in Newport Beach, California. It is best known for its focus on serving high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients in its customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos.
Chipotle currently operates over 2,800 restaurants across the world, with more than 120,000 employees, and continues to expand its global footprint.
CSR Focus:
Chipotle’s CSR efforts primarily revolve around sustainability (including responsible sourcing and healthy living) and employee giving. The company places a strong emphasis on food with integrity, as well as giving to a variety of nonprofit causes its team members support.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
By integrating sustainability and giving into its core business model and engaging with stakeholders transparently, Chipotle sets a benchmark in the restaurant industry for socially conscious practices. This commitment not only enhances its brand reputation but also contributes positively to the communities it serves.
In doing so, Chipotle Mexican Grill has become a CLMA-certified leader in the matching gift industry. By partnering with Double the Donation-integrated corporate giving solution, Chipotle has implemented matching gift auto-submission functionality, making the request process seamless and accessible for its staff. This efficient system not only simplifies the donation matching process but also significantly boosts CSR by growing the amount of corporate funding paid out through successful matches and more.
Top CSR Company #2: Danone
Company Overview:
Danone is a multinational food-products corporation headquartered in Paris, France, with nearly 90,000 employees worldwide. It operates in four main business segments: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Advanced Medical Nutrition.
Globally, Danone is known for its dairy and plant-based products, including brands like Activia, Evian, and Alpro.
CSR Focus:
Danone’s CSR efforts are centered around sustainability, nutrition, and social innovation. The company aims to promote healthier eating habits, support the communities in which its staff live and work, and reduce its environmental impact across operations.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
Danone actively engages its employees in promoting sustainable practices through philanthropy, volunteerism, and other initiatives.
As a result, the food company is also CLMA-certified for its exemplary matching gift program. With the help of Double the Donation, Danone has integrated matching gift auto-submission into its CSR initiatives, providing an effortless experience for employees looking to double their charitable contributions. This streamlined approach enhances Danone’s CSR efforts by maximizing the impact of corporate funding through successful donation matches.
Top CSR Company #3: BerlinRosen
Company Overview:
BerlinRosen is a leading strategic communications firm based in New York City, specializing in PR, media relations, and digital strategy. With over 400 employees across New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and more, the firm serves nonprofits, advocacy organizations, progressive campaigns, and corporate entities.
CSR Focus:
BerlinRosen’s CSR efforts are centered around social justice, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment through effective communication strategies. The firm leverages its expertise in public relations to amplify voices and advocate for positive social change.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
BerlinRosen distinguishes itself by actively supporting organizations that drive meaningful community impact. This includes offering pro-bono services to nonprofits, advocacy groups, and more.
BerlinRosen is also recognized as a CLMA-certified employer due to its outstanding matching gift program. By collaborating with Double the Donation, BerlinRosen has implemented a user-friendly matching gift auto-submission system, simplifying the process for its employees.
Overall, the company’s commitment to supporting employee philanthropy—as well as its dedication to communication as a tool for social good—sets it apart as a leader in CSR within the public relations industry and beyond.
Top CSR Company #4: Creative Circle
Company Overview:
With more than 18,000 employees, Creative Circle is a specialized staffing agency headquartered in Los Angeles, California. This company focuses on connecting creative professionals with businesses in various industries, such as advertising, marketing, and design.
CSR Focus:
Creative Circle’s CSR efforts are centered around promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the creative industry, supporting creative professionals, and fostering inclusive workplaces.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
Creative Circle stands out for its commitment to CSR, supporting philanthropic initiatives that advance equality and equity in the creative sector.
As a CLMA-certified company, Creative Circle has implemented a robust matching gift program. Partnering with Double the Donation, Creative Circle offers a seamless matching gift auto-submission process, which makes it easy for employees to participate in corporate philanthropy. This innovative approach drives more revenue through the programs, focusing on facilitating employee generosity and reflecting its dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.
Top CSR Company #5: Toyota Connected
Company Overview:
A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Connected focuses on developing data-driven mobility solutions and connected vehicle technologies to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation in the automotive industry.
CSR Focus:
Toyota Connected’s CSR efforts revolve around sustainable mobility, environmental stewardship, and leveraging technology for social good. The company aims to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions for all.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
By integrating data-driven insights and technology with sustainability goals, Toyota Connected demonstrates leadership in CSR by driving positive social, environmental, and economic impacts through its innovative initiatives.
The company is also a pioneer in matching gifts, establishing a CLMA-certified program designed to provide its employees with a seamless and hassle-free matching experience that boosts their impact for their favorite causes (like yours!).
Top CSR Company #6: Teachable
Company Overview:
With over 1,500 employees worldwide, Teachable is an online platform that empowers individuals and organizations to create and sell online courses. This company’s efforts ultimately provide tools and resources to facilitate online learning and entrepreneurship.
CSR Focus:
Teachable’s CSR efforts center on educational equity, supporting online educators, and empowering diverse voices in online learning and digital entrepreneurship.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
Teachable, which stands out for its commitment to democratizing education and empowering educators from diverse backgrounds, is also CLMA-certified for its exemplary matching gift program. In collaboration with Double the Donation, Teachable offers a hassle-free matching gift auto-submission process, making it simple and straightforward for employees to enhance their charitable donations. This streamlined system amplifies Teachable’s CSR efforts by maximizing the corporate funding distributed through successful matches.
Overall, Teachable’s focus on facilitating employee generosity and supporting various causes demonstrates its strong commitment to social responsibility and community impact.
Top CSR Company #7: Microsoft
Company Overview:
Microsoft Corporation is a global technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. With more than 220,000 employees across the world, Microsoft is known for its software products, cloud computing services, and hardware devices.
CSR Focus:
Microsoft’s CSR efforts focus on digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and leveraging technology for social impact. The company aims to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through its technology and initiatives.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
Matching gifts up to $15,000 per employee on an annual basis, Microsoft devotes significant resources to its corporate matching gift program. Plus, it offers each team member a full week’s worth of paid VTO and supplies volunteer grants equal to $25 for each hour an employee spends volunteering with nonprofit causes.
Microsoft also stands out for its comprehensive approach to CSR, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy and promoting ethical AI and data privacy practices. The company leads initiatives to address global challenges such as environmental sustainability, accessibility, and humanitarian crises, too. Plus, it offers free and reduced technology services for nonprofits and schools!
Top CSR Company #8: Google
Company Overview:
Google LLC is a multinational technology company (with an employee count greater than 180,000 worldwide) that specializes in Internet-related services and products. This includes search engines, cloud computing, software, hardware, and more.
CSR Focus:
Google’s CSR efforts encompass environmental sustainability, digital literacy, and empowering businesses and individuals through technology. The company strives to make a positive impact on the world through innovation and responsible business practices.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
Google stands out for its commitment to sustainability and philanthropy, exemplified by its matching gift program, volunteer grant initiative, VTO offering, and more. Each year, employees can request up to $10,000 in matching gifts, $10 for each hour they volunteer, and 8 hours of volunteer time off.
The company also supplies free advertising credits to registered nonprofits, providing access to its paid advertising platform, and empowering nonprofit teams to promote their efforts, at no cost.
Top CSR Company #9: Disney
Company Overview:
The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Burbank, California, known for its iconic film studios, theme parks, media networks, and consumer products. Inclusive of its subsidiaries, which include ABC, Hulu, Marvel, and more, Disney employs more than 225,000 people worldwide.
CSR Focus:
Disney’s CSR efforts focus on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and promoting creativity and innovation through entertainment and education.
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
Disney matches gifts up to $25,000 per employee, encouraging its full-time and part-time employees to double their charitable donations to the organizations they care about. At the same time, the company promotes volunteerism through its EARs to You grant program (worth up to $2,000 each) and by offering up to 8 hours of paid VTO each year.
The company also stands out for its commitment to environmental conservation, exemplified by its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across its operations. By integrating CSR into its business practices and entertainment offerings, Disney not only entertains audiences but also contributes to societal progress and environmental preservation on a global scale.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
In an era where CSR is no longer an option but a necessity, the companies highlighted in this post stand out as true leaders, setting benchmarks for others to follow. Their commitment to philanthropy partnerships, volunteerism, and beyond not only enhances their brand reputation but also drives meaningful change in the world.
For businesses, emulating these strategies can lead to improved stakeholder relationships, enhanced employee engagement, and increased consumer loyalty. For nonprofits, forming partnerships with these companies and others like them will allow you to unlock funding, leverage new resources, and foster long-term innovation.
Interested in learning more about CSR and how it can impact businesses and organizations like yours? Check out these additional resources:
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DTD_Best-CSR-Companies-These-9-Businesses-Are-Making-an-Impact_Feature.jpg6001600Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-07-19 17:36:472024-08-02 11:59:49Best CSR Companies | These 9 Businesses Are Making an Impact
For nonprofits of all sizes, technology plays a vital role in achieving their missions. As your organization grows, you’ll need advanced software solutions to manage donor information, enhance your marketing strategies, and track fundraising data. But that’s just the beginning!
To fully harness the power of your nonprofit technology, you need guidance from experts who know how to navigate technical complexities and develop customized solutions. The answer? A nonprofit technology consultant!
A skilled consultant can help you implement your software, streamline your overall operations, and even brainstorm technology-driven marketing solutions. In this post, we’ll introduce you to top nonprofit technology consultants who excel in various areas of expertise:
After exploring our favorite firms, you’ll be well-equipped to decide on a trusted technology partner who can elevate your nonprofit’s impact through innovative technical solutions.
Nexus Marketing — Top Consultant for Organic Marketing Strategies
Consulting Firm Overview
Nexus Marketing is renowned for its expertise in organic marketing strategies, helping nonprofits grow their audiences through intensive SEO strategies focused on earning conversions.
Ideal for nonprofits that sell products, programming, or services, Nexus Marketing can transform your web presence into an inbound lead generation engine. When you partner with Nexus, they’ll help you grow your SEO and digital marketing efforts and reach your target audience via search engine traffic, dynamic video content, and promotional opportunities with leaders in the mission-driven space.
SEO content creation to help your website rank for relevant keywords
Technical SEO to address your site’s crawlability, mobile-friendliness, and other technical aspects
Authority and link-building opportunities with their extensive partnership network
Email marketing campaigns to guide visitors through their journey with your nonprofit
Video production services to create compelling product, demo, and educational videos
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
With more than 10 years of experience in ROI-driven SEO for mission-driven organizations, Nexus Marketing has a deep understanding of how to lay the groundwork for long-term growth while also earning their clients immediate wins. They can accelerate your digital presence and SEO growth through their incredible partnership network of 500+ leaders in the mission-driven space.
For instance, they helped the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) grow awareness of its Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential and Leaderosity programs. Through the partnership, NLA now has keyword-optimized blog posts and product pages, has published partner posts across authoritative websites, and is featured on referral pages. Thanks to these various opportunities, they’ve achieved incredible organic growth and driven more sales for their training programs.
Getting Attention — Best Nonprofit Technology Consultant for Google Ad Grants
Consulting Firm Overview
Getting Attention is your ultimate nonprofit consultant for all things related to the Google Ad Grants program. They excel in helping nonprofits apply for and manage the grant, ensuring their nonprofit clients maximize their online presence through search engine advertising.
Getting Attenion acts as an extension of your team, ensuring they fully understand your brand and its goals. Then, they’ll create compelling Google Ads that make the most of your allotted $10,000 each month to drive traffic to your most important web pages. Plus, you can relax knowing they’re certified by Google and know what they’re doing.
Google Ad Grant eligibility checks and applications
Ad creation backed by extensive keyword research
Account hygiene to keep your Ad Grants account organized
Ongoing Google Ad Grant compliance
Google Grant reactivation if your account ever gets deactivated
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Getting Attention has worked with nonprofit organizations to achieve a variety of goals. For instance, they helped Erika’s Lighthouse increase awareness of its mission, achieving an impressive 300 clicks in just one month. The ads also have an incredible 15.8% click-through rate, which is higher than the average Google Ad CTR of 3.17%.
Getting Attention has also worked with Glacier National Park Conservancy to drive purchases from its online store to support Glacier National Park. By targeting keywords like “Glacier National Park Tours” and “Glacier National Park Campgrounds,” their Google Ads drove an impressive 2,570 clicks in just one month. You can read more about some of Getting Attention’s other clients in their nonprofit advertising examples guide.
DNL OmniMedia — Top Consultant for Nonprofit Technology Implementation
Consulting Firm Overview
A trusted Blackbaud partner and Salesforce solution provider, DNL OmniMedia understands nonprofit software—but more importantly, they understand nonprofits.
Their full-service consulting firm will assess your technology infrastructure and provide personalized recommendations that align with your mission. Through custom web development, software configurations, and data analysis, Team DNL will ensure that your nonprofit thrives in an increasingly digital age.
In addition to these services, DNL offers products that help nonprofits expand their Blackbaud Luminate system, including peer-to-peer fundraising and advocacy add-ons.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Team DNL has worked with organizations across the mission-driven sector and has solved a variety of technology-related challenges.
From designing a one-of-a-kind nonprofit website for the Interlochen Center for the Arts to creating custom Blackbaud TeamRaiser donation forms for the North Shore Animal League, the DNL team has extended their expertise to a number of clients.
Donorly — Top Choice for Fundraising Strategy Development
Consulting Firm Overview
Ever look at your fundraising goals and wonder if you can achieve them? The nonprofit technology consultants at Donorly know that you can if you just have the right information and assets by your side!
Under the direction of president Sandra Davis, the Donorly team channels their creativity and passion into creating elegant donor research solutions specifically for your nonprofit. With their comprehensive donor information, your nonprofit can reach higher than you thought possible.
Nonprofit Technology Services
When it comes to donor research, the Donorly team provides your nonprofit with the foundations for:
Capital campaign management
Board expansions and recruiting
Grant proposal writing
Interim staffing
Donorly promises a customized approach, based on their unique engagement model.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Many of Donorly’s clients come from the arts and culture or humanities space, though the team has worked with nonprofits across the sector. Their client lists includes the Seattle Children’s Museum, Playwrights Horizons, Martha & Mary Lutheran Services, and the Studio Theatre.
Morweb — Best Technology Consultant For Nonprofit Web Design
Consulting Firm Overview
For nonprofits looking to get started building a beautiful website, Morweb will be the perfect partner. Pairing their unmatched CMS with expert support services, your web design strategy will be more effective than ever.
When you leverage Morweb’s consulting services, they’ll walk you step-by-step through the website creation and implementation process.
After your website is live, you can still call on them for additional consulting if you ever want to update your style, change your strategy, or otherwise improve the functionality of your site.
Nonprofit Technology Services
Morweb offers the following nonprofit web design services:
Customizable themes and layouts
Search engine optimization
Form builders
Donation processing
Technology and design consulting
Even better, Morweb has scalable products to meet the needs of all kinds of nonprofits. This way, you can pay for what you need now and have the option of upgrading down the line.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Morweb has experience enhancing the web design strategy of a diverse range of nonprofits, from small, regional organizations to international ones.
Their portfolio of clients includes nonprofits like 4th Street BRZ in Canada, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, Society of University Surgeons, and the Driving School Association of the Americas.
Whole Whale — Top Consultant for Web Data and Technology
Consulting Firm Overview
Whole Whale is a digital agency dedicated to helping nonprofits enhance their strategic use of technology. They’ll help your organization learn valuable skills and implement best practices so that you don’t need to rely on a consultant or third-party administrator.
To achieve that goal, Whole Whale provides one-on-one consulting services for clients with like-minded missions. On top of their long-term projects, this firm also offers online training courses through Whole Whale University in areas such as social media, Google AdWords, and more.
Nonprofit Technology Services
Whole Whale takes a holistic approach to digital strategy, with key services that include:
Google AdWords grants management
Google Analytics
Web design and development
Content marketing
Each Whole Whale project is customized based on nonprofit needs, so you won’t have to worry about getting a canned approach.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Notably, Whole Whale worked with the Malala Fund to improve the nonprofit’s use of Google Analytics for tracking user actions on their site. Following their engagement, the Malala Fund was able to successfully implement Google Analytics on their own, without any ongoing support from a consultant.
Heller Consulting — Best Nonprofit Technology Consultant for CRM Management
Consulting Firm Overview
Since 1996, Heller Consulting has worked exclusively with nonprofits to develop effective strategies in data management, communications, fundraising, and other vital areas.
In particular, the Heller consultants are passionate about working with nonprofits to get more from their CRM systems. With their services, your organization can outline a clear vision for your constituent relationship management, implement and customize your technology, and learn best practices for your software.
Nonprofit Technology Services
Heller Consulting works primarily with nonprofits and higher education institutes, offering a variety of technology services such as:
CRM strategy and design
CRM implementation
Online fundraising strategy
Google Analytics
In addition, Heller Consulting maintains an active blog on their website to help organizations continue gaining and sharing knowledge about nonprofit technology.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Heller Consulting has worked with nonprofit clients in multiple sectors, including advocacy, healthcare, higher education, and social services. Some of their past engagements include the ASPCA, Make a Wish National Foundation, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
You can check out their website for more information on recent projects and case studies detailing their work with specific software solutions, such as the Salesforce Community Cloud.
Idealist Consulting — Top Consultant for Salesforce Implementation
Consulting Firm Overview
With about 60% of their clients being nonprofits, Idealist Consulting specializes in Salesforce and marketing automation consulting. They can help you build out a custom Salesforce experience that works for your organization, with strategic app integrations and personalized configurations.
Idealist Consulting works with organizations to get more from the Salesforce system and raise funds and awareness for their cause. Their four-step consulting process always concludes with increased impact made possible through strategic technology implementation.
Nonprofit Technology Services
Idealist Consulting offers services that build on your existing technology and online presence through:
Salesforce CRM development
Email marketing automation
Online form optimization
Salesforce application integration
On top of all of that, Idealist can also work with you to build out a custom Salesforce app of your own!
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Among their other nonprofit and for-profit clients, Idealist Consulting worked with The Banfield Foundation, an animal welfare organization, to move their data to the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack for improved fundraising and donor data management.
By learning how to track small donations more effectively in Salesforce, The Banfield Foundation increased their online donations by over 300%! Idealist Consulting also developed custom fields within their CRM and helped them generate unique reports showing donor trends and demographics.
Apparo — Best Nonprofit Technology Consultant For Corporate Partnerships
Consulting Firm Overview
Apparo seeks to “empower nonprofits through technology that enhances their missions.” They provide volunteer nonprofit technology consulting to organizations of all sizes and skill levels in the Charlotte, North Carolina, community.
All of Apparo’s consulting services are individualized and unique to the organization. They’ll get to know your organization so they can most aptly pinpoint challenges and areas for improvement before working to push your mission forward.
Nonprofit Technology Services
Apparo’s consulting team offers a wide variety of free nonprofit services, including:
Basic Microsoft coaching
Nonprofit technology panels and forums
One-on-one technology assessments
Training groups
As a nonprofit themselves, Apparo is dedicated to helping philanthropic organizations within their community. Their volunteer consultants can help organizations with almost anything, from selecting the right software to learning the most up-to-date best practices in the nonprofit tech community.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
Apparo’s many success stories include the Carolina Raptor Center, a nonprofit working to rehabilitate and release injured birds. Prior to working with Apparo, the Center relied on paper tracking and Excel spreadsheets for all of their volunteer information, costing them time and data.
With Apparo, the Center was able implement more strategic software that reduced paperwork and increased their supporter engagement possibilities across the board.
ScienceSoft — Top Choice for Custom Software Development
Consulting Firm Overview
ScienceSoft is an international provider of IT consulting and software development services with 30 years of experience in heterogeneous IT environments. ScienceSoft is headquatered in Texas, US, and has offices in the EU and Eastern Europe. Today, the company houses a team of 550 experts, including more than 20 business analysts with an understanding of nonprofits’ specific needs and expertise in multiple technology stacks and platform-based solutions.
Other platform-specific consulting – SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Magento.
Nonprofit Technology Portfolio
ScienceSoft has worked with multiple types of NPOs, including educational institutions, government entities and public service providers, supporting the nonprofits’ mission to expand their outreach with available tech capabilities. The examples of such cooperation range from solutions that make an NPO visible on the internet, improve member retention and engagement to multifaceted applications for an NPO’s external interactions with the focus on integrity and confidentiality.
Selecting the right nonprofit technology consultant can be a game-changer for your organization. A motivated and knowledgeable partner can streamline software implementation, customization, and usage, allowing you to harness the full potential of your nonprofit’s technology.
To further enhance your nonprofit software experience, explore these valuable resources:
SEO for Nonprofits: Crash Course & Get-Started Guide: Discover actionable strategies to improve your nonprofit’s search engine rankings and determine whether outsourcing the work to an agency is the right move for your nonprofit.
2024 Nonprofit Trends: What’s Changing and What’s Staying: Explore the latest trends shaping the nonprofit sector, including everything from AI to influencer marketing. Understanding these trends will help you identify the best consulting firm for shaping your technical strategy
Volunteer time off statistics indicate that, as corporate social responsibility continues to gain traction in the business landscape, companies are increasingly offering paid release time for employees to participate in volunteer activities.
For nonprofits and schools, that means extended volunteer pools and enhanced engagement opportunities. Thus, understanding the availability and impact of paid volunteer time on your mission is crucial for leveraging the resources effectively. To do so, we’ve compiled the following insights:
Ready to dive in? Browse the VTO statistics below to begin growing your knowledge on the topic. ↴
Getting Started: Essential Volunteer Time Off Statistics
65% of companies offer some sort of paid-release-time volunteer programs for their employees.
Companies with paid volunteer time off programs offer an average of 20 VTO hours per team member annually (equalling about 2.5 days each year).
VTO is the most desired philanthropic offering a company can offer for its employees.
49% of individuals state work commitments are their biggest obstacle to volunteering.
Conversely, only 30% of volunteers cite one of their reasons for volunteering as having had the time to do so.
Nonwage benefits, including workplace giving opportunities like VTO, constitute 31.1% of private sector workers’ total compensation value.
Employees feel their corporate volunteer activities are most fulfilling when their input about the causes they support is taken into account.
As of 2024, the value of a single volunteer hour (according to the benefit it produces for an organization) is estimated to be $29.95.
An estimated 63 million Americans volunteer 7.7 billion hours each year, which is valued at ~$175 billion annually.
Key Takeaway
The popularity and growing prevalence of paid volunteer time off can go a long way for organizations looking to re-engage with dedicated supporters. The programs alleviate primary obstacles such as work commitments for potential volunteers, thereby extending the pool of interested individuals and tapping into a meaningful source of no-cost labor.
The Widespread Benefits of Volunteer Time Off Programs
Offering VTO increases a company’s employee engagement and productivity levels by 7.5% and 13%, respectively.
67% of survey respondents say that having paid time off work to participate in volunteer activities would make for a positive employee volunteer experience.
Meanwhile, 62% of individuals report that the ability to volunteer during business hours would be the top factor for a positive experience.
70% of individuals who participate in corporate volunteer programs believe that doing so boosts workplace morale more than company mixers or other bonding events.
Employees who participate in their companies’ volunteerism programs are 52% less likely to turnover, thus reducing costs for recruitment and training.
Employees who engage in corporate giving programs tend to have 75% longer tenure within their companies.
93% of respondents felt better and less stressed after 12 months of volunteering, which means less burnout, fewer instances of absenteeism, and far greater productivity for participating companies.
83% of executives believe VTO can help employees be purpose-driven.
76% of people say they developed core work skills through volunteering opportunities.
Employees see 5x higher engagement rates at companies with employee volunteer programs.
89% of Americans believe companies that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall workplace environment than those that don’t.
77% of nonprofit professionals report that having qualified volunteers on staff might improve their organization’s practices.
Key Takeaway
Volunteer time off, or VTO, can have a transformative impact on charitable organizations. And that’s in addition to the value received by other program stakeholders like companies and their employees. Access to qualified volunteers through corporate engagement programs (particularly those with unique skills and expertise) presents a powerful opportunity for nonprofits like yours to improve operations and further their missions effectively.
Growing VTO Opportunities Over Time: Key Trends & Patterns
An additional 21% of companies plan to implement VTO programs by the end of 2024.
Formal volunteerism has declined since 2006, with leading causes including a lack of time and flexibility by supporters.
61% of survey respondents reported that participation in employee volunteer activities increased in 2023.
Professional services, information technology, and financial services companies are the most likely to offer paid VTO programs.
The average corporate volunteer participation rate is 33%.
The participation rate at top-quartile corporate volunteer programs is 66%.
25% of survey respondents experienced an increase in their employee engagement budgets in 2023.
51% of workers expect their employers to allocate work time and resources for their employees to volunteer for social causes.
Leading volunteer activities include fundraising (36%), food collection or distribution (34.2%), making or distributing clothing, crafts, or other goods (26.5%), and mentoring youth (26.2%).
Key Takeaway
Staying abreast of trends in corporate volunteerism and other philanthropic initiatives is paramount for nonprofit staff. Why? Understanding the ongoing patterns and progression of the programs enables organizations to adapt their strategies and outreach efforts effectively. This ensures they can capitalize on emerging opportunities for collaboration and support with the greatest results!
Overall, keeping up to date empowers nonprofits to better navigate the dynamic landscape of social impact, fostering greater resilience, adaptability, and success in achieving organizational goals.
Fun Facts on Other Corporate Giving & Volunteerism Programs
Companies donate an average of $21 billion to nonprofits, schools, and other fundraising organizations each year.
40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs.
80% of companies with volunteer grant programs provide between $8 and $15 per hour to the organizations to which their employees devote their time.
79% of people who volunteer with a nonprofit also contribute financially to the organization, with 84% being more likely to give if a donation match is available.
Over 26 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs.
An estimated $2 to $3 billion is donated through employee matching gift programs each year, with an additional $4 – $7 billion going unclaimed.
360MatchPro’s Volunteer Hub database contains program information on thousands of companies with volunteer grant programs, paid volunteer time off, and more.
Key Takeaway
VTO programs aren’t the only way your organization can benefit from corporate and workplace giving! From matching employee gifts to generous community grants, these initiatives represent a vital source of funding for nonprofits and schools alike. Take some time to research the giving programs made available by your supporters’ companies and see how your organization can reap the rewards.
Powering Engagement With These Volunteer Time Off Statistics
Volunteer Time Off programs hold immense potential for nonprofits like yours. As evidenced by the VTO statistics presented above, these initiatives seek to deepen engagement and incentivize supporter involvement in your cause.
When volunteers know they won’t miss out on a day’s wages to support your organization, they’ll be more inclined to play a role. As a result, VTO not only enhances employee morale for your corporate partners but also fuels meaningful philanthropy. And your nonprofit can benefit!
By leveraging these insights, pursuing available opportunities, and addressing the challenges highlighted, organizations can empower volunteers to use their time off to create lasting change.
Interested in diving deeper into volunteer time off and other workplace giving incentives? Check out these additional resources to learn more:
Top Volunteer Grant Companies: Do You Work For One? Find out if your supporters qualify for volunteer grants. Discover leading companies and learn how your nonprofit can benefit from monetizing volunteerism.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DTD_Key-Volunteer-Time-Off-Statistics-to-Grow-Your-Volunteerism_Feature.png6001600Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-05-08 17:30:182024-07-10 20:52:14Key Volunteer Time Off Statistics to Grow Your Volunteerism
In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal growth can be challenging for employees. However, an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of community engagement. As a result, more employers are offering Paid Volunteer Time Off programs as part of their staff compensation packages. In order to get better acquainted with the idea, we’ll highlight some top VTO companies below.
(Interested in a particular employer? Click on the ‘company name’ to skip to that section!)
If you’re looking for a refresher on volunteer time off—and how to make the most of the programs for your organization—check out our complete VTO guide here.
Otherwise, we’ve provided a quick summary of the benefits before jumping into the compilation of VTO companies below.
BENEFITS OF VTO FOR EMPLOYEES
The opportunity to give back to their communities, develop new skills, and support causes they are passionate about through volunteerism without missing out on a portion of a regular paycheck
BENEFITS OF VTO FOR NONPROFITS
Access to skilled volunteers who are motivated to make a meaningful impact, thus expanding their capacity, tapping into specialized expertise, and accomplishing more with limited resources
BENEFITS OF VTO FOR COMPANIES
Enhanced reputation as a socially responsible employer, strengthened corporate culture with heightened staff engagement, loyalty, and retention, leading to positive business outcomes
Read up on these programs to explore top companies offering paid volunteer time off for their employees. Then, see if your supporters qualify for the benefit! 🠟
Sector: Media & Technology Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide Employee count: ~2,000 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
AppDynamics, a leader in application performance management, believes in giving back to the community. Their VTO program reflects this value by allowing employees to take paid time off (up to a full week each year) to engage in volunteer activities with the charitable organizations of their choice.
By providing this opportunity, AppDynamics fosters a culture of social responsibility and actively encourages its employees to contribute to the betterment of society on a local and global scale.
Sector: Healthcare Location: Chicago, IL and nationwide Employee count: ~190,000 VTO cap: 15 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ (Can vary based on location)
Blue Cross Blue Shield, a network of independently owned health insurance companies across the U.S., demonstrates its commitment to improving health, going above and beyond medical care to include community well-being. Through their generous VTO program, employees are granted paid time off (equal to 15 hours, or nearly two full days of work) to volunteer for various philanthropy initiatives.
In investing in employee volunteerism, Blue Cross Blue Shield strengthens its ties to its community while supporting healthcare access for underserved populations and reinforcing its mission to promote health and wellness for all.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: San Jose, CA and nationwide Employee count: ~84,900 VTO cap: 80 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
At Cisco Systems, technology is not just about innovation. It’s also about making a positive impact on society. That’s why the company’s VTO program empowers employees to spend up to two weeks each year volunteering with nonprofit causes.
As it encourages employees to give back through incentivized volunteerism, Cisco cultivates a culture of collaboration and social responsibility. Through their VTO program, employees can also leverage their skills and expertise to support the communities in which they live and work, ultimately aligning with the company’s vision of technology as a force for good.
Sector: Public Location: Redwood City, CA Employee count: ~4,800 VTO cap: 20 – 416 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Payroll Deductions ✔
The County of San Mateo in Redwood City, California also values community engagement and aims to incentivize philanthropy among its staff. Through its VTO program, employees are granted paid time off to volunteer for local initiatives, with the number of hours each team member receives ranging from 20 to 416 annually.
By supporting employee volunteerism, the County further strengthens its ties with the community and fosters a sense of civic pride and responsibility among its workforce.
Sector: Professional Services Location: London, England and worldwide Employee count: ~455,000 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Deloitte, a global leader in consulting and professional services, recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities it serves. It aims to increase its philanthropy efforts by offering paid volunteer time off, with team members encouraged to spend a full day each year supporting nonprofit causes.
Whether it’s providing pro bono consulting services to nonprofit organizations, participating in skills-based volunteering initiatives, or organizing fundraising events, Deloitte’s employees are empowered to make a positive impact beyond the office building.
Sector: Energy & Power Location: Houston, TX and nationwide Employee count: ~2,900 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
EOG Resources, a leading energy company, believes in giving back to the communities where it operates. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes like environmental stewardship, community development, or disaster relief.
By supporting employee volunteerism with paid time off, EOG Resources demonstrates its commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainable development. Plus, it fosters a culture of giving and philanthropy among its workforce.
Sector: Energy & Power Location: Andover, MA and worldwide Employee count: ~6,500 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Sustainability Projects ✔
Enel, a global energy company, is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Enel employees have the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world by spending one day each year out of the office, giving back to their communities.
Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for a range of environmental conservation and other philanthropic efforts. By investing in employee volunteerism, Enel strengthens its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and aligns its business objectives with the needs of society and the planet.
Sector: Financial Services Location: Lakewood, CO and nationwide Employee count: ~4,100 VTO cap: 16 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
FirstBank, a leading financial institution, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects two days out of the year.
Whether it’s serving meals at homeless shelters, tutoring students in underserved neighborhoods, or participating in financial literacy workshops, each employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference without losing out on any pay.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: Seattle, WA and worldwide Employee count: ~1,700 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
As a global leader in visual communication, Getty Images is committed to making a positive impact on society and engaging its workforce to do the same. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes, from arts and culture and education to humanitarian relief efforts.
In order to do so, Getty Images employees have the opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise to drive positive change for their nonprofit partners.
Sector: Financial Services Location: Fort Worth, TX and nationwide Employee count: ~8,800 VTO cap: 32 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
GM Financial, the financial services arm of General Motors, believes in giving back to the communities it serves through volunteerism and other philanthropy programs. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with up to four days of paid time off for charitable volunteer initiatives.
By supporting employee volunteerism, GM Financial strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and supplies its workforce with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Sector: Toy & Entertainment Location: Pawtucket, RI and worldwide Employee count: ~5,600 VTO cap: 48 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Hasbro is committed to making a positive impact on the world through a generous VTO program, providing employees with paid volunteer time off to devote to giving back. Corporate employees are granted four hours worth of time off each month, equating to six full days on an annual basis they can spend performing volunteer activities with a wide range of causes.
Sector: Food & Beverage Location: White Plains, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~8,500 VTO cap: 36 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Heineken, a global brewing company committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, believes in raising a glass to community service and volunteerism. Through its company volunteer program, employees are provided with a total of 36 hours of paid time off each year to spend volunteering for causes they are passionate about.
Sector: Healthcare Location: Louisville, KY and nationwide Employee count: ~67,700 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Leading health and well-being company, Humana, believes in giving back to the communities it serves, and it encourages its staff to do so as well. Every year, Humana employees are provided with paid time off (equal to one full day of work) to spend volunteering with the charitable organizations of their choice!
Sector: Media & Technology Location: Denver, CO and nationwide Employee count: ~815 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Nonprofit Partnerships ✔
Ibotta, a leading mobile rewards platform, has also developed a VTO program designed to empower employees to spend time volunteering with nonprofit causes. Team members receive 8 hours of paid time off each year, providing them with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world around them.
While the causes supported can range greatly, Ibotta staff have engaged with tons of organizations centered on hunger relief, education, and environmental sustainability.
Sector: Financial Services Location: Mountain View, CA and worldwide Employee count: ~18,200 VTO cap: 32 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Intuit, a leading financial software company, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects. Whether it’s providing tax assistance to low-income individuals, mentoring small business owners, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, Intuit employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
By supporting employee volunteerism, Intuit strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and reinforces its commitment to building stronger, more prosperous communities.
Sector: Healthcare Location: New Brunswick, NJ and worldwide Employee count: ~141,700 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company, is committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world through its pharmaceutical products and beyond. One key facet of its employee giving initiatives is a generous VTO program. Through the program, employees are able to use dedicated paid time off (up to a full week each year) to volunteer with the causes of their choice.
By supporting employee volunteerism in this way, Johnson & Johnson strengthens its commitment to the company’s founding principles of caring for the communities it serves.
Sector: Professional Services Location: New York, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~219,200 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offers a standout VTO program designed to empower its employees to give back to the communities they serve. With paid volunteer time off, employees are encouraged to partake in volunteer projects during standard working hours (without losing out on any pay) for up to 5 days each year.
Sector: Home Improvement Location: Mooresville, NC and worldwide Employee count: ~300,000 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Community Grants ✔
Lowe’s, a leading home improvement retailer, is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, more than 300,000 employees across the globe are provided with a day’s worth of paid time off specifically for volunteerism. Whether it’s building homes for families in need, renovating schools and community centers, or participating in disaster relief efforts, Lowe’s employees have the opportunity to develop and leverage new skills, make a meaningful difference, and contribute to the well-being of communities across the country.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: Redmond, WA and worldwide Employee count: ~221,000 VTO cap: 24 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ Microsoft Ad Grants ✔
As a leading technology company, Microsoft believes in using its resources to make a positive impact on society. That includes its labor!
Through its VTO program, Microsoft employees are encouraged to participate in dedicated technology and innovation projects to use their skills and expertise for good (for up to three working days a year).
Sector: Information Location: New York, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~44,000 VTO cap: 24 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Nielsen is a global measurement and data analytics company, and it’s committed to making a positive impact on society through corporate philanthropy programs like paid volunteer time off and more. Each team member receives 24 hours of VTO annually, which employees can use to participate in fundraising events, community service initiatives, and other nonprofit activities.
Sector: Healthcare Location: Plainsboro, NJ and worldwide Employee count: ~6,400 VTO cap: 80 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company committed to driving change and improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. One way that it aims to do so is by engaging its employees in volunteer activities (such as hosting educational workshops, participating in fundraising events, or working at free medical clinics).
The company also boasts one of the highest annual limits, offering each employee up to two weeks of paid time to spend participating in nonprofit volunteer activities.
Sector: Fashion & Apparel Location: Ventura, CA and worldwide Employee count: ~3,000 VTO cap: 18 hours per year* Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Patagonia, a leading outdoor apparel company, is committed to environmental conservation and corporate activism. By offering paid volunteer time off for its employees, the business encourages philanthropy and enhances its impact on the planet.
Plus, in addition to the standard 18 hours of VTO each year, an employee can choose to spend up to two months volunteering with the environmental organization of their choice.
Sector: Financial Services Location: Pittsburgh, PA and worldwide Employee count: ~56,400 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
PNC Financial Services is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. It’s also a leader in corporate philanthropy and wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. For example, employees are provided with paid time off to spend volunteering with nonprofit organizations through the company’s VTO program. This empowers individual team members to get involved in social good, with a generous annual limit allowing for a full week of volunteer-related activities outside the office.
Sector: Professional Services Location: New York, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~328,000 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
PwC is another of the world’s leading professional services firms. This company, as a way of committing to making a positive impact on society, also offers a generous VTO program in which employees are welcome to spend a full week’s time supporting the nonprofits of their choice. This often includes providing pro bono consulting services but can encompass a wide range of volunteer-focused activities.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide Employee count: ~79,400 VTO cap: 56 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
As a global leader in customer relationship management software, Salesforce believes in the power and potential of using its technology for good. Through its VTO program, employees are empowered to use dedicated paid time off (up to 56 hours annually) to volunteer for their favorite causes.
Sector: Financial Services Location: Wakefield, MA and nationwide Employee count: ~325 VTO cap: 16 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts (with auto-submission enabled) ✔
Sentinel Group, also referred to as Sentinel Benefits and Financial Group, is a leader in risk management and security solutions. As a tangible way to give back to the communities it serves, the company has developed a generous VTO program, where employees are provided with paid time off (equal to two days annually) to volunteer with qualifying nonprofit groups.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: Santa Clara, CA and worldwide Employee count: ~22,700 VTO cap: 20 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
ServiceNow, a leading provider of digital workflow solutions, believes in using its technology to drive positive change. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, such as education, environmental sustainability, or social justice.
Whether it’s developing software solutions for nonprofit organizations, organizing volunteer events, or participating in service projects, ServiceNow employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: Saint Paul, MN and worldwide Employee count: ~303,000 VTO cap: 16 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Team Volunteer Grants ✔
Siemens, the global technology powerhouse, commits to engaging its employees by supplying 16 hours worth of paid volunteer time off every year for team members to support nonprofit causes. That’s in addition to the other giving programs the company established, which include matching employee donations and offering team-wide volunteer grants, too!
Sector: Financial Services Location: New York, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~40,000 VTO cap: 16 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
S&P Global, a leading provider of financial market intelligence, engages its employee base in volunteerism (and other giving programs) by incentivizing their involvement. One such program offers paid VTO, or volunteer time off, where employees are given the opportunity to spend two days working with various organizations or projects on an annual basis.
Sector: Fashion & Apparel Location: New York, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~17,300 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Tapestry is a leading house of modern luxury and lifestyle brands. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society in a number of ways, which include matching employee donations and offering paid time off for nonprofit volunteering. Specifically, through its VTO program, employees across Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman are gifted paid time off to volunteer for and make a positive impact on causes they are passionate about.
Sector: Healthcare Location: Cambridge, MA and worldwide Employee count: ~47,300 VTO cap: 16 hours per year* Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to making the world a better place through strategic philanthropy, innovation, and more. Through its VTO program, the company’s employees are gifted paid time off to volunteer. The program provides two days of paid time off per year, though Takeda has been known to expand the program to offer up to five days in the event of a humanitarian crisis.
Sector: Information Location: Toronto, Canada and worldwide Employee count: ~15,600 VTO cap: 16 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of business information services, believes in giving back through corporate volunteerism. In order to engage its employee base, the company provides an additional 16 hours of paid time off to volunteer for charitable projects.
Whether it’s providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, employees have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Sector: Fashion & Apparel Location: Stratham, NH and nationwide Employee count: ~50,000 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Timberland, along with other subsidiaries of VF Corporation like North Face, JanSport, Dickies, and more, is a global outdoor lifestyle brand committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off (a full week’s worth!) to participate in volunteer activities.
By supporting employee volunteerism, Timberland strengthens its commitment to corporate citizenship and reinforces its mission to inspire and equip people to step outside, work together, and make a difference in the world.
Sector: Higher Education Location: Tucson, AZ Employee count: ~1,600 VTO cap: 8 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Scholarship Funds ✔ Research and Innovation ✔
The University of Arizona is a leading public research university. It’s also an institution that’s committed to serving the greater community and fostering social responsibility among its employees. One way that it does so is through its VTO program!
As a way to incentivize volunteerism among university faculty and staff, team members are encouraged to spend 8 hours of paid time off volunteering with nonprofit. In the end, the University strengthens its commitment to excellence and innovation, both on campus and beyond.
Sector: Media & Technology Location: New York, NY and worldwide Employee count: ~35,300 VTO cap: 40 hours per year Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Warner Media, formerly Warner Bros. Discovery, is a leading global media and entertainment company devoted to driving positive change in society through various philanthropy efforts. One example of this is its VTO program, where employees are encouraged to use 40 hours of dedicated paid time off to volunteer for causes related to arts and culture, education, social justice, and beyond.
Wrapping Up
Corporate social responsibility continues to grow in terms of demand and execution alike, which means more companies participating than ever before. Volunteerism is one of the top ways for corporate employees to get involved, and paid volunteer programs from VTO companies like these offer a unique incentive for engagement.
Just remember: the companies selected above represent only a fraction of available opportunities. Encourage your volunteers, donors, and other supporters to look into their employers’ programming to see what possibilities lie in your network.
Interested in delving deeper into corporate volunteerism and other forms of workplace giving incentives? Check out the additional resources below:
Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts. Unlock your full fundraising potential with matching gifts! This downloadable resource shares invaluable insights and tips to help navigate the world of matching gifts with ease.
Maximizing Impact With Corporate Volunteer Grant Programs. Volunteer grant programs provide charitable funds in response to employee volunteerism. Learn to identify opportunities, enhance engagement, and maximize financial support here.
Navigating Corporate Philanthropy | A Nonprofit Playbook. Gain a deeper understanding of corporate giving in this guide. From establishing partnerships to securing vital funding, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DTD_Top-VTO-Companies-15-Volunteer-Time-Off-Programs-to-Know_Feature.png7502000Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-05-07 00:16:242024-09-30 18:07:17Top Volunteer Time Off Companies | 35 Programs to Know
Consider the following scenario: You’re listening to your regularly scheduled radio show when it’s interrupted for the station’s annual pledge drive. You hear the on-air host making an appeal—“Fundraising is an essential part of what we do at Public Broadcasting Station, and it’s the most efficient way to source funds needed to supply our listeners with educational, inspirational, and entertaining content. Not to mention, thousands of employers offer matching gifts for public media like us, meaning your contributions can go twice as far for your favorite programs.”
Pledge drives and other revenue-generation efforts are crucial for obtaining sustainable funding and delivering high-quality content to widespread communities. Incorporating matching gift opportunities into your media organization’s outreach can go a long way!
In this post, we’ll explore how nonprofits in the media sector can leverage matching gifts to amplify their impact, enhance donor engagement, and ultimately boost their broadcasts. We’ll cover the following topics below:
The Basics of Matching Gifts for Public Media Groups
Matching gifts for public media groups is a category of philanthropy in which companies match donations to the public broadcasting services their employees financially support. This makes it an essential form of workplace giving for these organizations, empowering donors to double or even triple the value of their gifts without reaching back into their own wallets.
All a donor generally has to do is complete a brief online request form for their employer to review and disburse match funding to your cause.
The benefits of matching gifts for public media organizations are significant and widespread. Successful donation-matching ensures that public media outlets, such as radio programs and television networks, are more sustainably funded to better serve the community’s needs and interests. Meanwhile, donors feel more deeply connected to the broadcasts they play a direct role in supporting through financial donations and matching gifts!
Match More Gifts With Double the Donation
Get a sneak peek of the industry-leading matching gift automation solution, 360MatchPro.
5 Companies to Know That Match Gifts to Public Media
Over 65% of Fortune 500 companies provide donation matches to the nonprofits their employees support. Check out the examples below to explore top programs that actively match gifts to public broadcasting organizations like yours!
Warner Bros. Discovery
Minimum donation amount: $10 Maximum donation amount: $1,000 Match ratio: 1:1 Eligible employees: Part-time, full-time Eligible nonprofits: Many nonprofits, including public media
Warner Bros. Discovery is a prime example of an employer engaging its workforce through collaborative philanthropy. The company offers two generous giving programs in which its staff are encouraged to donate their money and time to qualifying nonprofits: matching gifts and volunteer grants, respectively.
Each year, full-time and part-time employees have the chance to request up to a combined $1,000 in matches and grants for their favorite causes—of which your public media organization may be included.
The Walt Disney Company (incl. Hulu, Marvel Entertainment, ABC)
Minimum donation amount: $25 Maximum donation amount: $25,000 Match ratio: 1:1 Eligible employees: Part-time, full-time Eligible nonprofits: Most nonprofits, including public media
The Walt Disney Company is another leading corporation known for maximizing employee participation in philanthropy. With a lofty maximum threshold of $25,000, current team members are encouraged to give generously to their favorite nonprofit causes—and to have those gifts matched, dollar-for-dollar.
Disney’s matching gift program is also inclusive of its subsidiaries, too, meaning Hulu, Marvel Entertainment, and ABC employees are welcome to participate.
Minimum donation amount: $10-$50 Maximum donation amount: $1,000-$2,000 Match ratio: 1:1 Eligible employees: Full-time, select retirees Eligible nonprofits: Most nonprofits, including public media
Sony Corporation, encompassing subsidiaries such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Corporation of America, and Sony Electronics, operates a few generous matching gift programs that your team might want to take advantage of. These efforts aim to support employees’ charitable giving and reinforce the company’s commitment to social responsibility
Keep in mind that the eligibility criteria and submission processes vary across Sony’s different entities, so it’s important to select the correct employer from the database search tool!
Minimum donation amount: None Maximum donation amount: $1,000 Match ratio: 1:1 Eligible employees: Full-time Eligible nonprofits: Most nonprofits, including public media
Fox Corporation is dedicated to engaging its employees and supporting the communities it serves through its matching gift program. As part of the initiative, the program matches the gifts its current full-time employees make to a wide range of nonprofits. And your public media organization is likely included!
By empowering its employees to give back and amplifying their charitable efforts, Fox Corporation reinforces its commitment to doing good, creating positive change in its staffs’ communities around the world.
Minimum donation amount: None Maximum donation amount: $10,000 Match ratio: 1:1 Eligible employees: Part-time, full-time, board members Eligible nonprofits: Most nonprofits, including public media
In addition to its standout Google Ad Grants program, one of the primary ways Google participates in philanthropy is by matching employees’ charitable gifts. With its matching gift program, the company doubles donations to thousands of nonprofits, effectively multiplying the impact of team members’ contributions.
Then, going a step further, Google also offers an additional $10,000 match limit for donations going to disaster or international relief! Not to mention, matching funds that employees raise through peer-to-peer fundraising events like runs, walks, and rides.
Tips & Tricks for Spreading the Word About Matching Gifts
Implementing a well-thought-out matching gift fundraising plan is an integral step in bridging the knowledge and funding gaps many organizations see. The following tips and tricks will empower public broadcasters like you to maximize donations, build stronger relationships with individual and corporate donors, and reach fundraising goals more effectively and efficiently than ever before.
1. Incorporate matching gift info in pledge drives and on-air appeals.
Public media stations often heavily rely on annual pledge drives to generate the funding needed to power their operations. Thus, you’ll want to heavily promote matching gifts throughout such efforts.
For this strategy, we recommend incorporating information about matching gift programs directly into your on-air appeals. As you introduce your campaign and make the ask of your viewers and listeners, mentioning the opportunity for gifts to be doubled can go a long way. In fact, matching gift research indicates that 84% of donors would be more likely to give if a match is offered, while 1 in 3 say they’d give a larger amount.
Top tip: Kickstart your efforts using our free matching gift appeal script below!
2. Leverage and enhance supporter loyalty with matching gifts.
Matching gifts not only increase the financial impact of one-time individual gifts but also serve as a powerful tool for building supporter loyalty. When donors see that their contributions are going twice as far, they feel double the sense of connection and pride in their support of the organization. And it makes them want to stay involved in the long run, ultimately lengthening and improving the donor journey.
For public media groups, this is essential—as nonprofit broadcast services are often powered by a group of committed, long-term supporters. Additionally, highlighting matching gift opportunities demonstrates the station’s dedication to stewarding its financial assets responsibly, further strengthening the bond between the station and its donors.
3. Offer unique incentives for matching gift participation by donors.
One way to encourage donors to take advantage of matching gift opportunities is by rewarding them for doing so. Offer unique incentives for match-eligible donors who ultimately take the steps to request a match from their employer on your behalf. These might include:
Branded apparel (such as t-shirts, hats, and hoodies)
Other branded merchandise (pens, stickers, mugs, etc.)
Not to mention, as a less tangible incentive, let your audience know that participating in matching gifts will allow your team to reach its fundraising goals sooner. You may even be able to wrap up your pledge drive and return to viewers’ and listeners’ regularly scheduled programming early.
4. Integrate a matching gift solution into your fundraising toolkit.
To streamline the process of capturing matching gifts for public media organizations like yours, it’s essential that teams integrate an automation solution into their software toolkits. Luckily, Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro integrates with the leading public media fundraising platforms to ensure quick and easy implementation.
Once equipped with a matching gift solution, your organization will be set to automatically identify matching gift opportunities, educate donors about the process, and facilitate the submission of matching gift requests. The tool simplifies the administrative burden on broadcast staff and even ensures that no matchable gifts slip through the cracks.
Match More Gifts With Double the Donation
Get a sneak peek of the industry-leading matching gift automation solution, 360MatchPro.
Sample Scripts | Marketing Matching Gifts to Your Public Media Audience
Kick off your organization’s matching gift promotional efforts with these customizable scripts and templates. Remember: educating your audience about the matching gift opportunity increases the likelihood that donors request their matches.
On-Air Pledge Drive Script: Template #1
“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], [viewers/listeners]! As we embark on our annual pledge drive, I want to start with a pop quiz: What do companies like Disney, Google, and SONY Corporation (along with thousands of others) have in common?
If you said that they all match employees’ donations to nonprofit groups like ours, you’d be correct. That means your donation to [Public Media Organization] could be matchable, stretching twice as far for your favorite broadcast programs.
To check if your employer participates in matching gifts, head to our Match Page at [URL] to search for your company. Then, make your pledge online or by calling now at [station phone number]. Thank you for all your support, and let’s make this pledge drive one for the books!”
Phonathon Script: Template #2
“Good [Morning/Afternoon/Evening], [Recipient]! My name is [Name], and I’m calling on behalf of [Public Media Organization]. We’re reaching out to our valued supporters like you today to share an exciting opportunity to support our station.
Did you know that your donations to [Public Media Organization] may be eligible for a match from your employer? That’s right! Thousands of companies match team members’ gifts, doubling or sometimes tripling the value of each dollar an employee donates.
If you provide the name of your employer, I can do a quick search of our company database to see if you qualify for a match! Then, I’ll walk you through the process of giving and completing the request process to maximize your support for our organization.
Your generosity is instrumental in helping us deliver enriching content to our community, and we deeply appreciate your dedication to [Public Media Organization]!”
Email: Template #3
Subject: Double your support for public media like [Public Media Organization]
Dear [Recipient],
I hope this email finds you well. As a valued supporter of the [Public Media Organization] family, we wanted to see if you were familiar with corporate matching gift opportunities. If not, here’s a brief overview:
Tons of businesses double or even triple their employees’ contributions to causes like ours. This means every dollar you give could be matched by your employer, effectively doubling the impact of your support for our programming and community initiatives.
Interested? Here’s how you can participate:
Visit our donation page at [URL] to make your contribution.
Check if your employer offers a matching gift program on our website search tool: [URL]
If eligible, submit a matching gift request to double your impact on our community.
Your ongoing generosity plays a crucial role in sustaining our mission to produce and supply informative, entertaining, and enriching content. Thank you for considering this opportunity to maximize your support for [Public Media Organization]!
Warm regards,
[Name]
[Title/Position]
[Public Media Organization]
Tweet: Template #4
Exciting news—your support for [Public Media Organization] might be able to make an even bigger impact! Thanks to corporate matching gift programs, thousands of donors’ gifts are matchable by their employers. See if your company matches by using the search tool here: [URL]
Top tip:Make the most of the resources available to you! 360MatchPro users are encouraged to leverage the platform’s library of pre-written emails and pre-made graphic design templates to scale up their matching gift marketing efforts with ease.
Final Thoughts
Harnessing the power of matching gifts presents an invaluable opportunity for public media organizations. When integrated into a fundraising strategy effectively, broadcasters are equipped to amplify impact, engage supporters, and ultimately elevate programming. And this opportunity is only expected to grow. That means now’s your chance to ramp up your efforts, invest in technology, and drive more matching gifts to completion.
Watch the video below to see how Maine Public has boosted matching gifts at their organization by leveraging 360MatchPro!
Interested in more tips and tricks to drive matching gifts for public media groups like yours? Keep reading these additional recommended resources:
40+ Matching Gift Companies: Find Your Match Today. Grow your matching gift fundraising by familiarizing yourself with more top employers offering matching gift programs. Overview guidelines from Apple, General Electric, Google, and others.
Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access 360MatchPro Case Studies. Get inspired by other organizations that have seen great success with matching gifts—including radio stations and television networks. See how Double the Donation’s automation helps!
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DTD_Boost-Your-Broadcasts-Matching-Gifts-for-Public-Media-Orgs_Feature.png4501200Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-03-15 23:14:402024-04-22 20:10:06Matching Gifts for Public Media Orgs | Boost Your Broadcasts
Organizations dedicated to fostering positive social change often struggle to maximize their impact with tight budgets and limited resources. Fortunately, matching gifts for civic and community organizations present a powerful opportunity for individuals to double or even triple their generosity at no added cost. In doing so, these programs allow nonprofits to grow their revenue and tap into one of the most prominent sources of corporate philanthropy funding.
In this guide, we aim to overview everything your team needs to know to navigate the opportunity effectively.
Despite significant potential, many civic and community fundraisers have yet to harness the full power of matching gifts. By implementing the strategies and insights below, you can set your team up for double the success in no time.
Let’s dive in!
Gift-Matching for Civic and Community Groups 101: The Basics
Matching gifts for civic and community organizations, such as advocacy groups, youth development initiatives, civic engagement programs, and more, offer donors an enticing chance to double their support for the social causes they care about.
These match funds, supplied by donors’ employers, effectively double (or sometimes even triple) the impact of each dollar gifted. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
An individual makes a financial contribution to the civic or community organization of their choice.
The donor determines if their employer matches team member donations. If so, the individual accesses eligibility criteria (incl. donation thresholds, ratios, causes, and deadlines) and submission forms.
The donor completes the donation match request process outlined by their employer, generally by filling out a brief online form.
The nonprofit verifies the initial donation with the donor’s employer.
The donor’s employer reviews and approves the matching gift request and contributes match funding to the organization in question.
Overall, matching gifts provide significant value to civic and community organizations. These programs can be powerful tools for mobilizing resources, building nonprofit capacity, and driving collective action among individuals and corporations alike.
Match More Gifts With Double the Donation
Get a sneak peek of the industry-leading matching gift automation solution, 360MatchPro.
5 Community-Focused Companies That Match Employee Gifts
Thousands of employers match gifts to all sorts of nonprofit causes—of which civic and community organizations are generally included. However, these five programs stand out as excellent examples of companies to keep in mind as you uncover match-eligible donors in your community.
Baxter International
Baxter International is a leading healthcare company employing over 60,000 team members across the globe. In order to support the communities where its employees live and work (and encourage individual staff to do the same), Baxter offers a generous giving program, matching between $25 and $5,000 in donations per person each year.
By empowering its employees to give back and amplifying their charitable efforts, the company strengthens its corporate culture of social responsibility and fosters positive change in communities around the world.
Airbnb, a vacation property rental company, also matches its employees’ gifts to eligible nonprofits. Fortunately, this includes civic and community organizations.
With a minimum donation of $25, full-time and part-time Airbnb team members are eligible to get up to $1,000 worth of donations matched with company funds in a single year. That means more dollars flowing into civic and community engagement efforts, empowering individual donors to make a greater impact on the causes that matter most to them.
Checkr is a corporate employee background screening tool that focuses on fair chance hiring practices. In addition to its mission of transforming hiring for a fairer future, the company pledges to donate at least 1% of its employees’ time, product, equity, and profits each year to philanthropic causes.
One way Checkr supports philanthropy is through its matching gift program! Checkr is committed to rallying its employees to give back by encouraging participation and streamlining the engagement process. In fact, it was one of the first companies to offer Double the Donation’s groundbreaking auto-submission functionality through an integration with its CSR portal!
United Parcel Service, or UPS, demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility through its generous matching gift program. The program aims to support its employees’ philanthropic efforts by matching eligible employee donations to a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including civic and community groups. However, gifts must be contributed directly through the company’s giving portal to qualify for a match.
In addition to its matching gift program, UPS also offers volunteer grants for the organizations with which its employees volunteer. When an employee with 1+ years of service spends 50 hours volunteering, the company contributes a $250 grant to the nonprofit.
Comcast, a multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate with more than 186,000 employees, boasts a top matching gift program designed to empower its employees to make a difference. To incentivize giving back within their communities, Comcast offers a generous company match to many nonprofit organizations, including those in the civic and community sectors.
Note: Comcast employees must donate to their favorite nonprofits directly through the company’s corporate giving platform in order to qualify for matching gifts. Employees with questions are encouraged to contact comcastnbcuniversalsupport@cybergrants.com.
Tips for Driving Civic Engagement With Matching Gifts
A well-thought-out fundraising plan enables an organization to amplify its efforts, effectively engage supporters, and make a greater difference in the communities it serves. To begin building a strategy for your team, check out the following expert-recommended practices.
1. Educate your team and your donors about matching gift opportunities.
One primary cause of unclaimed matching gifts is a lack of knowledge about existing programs. To begin bridging the awareness and subsequent funding gaps, we recommend actively promoting the opportunity to your donors and fundraising team alike.
By educating your internal team about matching gifts, you empower them to be your greatest advocates to your donors. Take time to review common matching gift programs (and how to locate additional company guidelines), eligibility requirements, submission processes, match tracking and verification, and more.
At the same time, it is essential to educate donors about matching gift opportunities. An estimated 78% of match-eligible individuals have no idea if their companies match gifts! When donors are provided with clear information about matching gift programs and how they can take advantage of them, though, they’re generally happy to do so. And that means more awareness = more matching gifts completed!
2. Encourage ineligible donors to advocate for matching to their employers.
While not all supporters will qualify for matching gifts at the time of giving, it’s important to remember that even ineligible donors can play a crucial role in your organization’s strategy. And a big part of that is by advocating for new matching gift program development on your behalf.
Companies match gifts largely as an employee engagement opportunity. When an employee pitches the idea of a matching gift program to their boss, the boss is often inclined to consider the proposal positively. The donor may even get their initial gift matched after all!
Top tip: The less intensive your ask, the more likely a donor is to complete the intended action. Provide interested individuals with a customizable template designed to assist in pitching a new matching gift program to one’s employer.
3. Use impact-driven language to communicate matching gift value.
Effective communication is essential for conveying the positive impact of matching gifts to donors—not to mention inspiring them to take action and get involved. Using impact-driven language emphasizes the programs’ tangible benefits and highlights the specific impact they can have on your organization’s mission. For example, if you typically inform donors that a $100 donation will feed a family of four for a week, you can frame a matching gift opportunity as empowering your team to feed two families for the cost of one.
When possible, emphasize real-world outcomes and achievements made possible through matching gifts for your organization in the past, too! This could mean sharing success stories, testimonials, metrics, and more.
4. Automate the matching gift fundraising experience.
Identifying and following up on matching gifts is an extremely valuable fundraising practice. However, doing so manually can involve a number of time-consuming and resource-intensive activities.
Fortunately, automating the matching gift fundraising experience streamlines the process for donors and maximizes efficiency for your organization’s internal team. By implementing an automated matching gift solution like 360MatchPro, you’ll reduce administrative burden and ensure no matching gift opportunity falls by the wayside.
Plus, when you integrate 360MatchPro into your existing software ecosystem, you can incorporate matching gifts directly into the giving experience. Then, trigger tailored matching gift follow-ups that encourage donors to request their matches and provide company-specific guidelines and submission forms. The end result is a significant increase in matching gift participation, revenue, and more.
Match More Gifts With Double the Donation
Get a sneak peek of the industry-leading matching gift automation solution, 360MatchPro.
Free Customizable Templates to Grow Matching Donation Impact
Use the following matching gift outreach examples to inform your organization’s messaging. As you do so, consider how you can customize the templates to fit your nonprofit’s voice and branding to best connect with your audience.
Email Blast: Template #1
Subject: Double Your Impact for [Nonprofit or Initiative]: Matching Donation Opportunity Inside! 💰💰
Dear [Recipient],
As a valued supporter of [Nonprofit], we wanted to share an exciting opportunity that may enable you to DOUBLE your impact on our cause. That is with corporate matching gifts!
Did you know that tens of thousands of businesses—including over 65% of the Fortune 500—match employees’ donations to charitable causes as part of their social responsibility efforts? More than 26 million individuals work for companies that match… and you might be one of them.
To check if your employer offers a matching gift program, please
Click here to visit our matching gift page. [URL]
Type your company name in the search tool widget.
Review the provided guidelines to determine eligibility and access the online forms.
Then, make your donation using our online giving page (if you haven’t already) [URL] and follow the instructions to submit your matching gift request!
As always, your support is critical in helping us [description of mission or current initiatives]. With the power of matching donations, we can do even more to [describe the impact of donations on your organization’s work].
Warm regards,
[Name]
[Title/Position]
[Nonprofit]
LinkedIn Post: Template #2
Attention donors! 📣
Did you know that your generous gifts to [Nonprofit] could have double the impact?
With corporate matching gift programs, millions of donors’ employers provide generous donation matches to the organizations their staff cares about. This allows supporters like you to stretch their gifts and better support [description of mission or current initiatives].
Here’s how you can make a difference:
📲 Visit our donation page at [URL].
💸 Make your contribution and check if your employer offers a matching gift program.
📤 If eligible, submit a matching gift request to double your impact!
Together, we can [description of tangible donation impact] one (matched) donation at a time! 💙 #MatchingGifts #CommunityImpact #DoubleYourImpact
Facebook Post: Template #3
What do Comcast, Airbnb, and the United Parcel Service have in common?
They all offer generous philanthropy initiatives—which include matching gifts for civic and community organizations their employees support.
At [Nonprofit], we’re incredibly grateful for the support of these businesses and the 23,000+ other companies that match gifts for causes like ours. With their help, we amplify our efforts and create lasting change in our communities.
Does your employer participate? If you’ve never checked your eligibility for a match, now is the time to do so. Head to the Matching Gifts Page on our site here [URL] to learn more about the opportunity and see if your company matches!
Top tip:Keep in mind that triggering matching gift outreach has never been easier than with 360MatchPro! Current clients are provided with a number of pre-written emails to implement through the engagement process, along with customizable graphic design elements and Canva templates.
Wrapping Up
Pursuing an optimized matching gift strategy will bring your civic or community organization to new heights in fundraising, donor engagement, mission impact, and more.
By educating your organization inside and out, encouraging advocacy for new program development, and communicating the tangible value of matching gifts, you empower your team to tap into the resource effectively and efficiently. Then, invest in automation technology to streamline the process from start to finish.
Watch the video below to learn how Pi Beta Phi Foundation uses 360MatchPro to scale matching gift revenue.
Looking for more? Check out our other recommended resources below:
Become an Expert: 10 Quick Steps to Matching Gift Success. This free downloadable guide offers ten actionable steps to help civic and community organizations and other nonprofits master the art of matching gift success. Get started by implementing these tips!
How to Identify Corporate Partnerships [With 360MatchPro]. There’s more to corporate giving than matching gifts for civic and community organizations, too. But your matching gift software can help your team uncover the best prospects with which you can partner.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DTD_Advancing-Matching-Gifts-for-Civic-Community-Organizations_Feature.png4501200Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2024-03-15 01:05:132024-04-22 20:16:41Advancing Matching Gifts for Civic & Community Organizations
What Makes This Company’s Programming Stand Out:
