Marketing Strategies Archives - Double the Donation

Matching Gift Web Pages 9 Top Examples to Be Inspired By

Matching Gift Web Pages: 8 Top Examples to Be Inspired By

December 2, 2024/in Lists and Rankings, Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, Company Spotlights /by Adam Weinger

Creating an effective matching gift web page is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways for nonprofits and other groups to boost their fundraising efforts. By educating donors about corporate matching gift programs and providing easy access to necessary tools, your organization can unlock untapped revenue and double—or even triple—contributions. But what makes these matching gift web pages truly successful?

In this post, we’ve compiled the top 8 examples of matching gift web pages from leading nonprofits to inspire your own design. These include:

Lehigh University
University of Georgia
Red Cross
Save the Children
Susan G. Komen
Feeding America
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Humane Society of the United States

From user-friendly layouts to compelling calls to action, these examples showcase how organizations can engage their audiences, streamline the gift-matching process, and drive impressive results. But before we dive in, we want to review the basics.

What are Matching Gift Web Pages?

Matching gift web pages are dedicated sections on a nonprofit’s website designed to educate donors about corporate matching gift programs and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities. These pages serve as a centralized resource to inform supporters that their donations could be doubled through their employers’ philanthropic initiatives, significantly amplifying the impact of their contributions.

Matching gift web pages are essential for nonprofits to raise awareness and capture additional revenue that might otherwise be overlooked. By simplifying the process and making resources readily accessible, these pages help donors understand the value of matching gifts⁠—and ultimately take action.

Whether you’re building a new page from scratch or simply optimizing an existing one, these ideas will help you build a matching gift page that resonates with your donors to drive action.

Let’s begin with the first example!

Matching Gift Web Page #1: Lehigh University

View the matching gifts page here: https://alumni.lehigh.edu/matching-gift

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is a private research institution in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known for its strong engineering, business, and arts programs. Its mission is to advance learning, promote research, and serve society.

Lehigh actively promotes matching gifts by educating alumni, parents, and donors about corporate matching opportunities. The university’s giving portal features a searchable matching gift database, making it easy for donors to identify whether their employers participate in such programs and maximize their support for Lehigh’s academic initiatives and campus projects.

Standout feature: Matching gift search tool, supplying company-specific program insights and forms for thousands of matching gift providers

Matching Gift Web Page #2: University of Georgia

View the matching gifts page here: https://giving.uga.edu/matching-gifts/

The University of Georgia (or UGA), founded in 1785, is a public research university in Athens, Georgia. As one of the oldest public institutions in the United States, UGA’s mission focuses on fostering excellence in education, research, and public service to positively impact its students and communities.

To support its robust academic and extracurricular programs, UGA leverages corporate matching gift programs. The university encourages donors to double their contributions by providing an accessible matching gift tool on its giving pages and highlighting companies that participate in such programs to increase donor engagement.

Standout feature: Highlighting top employers that match employee donations to the university, including collapsible program guidelines for easy access

Matching Gift Web Page #3: Red Cross

View the matching gifts page here: https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/workplace-giving-matching-gift.html

The American Red Cross, founded in 1881, provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education across the globe. Its mission centers on alleviating human suffering during times of crisis through volunteerism and donor support.

The Red Cross strategically integrates matching gift opportunities into its fundraising efforts by maintaining a dedicated matching gift web page and promoting corporate philanthropy during major campaigns. This ensures donors can maximize their impact when supporting disaster response and preparedness programs.

Standout feature: Embedded donation form within the matching gift page, making it easy for donors to take the next steps and make their initial donations (if they haven’t already!) before requesting a match

Matching Gift Web Page #4: Save the Children

View the matching gifts page here: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/about-us/become-a-partner/workplace-giving-matching-gifts

Save the Children is a global nonprofit founded in 1919 that aims to improve the lives of children through education, health care, and protection during crises. Operating in over 100 countries, the organization is committed to ensuring every child has the chance to thrive.

Save the Children emphasizes matching gifts by actively educating donors about corporate matching opportunities. Their fundraising campaigns often highlight matching gift options, making it easy for supporters to search for their employers and multiply their contributions to the cause.

Standout feature: Complete visualization of the matching experience using educational graphics, walking through the process step-by-step

Matching Gift Web Page #5: Susan G. Komen

View the matching gifts page here: https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/matching-gifts/

Susan G. Komen, established in 1982, is a leading organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through research, advocacy, and community support. Known for its iconic Race for the Cure events, the nonprofit focuses on raising awareness and funding for breast cancer programs.

Susan G. Komen also encourages donors to explore matching gift options through dedicated web tools and donor communications. Its emphasis on corporate matching helps secure additional funding for research and support services, amplifying the impact of individual donations.

Standout feature: Matching gift Q&A section, covering all the basics of corporate matching gifts that donors may need to know to participate in the programs

Matching Gift Web Page #6: Feeding America

View the matching gifts page here: https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/matching-gifts

Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working with food banks, pantries, and meal programs to address food insecurity. Founded in 1979, the organization’s mission is to ensure no one in the United States goes hungry.

In order to do so, Feeding America actively incorporates matching gifts into its fundraising strategy by partnering with companies and their employees to double donor contributions. Their website features a matching gift page and tools to make it easy for supporters to multiply their impact and help feed more people in need.

Standout feature: Simple step-by-step breakdown of the matching gift process, making it easy for donors to check their eligibility, submit a request, and multiply their impact

Matching Gift Web Page #7: Shriners Hospitals for Children

View the matching gifts page here: https://lovetotherescue.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/matching-gifts

Shriners Hospitals for Children, established in 1922, provides specialized pediatric care, conducts innovative research, and offers educational programs regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of children with orthopedic conditions, burns, and other special healthcare needs.

The organization encourages matching gifts through its donation platform, helping donors maximize their contributions to provide critical care and expand the reach of its services.

Standout feature: Section overviewing the significant and widespread benefits of matching gifts for the organization, encouraging donors to get involved

Matching Gift Web Page #8: Humane Society of the United States

View the matching gifts page here: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/match-your-gift-double-your-impact

The Humane Society of the United States, established in 1954, works to promote the humane treatment of animals through advocacy, education, and rescue efforts. Its mission includes addressing animal cruelty, advocating for stronger protections, and supporting shelter programs.

HSUS integrates matching gift strategies into its fundraising by promoting employer-matching programs on its donation pages and in donor communications. By leveraging corporate philanthropy, the organization maximizes funding to protect and save more animals than otherwise possible.

Standout feature: Mission-related imagery, leveraging photos of animals in multiples to represent matching gift opportunities

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

A well-designed matching gift web page is a powerful tool for raising awareness about corporate philanthropy and increasing revenue for your nonprofit. By implementing best practices and tailoring your matching gift page to your audience’s needs, you can make it easier for donors to navigate the process and for your organization to capture every eligible match.

Remember: the key to success is a seamless experience that encourages donors to check their matching gift eligibility and follow through with their requests.

Take inspiration from these examples, and start building a matching gift web page that maximizes your nonprofit’s potential to secure corporate matches and amplify its mission. Good luck!

For more information on matching gifts and other corporate giving opportunities, we recommend checking out these additional resources:

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Raise awareness of matching gifts using the best practices, tools, and resources outlined by this complete downloadable guide.
Develop a Matching Gift Marketing Plan: Presentation Template. Get started marketing matching gifts by kicking off with our customizable marketing plan presentation template.
Database of Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant Companies. Ensure your matching gift web page makes matching gifts easy. Embed a company database in the resource to do so!

Matching Gift Content Calendar: Marketing Through the Year

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

Incorporating matching gifts into your nonprofit’s marketing strategy can unlock significant fundraising potential year-round. However, timing is everything when it comes to making a matching gift impact. By aligning your campaigns with key dates, seasons, and donor behaviors, you can ensure your message resonates at just the right moments. And lucky for you, a matching gift content calendar can help you stay organized, intentional, and proactive in promoting these valuable opportunities.

That’s why, in this blog post, we provide a year-round guide to crafting a strategic matching gift marketing calendar. This includes key promotional opportunities, such as:

Start-of-year follow-ups
Matching Gift Month
Match Madness
Spring matching gift reminders
Summer matching gift reminders
Fall matching gift reminders
End-of-year matching gift follow-ups
Giving Tuesday matching gift outreach
Bonus: Affinity day/week/month messaging

From New Year’s resolutions to year-end giving, we’ll explore how to integrate matching gifts into your outreach efforts, ensuring your nonprofit maximizes donor participation and doubles impact throughout the year.

Let’s get started⁠—at the beginning!

Start-of-year follow-ups

When: January

The beginning of the year is a golden opportunity to follow up with donors from the previous year, especially those who contributed during the busy holiday giving season. Many donors may not have submitted their matching gift requests yet, and corporate deadlines for these submissions often fall early in the year.

(Fun fact: Companies like Best Buy, A&E Television Networks, H&R Block, Home Depot, and Fifth Third Bank have established matching gift deadlines the following year after a gift is made, allowing for a few-month grace period.)

By encouraging donors to act promptly at the start of the new year, nonprofits can tap into unclaimed matching gift revenue while it’s still accessible.

Here’s an example social media post you can use to get started:

To make the most of this opportunity, nonprofits should send personalized emails to donors who gave in the last year. For the best results, these messages should include clear instructions for submitting matching gift requests and provide links to tools that simplify the process. Highlighting the additional impact their match could create—such as doubling the number of meals provided or trees planted—can also inspire action.

Matching Gift Month

When: February

February is recognized as Matching Gift Month, which offers a perfect platform to amplify awareness of corporate matching programs. This dedicated month gives organizations an opportunity to focus their messaging on educating donors and building momentum around matching gift opportunities.

Many donors remain unaware of their employers’ programs, making this an ideal time to bridge that knowledge gap.

Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:

To leverage Matching Gift Month effectively, nonprofits can host educational initiatives like webinars or Q&A sessions to demystify the matching gift process. Sharing success stories and testimonials from past matches can also inspire donors by showing the tangible results of their contributions. Meanwhile, creative campaigns using themed hashtags, such as #MatchingGiftMonth, can expand reach on social media and encourage sharing among supporters.

Match Madness

When: March

March is synonymous with the excitement of college basketball’s March Madness, and nonprofits can use this energy to create their own “Match Madness” campaigns. These themed initiatives add a sense of urgency and fun to matching gift outreach, appealing to donors’ competitive spirits and encouraging them to take action.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

An effective Match Madness campaign involves setting a fundraising goal and tracking progress in real time, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for supporters.

Not to mention, borrowing sports-inspired messaging and graphics can make the campaign visually appealing and memorable.

Spring matching gift reminders

When: April-May

Spring is a season of renewal⁠—and an excellent time to remind donors about matching gift opportunities. Donors may still be eligible to submit matching gift requests for contributions made in the previous year, and you’ll likely have received a good amount of new-year gifts, too. This makes spring an ideal period to encourage matching gift follow-through.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

To capitalize on this season, nonprofits should send bright, cheerful reminders to donors, encouraging them to “spring into action” and double their impact.

Plus, newsletters and event follow-ups can be great places to incorporate matching gift messaging. Collaborating with companies to host spring workplace giving or volunteer events can further engage donors and employers in the matching gift process, too!

Summer matching gift reminders

When: June-August

Summer may be a slower season for fundraising, but it offers an opportunity to maintain donor engagement when they may have more downtime.

Reminders sent during the summer months can keep matching gifts at the top of mind and ensure nonprofits remain part of their supporters’ giving priorities.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

Summer campaigns can stand out by incorporating fun, vacation-themed messaging, such as “Make a splash this summer by doubling your gift!”

Multi-channel outreach, including social media posts, postcards, and emails, can effectively engage donors who may not be checking traditional communication channels as frequently during this period.

Fall matching gift reminders

When: September-October

As the year transitions into fall, donors begin preparing for year-end giving. This makes it an ideal time to educate them about matching gifts and how they can get involved.

Here’s an example social post you can use to get started:

Nonprofits can maximize this opportunity by hosting donor appreciation events that include discussions about matching gifts. These events, whether virtual or in-person, provide a platform to educate donors while thanking them for their support.

End-of-year matching gift follow-ups

When: November-December

The end-of-year giving season is a critical time for nonprofits, and matching gift follow-ups can significantly boost revenue during this period. Many donors give generously in December, making it essential to remind them to submit matching gift requests while the contributions are still fresh in their minds.

As the year comes to a close, time-sensitive reminders should emphasize submission deadlines and the potential for doubled impact of their gift.

(Fun fact: Companies like UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, 3M, AAA, and Subway all have enacted end-of-year matching gift deadlines, adding a layer of urgency to year-end submission reminders.)

Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:

Nonprofits can also highlight the tax benefits of year-end giving and matching gifts, providing donors with an extra incentive to take action.

Giving Tuesday matching gift outreach

When: Giving Tuesday and Matching Wednesday

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity⁠—and one of the most important days for nonprofit fundraising. Pairing matching gifts with Giving Tuesday outreach is a powerful way to encourage donors to maximize their impact. Not to mention, the day following Giving Tuesday has been dubbed Matching Wednesday, a powerful opportunity to get the previous day’s gifts matched while momentum is high.

Here’s an example email header you can use to get started:

Nonprofits can promote matching gifts through Giving Tuesday (and Matching Wednesday) emails, social media posts, and campaign landing pages. Meanwhile, real-time impact updates and countdowns can establish a sense of urgency and excitement, driving donors to act.

Partnering with corporate sponsors to offer special (or one-off) matches on this day can further amplify results, inspiring supporters to give and share the campaign with their networks.

Bonus: Affinity day/week/month messaging

When: Your organization’s affinity day, week, or month

Affinity days, weeks, or months, such as Earth Day or Pride Month, provide nonprofits with a unique opportunity to align matching gift messaging with causes that resonate deeply with their donors. These special occasions create a natural connection between corporate giving and a specific mission, inspiring supporters to participate.

To make the most of these opportunities, nonprofits should tailor their messaging to the themes of the event. For example, during Earth Day, a nonprofit focused on environmental causes could highlight how matching gifts double the number of trees planted or acres of land restored.

Meanwhile, partnering with corporate sponsors that share the same values can also increase visibility and participation in matching gift programs.

Wrapping up & additional resources

A well-executed matching gift content calendar empowers your nonprofit to stay ahead of the curve. This allows organizations to make the most of every opportunity to promote corporate matching programs. Start planning your matching gift content strategy today, and watch as your nonprofit’s impact grows month by month.

Remember, each reminder, campaign, or social media post is a chance to connect donors with the power of doubling their contributions—and fueling your mission more.

Interested in learning more about matching gift strategies? Check out these recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge:

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Take a deep dive into everything you need to know about marketing matching gifts. This comprehensive guide covers strategies for promoting matching gift opportunities through email, social media, direct mail, and more.
How to Get Matching Gifts Trending at Your Organization. Looking to boost matching gift awareness within your nonprofit? Learn to engage staff, educate donors, and leverage technology to create a culture of matching gifts that drive long-term results. Get the guide to learn how!
Top 20+ Matching Gift Companies: Leaders in Corporate Giving. Discover the companies setting the standard in corporate philanthropy. This resource highlights over 20 top employers with generous matching gift programs, including program details, eligibility requirements, and key insights.

Match Like Megan: Driving Matching Gifts with Social Proof

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

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

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

Specifically, we’ll cover:

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

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

What is social proof?

According to Sprout Social,

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

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

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

How to increase matching gifts with social proof

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

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

Sourcing matching gift facts & figures

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

Example:

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

How to Get Started:

Check your 360MatchPro dashboard and reporting module to uncover valuable insights you can use to demonstrate matching gift impact.

Not a 360MatchPro user yet? Click here to get a personalized demo and see how your organization will benefit from our tools⁠—including tracking and reporting on donor involvement!

Promoting matching gift donor testimonials

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

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

Example:

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

How to Get Started:

In 360MatchPro, first, navigate to the “Donations” tab. From there, filter the statuses to include those marked as “Match Complete” to identify your best prospects for matching gift testimonials. Then, reach out to your list of supporters to solicit feedback and collect testimonials from those interested in sharing their experiences.

Not a 360MatchPro user? Sift through your existing data in your CRM to manually uncover potential testimonial providers. Just make sure you’re contacting individuals who have successfully completed a match in the past!

Encouraging social sharing of matching gift content

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

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

Example:

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

How to Get Started:

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

P.S. Double the Donation provides free, customizable Canva templates that users can access from within their 360MatchPro accounts. Just head to the “Resources” and select “Marketing Assets!”

Incorporating matching in peer-to-peer fundraising

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

Example:

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

How to Get Started:

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

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

Highlighting matching companies supporting your efforts

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

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

Example:

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

How to Get Started:

Check out the “Top Companies” report within 360MatchPro to access insights about the companies most highly represented in your donor base. Then, spotlight those leading employers on your dedicated Match Page along with other matching gift materials!

Implementing public recognition for matching gifts

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

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

Example:

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

How to Get Started:

Implement a strategy for tracking matching gifts to completion. We recommend having donors indicate when they’ve submitted a match, such as with a built-in button within 360MatchPro’s email streams. This way, your team can be prepared to reconcile the records in your system when the match ultimately arrives.

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

Case study: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Match Like Megan

About the Organization

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

Uncovering the Matching Gift Need

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

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

About the Campaign

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

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

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

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

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

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

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

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

A Look at Save the Children’s Winning Matching Gift Strategy. See how Save the Children refreshed its match page and implemented a text campaign to drive awareness of matching gifts. Learn more here!
How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts. The American Cancer Society took a smart approach to marketing matching gifts⁠—starting with its internal fundraising team. Dive into the blog post to learn more.
Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access 360MatchPro Case Studies. Access 30+ inspirational case studies to explore how leading organizations are driving matching gifts with social proof and more.

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Corporate Sponsorships

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Corporate Sponsorships

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

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

Corporate sponsorships can take many forms and often include:

Financial contributions

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

In-kind donations

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

Media sponsorships

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

Corporate and employee giving

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

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

Developing a Sponsorship Marketing Strategy

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

Identify target sponsors.

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

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

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

Create a value proposition.

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

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

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

Establish sponsorship packages.

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

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

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

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

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

Build a corporate sponsorships landing page.

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

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

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

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

Attracting Corporate Sponsorships

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

Initiate personalized outreach.

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

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

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

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

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

Showcase tangible impact.

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

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

Leverage employee engagement.

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

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

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

Marketing Sponsorships, Once Secured

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

Showcase corporate sponsorships on social media.

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

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

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

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

Incorporate co-branded marketing opportunities.

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

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

Tracking and communicating sponsorship KPIs.

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

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

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

Next Steps & Additional Resources

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

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

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

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

How to Identify Corporate Partnerships [With 360MatchPro]. Did you know you can use your matching gift software to uncover corporate partnership opportunities? Read this guide to find out how.
The Ultimate Fundraising Guide to Corporate Giving Programs. There’s more to corporate giving than sponsorships. Browse our guide to corporate giving programs to familiarize yourself with common opportunities.
Become an Expert: Access The Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts. Matching gifts can go a long way in engaging your donors and raising more through corporate funding. Get the free downloadable guide to learn more.

Using Matching Gifts to Strengthen Corporate Relationships

November 6, 2024/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, Corporate Consulting /by Adam Weinger

A common inquiry we receive at Double the Donation centers on how to strengthen relationships with corporations that offer generous matching gift donations. Many organizations wish they had more ways to reach out to these businesses post-donation and strengthen corporate relationships. After all, doing so allows causes to demonstrate how a strong relationship could provide significant public relations benefits for companies.

In other words, matching gift programs not only double the donations of individual employees but also provide a unique opportunity for nonprofits to connect with companies on a deeper level. And in this post, we’ll explore actionable ways to use matching gifts to strengthen and grow your corporate partnerships.

These include the following practices:

Show extra gratitude to matching gift contributors.
Implement public recognition of matching gift partners.
Pitch a customized, one-off matching gift program.
Provide reporting and impact information on matching gifts.

By leveraging matching gifts in a thoughtful manner, nonprofits can go beyond immediate financial support to establish ongoing relationships with corporate partners that lead to increased engagement, visibility, and expanded support over time. Read on to find out how!

Show extra gratitude to matching gift contributors.

Does your organization have one corporation (or even a few!) that really stands out in the field of matching gift donations? It’s important that this company knows how big of an impact they’re making on the work you do⁠—and how much you appreciate their support. Yet sometimes, a simple, albeit wonderful, acknowledgment letter is not going to emphasize your thanks enough.

So, what else can you do?

Write thoroughly personalized thank-you messages. A personalized thank-you message goes a long way in showing that a nonprofit truly values a company’s support. Unlike generic acknowledgments, thoroughly personalized messages reflect an organization’s understanding of the company’s contributions and express gratitude in a way that feels particularly genuine. For the best results, use specifics in your phrasing, highlight employee involvement, and mention the impact their giving has on your mission.
Host an appreciation event. An appreciation event dedicated to recognizing corporate partners who provide matching gifts can be a meaningful gesture, offering a memorable way for company representatives to feel truly valued. Whether it’s a luncheon, dinner, or a small networking reception, an appreciation event creates an environment where the company’s contributions are celebrated with a personal touch.
Send small gifts or tokens of your appreciation. Sending a small, thoughtful gift or token of appreciation can be a delightful way to express gratitude for a company’s matching gift contributions. These gifts don’t need to be extravagant; a simple but meaningful gesture can go a long way. You can even consider branded merchandise or a mission-aligned gift, along with a handwritten note!

By focusing on one-on-one interactions and direct expressions of gratitude, nonprofits can make corporate partners feel truly valued, building the foundation for a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.

Implement public recognition of matching gift partners.

In addition to private thanks, it’s also a good idea to celebrate your matching gift contributors out loud. After all, implementing public recognition for matching gift partners is a strategic way for a nonprofit to show appreciation for corporate support⁠—while also amplifying awareness of matching gift programs among the company’s employees, the nonprofit’s supporters, and the broader community as a whole.

Here are a few ways organizations can incorporate public recognition into their matching gift strategy:

Press Releases

Let’s say you’re looking for ways to publicly share your appreciation for a particularly large matching gift company. One simple and highly visible form of extra thanks would be a press release to local publications. This document could include information about the circumstances of the donation, how big of a matching gift partner they are (if, for example, you have many donors who work for a company that offers matching gifts on a recurring basis), and the kind of programs and mission work the donations help progress.

The important thing here is that the company (or companies) providing matching gifts to your nonprofit organization are getting public, positive recognition for the donations they make. As a result, they’re more likely to donate in other capacities in the future when they see the kind of public acknowledgment they can get by contributing to your cause.

Social Media

This one is seemingly a no-brainer, but it’s always amazing what kind of far-reaching impact a Facebook or Twitter post can have on relationships. By thanking a corporation for their generosity with matching gifts and including the positive impact they are having on the community, your nonprofit is taking an extra (and, again, simple) step to show the company⁠—and the public⁠—how grateful you are for their support.

Donation Page Confirmation Screens

For the best fundraising results, your organization’s donation pages should include information about the benefits of matching gifts, along with a mention of some of the top corporate donors in the area. When you present companies that have recently contributed matching gifts to your cause immediately after donors give, it shows many of their employers’ commitment to the community. This, in turn, increases the chances an individual gets their gift matched post-donation⁠—all while their momentum and engagement with your cause is still high.

Meanwhile, growing the number of eyes that see a corporation’s name in a positive light also increases the likelihood of forming a stronger relationship. After all, positive PR for a company (especially by a nonprofit organization) is a huge key to ensuring future collaboration.

Your Matching Gifts Page

Don’t forget to highlight examples of matching gift companies supporting your efforts directly on your dedicated Matching Gifts page, too. Remember: this resource is a centralized hub for all things matching gifts. It makes sense to publicly recognize the companies matching employees’ donations to your cause!

Check out this example of a well-designed matching gifts page from UGA:

Doing so will not only provide positive publicity for the company but also encourage your other donors to see if their employers will match their gifts.

Blog Posts

If you have a blog on your website, this can be another excellent opportunity to spotlight standout companies giving to your cause through matching gifts. And because blog posts can contain longer-form content (as opposed to, say, your Match Page or donation confirmation screen), you have more real estate to promote the companies supporting your efforts.

For the best results, these blog posts should also contain an overview of matching gift programs in general⁠—and how individual donors can determine if they’re eligible even if they don’t see their specific company in the list. We even provide some pre-written blog articles for use by organizations like yours!

Event Recognition

If you’re promoting matching gifts at an upcoming fundraising event (hint: you should!), take the time to recognize some of the major players matching gifts to your organization.

Even if these companies are not actively sponsoring your charitable event, just mentioning the impact they have on the work you do through matching gifts (without outshining the actual corporate sponsors, of course) is going to make a difference.

Pitch a customized, one-off matching gift program.

Tons of companies are already matching gifts⁠—but unfortunately, not all do. If you’re looking to use matching gifts as a way to build relationships with businesses that haven’t yet implemented these programs, proposing one-off matching gift initiatives can be a highly effective approach.

Start by identifying companies with a notable number of employees already donating to your organization, as these businesses may be open to encouraging employees’ philanthropic interests.

(Hint: 360MatchPro’s Top Companies report can be an excellent tool for uncovering the best prospects in your network.)

From there, approach the company with a proposal for a limited-time, one-to-one matching gift opportunity tied to a specific campaign or project. This makes it easier for the company to try out a matching program⁠—and support your cause⁠—without committing to the long term. As you do so, highlight how the initiative can increase employee morale, demonstrate corporate responsibility, and positively impact the communities in which the company operates.

For nonprofits, this approach can establish new corporate relationships and grow into a more permanent partnership. Furthermore, by making the company an integral part of a successful campaign, nonprofits can demonstrate the value of corporate funding, often encouraging the business to adopt or expand matching gifts in the long run.

Provide reporting and impact information on matching gifts.

Companies that offer matching gifts want to see that their dollars are making a difference⁠—not only for their own bottom lines but for the organizations they support through the programs. Luckily, providing detailed reporting and impact summaries on matching gift contributions shows companies the tangible results of their donations. So that’s what we recommend doing!

In order to do so, consider creating tailored reports, offering data on funds raised through matching gifts, employee participation rates, and specific outcomes funded by the contributions. Visual aids, such as infographics or mission-relevant photographs, can bring these numbers to life, too.

When companies see the real-world impact of their matching gifts, it builds trust and reinforces the value of their partnership with the nonprofit. Reporting demonstrates transparency and accountability, qualities that can strengthen corporate loyalty and inspire continued, possibly increased, support.

Next Steps for Creating Stronger Relationships

Matching gifts represent more than just additional funding—they’re an invaluable bridge between nonprofits and the corporate community. By strategically engaging with matching gift programs, nonprofits can build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with corporate partners that go beyond monetary support.

Through consistent, personalized gratitude and opportunities for deeper involvement, nonprofits can transform matching gift contributors into the most loyal of advocates for their causes. And by harnessing the potential of these partnerships, organizations position themselves for long-term growth, enhanced visibility, and a wider-reaching impact that benefits both their mission and their corporate allies alike.

Good luck!

Interested in learning more about matching gifts and corporate partnerships? Check out the following additional resources:

Top 20+ Matching Gift Companies: Leaders in Corporate Giving. Uncover the best examples of companies contributing matching gifts! Browse the list, and check if your donors work for these generous employers.
How to Identify Corporate Partnerships [With 360MatchPro]. Did you know that our matching gift software can also be used to discover the best corporate partnerships in your network? Find out how here!
Free Download: Improve the Donor Journey with Matching Gifts. Incorporating matching gifts effectively creates a more positive donor experience. See how your team can improve the donor journey with matching gifts in this guide.

How to Increase Matching Gift Revenue in 30 Minutes or Less

November 5, 2024/in Marketing Strategies, About Double the Donation, Donor communications, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

Are you looking to increase matching gift revenue but don’t have much time to invest in the programs?

If you can find just 30 minutes in your schedule, there are small adjustments that have the potential to significantly elevate your organization’s matching gift strategy. These enhancements may include:

Publishing a matching gift post on social media.
Implementing a matching gift CTA on your confirmation screen.
Modifying your donation acknowledgments to promote matching gifts.
Adding a blurb about matching gifts to your staff email signatures.
Sharing information about matching gift companies in your area.
Sending an email to all “Eligible but Not Submitted” donors.
Following up with unclaimed repeat matching gifts.
Looking into potentially miscategorized ineligible donations.

After all, maximizing matching gift revenue doesn’t need to be a lengthy or complex process. Many nonprofits miss out on this opportunity simply because they assume it will take too long or require significant resources to implement. But in reality, there are many effective and simple strategies that can drive substantial results in just a few minutes.

Let’s begin!

Method #1: Publish a matching gift post on social media.

Do you maintain Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter accounts for your organization? More than likely, you have some combination of all four. And if so, odds are donors and members are scrolling through your messages on a regular basis, making it a particularly impactful tool when it comes to fundraising.

Take a few minutes to create a post about matching gifts. Not only will it appear on your fans’ walls today, but your matching gift post will linger on your organization’s page forever.

For a headstart, Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro users can access customizable marketing samples within the platform at no additional cost. Just choose a templated graphic, personalize it to your organization, and post it to your social accounts!

Not a 360MatchPro user yet? Click here to request a personalized demo and get up and running with our tools and resources ASAP!

And don’t forget, if you use a service to schedule messages in the future, go ahead and create a few matching gift messages to post automatically over the coming months. Regularly sharing matching gift information is key to building familiarity⁠ with—and participation in⁠—the programs.

Time Investment Required: Ten minutes

Method #2: Implementing a matching gift CTA on your confirmation screen.

Immediately after donors hit “submit” on their gift, they’re likely redirected to a confirmation screen or thank-you page on the website. This page generally thanks individuals for their support, and often offers suggested next steps to get further involved with the organization. One key way to do so is with matching gifts.

Therefore, we recommend incorporating a prominent CTA, or call to action, on your confirmation page that encourages donors to submit a matching gift.

Highlighting the opportunity so close to the point of donation allows you to pick up on the donors’ heightened momentum and engagement with your cause, translating that into more matching gift submissions overall.

Time Investment Required: Ten minutes

Method #3: Modify your donation acknowledgments to promote matching gifts.

More than likely, your organization sends an acknowledgment letter or email to each individual after they give. If so, this is a great place to promote matching gifts. And since acknowledgments are generally automated, all you need to do is plug a quick blurb about matching gifts into your template or workflow. Then, it will be automatically triggered to all donors once they submit their initial gifts⁠—driving awareness and visibility of the opportunity across your dedicated supporters.

However, more impactful than simply adding a section to your existing acknowledgment letters is sending dedicated post-donation matching gift emails. After all, acknowledgments are often discarded as not requiring additional action, while separate matching gift outreach can be just what you need to grab your audience’s attention. These messages can even be automated using 360MatchPro, making it quick and easy for supporters to receive tailored matching gift insights straight to their inboxes.

Time Investment Required: Five minutes

Method #4: Add a blurb about matching gifts to your staff email signatures.

Email is likely one of your most essential communication channels when it comes to engaging with individual donors. As a result, your email signatures⁠—and those of your entire fundraising team⁠—offer valuable real estate for donor-facing promotions. And we recommend utilizing the space as an easy way to remind donors about matching gifts.

For the best results, you’ll want to link directly to your organization’s dedicated matching gifts page, complete with an embedded matching gift search tool. Otherwise, you can ask donors to “please check with your company to see if they’ll match your donation.”

Time Investment Required: Ten minutes

Method #5: Share information about matching gift companies in your area.

Promoting matching gifts to your external audience often starts with getting your internal team on board, too. While there are a ton of training resources available, one thing you can do in 30 minutes or less is send a list of top matching gift companies to your fundraising staff. You might be surprised to find out that some of your colleagues have never heard of employee matching gift programs⁠—let alone have familiarity with the companies offering them.

While you’ll only be able to include a handful of companies representing a small percentage of companies in your area that will match donations, it can be a good way to raise awareness about the potential of matching gifts.

To kick off your research, this guide from Nonprofit Source provides an insightful look at different matching gift companies across the globe. Plus, it includes a breakdown of popular matching gift hubs by geographic region.

Time Investment Required: Fifteen minutes

[Bonus] Method #6: Send an email to all “Eligible but Not Submitted” donors.

Note: While the previous ideas could be completed with or without Double the Donation’s matching gift software, the next several methods focus on tools within 360MatchPro. Interested in getting started? Request a demo now!

If you subscribe to Double the Donation’s tools, there are a number of ready-built reports available within the 360MatchPro platform. One of these, called the “Eligible but Not Submitted” report, is designed to identify those who have been marked as matching gift eligible by their employer name but have not yet submitted their matching gift requests. Those are your best matching gift prospects, and they’re currently letting their gifts go unclaimed.

Luckily, there’s even an easy way to bulk send emails right from the dashboard, meaning you can select this segment of recipients, trigger a pre-written email, and drive submissions to completion.

Time Investment Required: Twenty minutes

[Bonus] Method #7: Follow up with unclaimed repeat matching gifts.

Donors who have secured a matching gift in the past are going to be significantly more likely to do so again in the future. And if they haven’t yet submitted a match for their repeat gift, a little nudge can go a long way.

Fortunately, Double the Donation has a tool for this, too! All you have to do is quickly navigate to the Repeat Donors report, select the intended recipients from the provided list, and send a bulk email letting them know that they can amplify their impact just like they’ve done before.

Time Investment Required: Twenty minutes

Take your matching gift efforts even further.

In just 30 minutes or less, your organization can make significant strides toward increasing its matching gift revenue⁠—and making an even greater impact overall. By implementing these quick, targeted strategies, you not only maximize funds but also build awareness among donors about how easy it is to amplify their contributions.

Matching gifts represent a valuable yet often underutilized source of revenue. With these small, time-efficient efforts, you’ll ensure that more donors are aware, more gifts are matched, and your organization benefits more from every dollar.

Don’t let time constraints hold you back. By setting aside a bit of time to prioritize matching gifts, you’ll be able to unlock untapped funds, motivate donors to double their impact, and strengthen your organization’s overall giving strategy—all with minimal effort.

Interested in learning more about matching gift fundraising and beyond? Check out these additional resources:

Get to Know the Basics of Corporate Matching Gift Programs. Understand the ins and outs of matching gifts with this educational guide. Access insights regarding the top companies matching gifts, program guidelines and criteria to know, and more.
Become an Expert: Access 10 Steps to Matching Gift Success. Get the free downloadable resource to utilize our 10-step matching gift fundraising checklist. Implement these practices to increase matching gift revenue more easily than ever before.
Marketing Matching Gifts | A Guide for Avid Fundraisers. Uncover even more matching gift marketing tips and tricks in this complete guide. While some practices may require a larger investment of time, the revenue growth will be substantial!

Corporate Philanthropy Infographics Top Designs to Inspire

Corporate Philanthropy Infographics: 8 Designs to Inspire

November 4, 2024/in Lists and Rankings, Learning Center, Marketing Strategies /by Adam Weinger

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:

360MatchPro’s Corporate Giving & Philanthropy Statistics Infographic
re: Charity’s Corporate Philanthropy Infographic
Zerocater’s Giving is Good For Business Infographic
Paragon’s Corporate Philanthropy Guide Infographic
Salesforce’s Corporate Philanthropy Infographic
Boston College’s Corporate Citizenship Infographic
Quill.com’s Baking Philanthropy Into Your Company Culture Infographic
BP’s Fabric of America Fund Infographic

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!

#1: 360MatchPro’s Corporate Giving & Philanthropy Statistics Infographic

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!

#2: re: Charity’s Corporate Philanthropy Infographic

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.

#4: Paragon’s Corporate Philanthropy Guide Infographic

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.

#5: Salesforce’s Corporate Philanthropy Infographic

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.
Providing incentives for employee giving, such as paid time off, matching gifts, and more.

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:

Corporate Philanthropy: Benefits, Tips, Examples, and More. Dive deeper into all things corporate philanthropy. Uncover the power for nonprofits like yours and see how you can get further involved.
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!
Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Matching gifts are one of the most invaluable sources of corporate philanthropy. Learn how to market this giving method to grow engagement and more.

How ACS Doubled More Donations with Matching Gifts

October 23, 2024/in About Double the Donation, Company Spotlights, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger

The American Cancer Society (also known as ACS) is renowned for its efforts in cancer research, patient support, and advocacy. However, one of the lesser-known secrets to its fundraising success lies in its effective use of matching gifts. By doubling—and in some cases tripling—donor contributions through corporate matching gift programs, ACS has been able to significantly increase its fundraising results.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how the American Cancer Society harnessed the power of matching gifts to double donations⁠—and see what other nonprofits can learn from their approach. Specifically, we’ll cover:

American Cancer Society: Organizational Overview
How the American Cancer Society Secured Internal Buy-In for Matching Gifts
American Cancer Society’s External Matching Gift Resources
Get More Insights From the On-Demand Event Replay

Double the Donation sat down with the American Cancer Society to discuss the organization’s matching gift strategy. Interested in learning more about how they brought about standout matching gift success? Feel free to watch a brief snippet from the webinar here⁠—or skip below to access a recording of the full, on-demand event.

Let’s begin!

American Cancer Society: Organizational Overview

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Founded in 1913, ACS has become one of the most influential nonprofits in the fight against cancer, funding groundbreaking research, providing support for patients and survivors, and advocating for cancer prevention and early detection.

Today, the American Cancer Society’s ongoing efforts are powered by volunteers, donors, and corporate partners alike, with matching gift programs playing a critical role in increasing the impact of donations. All in all, this ensures that the organization can continue making strides toward a cancer-free future with the right resources in tow.

How the American Cancer Society Secured Internal Buy-In for Matching Gifts

In a recent conversation with key stakeholders—including volunteers and paid staff alike—the American Cancer Society discovered a gap in knowledge that’s proven to be hindering the organization’s matching gift fundraising success.

When internal teams lack awareness around the programs, they’re not taking the steps to rally individual supporters to get involved. That means matching gifts are slipping through the cracks, and teams aren’t prepared to stop it from happening.

As a result, the organization made it a priority to raise awareness of matching gifts across its network—starting with internal staff and fundraising volunteers.

Here’s what it decided to do:

Ensure team-wide knowledge. They got started by determining exactly how familiar their audience is with the idea of matching gifts. Once they had a baseline for knowledge, they made a plan to increase awareness across staff and volunteers.
Seek input from their stakeholders. Project leaders asked around to see what kinds of materials their team would find most valuable. As the organization’s fundraising staff are the ones who will be distributing the resources, it made sense to gather their opinions from the start.
Equip its fundraising team with matching gift materials. A nonprofit’s fundraising team plays a hands-on role in driving donor support. ACS made sure its team was ready to encourage matching gifts by providing staff and volunteers with helpful resources ahead of time.

Remember this: The more an internal team is prepared to proactively pursue matching gifts, the more effective a response it can expect.

P.S. Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Academy is free for current clients to learn from⁠—and it contains a wealth of resources for organizations to supercharge their internal knowledge.

American Cancer Society’s External Matching Gift Resources

In order to combat the lack of matching gift awareness the organization was seeing, the ACS team took time to create donor-facing materials that provided educational context surrounding the programs.

These resources include⁠—but are not limited to⁠—the following:

A matching gift Q&A resource, complete with common inquiries and the appropriate responses.

An explainer doc that demonstrates how an individual will submit a matching gift to their employer.

A brief video that overviews the matching gift opportunity and visualizes how an individual will get involved.

Once the team had its matching gift materials created, it was time to share them with its network⁠, both internally and externally. This allowed team members and supporters to grow their knowledge of the programs and ultimately participate on the organization’s behalf.

Not to mention, to further simplify the matching gift experience, the ACS features Double the Donation’s search tool in both its marketing materials and its video overview.

Get More Insights From the On-Demand Event Replay

We covered many of the most essential insights from the ACS matching gifts presentation in this overview. Still, there’s more to learn!

To hear the full conversation between our team and the American Cancer Society, get the webinar replay by filling out the form below.

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

The American Cancer Society’s ability to double donations through matching gifts highlights the transformative power of this fundraising tool. By making it easy for donors to access matching gift opportunities, ACS has maximized the impact of each contribution.

Today, nonprofits of all shapes and sizes can learn from the American Cancer Society’s strategy to amplify their own fundraising efforts and make a greater difference. Matching gifts not only increase funds but also strengthen donor relationships, providing a win-win opportunity for the causes they serve.

Keep learning! Read our recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge on all things matching gifts:

Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access More 360MatchPro Case Studies. Hear from even more organizations and how they’ve benefited from matching gift tools like Double the Donation.
Best Practices for Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Nonprofit’s Website. Learn more about how your team can promote matching gifts using your website as an essential marketing tool.
Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Get the complete guide to marketing matching gifts to see how your organization can spread the word.

A Look at Save the Children’s Winning Matching Gift Strategy

October 21, 2024/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, About Double the Donation, Company Spotlights /by Adam Weinger

Corporate matching gifts are an invaluable revenue opportunity for nonprofits and schools. However, many organizations struggle to capture them due to low levels of awareness among their donors. With effective promotions, you can solve the issue and benefit greatly from the funds.

In this blog, we’ll cover one standout example⁠, familiarizing your team with the ins and outs of Save the Children’s matching gift strategy.

This includes:

What to Know About Save the Children
Save the Children’s Matching Gift Page Overhaul
Save the Children’s Text Message Campaign Strategy
How Double the Donation’s Tools Helped Save the Children’s Matching Gift Strategy
Learn More: Get the Full Webinar Replay

Double the Donation works with leading organizations to help them finetune their matching gift strategies and raise more through the programs. Save the Children is one example of a cause we support, and they joined a webinar to discuss how our tools are supporting their fundraising and matching gift efforts.

In this post, we’ll summarize the event and examine how Save the Children engages supporters in a meaningful way. Here’s a quick overview of the presentation:

Let’s begin!

What to Know About Save the Children

Save the Children is a global leader in children’s advocacy, known for its impactful programs in education, health, and emergency response. For over 100 years, Save the Children has been dedicated to literally saving the world’s children by providing education, a healthy start to life, and protection from harm.

Today, the organization operates in more than 100 countries across the world. However, its success isn’t just due to the breadth of its services. It’s also driven by a powerful approach to fundraising, including a well-crafted matching gift strategy.

Save the Children’s Matching Gift Page Overhaul

As of 2023, Save the Children had been receiving support from matching gift programs⁠—but the team knew it could be doing more. In order to kick off its promotional strategy, Save the Children decided to revamp its Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts information page.

The Organization’s Former Matching Gifts Page

Save the Children’s matching gift strategy was doing a lot well even before its complete overhaul. Here are a few practices the organization implemented in creating the Match Page:

Clearly explain the matching gift process. Most donors lack knowledge about matching gifts⁠. Simplify involvement by providing the basic information an individual should know.
Embed a database tool. If you invest in a tool like Double the Donation, place a database search tool on the page. Donors simply type their company name to receive employer-specific guidelines and request forms!
Answer FAQs. Be proactive about providing the information you think your donors will need right on the page. This can reduce the volume of inquiries your team will need to answer later, too.

The Organization’s New Matching Gifts Page

From there, the team also conducted the following steps to reorganize the page with the goal of bringing about better matching gift results. With a few additional tweaks and adjustments, the page is more successful than ever:

Simplified the information included. The goal was to be comprehensive and educational without overwhelming the visitor with too much text.
Incorporated clickable content section links. This assisted with navigation, making it easy to find the most relevant information for each user.
Restructured the page to focus on matching gifts first. With a goal of increasing visibility, the team placed Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro widget higher⁠—and more prominently⁠—on the page.
Visually demonstrated the simplicity of the matching gift process. Using diagrams and other graphic elements, the organization was able to better illustrate and communicate the matching gift experience for donors.

The results? Save the Children saw increased site traffic and page views during a four-month period as compared to the same period the year prior. And the growth was substantial, too. According to the organization, their team saw a 966% increase in site traffic and a 903% increase in page views!

This increase in site traffic has directly resulted in more donors participating in matching gifts as well. Since their matching gift page now provides simplified, engaging information, donors are more easily able to navigate their matching gift programs.

Save the Children’s Text Message Campaign Strategy

Once you’ve created a matching gift page on your website, you’ll want to take steps to direct traffic to the resource. One thing that Save the Children did to spread matching gift awareness was employ a mass marketing text campaign around the holiday giving season.

Within this campaign, a first text message went out before Giving Tuesday, with a second text message following soon after. Both texts contained brief information about matching gifts along with a direct link to the organization’s matching gifts page, where recipients were encouraged to learn more.

The first agency text message went to the entire text mailing list, which is around ~60,000 contacts who had engaged with Save the Children in the last year. This text saw an above-average click-through rate of 2.7%—with more than 1.5K unique clicks⁠—and also brought in an estimated $2.7k in revenue even before matches were accounted for.

Meanwhile, the second message went out to a smaller segment⁠—those who gave via a recent Giving Tuesday push⁠—but had a significant impact as well. Deployed to ~3.2k subscribers, it saw a click-through rate of 2.6% (which is a 162% increase from other mass marketing texts).

All in all, Save the Children’s matching gift strategy encompassed a range of promotional tactics⁠—from text messaging to paid advertising space and beyond. But one thing that all of its efforts had in common was the use of its Matching Gift page as a central linking target. Because the page provides comprehensive information that answers donors’ questions while also giving them insight into their company’s specific matching gift program guidelines, it makes getting involved easier than ever!

How Double the Donation’s Tools Helped Save the Children’s Matching Gift Strategy

As a 360MatchPro client, Save the Children utilizes Double the Donation’s automation platform to make matching gifts easier for their donors and fundraising staff alike. In discussing the organization’s matching gift page overhaul and subsequent text campaign, one thing the Save the Children team emphasizes is its use of the matching gift database tool.

“I’ll just say, from our standpoint of Save the Children, it’s been so helpful to have that 360MatchPro search tool embedded on the landing page. It makes it really easy when we go to deploy visibility tactics to let people know it’s really easy to track if your employer can match your gift or not.”

Ariana Romanelli, Save the Children US

Here’s how it works:

An individual begins typing the name of their employer in the company search tool.
As they type, the solution automatically populates suggested companies. This makes it easy to select the appropriate employer without worrying about typos or misnomers.
When the individual selects a listing, they’re met with tailored insights regarding the company’s matching gift program (as well as other workplace giving initiatives available) in real-time. This includes minimum and maximum donation amounts, match ratios, qualifying employees and nonprofits, and submission deadlines.
The individual is encouraged to submit a matching gift by following the provided instructions and submitting the provided forms.

Save the Children has also implemented Double the Donation’s matching gift database directly within its online giving form, too. This allows users to access matching gift insights at the point of donation and even receive tailored guidelines and forms via email after contributing.

Learn More: Get the Full Webinar Replay

We’ve summarized the most essential insights from our recent presentation here. But for the full look at Save the Children’s matching gift strategy, we recommend viewing the full webinar replay.

Interested in hearing the complete conversation between a lead associate of corporate partnerships at Save the Children and Double the Donation’s own marketing team manager? Register to receive a copy of the presentation sent directly to your inbox.

Get the on-demand replay now

Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Save the Children’s matching gift strategy serves as a valuable example for nonprofits looking to elevate their fundraising impact. By implementing clear communications, leveraging technology, and promoting programs at multiple opportunities, they’ve found a winning formula for multiplying donations.

Now, organizations like yours can draw inspiration from their approach to maximize your own matching gift potential. When executed well, matching gifts don’t just boost the bottom line. They deepen supporters’ connection to the cause, ensuring each contribution goes further in creating lasting change for children in need.

Begin by auditing your current matching gift marketing efforts. Do you have a dedicated matching gifts page on your site? If not, that’s likely where you’ll want to get started. If so, you’ll want to evaluate the existing resource and determine how exactly you’re sending traffic to the page. Then, see what changes you can implement to bring your strategy to new heights.

Keep learning! Read our recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge on all things matching gifts:

Grow Fundraising Revenue: Access More 360MatchPro Case Studies. Hear from even more organizations and how they’ve benefited from matching gift tools like Double the Donation.
Best Practices for Marketing Matching Gifts On Your Nonprofit’s Website. Learn more about how your team can promote matching gifts using your website as an essential marketing tool.
Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Get the complete guide to marketing matching gifts to see how your organization can spread the word.

Matching Gift Text Marketing | Spreading the Word Via SMS

October 16, 2024/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, About Double the Donation, Donor communications /by Adam Weinger

In today’s digital age, text messaging has emerged as one of the most powerful and effective ways to connect with supporters⁠—especially when it comes to matching gifts. However, many donors remain unaware of these opportunities, resulting in missed revenue for nonprofits. Lucky for you, that’s where matching gift text marketing comes into play!

By spreading the word about matching gifts via SMS, your organization can quickly inform supporters about the potential to multiply their contributions, boost engagement, and drive more funds toward your cause.

In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of using text messages to promote matching gifts, share best practices for crafting compelling messages, and provide examples to help you get started. Specifically, we’ll cover:

The Importance of Marketing Matching Gifts
Why Market Matching Gifts Via Text Message?
Best Practices for Innovative Matching Gift Text Marketing
25 Sample Text Messages to Market Matching Gifts Well
Case Study: How One Organization Implemented Matching Gift Text Marketing

Whether you’re new to SMS marketing for matching gifts or you’re looking to optimize your existing strategies, we’ll guide you through making the most of this channel to maximize your matching gift revenue.

Let’s dive into how matching gift text marketing can help spread the word, drive action, and unlock more fundraising potential for your nonprofit.

The Importance of Marketing Matching Gifts

Corporate matching gifts offer significant fundraising potential for nonprofits and schools. Many companies offer matching gift initiatives where they match employees’ donations to eligible nonprofits, essentially doubling or even tripling the original contributions. Not to mention, donors are more likely to give⁠—and to give in larger amounts⁠—when they know a match is available.

However, a lack of awareness regarding the programs has ultimately led to billions of dollars in matches going unclaimed each year. So, what does this mean for your cause?

It all boils down to this: taking a proactive approach to marketing matching gifts is essential.

Promoting matching gifts effectively helps bridge the awareness gap and motivates donors to take advantage of these corporate giving programs. By educating your audience on how matching gifts work, establishing social proof, and providing easy access to information and forms, you can create a streamlined process that encourages participation.

Why Market Matching Gifts Via Text Message?

Once you’ve established the general importance of marketing matching gifts, the question to answer is this: What is the best channel, or combination of channels, to get the job done?

With high open rates and immediate reach, SMS has the potential to significantly enhance your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts—especially when it comes to promoting matching gifts.

As a result, marketing matching gifts via text message is an incredibly effective way for nonprofits to reach their supporters wherever they are, at any time. In today’s fast-paced world, people are always on the go, with their phones close at hand. Text messaging allows organizations to offer a direct and personal touch that other communication channels can’t quite match.

With just a few taps on their phone, donors can learn about matching gift opportunities and take action immediately, making the giving process simple and convenient.

The effectiveness of text marketing for matching gifts is further underscored by its exceptionally high open rates. On average, text messages boast open rates of around 98%, far surpassing those of emails or even social media viewership. This means that when a nonprofit sends a text message about matching gifts, it’s almost guaranteed to be seen by the recipient.

By leveraging text marketing, organizations can ensure that their message isn’t just delivered but actually read—significantly boosting the chances of donors following through with a matching gift request.

Additionally, text messages create a sense of urgency and immediacy, prompting donors to act without delay. This makes it a perfect tool for time-sensitive fundraising efforts, such as year-end campaigns or giving days, where matching gifts can significantly amplify the impact of donations. With mobile-friendly links and information at their fingertips, supporters can easily access resources to complete the matching gift process, leading to more submitted requests and increased funding.

Best Practices for Innovative Matching Gift Text Marketing

In the rapidly evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising, text marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging donors and maximizing the impact of matching gifts. As organizations look for innovative ways to connect with supporters, leveraging SMS to spread the word about matching gift opportunities can significantly enhance outreach efforts.

This section will cover best practices for implementing effective text marketing strategies specifically tailored to matching gifts.

Personalize your engagement.

Personalization is key in any marketing strategy, and text messaging is no exception. When communicating with supporters about matching gifts, it’s important to add a personal flair. This can mean addressing them by their name, referencing their past contributions, or providing employer-specific matching gift information.

By personalizing your messages, you show each donor that they are a valued individual rather than just part of a larger audience, increasing the likelihood that they will engage with your content and take the intended action.

Keep your messages short and sweet.

Text messages have a character limit⁠—and are often read on the go⁠—so brevity is crucial. Aim to convey your message in as few words as possible while still providing the essential information.

A well-structured, concise message will ensure that your audience can quickly grasp the purpose and act accordingly. A straightforward approach respects your supporters’ time and enhances the chances of them responding positively, as they won’t feel overwhelmed by lengthy texts.

Send a link to your dedicated matching gifts page.

When it comes to matching gift text marketing, establishing a clear and specific CTA (or call to action) is a must. For the best results, we recommend sending text traffic to a dedicated matching gifts page on your nonprofit’s website.

Including a direct link to a centralized resource hub simplifies the process for donors, providing clear information on how matching gifts work, program benefits and criteria, and instructions for involvement. Not to mention, your match page should have an embedded matching gift search tool, making it easier than ever for donors to uncover their matching gift eligibility and kick off the request process.

Incorporate visuals and emojis.

While SMS is primarily a text-based medium, incorporating visuals and emojis can grab your audience’s attention while enhancing your message’s appeal and clarity. A well-placed emoji can add personality and emotion to your message, making it feel more engaging and friendly. 💝 Meanwhile, branded graphics or images can be incorporated into multimedia messages (or MMS) to illustrate your matching gift campaign in a visual manner.

These small touches can make a significant impact, helping your messages stand out in an often overcrowded inbox.

💡 Top tip: Use Double the Donation’s free matching gift marketing templates (available for clients to use within the 360MatchPro platform) to create and distribute beautifully branded, professional-level graphics.

Track and analyze performance metrics.

Performance metrics are essential to any marketing campaign, allowing your team to measure its success with tangible goals and insights. When it comes to tracking and analyzing your matching gift text marketing, monitoring data such as open and click rates, matching gift conversion rates, and more is crucial.

By analyzing these matching gift marketing indicators, you can gain insights into what resonates with your audience, allowing you to evaluate, refine, and adjust your strategies over time.

Bonus: Utilize 360MatchPro’s enterprise text functionality.

In addition to hosting a dedicated matching gift awareness campaign, another way to use text marketing involves following up with donors after they give to your cause. This allows you to target individual givers with personalized messaging at the height of their engagement with your cause, increasing the likelihood that they’ll take the next step for a matching gift.

It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, either⁠. In fact, eligible 360MatchPro users can enable SMS follow-ups in a few clicks, ensuring donors receive applicable messaging throughout their journey. While this feature is currently available only for Enterprise accounts, it provides a powerful opportunity for an organization to bring its automated outreach to the next level.

Interested in upgrading your account? Learn more here.

25 Sample Text Messages to Market Matching Gifts Well

With the convenience of mobile communication, text messages provide a direct line to your supporters. However, crafting the perfect outreach can be a challenge.

To help your nonprofit effectively promote matching gifts and make the most of this communication channel, we’ve compiled a number of sample text messages below.

Text message #1:

“Did you know your donation could be doubled? Many companies offer matching gifts for employee donations. Check if yours does and make an even bigger impact: [link].”

Text message #2:

“Double your impact today! Many employers will match your donation to [Nonprofit Name]. See if your company participates here: [link].”

Text message #3:

“You gave. Now your employer can, too! Find out if your company matches donations to [Nonprofit Name] and increase your gift’s impact: [link].”

Text message #4:

“Matching gift alert 🚨 Your employer may be able to match your recent donation to [Nonprofit Name]. Find out here: [link].”

Text message #5:

“Stretch your support further! 💪 Your donation could be matched dollar-for-dollar through your company’s matching gift program. Check eligibility: [link].”

Text message #6:

“Great news! Many companies will match employee donations to [Nonprofit Name]. Double your donation today by checking here: [link].”

Text message #7:

“Want to make an even bigger impact? 💥 Your employer might match your recent donation to [Nonprofit Name]. Learn more about matching gifts: [link].”

Text message #8:

“Thank you for your donation! Did you know it could go twice as far with a matching gift from your employer? See if you’re eligible: [link].”

Text message #9:

“Help us reach our goal! 🎯 Your donation can be doubled with a matching gift from your employer. Check your eligibility: [link].”

Text message #10:

“Double your donation without giving twice. 💸 Many employers match employee gifts. Find out if yours does here: [link].”

Text message #11:

“Don’t miss the chance to double your impact! Many companies match employee donations. See if your gift is eligible for a match: [link].”

Text message #12:

“Multiply your generosity! 🌱 Your donation could be matched by your employer. Find out if your company participates: [link].”

Text message #13:

“Did you know? Your employer might match your recent donation to [Nonprofit Name], making your gift go even further. Check now: [link].”

Text message #14:

“Double your support for [Nonprofit Name]! Many companies will match your donation. It only takes a minute to check if your employer participates: [link].”

Text message #15:

“Your impact could be twice as great! 🔍 See if your employer matches donations to [Nonprofit Name] and submit your request here: [link].”

Text message #16:

“Your generosity inspires others. Did you know your donation could be doubled by your employer? Learn more about matching gifts: [link].”

Text message #17:

“Thank you for supporting [Nonprofit Name]! 🙏 Your employer might match your donation. Double your impact here: [link].”

Text message #18:

“Matching gifts are a great way to increase your donation’s value. See if your company will match your recent contribution to [Nonprofit Name]: [link].”

Text message #19:

“Maximize your donation! 🏆 Find out if your employer will match your gift to [Nonprofit Name] and help us do even more good: [link].”

Text message #20:

“Make your donation go further this Giving Tuesday! Many companies will match your gift to [Nonprofit Name]. Check if yours does: [link].”

Text message #21:

“Matching gifts = double the impact! See if your employer matches employee donations to [Nonprofit Name] today: [link].”

Text message #22:

“You’ve already made a difference. Now, double it! See if your employer offers matching gifts to increase your donation’s impact: [link].”

Text message #23:

“Make your donation work twice as hard! 👐 Many companies will match employee gifts to [Nonprofit Name]. Check your eligibility here: [link].”

Text message #24:

“Did you know your gift could be doubled at no extra cost to you? See if your company matches employee donations to [Nonprofit Name]: [link].”

Text message #25:

“Your support means the world to us. 🌍 Take it a step further by submitting a matching gift request if your company participates: [link].”

By leveraging text marketing as a direct communication channel, your team can quickly and effectively remind donors about matching gift opportunities, keep them engaged, and inspire them to take action.

Just remember: the key is to tailor your messaging to resonate with your supporters, encourage participation, and ultimately help your organization maximize its matching gift potential.

Case Study: How One Organization Implemented Matching Gift Text Marketing

Save the Children, a large-scale, global humanitarian organization, decided to enhance its matching gift efforts by employing a text message marketing campaign. The goal was to raise awareness about matching gifts among their supporters while sending traffic to their newly renovated workplace giving page.

The text message marketing effort spanned several weeks and included targeted deployments to different segments of Save the Children’s subscriber base. The two key text messages in the campaign were sent on November 17 and December 2, the latter being just after Giving Tuesday.

Let’s take a look:

“Your donation to Save the Children may be eligible for a matching gift from your employer. Learn more: https://savetext.us/mgift?mk=61090499
Reply STOP to Quit”

The first message was sent to approximately 57,000 subscribers who had engaged with Save the Children over the past year. With no specific donation request included, the message aimed to raise awareness about matching gifts, encouraging recipients to learn more about the opportunity. Despite not featuring a direct fundraising ask, the campaign achieved an impressive click-through rate (CTR) of 2.7%, translating to about 1,500 unique clicks. As a result, the text message helped raise $2,700 in donations, demonstrating that even subtle reminders can drive meaningful engagement.

“THANK YOU for supporting children this Giving Tuesday…and always! Thanks to your generosity we’ll be able to make a significant impact in the lives of countless children. Now, do you want to see if you can make your gift go twice as far? Check if your employer offers a matching gift program: https://savetext.us/TY-mgift?mk=33219057
Save the Children
Reply STOP to Quit”

The second text message was targeted at a much smaller segment: around 3,200 subscribers who had made a donation within the four days surrounding Giving Tuesday. This message saw a strong CTR of 2.6%, well above the average of 1.6% for similar mass-market text campaigns. The success highlighted the effectiveness of targeting recent donors, especially during high giving periods such as Giving Tuesday.

Save the Children’s text message marketing efforts proved to be an effective way to increase awareness of matching gifts, achieving above-average click rates and directly raising funds through minimal outreach. This illustrates the potential of using text message campaigns for nonprofits like yours, showcasing that personalized and well-timed texts can boost engagement and revenue alike.

Looking to learn more? Access the on-demand webinar recording here to hear directly from Save the Children.

Wrapping Up & Additional Matching Gift Marketing Resources

Incorporating matching gift text marketing into your nonprofit’s outreach strategy is a game-changer for maximizing fundraising results. Given the immediacy and high open rates of text messages, this channel can help your organization capitalize on matching gift opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed⁠—all in a timely and convenient manner.

Ultimately, matching gift text marketing can help bridge the gap between supporters and the corporate philanthropy opportunities available to them, ensuring that your nonprofit captures as much matching gift revenue as possible. Start implementing SMS into your matching gift promotion strategy today, and watch as it helps unlock more funds, increase donor engagement, and elevate your organization’s mission.

Ready to learn more about strategic matching gift marketing efforts? Check out the recommended resources below:

Double the Donation’s Ultimate Guide to Marketing Matching Gifts. Access our complete guide on the topic! Uncover best practices for marketing matching gifts in any channel here.
Free Download: Develop a Matching Gift Marketing Plan. Get a head start on your matching gift marketing by using our free, customizable marketing plan template.
Marketing Matching Gifts In Your Digital Communications. Text messaging is a form of digital communication, but it’s not the only option available. Uncover top strategies for email, social media, and more.