Do Companies Match Payroll Gifts How It Works + Who Does

Do Companies Match Payroll Gifts? How It Works + Who Does

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Tons of generous employees give to causes they care about through their employers’ workplace giving campaigns, but a common question still arises: Do companies match payroll gifts? The short answer is that yes, many do.

Payroll gift matching is an easy way for employees to increase the impact of their donations, often doubling or even tripling the funds received by nonprofits. But in order to reap the combined benefits of these workplace giving programs, it’s important to start with a solid foundation of knowledge.

That’s why, in this post, we’ll explain the following:

By the end, you should have a clear understanding of how payroll gift matching works, which companies offer it, and how to take full advantage—whether you’re an employee looking to amplify your giving or a nonprofit aiming to tap into this powerful source of support.

Let’s dive in and explore how matching payroll gifts can make a bigger impact for causes like yours⁠.

Do companies match payroll gifts?

Many companies do indeed match payroll gifts as part of their broader workplace giving and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Payroll gift matching enables employees to donate a portion of their paycheck directly to a nonprofit, with the employer matching that contribution, often on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This approach makes it easy for employees to give consistently while also significantly increasing the total donation reaching the nonprofit.

While not every company offers payroll matching, it’s increasingly common among businesses that prioritize employee engagement and community impact. These programs may come with specific guidelines—such as donation minimums or eligible nonprofit categories—but they share a common goal: to support causes employees care about and encourage year-round giving.

How matching gifts work with payroll donations

Matching gifts and payroll donations often go hand in hand, creating a seamless and impactful way for employees to give more to the causes they care about. Here’s how the process typically works, step by step:

  1. Employee Enrolls in Payroll Giving. The process begins when an employee signs up for their employer’s workplace giving program, often through an internal HR portal or a third-party giving platform. They choose a nonprofit and specify a donation amount to be deducted directly from their paycheck, either as a one-time gift or a recurring contribution.
  2. Donation Is Automatically Deducted. Once enrolled, the donation is automatically deducted from the employee’s paycheck, typically on a pre-tax basis. This makes giving simple, predictable, and budget-friendly, encouraging consistent support for nonprofits throughout the year.
  3. Employer Matches the Donation. If the company offers a payroll gift matching program, they’ll contribute an additional amount, typically matching the employee’s donation dollar for dollar⁠—though some companies may offer a higher or lower match ratio. The match may be made on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, depending on the company’s policies.
  4. Funds Are Distributed to the Nonprofit. Both the employee’s payroll deduction and the employer’s matching contribution are sent to the designated nonprofit. This may be done directly or via a third-party administrator that processes and distributes the funds.
  5. Donor and Nonprofit Receive Confirmation. Employees usually receive confirmation of their donations and matched gifts for their records. Nonprofits may also receive donor details (if shared) along with the matched funds, allowing them to acknowledge the support and build stronger relationships.

Do companies match payroll donations? Yes!

Here are a few additional considerations to note:

  • Eligibility matters. Not all nonprofits qualify under every company’s matching policy. Most employers will match gifts to 501(c)(3) organizations, but some exclude religious or political causes or narrow their program criteria to include only a particular type of cause.
  • There are usually caps. Companies often set annual limits on how much they’ll match per employee, with maximums landing anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more.
  • Employees may need to opt in. Some programs require employees to request a match or verify their donation, even if it was made via payroll. Don’t skip this step, or else your gifts are likely to slip through the cracks!

Matching gifts through payroll donations are one of the most efficient ways to double your impact. They streamline giving for employees while delivering steady, reliable funding for nonprofits—all with minimal administrative burden.

Increase payroll donations and matching gifts with Double the Donation.

12 Leading companies that match payroll gifts

Now that you understand how payroll gift matching works, you might be wondering which companies actually offer these programs. While not every employer participates, many well-known organizations are leading the way by making it easy for employees to give back—and amplifying those efforts through generous match policies.

Below, we’ve highlighted 12 standout companies that match payroll donations, along with key details about how their programs work.

Microsoft is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

1. Microsoft

As a global leader in the technology sector, Microsoft employs approximately 220,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company is renowned for its robust philanthropic culture centered around its Employee Giving Program.

Through this program, Microsoft encourages employees to make recurring donations to eligible nonprofits directly from their paychecks. Then, to double the impact, the company matches these contributions dollar for dollar, up to $15,000 per employee annually. This seamless integration of payroll giving and matching gifts empowers employees to support their communities efficiently and meaningfully.

Learn more about Microsoft’s corporate giving programs here.

GE Aerospace is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

2. GE Aerospace

Headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, GE Aerospace is a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, with a workforce of about 50,000 employees. The company sustains a legacy of giving by offering a structured payroll giving program that makes it easy for employees to contribute to charitable organizations straight from their paychecks.

GE Aerospace also offers a 1:1 matching gift program, underscoring its commitment to sectors such as education and healthcare. Together, these programs foster sustained engagement and amplify employee contributions worldwide.

Learn more about GE Aerospace’s corporate giving programs here.

Pfizer is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

3. Pfizer

Pfizer, a pharmaceutical giant based in New York City, employs around 83,000 people worldwide. The company’s philanthropic programs reflect its healthcare mission, with a strong emphasis on making charitable giving accessible and impactful.

Through Pfizer’s Giving Station, employees can donate via payroll deductions and have their gifts matched up to $5,000 annually. The combination of automatic payroll giving and matching contributions makes it easy for employees to give consistently while significantly increasing the nonprofit’s impact.

Learn more about Pfizer’s corporate giving programs here.

Bristol Myers Squibb is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

4. Bristol Myers Squibb

Operating within the biopharmaceutical industry, Bristol Myers Squibb employs roughly 34,000 people and is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. The company’s Employee Giving Program enables team members to support eligible nonprofits through direct payroll contributions.

To further incentivize giving, Bristol Myers Squibb matches employee donations dollar for dollar up to $30,000 per year. This generous cap, paired with the simplicity of payroll giving, allows employees to make a meaningful difference year-round.

Learn more about Bristol Myers Squibb’s corporate giving programs here.

IBM is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

5. IBM

IBM, a global force in the information technology and consulting sector, is headquartered in Armonk, New York, and employs about 288,000 people across the world. IBM’s charitable strategy integrates automated payroll deductions with a generous matching gift program, often matching up to $10,000 per employee annually.

Employees can support a wide range of nonprofits, and the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation extends to simplifying and amplifying charitable giving across its global workforce.

Learn more about IBM’s corporate giving programs here.

American Express is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

6. American Express

Headquartered in New York City, American Express operates in the financial services industry and employs roughly 77,000 people. The company offers employees a streamlined way to give through payroll deductions, which can be directed to a variety of nonprofits.

American Express also offers a 1:1 matching gift program, typically up to $8,000 per employee annually. By aligning payroll giving with corporate matches, Amex empowers employees to contribute confidently and efficiently to causes they care about.

Learn more about American Express’ corporate giving programs here.

FM Global is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

7. FM Global

FM Global, a commercial property insurance provider based in Johnston, Rhode Island, employs approximately 5,500 people. The company’s Employee Giving Program allows staff to donate to approved nonprofits via payroll deductions. In tandem, FM Global offers a matching gift program to double employee contributions, reinforcing its dedication to risk mitigation not just in business, but in communities as well.

The cohesive design of these programs enables FM Global to foster long-term philanthropic engagement among its employees.

Learn more about FM Global’s corporate giving programs here.

Apple is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

8. Apple

With headquarters in Cupertino, California, Apple is a technology powerhouse employing over 160,000 people. Apple’s Giving program includes both payroll giving and matching gifts, where employee donations are matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000 annually.

The company has made it easy for employees to regularly support causes of their choice, and Apple’s match applies whether the donation is made through payroll or another method, making it a truly inclusive program that maximizes employee impact.

Learn more about Apple’s corporate giving programs here.

Google is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

9. Google

Google, under its parent company Alphabet Inc., is a dominant name in the internet and software industry. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, Google employs about 180,000 people globally.

The company encourages giving through its Google Giving program, offering employees the option to make recurring donations via payroll deductions, which are matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000 annually. This unified structure allows Googlers to support global and local nonprofits with sustained, matched contributions throughout the year.

Learn more about Google’s corporate giving programs here.

Intel is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

10. Intel

Intel, a leading semiconductor and technology company based in Santa Clara, California, employs approximately 120,000 people. The company’s philanthropic infrastructure includes an integrated payroll giving option and a 1:1 matching gift program with a cap of $10,000 per employee each year.

Intel also promotes volunteering, offering match dollars for hours served. By making payroll giving and matching both accessible and generous, Intel encourages employees to be actively involved in community support.

Learn more about Intel’s corporate giving programs here.

Bank of America is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

11. Bank of America

As a major player in financial services, Bank of America employs about 212,000 people and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company offers a robust employee giving platform, allowing donations to be made through payroll and matched up to $5,000 annually.

In addition to financial donations, Bank of America matches volunteer hours with grant contributions. Their integrated approach promotes a culture of community involvement and maximizes the value of every employee’s contribution.

Learn more about Bank of America’s corporate giving programs here.

Johnson & Johnson is an example of a top company that matches payroll gifts.

12. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson, a healthcare and pharmaceutical leader based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, employs around 150,000 people globally. Its Matching Gifts Program supports employee donations to nonprofits with a 2:1 match for educational institutions and 1:1 for other charities, up to $20,000 annually.

Employees can give directly through payroll, making it easy to commit to regular contributions. This combination of generous matching and recurring payroll donations makes a sustained impact in education, health, and social equity.

Learn more about Johnson & Johnson’s corporate giving programs here.

Wrapping up & additional payroll giving resources

Matching payroll gifts is a powerful yet often underutilized way to amplify charitable giving. However, the full potential of these programs are hardly realized, largely due to a lack of awareness surrounding the opportunities.

When combined, matching gifts and payroll giving can go together well, offering a significant impact for organizations like yours. Don’t let these contributions fall by the wayside!

Looking to learn more about payroll giving for nonprofits like yours? Check out these additional recommended resources:

Increase payroll donations and matching gifts with Double the Donation.