In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal growth can be challenging for employees. However, an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of community engagement. As a result, more employers are offering Paid Volunteer Time Off programs as part of their staff compensation packages. In order to get better acquainted with the idea, we’ll highlight some top VTO companies below.
(Interested in a particular employer? Click on the ‘company name’ to skip to that section!)
| COMPANY NAME | ANNUAL VTO CAP | SECTOR | EMPLOYEES | HEADQUARTERS |
|---|
| AppDynamics | 40 hours | Media & Technology | ~2,000 | San Francisco, CA |
| Blue Cross | 15 hours | Healthcare | ~190,000 | Chicago, IL |
| Cisco | 80 hours | Media & Technology | ~84,900 | San Jose, CA |
| County of San Mateo | 20 – 416 hours | Public | ~4,800 | Redwood City, CA |
| Deloitte | 8 hours | Professional Services | ~455,000 | London, England |
| EOG Resources | 8 hours | Energy & Power | ~2,900 | Houston, TX |
| Enel | 16 hours | Energy & Power | ~6,500 | Rome, Italy |
| FirstBank | 16 hours | Financial Services | ~4,100 | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Getty Images | 8 hours | Media & Technology | ~1,700 | Seattle, WA |
| GM Financial | 32 hours | Financial Services | ~8,800 | Fort Worth, TX |
| Hasbro | 48 hours | Toy & Entertainment | ~5,600 | Pawtucket, RI |
| Heineken USA | 36 hours | Food & Beverage | ~8,500 | White Plains, NY |
| Humana | 8 hours | Healthcare | ~67,600 | Louisville, KY |
| Ibotta | 8 hours | Media & Technology | ~815 | Denver, CO |
| Intuit | 32 hours | Financial Services | ~18,200 | Montain View, CA |
| Johnson & Johnson | 40 hours | Healthcare | ~141,700 | New Brunswick, NJ |
| KPMG | 40 hours | Professional Services | ~219,200 | New York, NY |
| Lowe’s | 8 hours | Home Improvement | ~300,000 | Mooresville, NC |
| Microsoft | 24 hours | Media & Technology | ~221,000 | Redmond, WA |
| Nielsen | 24 hours | Information | ~44,000 | New York, NY |
| Novo Nordisk U.S. | 80 hours | Healthcare | ~6,400 | Plainsboro, NJ |
| Patagonia | 18 hours | Fashion & Apparel | ~3,000 | Ventura, CA |
| PNC Financial | 40 hours | Financial Services | ~56,400 | Pittsburgh, PA |
| PwC US | 40 hours | Professional Services | ~328,000 | New York, NY |
| Salesforce | 56 hours | Media & Technology | ~79,400 | San Francisco, CA |
| Sentinel Group | 16 hours | Financial Services | ~325 | Wakefield, MA |
| ServiceNow | 20 hours | Media & Technology | ~22,700 | Santa Clara, CA |
| Siemens USA | 16 hours | Media & Technology | ~303,000 | Saint Paul, MN |
| S&P Global | 16 hours | Financial Services | ~40,000 | New York, NY |
| Tapestry | 8 hours | Fashion & Apparel | ~17,300 | New York, NY |
| Takeda | 16 hours | Healthcare | ~47,300 | Cambridge, MA |
| Thomson Reuters | 16 hours | Information | ~25,600 | Toronto, Canada |
| Timberland | 40 hours | Fashion & Apparel | ~50,000 | Stratham, NH |
| University of Arizona | 8 hours | Higher Education | ~16,000 | Tucson, AZ |
| Warner Media | 40 hours | Media & Technology | ~35,300 | New York, NY |
If you’re looking for a refresher on volunteer time off—and how to make the most of the programs for your organization—check out our complete VTO guide here.
Otherwise, we’ve provided a quick summary of the benefits before jumping into the compilation of VTO companies below.
The opportunity to give back to their communities, develop new skills, and support causes they are passionate about through volunteerism without missing out on a portion of a regular paycheck
Access to skilled volunteers who are motivated to make a meaningful impact, thus expanding their capacity, tapping into specialized expertise, and accomplishing more with limited resources
Enhanced reputation as a socially responsible employer, strengthened corporate culture with heightened staff engagement, loyalty, and retention, leading to positive business outcomes
Read up on these programs to explore top companies offering paid volunteer time off for their employees. Then, see if your supporters qualify for the benefit! 🠟
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~2,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
AppDynamics, a leader in application performance management, believes in giving back to the community. Their VTO program reflects this value by allowing employees to take paid time off (up to a full week each year) to engage in volunteer activities with the charitable organizations of their choice.
By providing this opportunity, AppDynamics fosters a culture of social responsibility and actively encourages its employees to contribute to the betterment of society on a local and global scale.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Chicago, IL and nationwide
Employee count: ~190,000
VTO cap: 15 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ (Can vary based on location)
Blue Cross Blue Shield, a network of independently owned health insurance companies across the U.S., demonstrates its commitment to improving health, going above and beyond medical care to include community well-being. Through their generous VTO program, employees are granted paid time off (equal to 15 hours, or nearly two full days of work) to volunteer for various philanthropy initiatives.
In investing in employee volunteerism, Blue Cross Blue Shield strengthens its ties to its community while supporting healthcare access for underserved populations and reinforcing its mission to promote health and wellness for all.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Jose, CA and nationwide
Employee count: ~84,900
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
At Cisco Systems, technology is not just about innovation. It’s also about making a positive impact on society. That’s why the company’s VTO program empowers employees to spend up to two weeks each year volunteering with nonprofit causes.
As it encourages employees to give back through incentivized volunteerism, Cisco cultivates a culture of collaboration and social responsibility. Through their VTO program, employees can also leverage their skills and expertise to support the communities in which they live and work, ultimately aligning with the company’s vision of technology as a force for good.
Sector: Public
Location: Redwood City, CA
Employee count: ~4,800
VTO cap: 20 – 416 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Payroll Deductions ✔
The County of San Mateo in Redwood City, California also values community engagement and aims to incentivize philanthropy among its staff. Through its VTO program, employees are granted paid time off to volunteer for local initiatives, with the number of hours each team member receives ranging from 20 to 416 annually.
By supporting employee volunteerism, the County further strengthens its ties with the community and fosters a sense of civic pride and responsibility among its workforce.
Sector: Professional Services
Location: London, England and worldwide
Employee count: ~455,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Deloitte, a global leader in consulting and professional services, recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities it serves. It aims to increase its philanthropy efforts by offering paid volunteer time off, with team members encouraged to spend a full day each year supporting nonprofit causes.
Whether it’s providing pro bono consulting services to nonprofit organizations, participating in skills-based volunteering initiatives, or organizing fundraising events, Deloitte’s employees are empowered to make a positive impact beyond the office building.
Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Houston, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~2,900
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
EOG Resources, a leading energy company, believes in giving back to the communities where it operates. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes like environmental stewardship, community development, or disaster relief.
By supporting employee volunteerism with paid time off, EOG Resources demonstrates its commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainable development. Plus, it fosters a culture of giving and philanthropy among its workforce.
Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Andover, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,500
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Sustainability Projects ✔
Enel, a global energy company, is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Enel employees have the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world by spending one day each year out of the office, giving back to their communities.
Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for a range of environmental conservation and other philanthropic efforts. By investing in employee volunteerism, Enel strengthens its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and aligns its business objectives with the needs of society and the planet.
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Lakewood, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~4,100
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
FirstBank, a leading financial institution, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects two days out of the year.
Whether it’s serving meals at homeless shelters, tutoring students in underserved neighborhoods, or participating in financial literacy workshops, each employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference without losing out on any pay.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Seattle, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~1,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
As a global leader in visual communication, Getty Images is committed to making a positive impact on society and engaging its workforce to do the same. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes, from arts and culture and education to humanitarian relief efforts.
In order to do so, Getty Images employees have the opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise to drive positive change for their nonprofit partners.
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Fort Worth, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~8,800
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
GM Financial, the financial services arm of General Motors, believes in giving back to the communities it serves through volunteerism and other philanthropy programs. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with up to four days of paid time off for charitable volunteer initiatives.
By supporting employee volunteerism, GM Financial strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and supplies its workforce with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Sector: Toy & Entertainment
Location: Pawtucket, RI and worldwide
Employee count: ~5,600
VTO cap: 48 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Hasbro is committed to making a positive impact on the world through a generous VTO program, providing employees with paid volunteer time off to devote to giving back. Corporate employees are granted four hours worth of time off each month, equating to six full days on an annual basis they can spend performing volunteer activities with a wide range of causes.
Sector: Food & Beverage
Location: White Plains, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~8,500
VTO cap: 36 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Heineken, a global brewing company committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, believes in raising a glass to community service and volunteerism. Through its company volunteer program, employees are provided with a total of 36 hours of paid time off each year to spend volunteering for causes they are passionate about.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Louisville, KY and nationwide
Employee count: ~67,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Leading health and well-being company, Humana, believes in giving back to the communities it serves, and it encourages its staff to do so as well. Every year, Humana employees are provided with paid time off (equal to one full day of work) to spend volunteering with the charitable organizations of their choice!
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Denver, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~815
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Nonprofit Partnerships ✔
Ibotta, a leading mobile rewards platform, has also developed a VTO program designed to empower employees to spend time volunteering with nonprofit causes. Team members receive 8 hours of paid time off each year, providing them with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world around them.
While the causes supported can range greatly, Ibotta staff have engaged with tons of organizations centered on hunger relief, education, and environmental sustainability.
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Mountain View, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~18,200
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Intuit, a leading financial software company, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects. Whether it’s providing tax assistance to low-income individuals, mentoring small business owners, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, Intuit employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
By supporting employee volunteerism, Intuit strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and reinforces its commitment to building stronger, more prosperous communities.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: New Brunswick, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~141,700
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company, is committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world through its pharmaceutical products and beyond. One key facet of its employee giving initiatives is a generous VTO program. Through the program, employees are able to use dedicated paid time off (up to a full week each year) to volunteer with the causes of their choice.
By supporting employee volunteerism in this way, Johnson & Johnson strengthens its commitment to the company’s founding principles of caring for the communities it serves.
Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~219,200
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offers a standout VTO program designed to empower its employees to give back to the communities they serve. With paid volunteer time off, employees are encouraged to partake in volunteer projects during standard working hours (without losing out on any pay) for up to 5 days each year.
Talk about adding value to corporate citizenship!
Sector: Home Improvement
Location: Mooresville, NC and worldwide
Employee count: ~300,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Community Grants ✔
Lowe’s, a leading home improvement retailer, is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, more than 300,000 employees across the globe are provided with a day’s worth of paid time off specifically for volunteerism. Whether it’s building homes for families in need, renovating schools and community centers, or participating in disaster relief efforts, Lowe’s employees have the opportunity to develop and leverage new skills, make a meaningful difference, and contribute to the well-being of communities across the country.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Redmond, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~221,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ Microsoft Ad Grants ✔
As a leading technology company, Microsoft believes in using its resources to make a positive impact on society. That includes its labor!
Through its VTO program, Microsoft employees are encouraged to participate in dedicated technology and innovation projects to use their skills and expertise for good (for up to three working days a year).
Sector: Information
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~44,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Nielsen is a global measurement and data analytics company, and it’s committed to making a positive impact on society through corporate philanthropy programs like paid volunteer time off and more. Each team member receives 24 hours of VTO annually, which employees can use to participate in fundraising events, community service initiatives, and other nonprofit activities.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Plainsboro, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,400
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company committed to driving change and improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. One way that it aims to do so is by engaging its employees in volunteer activities (such as hosting educational workshops, participating in fundraising events, or working at free medical clinics).
The company also boasts one of the highest annual limits, offering each employee up to two weeks of paid time to spend participating in nonprofit volunteer activities.
Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Ventura, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~3,000
VTO cap: 18 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Patagonia, a leading outdoor apparel company, is committed to environmental conservation and corporate activism. By offering paid volunteer time off for its employees, the business encourages philanthropy and enhances its impact on the planet.
Plus, in addition to the standard 18 hours of VTO each year, an employee can choose to spend up to two months volunteering with the environmental organization of their choice.
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Pittsburgh, PA and worldwide
Employee count: ~56,400
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
PNC Financial Services is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. It’s also a leader in corporate philanthropy and wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. For example, employees are provided with paid time off to spend volunteering with nonprofit organizations through the company’s VTO program. This empowers individual team members to get involved in social good, with a generous annual limit allowing for a full week of volunteer-related activities outside the office.
Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~328,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
PwC is another of the world’s leading professional services firms. This company, as a way of committing to making a positive impact on society, also offers a generous VTO program in which employees are welcome to spend a full week’s time supporting the nonprofits of their choice. This often includes providing pro bono consulting services but can encompass a wide range of volunteer-focused activities.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~79,400
VTO cap: 56 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
As a global leader in customer relationship management software, Salesforce believes in the power and potential of using its technology for good. Through its VTO program, employees are empowered to use dedicated paid time off (up to 56 hours annually) to volunteer for their favorite causes.
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Wakefield, MA and nationwide
Employee count: ~325
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts (with auto-submission enabled) ✔
Sentinel Group, also referred to as Sentinel Benefits and Financial Group, is a leader in risk management and security solutions. As a tangible way to give back to the communities it serves, the company has developed a generous VTO program, where employees are provided with paid time off (equal to two days annually) to volunteer with qualifying nonprofit groups.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Santa Clara, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~22,700
VTO cap: 20 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
ServiceNow, a leading provider of digital workflow solutions, believes in using its technology to drive positive change. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, such as education, environmental sustainability, or social justice.
Whether it’s developing software solutions for nonprofit organizations, organizing volunteer events, or participating in service projects, ServiceNow employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Saint Paul, MN and worldwide
Employee count: ~303,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Team Volunteer Grants ✔
Siemens, the global technology powerhouse, commits to engaging its employees by supplying 16 hours worth of paid volunteer time off every year for team members to support nonprofit causes. That’s in addition to the other giving programs the company established, which include matching employee donations and offering team-wide volunteer grants, too!
Sector: Financial Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~40,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
S&P Global, a leading provider of financial market intelligence, engages its employee base in volunteerism (and other giving programs) by incentivizing their involvement. One such program offers paid VTO, or volunteer time off, where employees are given the opportunity to spend two days working with various organizations or projects on an annual basis.
Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~17,300
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Tapestry is a leading house of modern luxury and lifestyle brands. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society in a number of ways, which include matching employee donations and offering paid time off for nonprofit volunteering. Specifically, through its VTO program, employees across Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman are gifted paid time off to volunteer for and make a positive impact on causes they are passionate about.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Cambridge, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~47,300
VTO cap: 16 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to making the world a better place through strategic philanthropy, innovation, and more. Through its VTO program, the company’s employees are gifted paid time off to volunteer. The program provides two days of paid time off per year, though Takeda has been known to expand the program to offer up to five days in the event of a humanitarian crisis.
Sector: Information
Location: Toronto, Canada and worldwide
Employee count: ~15,600
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of business information services, believes in giving back through corporate volunteerism. In order to engage its employee base, the company provides an additional 16 hours of paid time off to volunteer for charitable projects.
Whether it’s providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, employees have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Stratham, NH and nationwide
Employee count: ~50,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Timberland, along with other subsidiaries of VF Corporation like North Face, JanSport, Dickies, and more, is a global outdoor lifestyle brand committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off (a full week’s worth!) to participate in volunteer activities.
By supporting employee volunteerism, Timberland strengthens its commitment to corporate citizenship and reinforces its mission to inspire and equip people to step outside, work together, and make a difference in the world.
Sector: Higher Education
Location: Tucson, AZ
Employee count: ~1,600
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Scholarship Funds ✔ Research and Innovation ✔
The University of Arizona is a leading public research university. It’s also an institution that’s committed to serving the greater community and fostering social responsibility among its employees. One way that it does so is through its VTO program!
As a way to incentivize volunteerism among university faculty and staff, team members are encouraged to spend 8 hours of paid time off volunteering with nonprofit. In the end, the University strengthens its commitment to excellence and innovation, both on campus and beyond.
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~35,300
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Warner Media, formerly Warner Bros. Discovery, is a leading global media and entertainment company devoted to driving positive change in society through various philanthropy efforts. One example of this is its VTO program, where employees are encouraged to use 40 hours of dedicated paid time off to volunteer for causes related to arts and culture, education, social justice, and beyond.
Wrapping Up
Corporate social responsibility continues to grow in terms of demand and execution alike, which means more companies participating than ever before. Volunteerism is one of the top ways for corporate employees to get involved, and paid volunteer programs from VTO companies like these offer a unique incentive for engagement.
Just remember: the companies selected above represent only a fraction of available opportunities. Encourage your volunteers, donors, and other supporters to look into their employers’ programming to see what possibilities lie in your network.
Interested in delving deeper into corporate volunteerism and other forms of workplace giving incentives? Check out the additional resources below:
How to Craft a Heartfelt Gift Acknowledgment Letter
/in Donor communications /by Adam WeingerA swift thank you is all it takes for 34% of donors to give again. And beyond boosting retention, a gratuitous follow-up can help your nonprofit share its impact, adhere to compliance standards, and show donors the appreciation they deserve.
While your nonprofit may already have a donor recognition process in place, an important first step is to send a gift acknowledgment letter. Let’s explore why these letters are important and how your organization can craft one that’s both effective and heartfelt!
Gift Acknowledgement Letter FAQs
What is a gift acknowledgment letter?
A gift acknowledgment letter, also known as a donation acknowledgment letter, is a formal document sent by a nonprofit to donors to express gratitude for their contributions. This appreciation message also serves as a way for donors to claim tax exemptions and reap the financial benefit of giving to your cause.
Is a gift acknowledgment letter required?
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) lays out specific guidelines for written acknowledgments for tax-deductible donations—meaning that gift acknowledgment letters are not only a best practice but are required in certain instances. Nonprofits are required to provide a written acknowledgment for any single donation of $250 or more, whether in cash or in-kind.
The acknowledgment should include certain details such as the amount of the donation, a description of any non-cash contributions, and a statement indicating whether the organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the donation.
Should gift acknowledgment letters be sent for matched gifts?
When donors make a contribution that’s matched by their employer, your nonprofit has two supporters to thank: the employee and the employer. Not only should you send a gift acknowledgment letter to the donor, detailing that their gift was matched, but you should also send a separate acknowledgment to their employer. This can open the door to a future partnership, or at the very least, ensure they continue matching contributions to your cause.
Donor appreciation is just one best practice to follow when working with matching gifts. For more tips, watch the following video:
Because matching gifts are such a highly engaging fundraiser, prompt follow-up is especially important to maintain the engagement.
How soon after donors give should it be sent?
While there is no hard and fast rule for the exact timeframe within which a gift acknowledgment letter should be sent, it’s generally recommended that it be sent as soon as possible. This way, donors can be confident that their gifts went through and have access to everything they need to claim a tax exemption.
What should be included in a gift acknowledgment letter?
A gift acknowledgment letter should include the following elements:
If relevant, you may also invite the donor to further their involvement with your organization. Consider adding a sentence or two inviting the donor to an upcoming event or providing details about how they can continue receiving communications from your nonprofit.
How to Write a Gift Acknowledgment Letter
1. State the purpose of your letter
Start your gift acknowledgment letter with a confirmation of the donation. This introduces the recipient to the letter by reminding them of their gift. It should only take a sentence or two.
2. Make your letter visually engaging
Before you start crafting the content of your letter, determine how you’ll make it catch the recipient’s attention. After all, your gift acknowledgment letter is only beneficial if the recipient actually reads it!
Here are a few strategies to make your letter visually engaging:
To make this process easier, use a digital card creation service like eCardWidget. This solution allows you to customize premade templates or start from scratch with unique cards branded to your nonprofit. Then, you can send the card to donors via email.
Taking the online route for gift acknowledgment letters unlocks numerous opportunities to invigorate your cards with engaging content. You can include everything from fun animations to eye-catching images and reuse the cards in the future as needed.
3. Personalize your note
Personalizing a gift acknowledgment letter adds a special touch and shows your donors that you genuinely value their ongoing support. Use these best practices to personalize your letter:
By personalizing your gift acknowledgment letters, you can show donors that their support is truly valued and strengthen the bond between them and your organization.
4. Explain the impact of the gift
Personalized outreach that highlights donor impact makes 41% of donors willing to give again. You can demonstrate the donor’s impact by including:
Remember to keep the message donor-centric, highlighting the impact their gift will make. The letter should be about what the donor—not your nonprofit—accomplished with their gift.
5. Express heartfelt gratitude
Craft a sincere message by using emotive language to convey your gratitude. Depending on the method you use to send your letter, incorporate additional elements to make it more meaningful. Sending handwritten letters can enhance the personal feel of the message, but digital platforms may allow you to include visuals alongside your message for more vivid appreciation.
6. Invite supporters to stay involved
Your gift acknowledgment letter shouldn’t be the end of your communications with donors. Ensure they stay involved by offering additional engagement opportunities in your letter.
Invite supporters to upcoming events, highlight volunteer opportunities, and direct them to other ways to stay in touch, such as feedback surveys or social media channels. If you send a digital card, you can use links and buttons to make it easy for donors to explore your other communication channels.
Gift Acknowledgment Letter Template
To make sure you include everything that’s needed in your letter, use this template as a starting point:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Thank you so much for your generous donation of $[amount] on [date]. This letter is to officially acknowledge the receipt of your donation, which we have designated to support our [specific program]. Your support is vital to our efforts and makes a significant impact.
Please keep this letter for your records as it may be used as official documentation for tax purposes. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your donation.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to our cause. Your support not only helps us achieve [specific goals], but it also strengthens our community of advocates and changemakers. We would love to see you at [upcoming event] or work with you on our volunteer team. Please visit our website [website URL] or contact us directly for more information on how you can greatly enhance our collective impact.
Thank you once again for your commitment to [cause].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Organization’s Name]
Wrapping Up
A gift acknowledgment letter weaves together your nonprofit’s appreciation, engagement, and compliance efforts following a donor’s generosity. It provides an opportunity to deeply connect and foster lasting relationships with your treasured supporters.
If you’re looking for more information on how to inspire donors to give and cultivate meaningful relationships with them, check out the following resources:
Key Volunteer Time Off Statistics to Grow Your Volunteerism
/in Nonprofit Basics, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam WeingerVolunteer time off statistics indicate that, as corporate social responsibility continues to gain traction in the business landscape, companies are increasingly offering paid release time for employees to participate in volunteer activities.
For nonprofits and schools, that means extended volunteer pools and enhanced engagement opportunities. Thus, understanding the availability and impact of paid volunteer time on your mission is crucial for leveraging the resources effectively. To do so, we’ve compiled the following insights:
Ready to dive in? Browse the VTO statistics below to begin growing your knowledge on the topic. ↴
Getting Started: Essential Volunteer Time Off Statistics
Key Takeaway
The popularity and growing prevalence of paid volunteer time off can go a long way for organizations looking to re-engage with dedicated supporters. The programs alleviate primary obstacles such as work commitments for potential volunteers, thereby extending the pool of interested individuals and tapping into a meaningful source of no-cost labor.
The Widespread Benefits of Volunteer Time Off Programs
Key Takeaway
Volunteer time off, or VTO, can have a transformative impact on charitable organizations. And that’s in addition to the value received by other program stakeholders like companies and their employees. Access to qualified volunteers through corporate engagement programs (particularly those with unique skills and expertise) presents a powerful opportunity for nonprofits like yours to improve operations and further their missions effectively.
Growing VTO Opportunities Over Time: Key Trends & Patterns
Key Takeaway
Staying abreast of trends in corporate volunteerism and other philanthropic initiatives is paramount for nonprofit staff. Why? Understanding the ongoing patterns and progression of the programs enables organizations to adapt their strategies and outreach efforts effectively. This ensures they can capitalize on emerging opportunities for collaboration and support with the greatest results!
Overall, keeping up to date empowers nonprofits to better navigate the dynamic landscape of social impact, fostering greater resilience, adaptability, and success in achieving organizational goals.
Fun Facts on Other Corporate Giving & Volunteerism Programs
Key Takeaway
VTO programs aren’t the only way your organization can benefit from corporate and workplace giving! From matching employee gifts to generous community grants, these initiatives represent a vital source of funding for nonprofits and schools alike. Take some time to research the giving programs made available by your supporters’ companies and see how your organization can reap the rewards.
Powering Engagement With These Volunteer Time Off Statistics
Volunteer Time Off programs hold immense potential for nonprofits like yours. As evidenced by the VTO statistics presented above, these initiatives seek to deepen engagement and incentivize supporter involvement in your cause.
When volunteers know they won’t miss out on a day’s wages to support your organization, they’ll be more inclined to play a role. As a result, VTO not only enhances employee morale for your corporate partners but also fuels meaningful philanthropy. And your nonprofit can benefit!
By leveraging these insights, pursuing available opportunities, and addressing the challenges highlighted, organizations can empower volunteers to use their time off to create lasting change. Even better, Double the Donation Volunteering can help!
Interested in diving deeper into volunteer time off and other workplace giving incentives? Check out these additional resources to learn more:
Sources
Top Volunteer Time Off Companies | 35 Programs to Know
/in Company Spotlights, Learning Center, Lists and Rankings /by Adam WeingerIn today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal growth can be challenging for employees. However, an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of community engagement. As a result, more employers are offering Paid Volunteer Time Off programs as part of their staff compensation packages. In order to get better acquainted with the idea, we’ll highlight some top VTO companies below.
(Interested in a particular employer? Click on the ‘company name’ to skip to that section!)
BENEFITS OF VTO FOR EMPLOYEES
The opportunity to give back to their communities, develop new skills, and support causes they are passionate about through volunteerism without missing out on a portion of a regular paycheck
BENEFITS OF VTO FOR NONPROFITS
Access to skilled volunteers who are motivated to make a meaningful impact, thus expanding their capacity, tapping into specialized expertise, and accomplishing more with limited resources
BENEFITS OF VTO FOR COMPANIES
Enhanced reputation as a socially responsible employer, strengthened corporate culture with heightened staff engagement, loyalty, and retention, leading to positive business outcomes
Read up on these programs to explore top companies offering paid volunteer time off for their employees. Then, see if your supporters qualify for the benefit! 🠟
AppDynamics
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~2,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
AppDynamics, a leader in application performance management, believes in giving back to the community. Their VTO program reflects this value by allowing employees to take paid time off (up to a full week each year) to engage in volunteer activities with the charitable organizations of their choice.
By providing this opportunity, AppDynamics fosters a culture of social responsibility and actively encourages its employees to contribute to the betterment of society on a local and global scale.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Chicago, IL and nationwide
Employee count: ~190,000
VTO cap: 15 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ (Can vary based on location)
Blue Cross Blue Shield, a network of independently owned health insurance companies across the U.S., demonstrates its commitment to improving health, going above and beyond medical care to include community well-being. Through their generous VTO program, employees are granted paid time off (equal to 15 hours, or nearly two full days of work) to volunteer for various philanthropy initiatives.
In investing in employee volunteerism, Blue Cross Blue Shield strengthens its ties to its community while supporting healthcare access for underserved populations and reinforcing its mission to promote health and wellness for all.
Cisco
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Jose, CA and nationwide
Employee count: ~84,900
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
At Cisco Systems, technology is not just about innovation. It’s also about making a positive impact on society. That’s why the company’s VTO program empowers employees to spend up to two weeks each year volunteering with nonprofit causes.
As it encourages employees to give back through incentivized volunteerism, Cisco cultivates a culture of collaboration and social responsibility. Through their VTO program, employees can also leverage their skills and expertise to support the communities in which they live and work, ultimately aligning with the company’s vision of technology as a force for good.
County of San Mateo
Sector: Public
Location: Redwood City, CA
Employee count: ~4,800
VTO cap: 20 – 416 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Payroll Deductions ✔
The County of San Mateo in Redwood City, California also values community engagement and aims to incentivize philanthropy among its staff. Through its VTO program, employees are granted paid time off to volunteer for local initiatives, with the number of hours each team member receives ranging from 20 to 416 annually.
By supporting employee volunteerism, the County further strengthens its ties with the community and fosters a sense of civic pride and responsibility among its workforce.
Deloitte
Sector: Professional Services
Location: London, England and worldwide
Employee count: ~455,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Deloitte, a global leader in consulting and professional services, recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities it serves. It aims to increase its philanthropy efforts by offering paid volunteer time off, with team members encouraged to spend a full day each year supporting nonprofit causes.
Whether it’s providing pro bono consulting services to nonprofit organizations, participating in skills-based volunteering initiatives, or organizing fundraising events, Deloitte’s employees are empowered to make a positive impact beyond the office building.
EOG Resources
Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Houston, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~2,900
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
EOG Resources, a leading energy company, believes in giving back to the communities where it operates. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes like environmental stewardship, community development, or disaster relief.
By supporting employee volunteerism with paid time off, EOG Resources demonstrates its commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainable development. Plus, it fosters a culture of giving and philanthropy among its workforce.
Enel North America
Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Andover, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,500
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Sustainability Projects ✔
Enel, a global energy company, is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Enel employees have the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world by spending one day each year out of the office, giving back to their communities.
Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for a range of environmental conservation and other philanthropic efforts. By investing in employee volunteerism, Enel strengthens its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and aligns its business objectives with the needs of society and the planet.
FirstBank
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Lakewood, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~4,100
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
FirstBank, a leading financial institution, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects two days out of the year.
Whether it’s serving meals at homeless shelters, tutoring students in underserved neighborhoods, or participating in financial literacy workshops, each employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference without losing out on any pay.
Getty Images
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Seattle, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~1,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
As a global leader in visual communication, Getty Images is committed to making a positive impact on society and engaging its workforce to do the same. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes, from arts and culture and education to humanitarian relief efforts.
In order to do so, Getty Images employees have the opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise to drive positive change for their nonprofit partners.
GM Financial
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Fort Worth, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~8,800
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
GM Financial, the financial services arm of General Motors, believes in giving back to the communities it serves through volunteerism and other philanthropy programs. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with up to four days of paid time off for charitable volunteer initiatives.
By supporting employee volunteerism, GM Financial strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and supplies its workforce with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Hasbro
Sector: Toy & Entertainment
Location: Pawtucket, RI and worldwide
Employee count: ~5,600
VTO cap: 48 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Hasbro is committed to making a positive impact on the world through a generous VTO program, providing employees with paid volunteer time off to devote to giving back. Corporate employees are granted four hours worth of time off each month, equating to six full days on an annual basis they can spend performing volunteer activities with a wide range of causes.
Heineken USA
Sector: Food & Beverage
Location: White Plains, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~8,500
VTO cap: 36 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Heineken, a global brewing company committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, believes in raising a glass to community service and volunteerism. Through its company volunteer program, employees are provided with a total of 36 hours of paid time off each year to spend volunteering for causes they are passionate about.
Humana
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Louisville, KY and nationwide
Employee count: ~67,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Leading health and well-being company, Humana, believes in giving back to the communities it serves, and it encourages its staff to do so as well. Every year, Humana employees are provided with paid time off (equal to one full day of work) to spend volunteering with the charitable organizations of their choice!
Ibotta
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Denver, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~815
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Nonprofit Partnerships ✔
Ibotta, a leading mobile rewards platform, has also developed a VTO program designed to empower employees to spend time volunteering with nonprofit causes. Team members receive 8 hours of paid time off each year, providing them with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world around them.
While the causes supported can range greatly, Ibotta staff have engaged with tons of organizations centered on hunger relief, education, and environmental sustainability.
Intuit
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Mountain View, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~18,200
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Intuit, a leading financial software company, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects. Whether it’s providing tax assistance to low-income individuals, mentoring small business owners, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, Intuit employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
By supporting employee volunteerism, Intuit strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and reinforces its commitment to building stronger, more prosperous communities.
Johnson & Johnson
Sector: Healthcare
Location: New Brunswick, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~141,700
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company, is committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world through its pharmaceutical products and beyond. One key facet of its employee giving initiatives is a generous VTO program. Through the program, employees are able to use dedicated paid time off (up to a full week each year) to volunteer with the causes of their choice.
By supporting employee volunteerism in this way, Johnson & Johnson strengthens its commitment to the company’s founding principles of caring for the communities it serves.
KPMG
Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~219,200
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offers a standout VTO program designed to empower its employees to give back to the communities they serve. With paid volunteer time off, employees are encouraged to partake in volunteer projects during standard working hours (without losing out on any pay) for up to 5 days each year.
Talk about adding value to corporate citizenship!
Lowe’s
Sector: Home Improvement
Location: Mooresville, NC and worldwide
Employee count: ~300,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Community Grants ✔
Lowe’s, a leading home improvement retailer, is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, more than 300,000 employees across the globe are provided with a day’s worth of paid time off specifically for volunteerism. Whether it’s building homes for families in need, renovating schools and community centers, or participating in disaster relief efforts, Lowe’s employees have the opportunity to develop and leverage new skills, make a meaningful difference, and contribute to the well-being of communities across the country.
Microsoft
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Redmond, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~221,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ Microsoft Ad Grants ✔
As a leading technology company, Microsoft believes in using its resources to make a positive impact on society. That includes its labor!
Through its VTO program, Microsoft employees are encouraged to participate in dedicated technology and innovation projects to use their skills and expertise for good (for up to three working days a year).
Nielsen
Sector: Information
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~44,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Nielsen is a global measurement and data analytics company, and it’s committed to making a positive impact on society through corporate philanthropy programs like paid volunteer time off and more. Each team member receives 24 hours of VTO annually, which employees can use to participate in fundraising events, community service initiatives, and other nonprofit activities.
Novo Nordisk U.S.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Plainsboro, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,400
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company committed to driving change and improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. One way that it aims to do so is by engaging its employees in volunteer activities (such as hosting educational workshops, participating in fundraising events, or working at free medical clinics).
The company also boasts one of the highest annual limits, offering each employee up to two weeks of paid time to spend participating in nonprofit volunteer activities.
Patagonia
Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Ventura, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~3,000
VTO cap: 18 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Patagonia, a leading outdoor apparel company, is committed to environmental conservation and corporate activism. By offering paid volunteer time off for its employees, the business encourages philanthropy and enhances its impact on the planet.
Plus, in addition to the standard 18 hours of VTO each year, an employee can choose to spend up to two months volunteering with the environmental organization of their choice.
PNC Financial
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Pittsburgh, PA and worldwide
Employee count: ~56,400
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
PNC Financial Services is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. It’s also a leader in corporate philanthropy and wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. For example, employees are provided with paid time off to spend volunteering with nonprofit organizations through the company’s VTO program. This empowers individual team members to get involved in social good, with a generous annual limit allowing for a full week of volunteer-related activities outside the office.
PwC US
Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~328,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
PwC is another of the world’s leading professional services firms. This company, as a way of committing to making a positive impact on society, also offers a generous VTO program in which employees are welcome to spend a full week’s time supporting the nonprofits of their choice. This often includes providing pro bono consulting services but can encompass a wide range of volunteer-focused activities.
Salesforce
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~79,400
VTO cap: 56 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
As a global leader in customer relationship management software, Salesforce believes in the power and potential of using its technology for good. Through its VTO program, employees are empowered to use dedicated paid time off (up to 56 hours annually) to volunteer for their favorite causes.
Sentinel Group
Sector: Financial Services
Location: Wakefield, MA and nationwide
Employee count: ~325
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts (with auto-submission enabled) ✔
Sentinel Group, also referred to as Sentinel Benefits and Financial Group, is a leader in risk management and security solutions. As a tangible way to give back to the communities it serves, the company has developed a generous VTO program, where employees are provided with paid time off (equal to two days annually) to volunteer with qualifying nonprofit groups.
ServiceNow
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Santa Clara, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~22,700
VTO cap: 20 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
ServiceNow, a leading provider of digital workflow solutions, believes in using its technology to drive positive change. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, such as education, environmental sustainability, or social justice.
Whether it’s developing software solutions for nonprofit organizations, organizing volunteer events, or participating in service projects, ServiceNow employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Siemens
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Saint Paul, MN and worldwide
Employee count: ~303,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Team Volunteer Grants ✔
Siemens, the global technology powerhouse, commits to engaging its employees by supplying 16 hours worth of paid volunteer time off every year for team members to support nonprofit causes. That’s in addition to the other giving programs the company established, which include matching employee donations and offering team-wide volunteer grants, too!
S&P Global
Sector: Financial Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~40,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
S&P Global, a leading provider of financial market intelligence, engages its employee base in volunteerism (and other giving programs) by incentivizing their involvement. One such program offers paid VTO, or volunteer time off, where employees are given the opportunity to spend two days working with various organizations or projects on an annual basis.
Tapestry
Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~17,300
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔
Tapestry is a leading house of modern luxury and lifestyle brands. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society in a number of ways, which include matching employee donations and offering paid time off for nonprofit volunteering. Specifically, through its VTO program, employees across Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman are gifted paid time off to volunteer for and make a positive impact on causes they are passionate about.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Cambridge, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~47,300
VTO cap: 16 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to making the world a better place through strategic philanthropy, innovation, and more. Through its VTO program, the company’s employees are gifted paid time off to volunteer. The program provides two days of paid time off per year, though Takeda has been known to expand the program to offer up to five days in the event of a humanitarian crisis.
Thomson Reuters
Sector: Information
Location: Toronto, Canada and worldwide
Employee count: ~15,600
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of business information services, believes in giving back through corporate volunteerism. In order to engage its employee base, the company provides an additional 16 hours of paid time off to volunteer for charitable projects.
Whether it’s providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, employees have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Timberland
Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Stratham, NH and nationwide
Employee count: ~50,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔
Timberland, along with other subsidiaries of VF Corporation like North Face, JanSport, Dickies, and more, is a global outdoor lifestyle brand committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off (a full week’s worth!) to participate in volunteer activities.
By supporting employee volunteerism, Timberland strengthens its commitment to corporate citizenship and reinforces its mission to inspire and equip people to step outside, work together, and make a difference in the world.
University of Arizona
Sector: Higher Education
Location: Tucson, AZ
Employee count: ~1,600
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Scholarship Funds ✔ Research and Innovation ✔
The University of Arizona is a leading public research university. It’s also an institution that’s committed to serving the greater community and fostering social responsibility among its employees. One way that it does so is through its VTO program!
As a way to incentivize volunteerism among university faculty and staff, team members are encouraged to spend 8 hours of paid time off volunteering with nonprofit. In the end, the University strengthens its commitment to excellence and innovation, both on campus and beyond.
Warner Media
Sector: Media & Technology
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~35,300
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔
Warner Media, formerly Warner Bros. Discovery, is a leading global media and entertainment company devoted to driving positive change in society through various philanthropy efforts. One example of this is its VTO program, where employees are encouraged to use 40 hours of dedicated paid time off to volunteer for causes related to arts and culture, education, social justice, and beyond.
Wrapping Up
Corporate social responsibility continues to grow in terms of demand and execution alike, which means more companies participating than ever before. Volunteerism is one of the top ways for corporate employees to get involved, and paid volunteer programs from VTO companies like these offer a unique incentive for engagement.
Just remember: the companies selected above represent only a fraction of available opportunities. Encourage your volunteers, donors, and other supporters to look into their employers’ programming to see what possibilities lie in your network.
Interested in delving deeper into corporate volunteerism and other forms of workplace giving incentives? Check out the additional resources below:
Matching Gift Programs: Top Companies in Detroit, Michigan
/in Lists and Rankings, Matching Gift Companies /by Adam WeingerAt Double the Donation, we help nonprofits across the country increase their revenue through corporate matching gifts and volunteer grants. Through these programs, employers match the financial donations (or, provide a financial donation corresponding to volunteer hours) given by their employees to qualifying nonprofit organizations.
We’ve found that the best place to start is by discovering the top companies in your area offering these corporate philanthropy programs. After receiving several calls from the Detroit area we decided to write an article on a few of the big corporations in Michigan willing to match donations made by their employees.
We’re going to examine corporate philanthropy, in general, for Detroit before going into further detail on the following companies:
This list is by no means comprehensive when it comes to all of the companies offering match programs in Michigan, and you should consider supplementing it with your own outside research. If you do, consider using a dedicated matching gift tool to supplement your search.
The Best Way to Discover Matching Gift Programs
Whether you’re just beginning to solicit matching gifts or you already have procedures in place, a dedicated matching gift tool is a valuable resource. These tools can not only help you discover matching gift opportunities but also educate donors on submitting a match request in the process.
Double the Donation is the leading matching gift software that serves the needs of nonprofits large and small. This matching gift automation platform is perfect for nonprofits looking to grow their already-existing solicitation processes. By automatically searching for a donor’s eligibility upon donation, and sending marketing communications once eligibility is established, this software decreases the workload for nonprofits receiving matched gifts.
Now, continue reading for a look at corporate philanthropy in Detroit.
Detroit Matching Donations List
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and, as such, is the financial and cultural center of the state.
The city has long been known as the nation’s leader in the automotive industry. Even after the financial downturn of many automotive staples, many strong companies with philanthropic roots remain tied to the city.
Ally Financial
Ally Financial Inc. will match donations between $1 and $250. Ally is unique in that it matches donations as low as one dollar. If you have a large number of donors making smaller donations, a matching program like Ally’s could make a significant difference.
Read more about Ally Financial’s matching gift program.
Eaton Corporation
Eaton will match donations to many nonprofits, including arts and civic organizations and educational institutions. The company will double donations made by employees that are up to $5,000.
Read more about Eaton Corporation’s matching gift program.
DTE Energy
DTE will match up to $5,000 per employee, with the minimum gift matched at $25. DTE Energy also has a generous volunteer grant program.
Read more about the DTE Energy matching gift program.
Fifth Third Bank
Both full and part-time employees of Fifth Third Bancorp are elligible to take part in the matching gift program. Bancorp will match gifts between $25 and $1500.
Read more about Fifth Third Bank’s matching gift program.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers has one of the more generous matching gift programs in Detroit. They will match gifts up to $10,000 per employee each year. They will match donations made to higher education.
Read more about PricewaterhouseCoopers’ matching gift program.
Just as Detroit offers many opportunities to increase your revenue through matching gifts, other cities across North America do as well. Check out the following list of top companies offering these programs, and consider using a matching gift tool to do further research for yourself:
Top companies throughout the US and Canada offering matching gift programs.
Gift Acceptance Policies: Templates and FAQs for Nonprofits
/in Nonprofit Basics, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerGift acceptance policies are an essential but easily overlooked part of nonprofit management. You won’t miss them until you need them, and then you’ll wish you’d created them earlier!
To avoid touchy (and potentially damaging) donor relations and legal situations, it’s worth taking the time to study up on these policies and how to create them. This quick guide covers all the essentials, plus extra considerations you need to know:
Let’s start with the fundamentals by reviewing a few frequently asked questions about nonprofit gift policies.
What is a gift acceptance policy?
A gift acceptance policy is a section of or addendum to a nonprofit’s bylaws that clearly defines the types of gifts it can and cannot accept. These policies most often come into play when donors offer to give unusual or exceedingly valuable in-kind or non-cash gifts.
In addition to defining acceptable types of gifts, thorough (and effective) acceptance policies also cover:
Why do nonprofits create gift acceptance policies?
A gift acceptance policy spells out what you can and cannot accept, giving your fundraisers and donors a concrete set of guidelines to reference when tricky conversations arise.
Why is this important? All kinds of tangible items, assets, and securities get donated to nonprofits, and many may come with added baggage, such as compliance requirements, reputational implications, complex restrictions, and additional costs. This means there are cases when it’s in your nonprofit’s best interest to turn down a gift, either because its value isn’t worth the added work/cost of accepting it or because it might open you up to new liabilities that aren’t worth the risk.
Acceptance policies can also establish operating guidelines for gift substantiation and reporting, which are essential for maintaining your nonprofit’s legal compliance.
Plus, you may be required to have a gift acceptance policy in place when reporting some gifts to the IRS in your nonprofit’s annual 990 filing process. When reporting non-cash gifts, your nonprofit may be required to complete Schedule M (Noncash Contributions) of Form 990 if it has received over $25,000 in non-cash gifts or received certain gifts of art or similar assets. Schedule M asks whether you have a gift acceptance policy in place, and “no” is not an acceptable answer to this question.
What are the benefits of having concrete gift policies?
Gift acceptance policies provide a few key benefits:
How to Create a Gift Acceptance Policy: 5 Steps
You’re ready to update (or write your first) gift acceptance policy for your organization. Great! Now, what next? We recommend these core steps:
See Them in Action: Example Gift Acceptance Policies
Check out these real examples of nonprofit gift acceptance policies:
If you’re drafting or updating your own policy, we recommend carefully reading thorough examples like these to see their full range of details and specifications. Here are some notable sections and inclusions from these examples:
Gift Acceptance Policy Templates
Gift acceptance policies are extremely varied as the whole point is that they should protect and support your unique organization. However, they do usually share a few common elements and details that make your staff’s lives easier and protect your 501(c)(3) status.
Policies can be simple and short to cover your bases or extremely thorough to spell out exact protocols for specific situations. For reference, here are templates for a basic and more detailed gift acceptance policy:
Gift Acceptance Policy Template – Basic
This example clearly states that accepted gifts are determined to be consistent with the mission, adhere to specific limitations, and require approval in some cases. Its last point helps cover your bases and eliminates the need for granular detail, but do not neglect to follow through with the approval process.
If a policy is so loose or light that it’s forgotten the next time a donor wants to gift you a certain type of donation, you might as well not have the policy in place at all!
Gift Acceptance Policy Template – Moderately Thorough
This example is more thorough than the first and more clearly defines specific details about types of gifts and the processes and protocols that surround their acceptance.
But if you want, your policy can go even further! Consult with your nonprofit’s legal counsel to develop a gift acceptance policy tailored to your organization’s exact needs.
However, remember that while you don’t necessarily need to get your gift acceptance policy perfect the very first time, you do need to have one in place! You can always expand or refine it over time by working with your organization’s leaders and legal counsel.
As you draft or update your nonprofit’s acceptance policy, there are additional considerations that you should keep in mind. These will help to further protect your organization, maximize the policy’s utility and value, and ensure adoption.
Deepening Relationships Through Non-Cash and Corporate Gifts
One final recommendation is to use the occasion of drafting or updating your nonprofit’s gift acceptance policy as an opportunity to consider your current (and ideal) revenue streams.
These policies are most helpful in situations that involve either non-cash gifts or donations made through other organizations rather than individuals. As you work on your acceptance policy, use it as a springboard to think about what further growth might look like for your nonprofit. Consider these questions:
Corporate giving platforms for nonprofits like Double the Donation and software built specifically for planned giving, stock giving, DAFs, and more can help you build more robust giving programs that match the robustness of your acceptance policies (and aspirations).
Explore your options and don’t be afraid to diversify. Overreliance on a single form of revenue is risky for nonprofits, and there are tons of easy ways to diversify your fundraising and give your donors better, more flexible experiences. To continue learning how to build a well governed and funded nonprofit, take a look at these additional resources:
Volunteer Time Off | The Ultimate VTO Guide For Nonprofits
/in About Double the Donation, Learning Center, Volunteer Grant Companies /by Adam WeingerHow A Corporate Giving Database Unlocks Fundraising Success
/in About Double the Donation, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerCompanies gave an impressive $29.48 billion to U.S. charities in 2022. Even with this generosity, nonprofits frequently overlook revenue opportunities. In fact, $4-$7 billion in funds allocated for matching gifts go unclaimed every year. That’s where a corporate giving database comes in.
This technology makes it easy for nonprofits to identify companies that offer CSR opportunities, such as workplace giving programs, sponsorships, and in-kind gifts. With a comprehensive and accurate database, nonprofits can access detailed information about corporate giving programs, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.
This article will cover these topics and share how nonprofits can utilize corporate giving databases to discover companies willing to donate:
These databases aren’t just information repositories; they’re gateways to increased donations through generous companies. Let’s explore how to harness this technology to unlock greater fundraising success at your nonprofit.
What Is A Corporate Giving Database?
A corporate giving database is a comprehensive resource that compiles information on corporate philanthropy programs. This technology helps nonprofits identify potential funding opportunities by providing details on individual companies’ program criteria, application processes, and contact information.
Some databases offer geographic search functions, while others require you to search for specific companies by name. A database will typically store information on different types of giving opportunities such as:
Double the Donation’s matching gift database stores information on companies’ matching gift and volunteer grant programs. Fundraisers, donors, and volunteers can use the database to search for their employers and discover employee eligibility requirements, which nonprofits are eligible for matching grants, grant amounts, and match ratios. It’ll even provide instructions on submitting a match request and a link to the form, if available.
For example, here are the guidelines our database has for YUM Brands, which owns KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell:
Corporate giving databases are ideal for nonprofits looking for support and journalists reporting on CSR contributions.
CSR Databases: Understanding The Business Perspective
Companies that give to charity receive a reputation boost, tax write-offs, and increased employee engagement. As such, many corporations like to publicize their CSR efforts by creating dedicated web pages. They’ll also reach out to corporate giving database providers to be added to their systems, making it easy for nonprofits and employees to research donation opportunities and find eligibility requirements.
Reasons that companies share their CSR policies include:
Some companies manage corporate giving by launching a separately administered private foundation, for which the IRS requires public disclosure. Companies typically share impact metrics, funding opportunities, and how to apply for funding on their websites.
However, businesses commonly donate through corporate giving programs. Since companies aren’t required to publicize these programs, you might have trouble finding which businesses offer them. A corporate giving database like ours can help here! Our team constantly updates its database with the latest information on companies’ CSR programs. With records on more than 24,000 companies, our matching gift database is the most comprehensive, accurate one in the world.
Why Some Companies Cautiously Share Their CSR Programs
While there are several benefits to marketing CSR programs, some companies choose to limit their publicization. Here’s why some companies choose to limit the visibility of their philanthropic activities:
Instead of publishing relevant CSR information on their website, businesses may quietly add their information to a corporate giving database to ensure key information is available to only those who need it, such as nonprofits and employees.
Double the Donation’s Corporate Giving Database For Nonprofits
Our corporate giving database is specifically designed to help nonprofits increase fundraising through corporate philanthropy. It’s the world’s most comprehensive matching gift database, representing 26.8 million matching gift-eligible individuals at 24,000+ companies. That’s an incredible 99.68% of all match-eligible donors!
With it, your nonprofit can:
Our team also constantly searches for and resolves stumbling blocks like broken links, outdated forms, and loading issues. That way, donors and volunteers won’t waste time completing an application just to find out they’re not eligible.
How Our Corporate Giving Database Works
Nonprofits can easily make using our database a part of their existing donation and volunteer management processes. Here’s how it works:
Watch this virtual tour of our platform, so you can envision how it’ll work for your team:
As the leader in matching gift technology, we’re constantly developing powerful new features to drive nonprofits’ success forward. For instance, our latest innovation is matching gift auto-submission, which gives donors the option to let our technology submit their match requests for them. That means less work for them, fewer errors on their forms, and more revenue for your nonprofit!
With Double the Donation, you can rest assured that you’re making the most of corporate matching gifts.
How Nonprofits Can Leverage Our Corporate Giving Database
Nonprofits of all shapes and sizes should learn how to leverage a corporate giving database. These databases can help your nonprofit identify and connect with companies whose giving criteria match your mission, helping to pinpoint long-term partnerships.
If investing in a corporate giving database sounds like a smart move, here’s how you can make the most of Double the Donation:
By following these strategies, your nonprofit can boost its fundraising efforts with our corporate giving database. In no time, you’ll raise more funds and build stronger relationships with donors and corporate partners.
Final Thoughts on Corporate Giving Databases
Corporate giving databases offer a vital resource for nonprofits seeking to maximize their fundraising efforts and enhance their impact. By leveraging companies’ generosity, your nonprofit can expand its capacity to serve, innovate, and thrive.
To learn more about unlocking growth via corporate giving, explore these educational resources:
Handbid and Double the Donation Partner with Integrated Matching Gifts Solution
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerHandbid and Double the Donation are proud to announce a new integration and partnership to benefit nonprofits and their donors through employer matching gifts. The integration places Double the Donation tools on Handbid donation forms for donors to discover their eligibility for matching gifts from their employer.
An estimated $4-7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year. These are funds specifically set aside for nonprofit organizations–and the goal of the Double the Donation and Handbid integration is to help organizations start reaping the benefits of corporate philanthropy programs.
“Every day donors make gifts to the organizations they care about but don’t realize they can make an even bigger difference thanks to their employer,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Automation through Double the Donation and Handbid guides those donors to the programs that can literally double their donations.”
Handbid and Double the Donation’s new integration with Double the Donation can now be accessed by mutual clients of the solutions. Follow our integration guide for more details on how to get connected.
Ready to add matching gifts to your Handbid donation experience? Request a demo with us and make sure to share you’re a Handbid user!
Want additional resources to help you take your matching gifts strategy to the next level? Enroll today in our Matching Gift Academy for in-depth content about growing your matching gift revenue.
[Free Download] The Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts
/in About Double the Donation, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerWhat is the Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts?
Double the Donation’s Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts is designed to be your go-to resource for understanding, leveraging, and maximizing corporate matching gift opportunities for your organization. Matching gifts, often overlooked, supply an incredible source of funding for nonprofits—offered by companies to financially reward the causes their employees care about. However, many teams aren’t fully aware of how these programs work or how to tap into them effectively.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about matching gifts, from understanding the basics and eligibility requirements to actionable tips on how to increase participation and track results. We provide examples of companies offering generous matching gift programs, best practices for educating and engaging donors, and strategies for fostering relationships with corporate partners.
Whether you’re new to the concept of matching gifts or looking to refine your existing approach, this resource offers detailed insights to help you unlock additional funding and deepen your engagement with both individual and corporate supporters.
Why download the Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts?
Maximize fundraising potential.
Access actionable strategies to significantly boost donation revenue by leveraging corporate matching gift programs. By understanding how to tap into this often underutilized resource, nonprofits can unlock additional funding.
Streamline matching gift processes.
Uncover clear steps for optimizing the management of matching gifts, from identifying eligible donors to simplifying the follow-up process. This helps organizations save time and effort while ensuring they don’t miss out on match-eligible contributions.
Enhance donor engagement.
Donors are more likely to give if they know about matching gifts. Unleash best practices for educating and motivating donors to participate in matching gift programs, strengthening donor relationships and increasing engagement with your cause.
Additional Recommended Resources
What to Know About Volunteer Grants
10 Quick Steps to Matching Gift Success
Matching Gifts in the Donor Journey
Double the Donation’s Top Competitor | HEPdata Alternatives
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam Weinger