How to Find Companies That Match Payroll Donations

How to Find Companies That Match Payroll Donations

Payroll donation matching programs have become a valuable tool for employees looking to enhance their charitable contributions. With the help of these kinds of initiatives, employees can significantly amplify their financial support for causes they care about. Simultaneously, employers have the unique opportunity to foster a culture of giving within their workforce, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility.

This guide explores everything you need to know about payroll donation matching programs: how they work, the benefits they offer, and actionable steps you can take to make the most of them. We’ll walk you through how to find companies with matching gift programs, how to maximize the impact of your incoming contributions, and how you can take full advantage of your supporters’ employers’ payroll matching policies.

For nonprofits, working with businesses that match payroll donations offers a unique opportunity to boost funding, increase donor engagement, and enhance community relationships. Whether you’re looking to attract new donors or maximize the impact of existing supporters, payroll donation matching can be a game-changer for your fundraising efforts. Let’s begin with the basics.

Understanding Payroll Donations

Payroll donations refer to the automatic deduction of a portion of an employee’s salary for charitable contributions. Rather than making one-time donations from a personal bank account or writing checks, employees can set up recurring contributions directly from their paychecks. This method offers simplicity and convenience, ensuring that contributions are made regularly, without requiring employees to take additional steps each time. Payroll donations are generally modest, making them manageable for employees while providing a consistent source of funding for nonprofit organizations.

One of the standout features of payroll donations is that they are typically aligned with corporate social responsibility initiatives. As employees commit a portion of their earnings to charity, their companies may encourage this generosity by matching the donations, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of each contribution. This can turn a small donation into a significant gift for the nonprofit organization, increasing its ability to fund projects, support its mission, and reach more individuals in need.

What Are Payroll Donation Matching Programs?

Payroll donation matching programs are initiatives implemented by employers where they match the donations made by employees to nonprofit organizations. The match typically occurs on a dollar-for-dollar basis, but some employers offer more generous matching, such as 2:1 or 3:1 ratios. In such programs, employees can choose a nonprofit organization that aligns with their values, make regular payroll contributions, and then submit a request to have their employer match their donation.

The employer’s match is typically subject to a few restrictions, including maximum match limits per employee per year. These limits can vary, with some employers matching donations up to a few thousand dollars annually, while others may have more modest ceilings. Additionally, employers may have a database of eligible charities to choose from, or they might allow employees to contribute to any recognized 501(c)(3) organization.

While employees (and their favorite nonprofits) benefit from the matching aspect, the employer also gains significant advantages from offering such programs. These benefits include enhanced employee morale, stronger engagement, and an improved public image as a socially responsible company. It’s a win-win situation that promotes both corporate philanthropy and individual employee participation.

Benefits of Matching Payroll Gifts

Participating in payroll donation matching programs offers numerous benefits for both employees and nonprofits. Understanding these advantages can motivate employees to engage in these programs actively.

For Employees

Employees who participate in payroll matching gift programs can enjoy:

  1. Increased Impact: By having their donation matched, employees can maximize their financial contribution to charitable causes. For instance, if an employee donates $50, and the company matches it, their total contribution becomes $100—doubling the impact of their giving. This can make a significant difference to the nonprofit that is receiving the donation, as even small contributions become much more substantial.

  2. Tax Benefits: Donations made to eligible nonprofit organizations may be tax-deductible, which can provide financial advantages for the employee. As a result, employees might be able to reduce their taxable income and lower their tax bill, in addition to receiving the employer’s match.

  3. Community Engagement: Contributing to causes that align with an employee’s values fosters a sense of connection to the larger community. It can create a sense of fulfillment and pride, knowing that their efforts are helping a cause they care about. This enhances overall well-being and strengthens the bond between the employee, their company, and the communities they serve.

  4. Corporate Alignment: Many employees take pride in working for a company that supports causes they believe in. Participating in matching programs can deepen their connection to their workplace and create a shared sense of purpose among coworkers. It can also help employees feel that they are making a positive difference in society, which contributes to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

For Nonprofits

Nonprofits benefit from payroll giving and matching gift programs in several ways:

  1. Increased Funding: Matching gifts directly increase the funds raised for nonprofit organizations. A matching donation program amplifies the contributions of employees, enabling organizations to stretch their budgets further and reach more people. This additional funding may allow nonprofits to expand their services, fund more research, or provide more resources to those in need.

  2. Stronger Relationships: When a nonprofit engages with a corporate partner to promote matching gifts, it can open doors for long-term partnerships. Nonprofits may gain access to more resources, including volunteer hours, event sponsorship, or increased visibility, all of which benefit their operations.

  3. Enhanced Visibility: For smaller or lesser-known nonprofits, partnering with a well-known employer can increase exposure. This exposure can attract new donors, volunteers, and partners, while also boosting the credibility and reputation of the organization.

Payroll donation matching programs provide a win-win scenario for both employees and nonprofits. Encouraging participation in payroll donation matching can be a key strategy for nonprofits looking to expand their reach and make a more meaningful difference.

How to Find Companies That Match Payroll Donations

For nonprofits, finding companies that offer payroll donation matching programs can significantly enhance fundraising efforts and provide a valuable source of support. However, identifying these companies and forming relationships with them requires a proactive approach.

Here are several strategies nonprofits can implement to connect with companies that match payroll donations and maximize their impact.

1. Look Through Your Existing Records

Start by reviewing your organization’s donor records to see if any of your current or past supporters have had their payroll donations matched. If a donor has previously had their contribution matched by their employer, it’s highly likely that other employees within the same company are also eligible for payroll donation matching.

This approach allows you to identify companies where employees are already actively engaged in charitable giving. By tracking these companies, nonprofits can proactively reach out to encourage other employees within the same organization to take advantage of matching gifts. Additionally, your nonprofit can use this information to send targeted communications, making it easy for donors to find out about matching opportunities and take action.

2. Utilize Matching Gift + Payroll Giving Databases

Matching gift and payroll giving databases are invaluable resources for nonprofits looking to identify companies that match payroll donations. Platforms like Double the Donation provide extensive databases with detailed information about thousands of companies’ matching gift and payroll giving programs. These resources also include specific guidelines about how matching gifts work, including eligibility criteria, matching gift ratios, donation limits, and links to direct portals where employees can submit their matching gift requests.

By leveraging these platforms, nonprofits can quickly identify potential corporate partners, saving time and effort in researching individual companies. Additionally, these tools often allow nonprofits to embed matching gift search tools on their websites, making it easier for donors to check their employer’s eligibility and get involved.

3. Research Corporate Giving Policies Manually

Another way to find companies that offer payroll donation matching is to directly research corporate giving policies. Many corporations outline their charitable giving programs, including payroll donation matching and matching gift options, on their websites under sections like “Corporate Social Responsibility” or “Employee Benefits.” Nonprofits should review these policies to ensure that the companies they’re targeting not only offer payroll donation matching but also have specific guidelines about eligibility and participation.

Additionally, some companies may restrict the types of nonprofits they support or have specific procedures for requesting a match. By thoroughly researching these policies, nonprofits can tailor their outreach efforts, ensuring they are contacting the right companies and have the necessary information to facilitate the matching process for their donors.

4. Look for Compiled Lists of Participating Employers

One final strategy for identifying companies that match payroll donations is to refer to pre-established lists of participating employers. For example, you may find that online sites maintain sizable lists that detail which companies offer matching gift programs, including payroll giving opportunities. Still, it’s important to recognize that these lists (such as this one from Double the Donation) are often just the tip of the iceberg.

Maximizing Your Impact

Once you’ve identified companies with matching gift programs, the next step is to ensure that your contributions are as impactful as possible. Here are a few strategies to help you maximize your donations:

1. Understand the Guidelines

Each company will have its own set of rules governing donation matches. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure that your donations qualify. These may include eligibility requirements, donation thresholds, and submission deadlines. Understanding these parameters will help you avoid missing out on potential matches.

2. Keep Records

It’s essential to keep accurate records of both your donations and your employer’s match submissions. Documenting this information will help you track the total value of your contributions, assist in claiming tax deductions, and ensure that you’re submitting everything required for the match.

3. Stay Informed

Program rules and limits can change over time, so be proactive in staying informed about any updates to your company’s matching gift policies. By regularly checking in with HR or the company’s employee benefits portal, you can be sure you’re always in the loop.


Conclusion

Finding companies that offer payroll donation matching programs requires a strategic, proactive approach from nonprofits. By leveraging donor relationships, building connections with corporate social responsibility teams, utilizing online tools, and more, nonprofits can significantly increase the number of payroll giving matching gift opportunities available to their supporters. By actively seeking out and cultivating these partnerships, nonprofits can amplify their fundraising efforts, boost engagement, and strengthen their relationships with both donors and corporate partners.

Discover Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving and Matching Gift Tools

Maximize your nonprofit’s fundraising potential with Double the Donation’s combined payroll giving and matching gift tools. Easily identify eligible supporters for both programs and increase participation across the board. Our platform streamlines the process, helping you connect with donors, amplify contributions, and raise more for your cause. Request a demo today and see the tools in action.

5 Reasons to Attend Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising Summit

5 Reasons to Attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit

With the recent Giving USA report indicating corporate giving is up by 9.1%, it’s critical for your nonprofit to develop strategies for tapping into this revenue. Whether you’re looking to enhance your matching gift programs, build stronger business partnerships, or develop more effective corporate volunteering strategies, there’s one event you can’t afford to miss: Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit.

This event, featuring expert speakers with real-world experience, is designed to provide nonprofit professionals such as yourself with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to enhance workplace giving programs.

And don’t just take our word for it, either. Here’s what a few leading nonprofits have had to say about past Summits:

  • “I have absolutely LOVED this content!”
  • “I got a ton of value out of the [Corporate Relations session]!”
  • “Unbelievably helpful!”
  • “It provided great information.”
  • “Very useful sessions!”

Below are the top 5 reasons you should attend this year’s upcoming summit, taking place October 29th-30th, 2025.

Reason #1: It provides opportunities to learn from fundraising + corporate peers.

One of the most compelling reasons to attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is the chance to learn directly from the leading voices in the industry. This summit brings together a remarkable roster of speakers who are shaping the future of workplace giving and corporate partnerships. You’ll gain access to actionable insights and strategies from some of the most successful professionals in the field, providing invaluable knowledge for your own organization’s fundraising and volunteering efforts.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the experts you’ll be hearing from:

  • Karen Bergin of Microsoft will kick off the summit with an exclusive keynote session on “Workplace Giving as Seen By Microsoft.” Karen will share the company’s journey in building a strong giving culture and offer practical strategies that nonprofits can implement to maximize the impact of workplace giving.
  • Savannah Gregorchik Menendez from the Kentucky Humane Society, Jasmine White from Central Texas Food Bank, Uneka King of Martha’s Table, and Christie Simons from Atlanta Angels will provide insights on “Connecting & Collaborating with Corporate Partners.” This panel will give you tips on how to build relationships with corporate partners and secure valuable gifts from these entities.
  • Erica Tolentino of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation will delve into how organizations can build a strategic fundraising team and foster collaboration across departments to streamline processes, helping you maximize workplace fundraising potential.
  • Anna Adams and Hannah Hourmouzis from Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) will discuss “Developing a Workplace Volunteering Strategy,” offering advice on how to leverage workplace volunteering to boost both revenue and donor engagement.
  • Tracy Nilles and Franny Kavin from ALSAC/St. Jude will share strategies for increasing matching gift conversions, offering real-world advice on how to drive more revenue from special events.
  • Annemarie Dillon from the American Cancer Society and Jessica Otto Guay from the Pan-Mass Challenge will tackle the complexities of processing matching gifts effectively, providing crucial insights into tracking gifts and ensuring correct donor credit.

Reasons to attend the Workplace Fundraising Summit: To hear from these speakers!

Whether you’re looking to improve your workplace giving program, foster corporate partnerships, or streamline your volunteer engagement efforts, the summit offers a unique opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of those who have successfully navigated these challenges. By learning from your peers and corporate leaders, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies that can immediately benefit your organization’s fundraising efforts.

Reason #2: It’s FREE.

Another key reason to attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is simple: it’s completely free. That’s right: no registration fees, no hidden costs. In the nonprofit sector, where every dollar counts, having access to an event like this at no cost is a huge advantage.

By attending this summit, you’ll receive high-quality, valuable content without the financial burden. Plus, you’ll get to participate in engaging sessions, watch live demos, and take part in interactive discussions, all free of charge. Registrants can even access session recordings, too, to get back, watch, and share insights whenever they’d like, so they can implement best practices all year-round.

There’s no better opportunity to access expert knowledge and industry insights at no cost, making this summit an incredibly accessible resource for nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

Reason #3: It’s virtual.

The next significant benefit of the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is that it’s entirely virtual. This means you can attend from anywhere, whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or at home, without worrying about travel expenses, time constraints, or other logistics. Virtual events allow you to enjoy all the content from the summit from the comfort of your own space, making it easier to integrate into your busy schedule.

The virtual format of the summit also means that you have access to content on demand. You can attend live sessions, or if you can’t make them, you can catch up with recorded sessions at a later time. This flexibility allows you to absorb the material at your own pace, revisit key insights, and apply them directly to your workplace fundraising initiatives.

Check out the on-demand recording sessions from the last Summit event here!

Reason #4: It empowers you to boost your organization’s workplace revenue.

If you’re looking to boost your nonprofit’s revenue through workplace fundraising, the summit is the place to be. After all, workplace giving programs are some of the most effective ways to generate significant revenue for nonprofits. This summit will provide you with proven strategies to maximize these programs and increase the funds flowing to your organization by…

  • Maximizing funding through matching gifts.
  • Boosting payroll giving participation.
  • Leveraging employee volunteer grants.

By attending the summit, you’ll gain a clear roadmap for boosting workplace revenue through strategic fundraising initiatives. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current programs, the insights you’ll gather will empower you to increase your impact and elevate your organization’s revenue streams.

Reason #5: It educates you about the latest trends in workplace giving.

Workplace giving is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for nonprofits to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and happenings in the sector. By attending the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, you’ll gain insights into the most current and emerging trends in workplace giving, fundraising, and volunteering.

Staying informed about these trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your nonprofit for success in the ever-changing landscape of workplace-based fundraising.


Wrapping Up

The upcoming summit event is the ultimate resource for nonprofits looking to enhance their workplace giving programs. Whether you’re aiming to increase workplace revenue, streamline your operations, or engage donors more effectively, this experience offers everything you need to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. With access to expert insights, valuable tools, and exclusive networking opportunities, you’ll leave equipped to drive long-term success for your nonprofit’s workplace fundraising initiatives.

You don’t want to miss out on this free, virtual event. Register today for the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, and start transforming your nonprofit’s workplace giving program!

About the Host:

Double the Donation is a leader in providing comprehensive workplace giving solutions, helping nonprofits streamline and enhance their fundraising efforts. With a powerful platform designed to automate key aspects of workplace giving, Double the Donation enables organizations to focus less on administrative tasks and more on what truly matters: engaging with supporters and growing their programs.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your processes, boost engagement, or track workplace donations seamlessly, Double the Donation’s comprehensive platform offers the resources and technology to take your workplace giving programs to the next level.

Unlocking New Funding Paths: SchoolAuction Now Features Double the Donation's Sponsorship Directory

Simplifying Fundraising: SchoolAuction Now Features Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory

Double the Donation and SchoolAuction are excited to announce their partnership that brings Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory to SchoolAuction users. With this integration, fundraisers can now tap into corporate grants and in-kind donation opportunities, all within their event management platform. Users may now find all the information they need right where they organize their events. Eliminate the trouble of switching between tabs or browsing the web for the most recent information!

SchoolAuction clients now have access to Double the Donation’s directory to help their search for ways to elevate their events through corporate grants and in-kind donations. To learn more about the integration, refer to our integration guide.

“Our goal is to ensure that we provide the support needed to make every event a success,” says Roger Devine, Partner and Marketing Director at SchoolAuction. “Adding Double the Donation to our platform to offer clients a powerful fundraising resource was an easy decision. We’re excited that our clients can now leverage this integration to boost their fundraising and further support the important work they do!”

Thanks to this integration, fundraisers can conveniently navigate through Double the Donation’s industry-leading database for a comprehensive list of in-kind donations and grant opportunities.  Users can easily click through to the next steps and check program details. By using Double the Donation’s directory, SchoolAuction users can make sure they are ready for their next fundraising event by staying up to date on the most recent program updates and corporate funding sources.

“Corporate sponsorships are on the rise, and we’re thrilled to help SchoolAuction clients tap into this potential,” says Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “By connecting users directly to workplace giving opportunities through their fundraising platform, this integration makes it easier than ever for schools to access corporate grants and in-kind donations—resources that are often overlooked but can have a big impact on fundraising success.”

Ready to raise more from corporate giving? Visit Double the Donation today and explore other workplace giving opportunities!

 

About SchoolAuction: SchoolAuction.net is a service of Northworld LLC, an independent software company based in Portland, OR. The founders (who still run the company) began building their software in 2004 for the annual gala auction at their children’s elementary school. From those humble beginnings, they’ve grown to help thousands of schools and nonprofit organizations worldwide raise hundreds of millions of dollars.

About Double the Donation: Increase your event fundraising with Double the Donation’s industry-leading solution. The platform equips nonprofits and educational institutions with valuable tools to uncover workplace giving opportunities. Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory seamlessly integrates with event and auction platforms, simplifying the search for in-kind donations and corporate grant programs. With Double the Donation, finding these resources has never been easier.

Track + Grow Corporate Giving In-Kind, Cash Contributions

Track + Grow Corporate Giving: In-Kind, Cash Contributions

Challenge Match Success Stories: Effective Promotions

7 Challenge Match Success Stories: Effective Promotions

Challenge match campaigns are a powerful fundraising tool for nonprofits looking to drive donor engagement and boost donations. By offering to match contributions, organizations create a sense of urgency and excitement among supporters. These campaigns motivate donors by showing them that their gift will have an even greater impact.

In this post, we’ll highlight seven nonprofits that ran successful challenge match campaigns:

  1. Healthy Birthday
  2. UOAA
  3. Fresno Chaffee Zoo
  4. Union Gospel Mission
  5. Sofia’s Hope
  6. Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
  7. UWC-USA

By sharing these organizations’ top strategies, promotions, and results, we hope to inspire your next challenge match campaign and provide you with actionable insights to increase engagement and funding for your cause.

Healthy Birthday

Nonprofit website: https://healthybirthday.org/

Healthy Birthday, a nonprofit focused on supporting children’s health and wellness, capitalized on Giving Tuesday by launching a $10,000 matching grant appeal. To maximize engagement, they added a series of incentives for donors. These included a free spa gift certificate for those who gave a specific amount, as well as a branded t-shirt for donors who raised a certain amount through peer-to-peer fundraising.

The combination of a matching gift, a clear goal, and intriguing incentives proved to be a highly effective promotional strategy. Here’s what made Healthy Birthday’s campaign stand out:

  • Engaging incentives: The addition of spa gift certificates and t-shirts incentivized higher donation amounts and encouraged peer-to-peer fundraising.
  • Use of Giving Tuesday: Tying the campaign to Giving Tuesday helped leverage the global giving momentum, which is vital for short-term fundraising success.
  • Social media push: They promoted the campaign across multiple social media platforms, increasing visibility and encouraging wider participation.

For your own campaign, adding value through fun incentives can significantly boost both engagement and total funds raised.

Healthy Birthday is an example of a challenge match success story.

UOAA

Nonprofit website: https://www.ostomy.org/

In the Fall of 2023, the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) launched a Matching Donor Program that aimed to raise $50,000. With a generous anonymous donor matching all gifts, UOAA exceeded their goal by $10,000, bringing in a total of $60,000.

UOAA’s campaign benefited from several key promotional tactics:

  • Clear and consistent messaging: They communicated the matching opportunity clearly through email and social media posts, ensuring donors knew exactly how their contributions would be doubled.
  • Strategic donor relationships: The nonprofit built a relationship with a matching donor who was deeply invested in the cause, making it easier to secure a significant donation.
  • Tight timeline: The campaign was time-limited, creating a sense of urgency that encouraged immediate action from donors.

For nonprofits looking to replicate this success, consider securing a major donor or corporate partner to provide a match. Make sure the match is clearly communicated and the timeline is well-promoted.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Nonprofit website: http://fcz.org/

Fresno Chaffee Zoo launched the Elephant Baby Matching Gift Program, aimed at supporting two African elephants expected to give birth in 2024. The program needed to raise between $75,000 and $100,000 to kick-start matching donations, with every dollar donated being matched to double the impact.

To promote the campaign, the Zoo utilized a mix of methods:

  • Kickoff event: They began the campaign on World Elephant Day with social media posts, QR codes, and visitor handouts at the zoo.
  • In-person events: A special ‘baby shower’ event was held to generate excitement, featuring community partners like the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.
  • QR codes and easy donation access: QR codes throughout the zoo and event materials made it easy for donors to quickly contribute while on-site.

This multifaceted promotional strategy combined events, online engagement, and clear, impactful visuals to successfully generate support for the elephant babies.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is an example of a challenge match success story.

Union Gospel Mission

Nonprofit website: https://ugmportland.org/

Union Gospel Mission in Portland launched a matching campaign with a $50,000 gift from a group of generous donors. The mission emphasized how each dollar donated would have twice the impact, helping to feed and shelter twice as many people.

This campaign was especially effective due to:

  • Compelling, donor-focused messaging: The organization clearly communicated the life-changing impact of donations, making it easy for donors to see the direct effect of their contributions.
  • Seasonal urgency: The timing of the campaign, in the run-up to summer when donations typically slow down, helped encourage donors to act immediately.
  • Personalized outreach: Their appeal, including personal testimonials, created a deeper connection with the mission and its supporters.

Nonprofits can replicate this by highlighting the difference that donations make in people’s lives and emphasizing the urgency of giving during slower months.

UGM is an example of a challenge match success story.

Sofia’s Hope

Nonprofit website: https://www.sofiashope.org/

Sofia’s Hope, a nonprofit focused on childhood cancer, ran multiple successful matching campaigns, including one during their Summer and End of Year appeals. They secured corporate sponsors to match all donations up to $5K in the summer and $10K for the end-of-year campaign.

They also held a Round Up Campaign at a local restaurant in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, where all funds raised were matched by the restaurant.

What made Sofia’s Hope successful:

  • Corporate partnerships: They leveraged corporate matching gifts to significantly increase donations, with the added bonus of matching from local businesses.
  • Community involvement: The Round Up Campaign created a community-driven fundraising effort that engaged both local businesses and the public.
  • Multiple fundraising channels: They marketed the campaign through social media, text messaging, and e-blasts, ensuring a wide reach.

For nonprofits looking to replicate this success, focusing on local partnerships and corporate matches can enhance your fundraising efforts.

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

Nonprofit website; https://humaneanimalrescue.org/

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) used matching gifts to boost recurring donations in June. Donors who committed to becoming monthly supporters through the HARP 365 program had their first two monthly gifts doubled by Fetch Pet Insurance.

This campaign was effective because:

  • Emphasis on recurring gifts: Focusing on long-term support rather than one-time donations helped build a steady stream of income.
  • Corporate partnership: Fetch Pet Insurance was a natural partner for HARP, aligning with their mission and creating a strong donor engagement opportunity.
  • Clear, ongoing impact: By highlighting the value of recurring donations, HARP was able to convert one-time donors into long-term supporters.

For your organization, building corporate partnerships for monthly giving matches is a great way to ensure sustained funding.

UWC-USA

Nonprofit website: https://www.uwc-usa.org/

UWC-USA leveraged corporate matching gifts in their campaigns, particularly during events like Giving Tuesday. By reaching out to alumni and supporters who worked at companies with matching gift programs, they were able to increase donations by around 30%.

Key strategies included:

  • Targeted outreach: They identified potential donors who worked for companies with matching gift programs and sent them tailored emails to encourage participation.
  • Promoting corporate matches: Once supporters were on the donation page, they were encouraged to check their eligibility for corporate matching gifts, increasing the chances of participation.
  • Leveraging Giving Tuesday: By linking the campaign to a popular giving day, UWC-USA maximized visibility and donor engagement.

To replicate this strategy, use donor data to identify matching gift opportunities and promote them through targeted emails or text messages.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Challenge match campaigns are a proven way to increase donations and engage supporters in a meaningful way. By looking at the success stories of nonprofits like these, you can gain insights into how to run your own effective matching campaigns.

Use the strategies discussed here to inspire your next effort, and remember: with the right messaging, strategic partnerships, and powerful promotions, your challenge match can have an incredible impact on your fundraising goals.

Raise Even More with Employee Matching Gifts!

In addition to challenge grants, employee matching gifts offer another excellent opportunity for raising funds. With Double the Donation, your nonprofit can easily identify matching gift opportunities and track progress to maximize the impact of these funds. Start raising more today by integrating employee matching gifts into your campaigns! Request a demo today to get started.

Empowering Nonprofits and Schools: CharityAuctions Introduces Double the Donation's Sponsorship Directory

Empowering Nonprofits and Schools: CharityAuctions Introduces Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory

Double the Donation and CharityAuctions are excited to announce their partnership that brings Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory to CharityAuctions users. This seamless integration enables fundraisers to access corporate grants and in-kind donation opportunities directly within their auction management platform. All the essential information is now conveniently available in one place—where they manage their events—eliminating the need to switch between tabs or search the web for the latest details.

The Double the Donation and CharityAuction integration is now available for CharityAuction clients looking to elevate their events with corporate grants and in-kind donations. Follow our integration guide for more information on the integration.

“The goal for CharityAuctions is to help fundraisers run smarter auctions, raise more funds, and cut the admin work in half,” says Tom Kelly, Co-founder and Technical Lead at CharityAuctions. “Incorporating Double the Donation into our platform to offer clients a tool to enhance their fundraising efforts was a natural fit. We’re thrilled that our clients can take advantage of this integration and increase their fundraising to support their meaningful missions!”

Ready to raise more from corporate giving? Visit Double the Donation today and explore other workplace giving opportunities!

About CharityAuctions: This platform helps nonprofits, schools, and community groups raise more with less effort. Trusted by over 50,000 organizations worldwide, it combines online auctions with built-in AI tools that boost bidding, personalize donor engagement, and maximize fundraising results—so mission-driven teams can focus on impact, not technology.

About Double the Donation: Increase your event fundraising with Double the Donation’s industry-leading solution. The platform equips nonprofits and educational institutions with valuable tools to uncover workplace giving opportunities. Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory seamlessly integrates with event and auction platforms, simplifying the search for in-kind donations and corporate grant programs. With Double the Donation, finding these resources has never been easier.

Unlocking Corporate Grants Using Supporter Employment Data

Unlocking Corporate Grants Using Supporter Employment Data

Securing corporate grants can often feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to identifying the right companies and contacts. However, many nonprofits overlook a powerful resource already within reach: corporate grants and employment data. By tapping into the employment information of your supporters, you can unlock a treasure trove of funding opportunities that are closer than you think.

Why? Companies are much more likely to fund organizations that resonate with their employees, whether through matching gift programs, CSR initiatives, or employee-nominated giving. These opportunities often start with a single connection: one of your donors, volunteers, or board members who works for a company eager to give back.

In this post, we’ll show you how to use corporate grants and employment data to identify and secure more funding opportunities than ever before.

1. Why Employment Data Matters for Corporate Grants

Many corporate giving programs, but especially grants, prioritize organizations with an internal advocate. This is usually an employee who donates, volunteers, or nominates the nonprofit in question. Therefore, if you can identify where your supporters work, you instantly gain visibility into which companies might be open to funding your mission.

Here’s why employment data is so valuable in this context:

  • Workplace giving grants: Companies are more likely to fund causes that matter to their workforce, which is where workplace giving programs like matching giftsvolunteer grants, and more come in.
  • Employee-nominated grants: Many companies accept nonprofit nominations from current employees, so knowing where your supporters work allows you to target them effectively.
  • Broader connections to grant opportunities: Even beyond grants that are specifically “employee-nominated,” nonprofits can use employment information to locate existing connections to charitable businesses. When a company sees that a sizable segment of their employee base supports your cause, they may be more likely to shell out grant funds.

The bottom line? Knowing your supporters’ employers allows you to tap into otherwise hidden funding pipelines. But first, in order to do so effectively, you need a system for capturing that data.

2. How to Collect Supporter Employment Information

Collecting employment data doesn’t have to be intrusive or complicated. In fact, most donors are happy to share where they work, especially if you explain how that information can help you unlock more impact.

Start by integrating employment data fields at key touchpoints:

  • Donation forms: Include an optional “Employer Name” field alongside standard fields such as name and email.
  • Confirmation pages: Prompt donors to check if their employer has a giving program immediately after donating by providing their company name in a database search tool.
  • Email follow-ups: Send a follow-up email asking supporters where they work, explaining how it can lead to increased funding.
  • Event sign-ups or volunteer forms: Add a simple employer field here, too; these contacts are often highly engaged and ready to provide additional value.

In addition to collecting data manually, organizations can also use employer data enrichment strategies to uncover employment information for supporters who haven’t provided it directly. These services analyze an individual’s name, email, and other identifying details to match them with publicly available employment records, allowing you to fill in the existing gaps in your database and fueling your corporate grant search.

By combining direct collection with employer append tools, you can build a far more complete picture of your supporter base and proactively identify companies that may be a great fit for outreach.

3. How to Identify Corporate Grants

Once you begin collecting supporter employment information (either through your donation forms or volunteer sign-ups) you can begin identifying which companies offer corporate grants that align with your mission. But with thousands of companies potentially offering funding, it can be tough to know where to start.

Instead of cold outreach, we recommend strategic resources to focus your efforts:

  • Look for curated corporate grant lists. Numerous nonprofit blogs and philanthropy platforms publish regularly updated roundups of companies with active grant programs. For example, check out this list of companies that give grants to nonprofits!
  • Look at your supporters’ employers. At this point, you should know where some of your supporters work. Use this information to research whether their companies offer grants or sponsorships, and whether employees can nominate or advocate for your organization.
  • Explore CSR or community investment pages. Visit the websites of companies in your network and look for terms like “Community Impact,” “Corporate Responsibility,” or “Giving Back.” These often lead to grant program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
  • Track and document your outreach. Use a simple CRM or spreadsheet to track potential grantmakers, application timelines, contact information, and employee advocates within each company.

Once you’ve identified likely prospects, craft proposals that highlight your mission alignment, your existing relationships with their workforce, and the tangible impact of their support. You can also tap into professional grantwriting resources, whether that’s hiring a writer, attending a webinar, or downloading free templates, to strengthen your applications.

4. Using Employment Data to Strengthen Grant Requests

Employment data isn’t just about discovery; it’s also a powerful way to strengthen your actual grant applications. When applying for a corporate grant, having an internal advocate can dramatically increase your odds of success.

Here’s how your team can involve them for the best results:

  • Ask the employee to nominate your nonprofit, if required by the grant.
  • Include their name, role, and connection to your organization in the application.
  • Invite them to provide a testimonial about why they support your mission.
  • Ask them to share internal CSR contacts or program guidelines with your team.

From there, when reaching out to corporate contacts or applying for grants, mention the employee connection explicitly: “We are proud to have 14 donors and 3 volunteers from your company, including Jane Doe from your Marketing team. Their ongoing support makes a meaningful impact, and we would love to explore a deeper partnership.”

All in all, this type of outreach shows alignment, community relevance, and trust: three key factors for funders considering grant applications.

5. Building Long-Term Value with Corporate Partners

Unlocking a single grant is excellent, but turning that grant into a long-term partnership is even better. Luckily, employment data can help you build those bridges.

For example, consider using corporate employment connections as a starting point for ongoing engagement. You can…

  • Send tailored impact reports to the employee advocate and CSR contact;
  • Invite company reps to site visits, events, or webinars;
  • Recognize the company publicly through social media, email, or donor walls;
  • Offer corporate volunteering opportunities that align with their values;
  • Bundle sponsorship, volunteering, and grant opportunities into custom partnership packages;
  • And more.

In the best case scenario, you’re not just asking for money. You’re inviting a company to be part of your mission and vision in a real, tangible way.

By keeping the employee connected, reporting on outcomes, and providing continued value, you can turn a one-time grant into a multi-year relationship that benefits both sides of the party.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Supporter employment data is one of the most underutilized assets in nonprofit fundraising. By simply knowing where your supporters work, you unlock access to employee-driven and broader giving programs, increase your relevance with corporate funders, and make your grant requests more personal and powerful than ever before.

Luckily, you can start today by:

  • Adding an “Employer” field to your donation and event forms
  • Conducting an employer append to gather missing employment info
  • Using that data to research and pursue grant opportunities backed by internal advocates

With complete data and a well-thought-out strategy in place, your nonprofit can open new funding pipelines, build stronger corporate partnerships, and expand your impact, one supporter at a time.

Turning Corporate Event Sponsorships into Strategic Relationships

Turning Corporate Event Sponsorships into Strategic Relationships

Double the Donation and Bonterra DonorDrive Enable Matching Gift Functionality on ExpressDonate Forms

Double the Donation and Bonterra DonorDrive Enable Matching Gift Functionality on Modal Forms

Double the Donation and Bonterra DonorDrive are thrilled to announce an additional product enhancement to the DonorDrive product suite. Double the Donation Matching now integrates with DonorDrive’s modal giving form making it easier for organizations to raise more from matching gifts across their fundraising campaigns.

“As we continue to support organizations in increasing revenue and running effective fundraising campaigns, we want to ensure that we offer functionality designed for impact,” says Kasey Cuppoletti, Senior Director of Product Management. “Incorporating Double the Donation into our modal forms ensures our organizations can make the most of workplace giving and corporate matching gifts across all of their DonorDrive forms.”

With this integration, donors can identify their employer as they give and be met with next steps to submit their matching gift request. With expanded functionality across Bonterra DonorDrive forms, organizations can increase visibility and accessibility of corporate matching gift programs to their donors.

“With corporate matching gift programs continuing to grow in popularity, we are excited to extend the use of Double the Donation’s integrations with Bonterra DonorDrive to modal forms,” says Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “With our integration, organizations are able to be more proactive when it comes to identifying corporate matching gift opportunities and raising more for their mission.”

Bonterra DonorDrive and Double the Donation’s available integrations are easy to access and simple to activate. Follow our integration guide for more information on activating the integration and raising more from corporate matching gifts.

Example image of the Double the Donation search tool DonorDrive's updated modal forms

Ready to add matching gift automation to your Bonterra DonorDrive donation forms? Request a demo with Double the Donation today and be sure to share that you’re using Bonterra DonorDrive.

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.


About Bonterra DonorDrive: Bonterra is technology for the greatest good — helping nonprofits, charitable foundations, and socially responsible companies raise more, give more, and get more for their missions. With leading solutions across fundraising and engagement, strategic philanthropy, and impact management, we’re innovating with a higher purpose: to increase giving to 3% of US GDP by 2033, creating $573 billion more in global impact every year. Learn more at www.bonterratech.com.

About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The 360MatchPro platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. 360MatchPro integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up appropriately with donors about matching gifts. To learn more visit https://doublethedonation.com/get-a-demo/

Nurturing Payroll Giving Donors 5 Tips to Deepen Engagement

Nurturing Payroll Giving Donors: 5 Tips to Deepen Engagement