Enhancing a donor profile with employment data

Enhancing a Donor Profile With Employment Data [A Guide]

A well-rounded donor profile is essential for maximizing fundraising success, and employment information plays a crucial role in enhancing donor engagement and giving potential.

By integrating the right data into your donor profiles, organizations like yours can personalize outreach, increase contributions, and strengthen relationships with supporters alike.

Lucky for you, this guide explores the importance of employment data in your donor profiles, outlines effective collection methods, and highlights strategies for leveraging this information to boost fundraising results.

More specifically, we’ll cover the following:

Ready to begin supercharging your donor information with powerful employment insights? Continue reading to find out how.

What is a donor profile?

A donor profile is a comprehensive record of information about an individual supporter. This information helps nonprofits understand their giving behavior, engagement history, and potential for future contributions.

These profiles typically include key details such as:

  • Name
  • Contact information
  • Donation history
  • Communication preferences
  • Demographic insights

Beyond basic information, an enriched donor profile can also contain insights regarding a donor’s interests, past event participation, volunteer involvement, and—perhaps most importantly—employment details.

By building robust donor profiles, nonprofits can personalize outreach efforts, strengthen relationships, and ultimately increase fundraising success.

A sample donor profile with nonprofit data like the individual's full name, education, employment details, and charitable involvement

Sample prospect research profile

Why employment data matters in donor profiles

Employment data is crucial information for nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts and build stronger relationships with donors. When it comes to establishing well-rounded donor profiles, employer information is an essential piece of the puzzle.

Here’s why:

  • It allows you to identify corporate giving opportunities. Tons of donors work for companies with employee giving programs (like matching gifts and volunteer grants), but they may not even know about the opportunities. When you understand where your supporters are employed, your team can uncover programs and encourage donors to get involved, driving engagement and revenue alike.
  • It empowers you to personalize your outreach. The more you know about an individual, the better you can tailor your communications for them specifically. Knowing where they work allows you to segment outreach by employer, industry, workplace giving eligibility, and more⁠—ultimately ensuring customized engagement. You can even tailor your messaging based on where an individual is in the matching gift process, thanks to Double the Donation’s new matching gift status updates!
  • It permits you to estimate a donor’s giving capacity. Knowing how much an individual could potentially give is essential, and employment data can help you estimate their capacity for supporting your cause.

As you can see, the benefits of including employer data in donor profiles is multifold. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to begin incorporating the information in your donors’ records.

Leverage well-built donor profiles with Double the Donation.

Collecting employment information from supporters

Gathering employment data from donors is a crucial step in unlocking fundraising and workplace giving opportunities. However, nonprofits must be strategic in how they collect this information to ensure accuracy and encourage donor participation.

Here are some handy ways to gather employment details from supporters:

  1. Include Employer Fields on Donation Forms – Adding a simple field for employer information on online and offline donation forms makes it easy for donors to provide their workplace details at the point of giving.
  2. Ask During Event Registrations – Whether supporters are signing up for a fundraising event, gala, or volunteer opportunity, include a section for employer information in the registration process.
  3. Leverage Workplace Giving Tools – Platforms like Double the Donation allow donors to quickly search for their employer’s workplace giving programs, often leading them to input their company name while making a donation.
  4. Survey Donors and Volunteers – Periodically send surveys to your supporter base asking for updated information, including their current employer, to ensure records remain accurate.
  5. Utilize LinkedIn and Other Public Data Sources – If supporters haven’t provided employment details, checking LinkedIn profiles or company directories (where publicly available) can help fill in missing gaps.
  6. Enlist an Employer Append Service ⁠— Utilizing a dedicated data enhancement provider can help locate employment information by scanning against publicly and privately held data sources.

For the best results, you’ll likely want to incorporate a combination of the above-recommended methods. This will allow you to access employment information for the largest number of donors possible, ensuring that you can maximize workplace giving opportunities, encourage matching gifts, and personalize engagement strategies to boost both donor participation and fundraising success.

Leveraging employment data for fundraising success

Employment data is a key component in building a well-rounded and actionable donor profile, offering nonprofits valuable insights into their supporters’ potential for fundraising success. Here’s how your team can benefit from employment data in your supporter records:

Unlock Workplace Giving Programs

One of the most significant advantages of knowing a donor’s employer is the ability to identify workplace giving opportunities. For example, many corporations offer matching gift programs, where they match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. By tracking employment information, nonprofits can proactively encourage donors to request matches, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of their gifts.

Beyond matching donations, many corporations also provide volunteer grants or volunteer time off when employees contribute their time to charitable causes. By knowing where a donor works, nonprofits can track volunteer activities and inform supporters about the potential to earn grant money through their workplace. This is another avenue for maximizing fundraising and tapping into a donor’s full giving potential without asking them to give more!

Encourage Cross-Functional Support

Nonprofits can leverage employment information about their supporters to unlock even more opportunities for engagement and corporate giving. Many companies offer multiple forms of philanthropic support, such as matching gifts, volunteer grants, and sponsorships—and understanding where donors work can help nonprofits tap into these resources more effectively.

For example, if a donor works for a company with a known volunteer grant program, that’s a perfect opportunity to encourage them to get involved beyond financial contributions. Highlight how their employer will donate funds for the time they spend volunteering, making their impact even greater.

On the other hand, if a volunteer works for a company that matches financial donations, it can be a great way to get them on board with monetary giving.

Uncover In-Kind Giving or Grant Opportunities

A nonprofit’s supporters are often the key to unlocking corporate grants and in-kind donations—but only if the organization knows where they work. Many companies offer direct corporate grants or donate goods and services to charitable organizations, and leveraging employment data can help nonprofits identify and secure these opportunities.

How? Supporters can provide an inside connection, serving as a bridge to decision-makers in charge of distributing funds and resources. Employees may even be able to nominate your nonprofit for funding or introduce you to the right contacts.

Not to mention, Double the Donation’s database can now provide information on corporate sponsorship programs like grants and in-kind donations, making it easier for nonprofits to identify businesses offering these opportunities.

Strengthen Corporate Partnerships

Employment data can help nonprofits identify clusters of donors employed by the same company or industry. By recognizing these connections, organizations can approach businesses with workplace giving programs and establish partnerships that benefit both the nonprofit and its supporters.

Strengthening these corporate ties can lead to long-term collaborations, fundraising opportunities, and increased visibility for the organization.

Identify High-Potential Donors

Employment data can also help nonprofits segment their donor base by employer size, industry, and giving capacity. For example, donors working for large corporations may have access to more generous matching gift programs or higher volunteer grant amounts. By understanding these dynamics, nonprofits can prioritize engagement with high-potential donors, ensuring they are leveraging every opportunity for financial support.

Tips for building well-rounded donor profiles

Building a well-rounded donor profile is essential for maximizing engagement and increasing fundraising success. By incorporating the following strategies, fundraisers can build detailed and actionable donor profiles that enhance engagement, increase contributions, and strengthen long-term relationships.

1. Track engagement history.

Understanding a donor’s journey with your nonprofit is essential for building strong relationships and optimizing your fundraising efforts. Tracking engagement history allows organizations to see how supporters interact over time, from donations and event attendance to volunteer work and advocacy efforts.

By maintaining records of these interactions in your CRM, nonprofits can personalize their outreach, recognize loyal supporters, and tailor future fundraising appeals based on past engagement. This data helps identify high-potential donors, re-engage lapsed supporters, and create meaningful connections that encourage long-term involvement.

2. Collect key data insights as donors engage.

The best time to gather valuable donor data is when supporters are actively engaging with your organization. Whether they’re making a donation, signing up for a newsletter, or attending an event, nonprofits should seize these moments to collect insights like employer information, communication preferences, and giving motivations.

Simple form fields or follow-up surveys can capture these details without overwhelming donors. By continuously collecting relevant data, organizations build richer donor profiles that improve engagement and fundraising outcomes.

3. Encourage self-reported updates.

Donors change jobs, move to new locations, and shift their philanthropic interests over time. To keep donor profiles accurate, nonprofits should provide easy ways for supporters to update their information on their own. For example, this can be done through self-serve donor portals, email campaigns with update requests, or periodic surveys.

All in all, encouraging donors to keep their profiles current ensures that nonprofits can reach them effectively and leverage opportunities like matching gifts and corporate giving programs.

4. Consider an append service to fill in gaps.

Even with proactive data collection, donor profiles may have missing or outdated information. Luckily, data append services can help nonprofits fill these gaps by cross-referencing donor records with external databases to update contact details, employment information, and more.

These services enhance donor insights without requiring additional effort from supporters, allowing nonprofits to maximize corporate giving potential and personalize outreach based on accurate, up-to-date data.

5. Ensure clean data practices.

Maintaining clean and organized donor data is crucial for effective fundraising and engagement. For the best results, nonprofits should regularly audit their databases to remove duplicates, correct outdated information, and standardize data formats.

Plus, implementing data hygiene best practices—such as consistent naming conventions, accurate email categorization, and privacy compliance—helps organizations avoid errors and ensures that fundraising efforts are based on reliable information.

All in all, a well-maintained donor database leads to more efficient outreach, better donor relationships, and increased fundraising success.


Wrapping up & additional resources

Incorporating employment data into donor profiles provides nonprofits with valuable insights that can significantly enhance their fundraising efforts. From identifying matching gift opportunities to engaging corporate partners in new ways, employment information enables organizations to maximize donations and build stronger donor connections.

By implementing effective data collection methods and leveraging workplace giving programs with the right tools and resources, nonprofits can optimize their fundraising strategies and drive greater impact in the long run.

Interested in learning more about nonprofit fundraising and corporate giving? Check out these additional resources:

Enhancing Your Donor Profiles with Employment Information

Double the Donation and Nuclavis Partner to Release Innovative Matching Gift Functionality for Peer to Peer Campaigns

Double the Donation and Nuclavis Partner to Release Innovative Matching Gift Functionality for Peer to Peer Campaigns

Double the Donation and Nuclavis are excited to announce their new partnership and integration making it easier for organizations to take advantage of corporate matching gifts. This integration equips fundraisers with the tools needed to increase visibility into matching gift programs and guide their donors through the submission process.

“At Nuclavis, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to support our clients’ P2P programs and grow their impact,” says Kathy Kempff, CEO & Founder at Nuclavis. “With our Double the Donation integration, we can offer fundraisers access to industry-leading matching gift technology in their P2P program’s mobile app and help drive additional revenue from corporate matching gift programs.”

This integration allows participants to identify their donors’ employers and provide actionable next steps to submit their matching gift request. Organizations and their fundraisers can introduce matching gifts to donors and ensure they know the necessary steps to get their gift matched, ultimately increasing incremental revenue raised from workplace giving programs.

“Matching gift programs and workplace giving can be an extremely valuable way for organizations to stretch the value of their donations, but oftentimes donors don’t know the steps to take and organizations miss out on those funds,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “With our integration, organizations will be better equipped to inform their donors and take advantage of these programs. We are excited to partner with Nuclavis and continue to support the world of peer to peer fundraising through workplace giving.”

The Nuclavis and Double the Donation integration is now available for mutual clients. Follow our integration guide for more information on how to connect the two platforms.

Ready to add matching gift automation to your Nuclavis fundraisers? Request a demo with Double the Donation today and be sure to share that you’re using Nuclavis. 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 Nuclavis: Founded in 2022, Nuclavis is a mobile technology and services company serving nonprofit organizations of all sizes. We develop digital strategies, mobile apps, and custom software solutions to support peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising programs and grow their impact. Learn more: https://nuclavis.com/book-a-demo/.

About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. Double the Donation 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/

Matching Gifts for Retirees Companies to Know & More

Matching Gifts for Retirees: Companies to Know & More

Nonprofits are always looking for ways to maximize donations, but one often-overlooked opportunity lies in matching gifts for retirees. After all, many companies extend their corporate matching gift programs to former employees, allowing organizations to double or even triple contributions from retired donors.

However, these programs are often underutilized simply because retirees and nonprofits aren’t aware of their potential. In this guide, we’ll highlight companies that offer matching gifts for retired employees, how your organization can identify eligible donors, and tools you can use to encourage participation in the programs.

Specifically, we’ll cover:

If retired individuals make up a good portion of your organization’s donor base (and more than likely, they do), targeting matching gifts for retirees can be an excellent way to go. We’ll show you how you can do so here⁠, starting with the basics.

What are corporate matching gifts?

Corporate matching gifts are a form of philanthropy in which companies match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. These programs effectively double—or sometimes even triple—the impact of an individual’s gift, providing nonprofits with additional funding at no extra cost to the donor.

Here’s how it typically works:

  1. An individual donates to a nonprofit.
  2. The individual confirms whether their company offers a matching gift program.
  3. If available, the individual submits a request for a matching gift to their employer.
  4. The individual’s employer reviews the matching gift request and ensures it aligns with the company policy.
  5. The company approves the request and disburses a donation for a matching gift to the organization.

While these programs are extremely valuable for all parties involved, they often go underutilized, largely due to a lack of awareness about the opportunity. And that’s why understanding matching gifts⁠—and communicating their potential to supporters⁠—is so essential.

Looking for a more in-depth overview of matching gifts? Get our free downloadable guide that covers everything you need to know!

Do retirees qualify for matching gift programs?

Because each company specially designs its matching gift initiatives to align with its own needs and resources, each program is ultimately unique. That means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question posed. However, the short version is that yes, retirees are often eligible to participate in their companies’ matching gift programs post-employment. And with more businesses expanding their programs in recent years, retirees are more likely to be included than ever before. But it really will depend on the specific company’s policy.

Within the realm of companies that do match gifts for retirees, some offer the same matching gift benefits as they do for active employees as a way to continue supporting their philanthropic endeavors. On the other hand, others may have modified guidelines, such as lower match ratios or donation caps.

To determine if a retiree’s donation is eligible for a match, nonprofits should encourage donors to check with their former employers or use a matching gift database (which we’ll cover more below).

By identifying and engaging retired donors who qualify for corporate matching, nonprofits can unlock valuable funding opportunities that often go overlooked.Increase revenue from matching gifts for retirees with Double the Donation

Companies that match donations for retirees

Wondering which companies offer retiree-inclusive matching gift programs? We’ve compiled a list of ten leading examples below:

Verizon is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

1) Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. is a global leader in telecommunications, providing wireless, broadband, and digital services to millions of customers. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Verizon offers a generous matching gift program, which extends to both current employees and retirees.

Through Verizon’s matching program, donations made by retirees to eligible colleges and universities can be matched at a 1:1 ratio, effectively doubling the impact of their contributions. The company typically sets an annual limit of $5,000 per retiree, and accredited schools must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify.

All in all, Verizon’s matching gift program is an excellent way for retirees to continue supporting charitable causes with additional corporate backing.

Learn more about Verizon’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Eli Lilly is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

2) Eli Lilly & Company

Eli Lilly & Company is a pharmaceutical giant known for its innovations in medicine and healthcare solutions. The company has a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy, which includes a robust matching gift program available to both current employees and retirees.

Currently, Lilly matches donations made to eligible nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, and cultural organizations. The program follows a 1:1 matching ratio, and retirees can participate with matching gifts of up to $7,500 each year..

Learn more about Eli Lilly’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Boeing is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

3) Boeing

Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies, is dedicated to supporting charitable giving through its matching gift program. Retirees, as well as current employees, are eligible to have their donations matched by the company.

Boeing’s matching gift program operates on a 1:1 basis, and eligible nonprofits include educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, environmental initiatives, and more. The program has an annual cap of $3,000 for retirees, but the eligibility criteria remain broad, allowing many charities to benefit from the generosity of Boeing’s workforce⁠—both past and present.

Learn more about Boeing’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Johnson & Johnson is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

4) Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare and pharmaceutical company, is well known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility. One key part of this commitment is its generous matching gift program, which extends to both current employees and retirees.

Through the Johnson & Johnson matching gift program, eligible donations made by retirees to qualifying nonprofits can be matched dollar for dollar, effectively doubling their impact up to $10,000 per year. The program typically supports a wide range of organizations, including educational institutions, health and human services, environmental groups, and cultural organizations.

Learn more about J&J’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Intel is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

5) Intel Corporation

Intel Corporation, a worldwide technology leader in semiconductor manufacturing, has a strong history of corporate giving. The company’s matching gift program is open to both employees and retirees, reinforcing Intel’s commitment to philanthropy.

Intel matches donations at a 1:1 ratio, with contributions directed to a wide range of eligible nonprofits, including education, healthcare, and community organizations. Retirees can take advantage of this program within the designated annual cap of $1,000, making it a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to boost their fundraising efforts.

Learn more about Intel’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Caterpillar is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

6) Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, operates a comprehensive matching gift program that includes both employees and retirees. The company encourages its workforce to support charitable organizations by offering a dollar-for-dollar match on eligible donations.

The program applies to a broad range of nonprofit organizations, and Caterpillar sets a generous annual limit of $10,000 per donor. That means retirees who previously worked for Caterpillar can continue their charitable giving with the added benefit of corporate matching, making their donations go even further.

Learn more about Caterpillar’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Gap is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

7) The Gap

Gap Inc., the parent company of apparel brands like Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, is dedicated to corporate social responsibility. One way that it does so is by providing a matching gift program that extends to both employees and retirees, fostering an ongoing culture of giving.

Currently, Gap matches donations at a 1:1 ratio to eligible nonprofits within a set annual limit. However, maximum matching gift amounts can vary by position (i.e., $1,000 for part-time employees to as much as $15,000 for full-time employees).

The program supports a variety of causes, including education, environmental initiatives, and social services. Retired employees are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to double their impact and help nonprofits secure additional funding.

Learn more about Gap’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Chevron is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

8) Chevron Corporation

Chevron, a multinational energy corporation, offers a strong matching gift program that supports both current and retired employees in their charitable giving efforts. The company recognizes the importance of philanthropy and extends its program to a wide range of nonprofit organizations.

Chevron typically matches donations at a 1:1 ratio with a designated annual cap of $3,000 for retirees. That said, retirees who qualify can request matching funds for contributions to eligible charities, ensuring that their support for important causes is maximized through corporate giving.

Learn more about Chevron’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Darden Restaurants is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

9) Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, the parent company of brands like Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille, encourages philanthropy through its corporate giving programs. Today, the company extends its matching gift program to both employees and retirees as a way to do so.

Darden matches donations at a standard 1:1 ratio, with certain restrictions on eligible organizations and an annual cap of $10,000 per donor. Nonprofits can benefit from this program by ensuring that retirees who have worked for Darden are aware of their eligibility and take advantage of the matching funds.

Learn more about Darden’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.


Sony is a top provider of matching gifts for retirees.

10) Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation, a standout leader in electronics, entertainment, and gaming, has a strong corporate giving culture that includes a matching gift program for both employees and retirees. The program allows former employees to continue making an impact through their charitable contributions.

Sony’s matching gift program typically operates on a 1:1 basis, with an annual cap of $2,000 per donor. Eligible nonprofits include education, arts and culture, and select human services organizations.

Learn more about Sony’s matching gift program for employees and retirees.

How a matching gift database can help

The above companies aren’t the only ones that offer matching gifts for retirees. The truth is that there are too many to list!

So, how can you uncover additional opportunities and keep up with program guidelines? The best way is to equip your team with a matching gift database like Double the Donation.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Search the database tool for a specific company (e.g., Home Depot).
  2. In real-time, access program information about the company, including eligibility requirements for employees and retirees, match ratios, minimums and maximums, and more.

Look for matching gifts for retirees with a matching gift database.

Not to mention, you can even embed the database directly into your donation forms. This makes it easy to collect and scan against employment information, uncovering match-eligible employees and retirees alike with no added effort.

Ensuring retirees are informed about matching gifts

For nonprofits with a largely retired donor base—such as public radio stations, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and more—it’s crucial to ensure that supporters know they may still qualify for matching gifts.

After all, many retirees mistakenly assume that workplace giving programs no longer apply to them simply because they are no longer actively employed. However, many companies extend their matching gift programs to retired employees as well, presenting an invaluable yet often overlooked opportunity for funding.

Looking to make the most of it? Here’s how you can ensure retirees are well-informed about matching gifts:

  • Incorporate Clear Messaging in Donation Appeals – When discussing matching gifts in emails, on donation pages, or in direct mail, explicitly mention that retirees are often eligible and should check their former company’s program.
  • Segment Email Communication – If possible, create a targeted email campaign specifically for retired donors, emphasizing that they may still qualify for a corporate match.
  • Share Success Stories – Highlight examples of retired donors who successfully secured a matching gift. This reinforces eligibility and makes the process feel more accessible.
  • Engage Through Multiple Channels – In addition to email, use newsletters, social media, or even on-air announcements to spread the message that retirees may still be eligible for matching gifts.

By regularly educating retirees about their potential matching gift eligibility, nonprofits can maximize corporate giving revenue while ensuring that dedicated, longtime supporters feel empowered to increase their impact. The key is ongoing communication—making sure this valuable donor segment knows that their generosity can still go even further.


Wrapping up & additional corporate giving resources

Retiree-inclusive matching gift programs present a valuable yet frequently untapped fundraising opportunity for nonprofits like yours. By educating your donors, leveraging the right tools, and actively promoting the programs to your supporters, your organization can unlock additional funding with minimal effort.

Don’t let these matching dollars go unclaimed. Start engaging retired donors and help them make an even greater impact on your mission today!

Interested in learning more about matching gifts and other corporate giving programs? Take a look at our recommended resources below:

Increase revenue from matching gifts for retirees with Double the Donation

Why Challenge Grants Are a Top Nonprofit Fundraising Tool

Why Challenge Grants Are a Top Nonprofit Fundraising Tool

For nonprofit organizations, the challenge of raising enough funds to support their mission can often feel overwhelming. With limited resources and a growing need for innovative strategies, how can your nonprofit increase donor engagement and maximize fundraising potential? The answer lies in challenge grants—one of the most powerful and effective tools in nonprofit fundraising.

A challenge grant, also known as a matching grant, is a powerful fundraising strategy in which a donor or organization pledges to match contributions raised by a nonprofit, often within a set time frame. These campaigns leverage the power of matching funds to create urgency, increase participation, and ultimately boost donations.

But what makes challenge grants so effective? In this blog post, we’ll explore why challenge grants are such a successful tool for nonprofits, how they can drive engagement, and the incredible outcomes they create for fundraising campaigns.

What is a Challenge Grant?

A challenge grant is a fundraising tactic where a donor (or group of donors) offers to match donations raised by the nonprofit organization, often up to a certain amount or during a specific period of time. For example, a donor may pledge to match $50,000 in donations made within 30 days.

Challenge grants are highly effective because they create a sense of urgency and motivate donors to act quickly, knowing their donations will be doubled or even tripled. This matching opportunity encourages both existing and new donors to contribute at higher levels, which ultimately leads to greater revenue for the nonprofit.

One of the most attractive elements of a challenge grant is that it encourages reciprocity. When donors know their contribution will be matched, they feel a stronger connection to the cause, increasing both the likelihood of donation and the size of their contributions.

In fact, research shows that 84% of donors are more likely to give when a matching gift is available, and 36% report that they would not have contributed without the matching opportunity (source: Double the Donation).

Why Challenge Grants Work: The Psychological Impact on Donors

Challenge grants are not just about financial incentives—they tap into the psychological factors that drive donor behavior. The prospect of having one’s contribution matched has a profound impact on how donors approach giving. Here’s why:

1. Amplification of Impact

The concept of a doubled donation resonates strongly with donors. When someone gives $100 and knows that their gift will be matched, they feel as though they’ve contributed $200. This sense of increased impact encourages donors to give larger amounts and motivates them to contribute sooner.

2. Urgency and Time Sensitivity

Challenge grants are typically time-bound, which creates a sense of urgency. Donors are more likely to act quickly when they know there’s a limited window to take advantage of the matching opportunity. Research shows that campaigns with deadlines see higher participation rates, as donors don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to have their contributions matched.

3. Social Proof and Donor Participation

The social influence of challenge grants also plays a key role. As the fundraising campaign progresses, seeing the total raised toward the challenge goal can motivate other donors to act. Donors often want to be part of a successful campaign and to see their contributions make a real difference. Progress tracking tools like real-time progress bars and fundraising thermometers can further enhance this sense of social proof and inspire more people to give.

How Challenge Grants Drive Increased Revenue

When implemented correctly, challenge grants can dramatically increase the amount of funds raised during a campaign. The structure of challenge grants inherently leads to higher donor participation and larger gifts.

1. Matching Gifts Multiply Contributions

The most obvious benefit of challenge grants is that they double (or more) the impact of each donation. When donors know their gift will be matched, they are more likely to give larger amounts, leading to a higher average donation. According to recent research, campaigns with matching opportunities raise 3-5 times more during peak giving seasons than those without.

2. Attracting New Donors

Challenge grants are a great way to attract new donors to your organization. The presence of a matching gift provides a compelling reason for first-time donors to contribute. This increased engagement helps build a larger donor base, leading to more long-term financial support.

3. Increased Donation Frequency

Challenge grants also encourage repeat donations. When donors contribute to a campaign and see that their gift has been matched, they are more likely to give again in the future. This cycle of giving builds a sustainable funding model and ensures that your nonprofit has access to ongoing support.

4. Higher Levels of Corporate Involvement

In addition to individual donors, corporate partners can also play a crucial role in challenge match campaigns. Challenge grants offer companies the opportunity to maximize their philanthropic impact and engage other donors in giving, too.

The Benefits of Challenge Grants Beyond Financials

While challenge grants are highly effective at raising funds, they offer several non-financial benefits that can have a lasting impact on your nonprofit:

1. Strengthened Relationships with Donors

When donors contribute to a campaign with a matching gift, they feel more connected to your cause. Challenge grants provide a platform for fostering deeper relationships with both new and existing donors. By giving them the opportunity to double their impact, you make them feel more engaged and invested in the success of your nonprofit.

2. Building Donor Loyalty

Challenge match campaigns can create a sense of community among your supporters. Donors are more likely to continue their support if they feel that their contributions are valued and have made a meaningful difference. This results in increased donor loyalty and higher retention rates.

3. Boosted Brand Awareness

When challenge grants are well-publicized, they can help raise awareness of your nonprofit’s work. Whether through social media, email campaigns, or newsletters, your challenge match campaign provides a great opportunity to showcase your mission and attract new supporters.

How to Use Challenge Grants to Engage Donors

The success of your challenge match campaign depends heavily on how you engage your donors throughout the campaign. Here are some strategies to keep donors involved and excited about your challenge:

1. Promote the Match Opportunity

Make the matching opportunity prominent and easy to understand on your website, in emails, and on social media. Donors need to know that their gift will be matched and how that will impact the campaign. Use language like “Double Your Impact” or “**Your gift will be doubled!” to highlight the opportunity.

2. Regular Updates and Milestones

Keep donors informed about how much has been raised, how much is left to meet the match goal, and what the campaign’s progress is. Use real-time tracking tools like progress bars or fundraising thermometers to visually display the campaign’s progress. This keeps donors engaged and motivated to contribute more to reach the match.

3. Create a Sense of Urgency

The time-bound nature of challenge grants creates a natural sense of urgency. Remind your donors regularly that they have a limited amount of time to take advantage of the match. Use countdown timers or email reminders to keep the deadline top of mind.

4. Recognize Donors for Their Contributions

Donors love to feel appreciated. Publicly acknowledge their support through social media shout-outs, donor walls on your website, and personalized thank-you messages. This recognition strengthens their connection to your cause and encourages them to donate again.


Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Challenge grants are one of the most effective fundraising tools available to nonprofits. Not only do they boost donations and create urgency, but they also strengthen donor relationships, attract new supporters, and raise awareness for your cause.

  • Set a clear match goal and make it visible on your website, social media, and email campaigns.
  • Use real-time progress tracking to keep donors engaged and motivated.
  • Regularly communicate the urgency of the match opportunity to encourage quick action.

By following these steps, your nonprofit can increase donor engagement, maximize revenue, and achieve its fundraising goals with a well-executed challenge match campaign.

Raise More with Employee Matching Gifts!

In addition to challenge grants, employee matching gifts offer another excellent opportunity to increase your fundraising success. 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; get a demo of Double the Donation to see how our tools can help!

Double the Donation and Kind Kiosk Partner to Bring Matching Gifts to the In-Person Fundraising Experience

Double the Donation and Kind Kiosk Partner to Bring Matching Gifts to the In-Person Fundraising Experience

Double the Donation and Kind Kiosk are excited to announce their new partnership which brings matching gift functionality to the in-person giving experience with a streamlined integration. This new integration makes it easier for organizations to identify the matching gift eligibility of their in-person donors and provide actionable next steps to drive those matches to completion.

“At Kind Kiosk, we’re always looking for ways to help organizations drive engagement and maximize their fundraising efforts. That’s why we’ve partnered with the industry leader in corporate matching gift automation, Double the Donation, to make it easy for donors to kick off the matching gift submission process by identifying their employer– right from the kiosk,” says Chris Ball, Founder and CEO of Kind Kiosk. “We’re excited to see organizations leverage this integration to raise even more for their mission.”

With this integration, donors can identify their employer as they give their gift in-person, making corporate matching gifts even more accessible across their donor base. After selecting their employer, donors will also receive follow up emails directly connecting them to their matching gift next steps to ensure no opportunity falls through the cracks.

“Corporate giving programs continue to grow in popularity and we are excited to further extend Double the Donation Matching functionality to the in-person giving process through this integration with Kind Kiosk”, says Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “As organizations look for ways to diversify revenue and grow their giving, integrations like these make it that much easier to take advantage of alternative streams like corporate matching gifts.

The Double the Donation Matching and Kind Kiosk integration is available now for organizations looking to raise more from matching gifts. Follow our integration guide for more information on activating the Kind Kiosk integration.

Ready to add matching gift automation to your Kind Kiosk configurations? Request a demo with Double the Donation today and be sure to share that you’re using Kind Kiosk. 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 Kind Kiosk: Kind Kiosk provides fully managed donation kiosks that let donors give in the moment using Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards, a QR code, or even a Donor-Advised Fund. Whether your organization needs a kiosk year-round, just for major fundraising events, or both—we have flexible plans to fit your needs. Our platform integrates with the tools you already use and handles everything—hardware, software, payments, and support—so you can focus on your mission.

About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits and educational institutions with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. Double the Donation Matching integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions, and even partners with select CSR platforms to further streamline matching gifts for donors. Through Double the Donation, the matching gift process has never been simpler.

Event.Gives Launch Announcement Feature Image

Double the Donation and Event.Gives Team Up with Matching Gifts Integration for Enhanced Fundraising Impact

Event.Gives and Double the Donation have partnered together to provide nonprofit organizations with advanced matching gift functionality through Double the Donation Matching, bringing fundraising impact to the next level for nonprofit organizations.

“Event.Gives is focused on helping your organization get the most value out of every interaction with your supporters and attendees,” said Sam Staley, CEO at Event.Gives. “Our new partnership with Double the Donation is evidence of our commitment to increased value by adding matching gifts to the process.”

The integration between Event.Gives donation forms and Double the Donation Matching enhances donor checkout by offering an opportunity for an employer search and a guided process to matching gift success for organizations.

“It’s no secret that corporate matching gifts are an often untapped resource for fundraisers, especially when it comes to events,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “With our new integrated solution alongside Event.Gives, we can answer the call to bring matching gifts into the fold when it comes to event fundraising.”

The Event.Gives and Double the Donation Matching integration is easy to access and simple to activate. Follow our integration guide for more information on activating the integration, so you can start raising more from corporate matching gifts.

Event.Gives donation form with the Double the Donation blank search field present

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

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 Event.Gives:  Event.Gives is an easy and reliable event fundraising platform for any size organization or nonprofit. The innovative platform supports fundraising events by providing technology to automate event organizer processes and increase giving through better attendee engagement. Event.Gives’ focus is on the attendee experience, facilitating ticketing, check-in, silent and live auction bidding, online donations and online checkout.

About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits and educational institutions with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights.

Announcing Our New Corporate Volunteer Email Streams

Announcing Our New Corporate Volunteer Email Streams

At Double the Donation, we’re always looking for ways to help organizations maximize their corporate giving potential. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Corporate Volunteer Email Streams functionality within our dedicated volunteering module.

Here, we’ll review the features and their advantages for volunteer-driven organizations⁠—specifically covering:

All in all, our automated email streams empower organizations using our software to seamlessly communicate with volunteers based on their corporate volunteer incentive eligibility. By providing company-specific guidelines and instructions for submitting volunteer grants and VTO (or Volunteer Time Off) opportunities, this functionality helps organizations drive greater engagement and ensure volunteers take full advantage of their corporate benefits.

Double the Donation Volunteering: An Overview

At Double the Donation, we’re committed to helping organizations maximize the impact of corporate philanthropy. Our volunteering module is designed to streamline volunteer engagement, making it easier for nonprofits and companies to connect employees with meaningful service opportunities while maximizing corporate volunteer incentives.

With Double the Donation’s volunteering functionality, organizations can:

  • Identify corporate volunteer incentives such as volunteer grants and Volunteer Time Off (VTO) eligibility for each participant.
  • Encourage greater participation by simplifying the process of accessing corporate volunteer benefits.
  • Automate volunteer engagement with features like our new Corporate Volunteer Email Streams, ensuring employees receive company-specific guidelines on how to submit for volunteer grants and take advantage of VTO programs.

Corporate volunteer email streams are available within Double the Donation's platform.

By integrating these tools into one powerful platform, Double the Donation helps organizations increase volunteer engagement, unlock additional funding through corporate volunteer grants, and drive greater community impact.


Available Corporate Volunteer Email Streams

Currently, Double the Donation offers two corporate volunteer email streams for organizations to engage with their audiences. As volunteers register for events, they’re automatically sorted into one of these groups:

Volunteer Incentives Available Stream (Known Eligibility)

When volunteers provide employment data, this email stream automates the process of informing individuals with known employers about their eligibility for corporate volunteer programs like volunteer grants and paid volunteer time off (VTO).

By delivering personalized messages directly to supporters’ inboxes, organizations can:

  • Provide customized eligibility details, increasing engagement
  • Simplify the process for volunteers, eliminating the need for manual searches
  • Maximize volunteer grant revenue and VTO hours used

Double the Donation's corporate volunteer email stream example

Discover Volunteer Incentives Stream (Unknown Eligibility)

Even when volunteers are unaware of their corporate volunteer benefits, this stream ensures no funding or paid volunteer opportunities slip through the cracks.

By reaching out to supporters who may be eligible for corporate incentives, this email stream helps:

  • Identify new volunteer grant and VTO opportunities
  • Connect volunteers to next steps, driving program participation
  • Strengthen volunteer recruitment and retention through employer engagement

Double the Donation's corporate volunteer email stream example

For the best results, organizations are encouraged to adopt both email streams in order to ensure maximal coverage of available volunteer incentives. This way, the platform can segment volunteers into one of the two flows in real-time, providing the most tailored and relevant information at any given point.

Benefits of Triggering Automated Volunteer Outreach

Effective volunteer engagement requires timely communication and clear guidance—and that’s where automated volunteer outreach makes a difference. By leveraging automated email streams, organizations can provide volunteers with the information they need at the right time, ensuring they maximize their impact while taking full advantage of corporate volunteer incentives.

Here are some key benefits of triggering automated volunteer outreach:

  • Personalized Communication: Automated email streams segment volunteers based on their corporate volunteer incentive eligibility, delivering company-specific instructions for submitting volunteer grants and VTO requests.
  • Increased Volunteer Grant Utilization: Many employees are eligible for volunteer grants but may not be aware of them. Automated outreach helps bridge this gap by reminding volunteers to log their hours and submit for corporate matching.
  • Time-Saving for Organizations: Instead of manually tracking and notifying volunteers, nonprofits and companies can rely on automation to handle outreach, freeing up valuable time for other engagement efforts.
  • Higher Volunteer Engagement: Regular, well-timed emails keep volunteers informed, motivated, and connected to opportunities, resulting in increased participation and a stronger culture of giving.
  • Seamless Corporate Philanthropy Integration: Automated communication ensures that employees understand how to navigate their company’s corporate giving programs, leading to more funds directed toward nonprofit initiatives.

By implementing automated volunteer outreach, organizations can foster deeper engagement, enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, and unlock additional funding—all while making the volunteer experience smoother and more rewarding for participants.

Getting Started With Double the Donation Volunteering

Whether you’re already a Double the Donation client or are exploring ways to enhance your organization’s volunteer engagement, our volunteering module makes it easy to maximize corporate volunteer incentives and streamline participation.

Here’s how you can get started:

  • For Current Double the Donation Matching Clients: If you’re already using Double the Donation’s matching gift solution, it’s easy to add on our complete volunteer functionality⁠—including our corporate volunteer email streams. This allows you to identify corporate volunteer incentives and take advantage of automated features within the same platform. Reach out to your client representative to see how you can upgrade your account today!
  • For Organizations New to Double the Donation: If you’re not yet a client but are interested in leveraging our volunteering module, we’d love to show you how it works! Explore pricing and schedule a demo with our team to explore how Double the Donation can help your organization increase volunteer engagement and unlock more corporate funding through volunteer grants and VTO programs.

Getting started is simple—whether you’re an existing client or new to our solutions, our team is here to help you maximize the impact of corporate philanthropy.

Reach out today to learn more!


Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts

With the launch of our Corporate Volunteer Email Streams, organizations can now take a more targeted approach to volunteer engagement, ensuring participants have the information they need to maximize their impact. By streamlining communication and simplifying the process for submitting volunteer grants and VTO, we’re making it easier than ever for employees to give back—and for organizations to benefit from corporate volunteer incentives.

Stay tuned for even more impactful updates as we continue enhancing our volunteering module to drive greater social impact!

Promote volunteer incentives with our corporate volunteer email streams.

Driving Donor Retention With Matching Gifts [A Guide]

Driving Donor Retention With Matching Gifts [A Guide]

In recent years, donor retention rates have been hovering slightly above 40%. This means that if you have 100 donors, roughly 60 of them are only making one-time donations⁠, while around 40 are coming back to give again. If the focus on donor retention isn’t strong and comprehensive, a nonprofit organization will need to concentrate on the acquisition of new donors instead⁠—a notably vital but often more costly pursuit.

Luckily, there are numerous ways to boost donor retention and keep donors coming back. For example, did you know you can improve donor retention by using matching gift programs? That’s what we’ll cover here, specifically by addressing:

We’ll dive deeper into each topic and provide you with actionable tips to help you retain donors for your cause. Let’s begin!

Why Is Donor Retention Important?

When a donor continues to give to your nonprofit, the most obvious benefit is the regular extra revenue. However, keeping donors coming back has additional rewards, too.

  • First, your organization has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with donors. Think about it this way: you can’t cultivate a friendship with someone if you’ve only met them once. The same principle applies to building donor relationships. A donor that continues to give to your cause is much more likely to volunteer at your next event, serve on your board of directors, and advocate for your cause.
  • Meanwhile, a donor that has a strong connection to your cause is also more likely to share their passion for your mission with others, which could lead to even more donors. For instance, you might launch a peer-to-peer campaign where your supporters raise money on your behalf. When donors share their personal experiences with their friends and family, it can be a great tool to acquire new donors.
  • Finally, retaining donors means you can gain helpful feedback through these meaningful relationships. A donor that’s truly invested in your cause can provide suggestions and advice on how you can improve your stewardship, outreach, and much more.

By implementing their suggestions, you’ll not only gain their trust but also show other potential supporters that you will listen to their concerns.

The Power of Corporate Matching Gifts

Corporate matching gifts are one of the most effective yet underutilized tools in nonprofit fundraising. These programs allow companies to match their employees’ charitable contributions, effectively doubling (or sometimes tripling) the impact of each donation. For nonprofits, this means more funds to support their mission, while donors see their generosity go even further—all at no additional cost to them.

While it can vary from company to company, most matching gift programs follow a simple process:

  1. Employee Makes a Donation – A donor gives to their favorite nonprofit.
  2. Employer Matches the Gift – The donor submits a matching gift request to their employer.
  3. Nonprofit Receives Additional Funds – Once approved, the company sends a matching donation to the nonprofit.

While the process may seem straightforward, studies show that billions of dollars in matching gift funds go unclaimed each year simply because donors aren’t aware of these programs⁠—or don’t know how to take advantage of them. That’s why it’s crucial for nonprofits to educate their supporters and streamline the matching gift process.

The Link Between Matching Gifts and Donor Retention

While there is a surplus of helpful donor retention advice out there, it is worthwhile to note the mutually beneficial union that results from combining matching gifts and donor retention.

Specifically, matching gifts can help drive donor retention by…

1. Showing that your nonprofit is a good steward of donors’ funds.

One of the key reasons donors continue supporting a nonprofit is trust—trust that their contributions are being used effectively to make a real impact. When a nonprofit actively promotes and facilitates matching gifts, it signals to donors that the organization is committed to maximizing every dollar received. This demonstration of financial stewardship plays a critical role in building long-term donor relationships and driving retention.

2. Keeping your organization at the front of donors’ minds.

One of the biggest challenges nonprofits face in donor retention is staying top-of-mind after the initial donation. After all, many donors give once and then disengage. However, matching gifts provide a natural way to extend donor engagement beyond the moment of giving, keeping your nonprofit in their thoughts for a longer period and increasing the likelihood of future support.

Not to mention, sending communications about matching gifts to dedicated donors, whether through email, snail mail, or social media, will help them stay involved with your organization without feeling pressured to donate more of their own money. If you only talk to your donors when you want their donations, they’re less likely to continue supporting your cause.

3. Encouraging larger future donations.

One of the most compelling ways matching gifts drive donor retention is by encouraging larger future donations. After all, research indicates that when donors are aware of a matching gift opportunity, they are more likely to give—and to give in greater amounts. This increased generosity not only boosts immediate fundraising efforts but also fosters long-term donor commitment, leading to higher retention rates overall.

In fact, when nonprofits mentioned matching gifts when asking for donations, response rates jumped 71%, and average donation amounts increased by over 50%.

Letting donors know that they can make a greater impact with their donations generates a higher response to future appeals and results in larger contributions than ever before.

Strategies for Increasing Donor Retention With Matching Gifts

Now that we’ve established a connection between matching gifts and donor retention, it’s time to cover the ways in which your team can use the former to increase the latter.

Explore these proven strategies we’ve developed from working with thousands of organizations to maximize matching gifts.

1. Send a match appeal immediately after a donor gives.

One of the most effective ways nonprofits can drive donor retention through matching gifts is by sending a match appeal immediately after a donor gives. This timely follow-up not only increases the likelihood that donors will submit a matching gift request but also reinforces their connection to your organization—encouraging long-term engagement.

If you don’t know who your donor’s employer is, supply them with general information about matching gifts after they’ve donated, either in an acknowledgement or thank you email or in a separate follow-up entirely.

If you’ve done your homework and know where your donor works (and, more importantly, if their employer offers a matching gift program), provide them with company-specific information (such as program guidelines and links to matching gift forms) to help them get started.

Here’s how one organization does so:

Driving donor retention with matching gifts using acknowledgment emails

2. Notify donors when their company’s matching gift is received.

A crucial yet often overlooked step in the matching gift process is informing donors when their company’s matching contribution comes through. This follow-up communication not only acknowledges the donor’s role in securing additional funding (and provides you with another chance to thank them) but also reinforces their connection to your organization—boosting donor retention.

Depending on how fast the donor’s company processes the gift-matching paperwork and sends the money to your organization, it could be weeks or months until the donor’s matching gift comes in. They might have forgotten about it by that point. Letting them know that their matching gift was received is another excellent way to reestablish contact with a donor, potentially encouraging them to donate (and get their gifts matched) in the future.

Take a look at the thank-you card one institution sent its matching gift donors:

Driving donor retention with matching gifts using thank-you notes

3. Use social proof to demonstrate matching gift success.

One of the most powerful ways to drive donor retention through matching gifts involves showcasing real-world examples of their impact using social proof. When donors see that others are successfully doubling their contributions—and making a greater difference—they feel more confident and motivated to continue supporting your cause.

Here’s how social proof drives matching gifts and donor retention alike.

  • Creates a Sense of Community – People are more likely to stay engaged when they see that others like them are taking action. Highlighting matching gift success stories fosters a sense of shared purpose and encourages donors to feel like part of a larger movement.
  • Reinforces the Effectiveness of Giving – When donors see tangible evidence that matching gifts are successfully doubling impact, they gain reassurance that their contributions are making a meaningful difference. This confirmation increases the likelihood of future giving.
  • Builds Trust and Credibility – Transparency is key to donor retention. Showcasing real results—such as total funds raised through matching gifts or testimonials from donors who’ve had their gifts matched—demonstrates that your nonprofit is effectively leveraging these opportunities.

In order to do so, consider sharing matching gift donor testimonials, highlighting matching gift impact stories on your cause, and showcasing KPIs and other impactful metrics. By incorporating social proof into your donor communications, you create an environment where donors feel inspired, validated, and eager to continue supporting your nonprofit. The more they see others engaging in matching gifts, the more likely they are to remain committed—helping to drive long-term donor retention and fundraising success.

Check out this organization’s usage of social proof in its annual report:

Driving donor retention with matching gifts using social proof


Wrapping Up & Additional Resources

Unfortunately, making sure that donors stick around can be tricky. However, donor retention is essential for the long-term sustainability of any nonprofit, and corporate matching gifts provide a powerful strategy to keep donors engaged and committed in the long run. By leveraging matching gifts, organizations can amplify donor contributions, reinforce financial stewardship, and create ongoing opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Now is the time to integrate matching gifts into your donor retention strategy. With the right approach⁠—and the right tools to power it⁠—you’ll not only increase donations but also turn one-time contributors into lifelong advocates for your mission.

For even more helpful fundraising and matching gift tips, keep reading these additional recommended resources:


Interested in learning more about boosting donor retention? Check out this immersive webinar on the topic!

Strategies-for-Improving-Donor-Retention