Top VTO Companies 15 Volunteer Time Off Programs to Know

Top Volunteer Time Off Companies | 35 Programs to Know

In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal growth can be challenging for employees. However, an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of community engagement. As a result, more employers are offering Paid Volunteer Time Off⁠ programs as part of their staff compensation packages. In order to get better acquainted with the idea, we’ll highlight some top VTO companies below.

(Interested in a particular employer? Click on the ‘company name’ to skip to that section!)

COMPANY NAMEANNUAL VTO CAPSECTOREMPLOYEESHEADQUARTERS
AppDynamics40 hoursMedia & Technology ~2,000San Francisco, CA
Blue Cross15 hoursHealthcare~190,000Chicago, IL
Cisco80 hoursMedia & Technology ~84,900San Jose, CA
County of San Mateo20 – 416 hoursPublic~4,800Redwood City, CA
Deloitte8 hoursProfessional Services~455,000London, England
EOG Resources8 hoursEnergy & Power~2,900Houston, TX
Enel16 hoursEnergy & Power~6,500Rome, Italy
FirstBank16 hoursFinancial Services~4,100San Juan, Puerto Rico
Getty Images8 hoursMedia & Technology~1,700Seattle, WA
GM Financial32 hoursFinancial Services~8,800Fort Worth, TX
Hasbro48 hoursToy & Entertainment~5,600Pawtucket, RI
Heineken USA36 hoursFood & Beverage~8,500White Plains, NY
Humana8 hoursHealthcare~67,600Louisville, KY
Ibotta8 hoursMedia & Technology ~815Denver, CO
Intuit32 hoursFinancial Services~18,200Montain View, CA
Johnson & Johnson40 hoursHealthcare~141,700New Brunswick, NJ
KPMG40 hoursProfessional Services~219,200New York, NY
Lowe’s8 hoursHome Improvement~300,000Mooresville, NC
Microsoft24 hoursMedia & Technology ~221,000Redmond, WA
Nielsen24 hoursInformation ~44,000New York, NY
Novo Nordisk U.S.80 hoursHealthcare~6,400Plainsboro, NJ
Patagonia18 hoursFashion & Apparel~3,000Ventura, CA
PNC Financial40 hoursFinancial Services~56,400Pittsburgh, PA
PwC US40 hoursProfessional Services~328,000New York, NY
Salesforce56 hoursMedia & Technology ~79,400San Francisco, CA
Sentinel Group16 hoursFinancial Services~325Wakefield, MA
ServiceNow20 hoursMedia & Technology ~22,700Santa Clara, CA
Siemens USA16 hoursMedia & Technology ~303,000Saint Paul, MN
S&P Global16 hoursFinancial Services~40,000New York, NY
Tapestry8 hoursFashion & Apparel~17,300New York, NY
Takeda16 hoursHealthcare~47,300Cambridge, MA
Thomson Reuters16 hoursInformation ~25,600Toronto, Canada
Timberland40 hoursFashion & Apparel~50,000Stratham, NH
University of Arizona8 hoursHigher Education~16,000Tucson, AZ
Warner Media40 hoursMedia & Technology ~35,300New York, NY

If you’re looking for a refresher on volunteer time off—and how to make the most of the programs for your organization⁠—check out our complete VTO guide here.

Otherwise, we’ve provided a quick summary of the benefits before jumping into the compilation of VTO companies below.

BENEFITS OF VTO FOR EMPLOYEES

The opportunity to give back to their communities, develop new skills, and support causes they are passionate about through volunteerism without missing out on a portion of a regular paycheck

BENEFITS OF VTO FOR NONPROFITS

Access to skilled volunteers who are motivated to make a meaningful impact, thus expanding their capacity, tapping into specialized expertise, and accomplishing more with limited resources

BENEFITS OF VTO FOR COMPANIES

Enhanced reputation as a socially responsible employer, strengthened corporate culture with heightened staff engagement, loyalty, and retention, leading to positive business outcomes

Read up on these programs to explore top companies offering paid volunteer time off for their employees. Then, see if your supporters qualify for the benefit! 🠟

AppDynamics is one of the top VTO companies

AppDynamics

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~2,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

AppDynamics, a leader in application performance management, believes in giving back to the community. Their VTO program reflects this value by allowing employees to take paid time off (up to a full week each year) to engage in volunteer activities with the charitable organizations of their choice.

By providing this opportunity, AppDynamics fosters a culture of social responsibility and actively encourages its employees to contribute to the betterment of society on a local and global scale.

BCBS is one of the top VTO companies

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Chicago, IL and nationwide
Employee count: ~190,000
VTO cap: 15 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ (Can vary based on location)

Blue Cross Blue Shield, a network of independently owned health insurance companies across the U.S., demonstrates its commitment to improving health, going above and beyond medical care to include community well-being. Through their generous VTO program, employees are granted paid time off (equal to 15 hours, or nearly two full days of work) to volunteer for various philanthropy initiatives.

In investing in employee volunteerism, Blue Cross Blue Shield strengthens its ties to its community while supporting healthcare access for underserved populations and reinforcing its mission to promote health and wellness for all.

Cisco is one of the top VTO companies

Cisco

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Jose, CA and nationwide
Employee count: ~84,900
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

At Cisco Systems, technology is not just about innovation. It’s also about making a positive impact on society. That’s why the company’s VTO program empowers employees to spend up to two weeks each year volunteering with nonprofit causes.

As it encourages employees to give back through incentivized volunteerism, Cisco cultivates a culture of collaboration and social responsibility. Through their VTO program, employees can also leverage their skills and expertise to support the communities in which they live and work, ultimately aligning with the company’s vision of technology as a force for good.

County of San Mateo is one of the top VTO companies

County of San Mateo

Sector: Public
Location: Redwood City, CA
Employee count: ~4,800
VTO cap: 20 – 416 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Payroll Deductions ✔

The County of San Mateo in Redwood City, California also values community engagement and aims to incentivize philanthropy among its staff. Through its VTO program, employees are granted paid time off to volunteer for local initiatives, with the number of hours each team member receives ranging from 20 to 416 annually.

By supporting employee volunteerism, the County further strengthens its ties with the community and fosters a sense of civic pride and responsibility among its workforce.

Deloitte is one of the top VTO companies

Deloitte

Sector: Professional Services
Location: London, England and worldwide
Employee count: ~455,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Deloitte, a global leader in consulting and professional services, recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities it serves. It aims to increase its philanthropy efforts by offering paid volunteer time off, with team members encouraged to spend a full day each year supporting nonprofit causes.

Whether it’s providing pro bono consulting services to nonprofit organizations, participating in skills-based volunteering initiatives, or organizing fundraising events, Deloitte’s employees are empowered to make a positive impact beyond the office building.

EOG Resources is one of the top VTO companies

EOG Resources

Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Houston, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~2,900
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

EOG Resources, a leading energy company, believes in giving back to the communities where it operates. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes like environmental stewardship, community development, or disaster relief.

By supporting employee volunteerism with paid time off, EOG Resources demonstrates its commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainable development. Plus, it fosters a culture of giving and philanthropy among its workforce.

Enel is one of the top VTO companies

Enel North America

Sector: Energy & Power
Location: Andover, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,500
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Sustainability Projects ✔

Enel, a global energy company, is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Enel employees have the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world by spending one day each year out of the office, giving back to their communities.

Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for a range of environmental conservation and other philanthropic efforts. By investing in employee volunteerism, Enel strengthens its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and aligns its business objectives with the needs of society and the planet.

FirstBank is one of the top VTO companies

FirstBank

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Lakewood, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~4,100
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

FirstBank, a leading financial institution, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects two days out of the year.

Whether it’s serving meals at homeless shelters, tutoring students in underserved neighborhoods, or participating in financial literacy workshops, each employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference without losing out on any pay.

Getty Images is one of the top VTO companies

Getty Images

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Seattle, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~1,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

As a global leader in visual communication, Getty Images is committed to making a positive impact on society and engaging its workforce to do the same. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for causes, from arts and culture and education to humanitarian relief efforts.

In order to do so, Getty Images employees have the opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise to drive positive change for their nonprofit partners.

GM Financial is one of the top VTO companies

GM Financial

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Fort Worth, TX and nationwide
Employee count: ~8,800
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

GM Financial, the financial services arm of General Motors, believes in giving back to the communities it serves through volunteerism and other philanthropy programs. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with up to four days of paid time off for charitable volunteer initiatives.

By supporting employee volunteerism, GM Financial strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and supplies its workforce with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Hasbro is one of the top VTO companies

Hasbro

Sector: Toy & Entertainment
Location: Pawtucket, RI and worldwide
Employee count: ~5,600
VTO cap: 48 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Hasbro is committed to making a positive impact on the world through a generous VTO program, providing employees with paid volunteer time off to devote to giving back. Corporate employees are granted four hours worth of time off each month, equating to six full days on an annual basis they can spend performing volunteer activities with a wide range of causes.

Heineken is one of the top VTO companies

Heineken USA

Sector: Food & Beverage
Location: White Plains, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~8,500
VTO cap: 36 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

Heineken, a global brewing company committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, believes in raising a glass to community service and volunteerism. Through its company volunteer program, employees are provided with a total of 36 hours of paid time off each year to spend volunteering for causes they are passionate about.

Humana is one of the top VTO companies

Humana

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Louisville, KY and nationwide
Employee count: ~67,700
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Leading health and well-being company, Humana, believes in giving back to the communities it serves, and it encourages its staff to do so as well. Every year, Humana employees are provided with paid time off (equal to one full day of work) to spend volunteering with the charitable organizations of their choice!

Ibotta is one of the top VTO companies

Ibotta

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Denver, CO and nationwide
Employee count: ~815
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Nonprofit Partnerships ✔

Ibotta, a leading mobile rewards platform, has also developed a VTO program designed to empower employees to spend time volunteering with nonprofit causes. Team members receive 8 hours of paid time off each year, providing them with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world around them.

While the causes supported can range greatly, Ibotta staff have engaged with tons of organizations centered on hunger relief, education, and environmental sustainability.

Intuit is one of the top VTO companies

Intuit

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Mountain View, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~18,200
VTO cap: 32 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Intuit, a leading financial software company, believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, employees are provided with paid time off to volunteer for charitable organizations and community projects. Whether it’s providing tax assistance to low-income individuals, mentoring small business owners, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, Intuit employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.

By supporting employee volunteerism, Intuit strengthens its corporate social responsibility efforts and reinforces its commitment to building stronger, more prosperous communities.

Johnson & Johnson is one of the top VTO companies

Johnson & Johnson

Sector: Healthcare
Location: New Brunswick, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~141,700
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company, is committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world through its pharmaceutical products and beyond. One key facet of its employee giving initiatives is a generous VTO program. Through the program, employees are able to use dedicated paid time off (up to a full week each year) to volunteer with the causes of their choice.

By supporting employee volunteerism in this way, Johnson & Johnson strengthens its commitment to the company’s founding principles of caring for the communities it serves.

KPMG is one of the top VTO companies

KPMG

Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~219,200
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offers a standout VTO program designed to empower its employees to give back to the communities they serve. With paid volunteer time off, employees are encouraged to partake in volunteer projects during standard working hours (without losing out on any pay) for up to 5 days each year.

Talk about adding value to corporate citizenship!

Lowe's is one of the top VTO companies

Lowe’s

Sector: Home Improvement
Location: Mooresville, NC and worldwide
Employee count: ~300,000
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Community Grants ✔

Lowe’s, a leading home improvement retailer, is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its VTO program, more than 300,000 employees across the globe are provided with a day’s worth of paid time off specifically for volunteerism. Whether it’s building homes for families in need, renovating schools and community centers, or participating in disaster relief efforts, Lowe’s employees have the opportunity to develop and leverage new skills, make a meaningful difference, and contribute to the well-being of communities across the country.

Microsoft is one of the top VTO companies

Microsoft

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Redmond, WA and worldwide
Employee count: ~221,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔ Microsoft Ad Grants

As a leading technology company, Microsoft believes in using its resources to make a positive impact on society. That includes its labor!

Through its VTO program, Microsoft employees are encouraged to participate in dedicated technology and innovation projects to use their skills and expertise for good (for up to three working days a year).

Nielsen is one of the top VTO companies

Nielsen

Sector: Information
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~44,000
VTO cap: 24 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

Nielsen is a global measurement and data analytics company, and it’s committed to making a positive impact on society through corporate philanthropy programs like paid volunteer time off and more. Each team member receives 24 hours of VTO annually, which employees can use to participate in fundraising events, community service initiatives, and other nonprofit activities.

Novo Nordisk is one of the top VTO companies

Novo Nordisk U.S.

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Plainsboro, NJ and worldwide
Employee count: ~6,400
VTO cap: 80 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company committed to driving change and improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. One way that it aims to do so is by engaging its employees in volunteer activities (such as hosting educational workshops, participating in fundraising events, or working at free medical clinics).

The company also boasts one of the highest annual limits, offering each employee up to two weeks of paid time to spend participating in nonprofit volunteer activities.

Patagonia is one of the top VTO companies

Patagonia

Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Ventura, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~3,000
VTO cap: 18 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Patagonia, a leading outdoor apparel company, is committed to environmental conservation and corporate activism. By offering paid volunteer time off for its employees, the business encourages philanthropy and enhances its impact on the planet.

Plus, in addition to the standard 18 hours of VTO each year, an employee can choose to spend up to two months volunteering with the environmental organization of their choice.

PNC is one of the top VTO companies

PNC Financial

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Pittsburgh, PA and worldwide
Employee count: ~56,400
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

PNC Financial Services is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. It’s also a leader in corporate philanthropy and wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. For example, employees are provided with paid time off to spend volunteering with nonprofit organizations through the company’s VTO program. This empowers individual team members to get involved in social good, with a generous annual limit allowing for a full week of volunteer-related activities outside the office.

PwC is one of the top VTO companies

PwC US

Sector: Professional Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~328,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

PwC is another of the world’s leading professional services firms. This company, as a way of committing to making a positive impact on society, also offers a generous VTO program in which employees are welcome to spend a full week’s time supporting the nonprofits of their choice. This often includes providing pro bono consulting services but can encompass a wide range of volunteer-focused activities.

Salesforce is one of the top VTO companies

Salesforce

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: San Francisco, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~79,400
VTO cap: 56 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

As a global leader in customer relationship management software, Salesforce believes in the power and potential of using its technology for good. Through its VTO program, employees are empowered to use dedicated paid time off (up to 56 hours annually) to volunteer for their favorite causes.

SentinelGroup is one of the top VTO companies

Sentinel Group

Sector: Financial Services
Location: Wakefield, MA and nationwide
Employee count: ~325
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts (with auto-submission enabled)

Sentinel Group, also referred to as Sentinel Benefits and Financial Group, is a leader in risk management and security solutions. As a tangible way to give back to the communities it serves, the company has developed a generous VTO program, where employees are provided with paid time off (equal to two days annually) to volunteer with qualifying nonprofit groups.

ServiceNow is one of the top VTO companies

ServiceNow

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Santa Clara, CA and worldwide
Employee count: ~22,700
VTO cap: 20 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

ServiceNow, a leading provider of digital workflow solutions, believes in using its technology to drive positive change. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, such as education, environmental sustainability, or social justice.

Whether it’s developing software solutions for nonprofit organizations, organizing volunteer events, or participating in service projects, ServiceNow employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Siemens is one of the top VTO companies

Siemens

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: Saint Paul, MN and worldwide
Employee count: ~303,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Team Volunteer Grants ✔

Siemens, the global technology powerhouse, commits to engaging its employees by supplying 16 hours worth of paid volunteer time off every year for team members to support nonprofit causes. That’s in addition to the other giving programs the company established, which include matching employee donations and offering team-wide volunteer grants, too!

S&P Global is one of the top VTO companies

S&P Global

Sector: Financial Services
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~40,000
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

S&P Global, a leading provider of financial market intelligence, engages its employee base in volunteerism (and other giving programs) by incentivizing their involvement. One such program offers paid VTO, or volunteer time off, where employees are given the opportunity to spend two days working with various organizations or projects on an annual basis.

Tapestry is one of the top VTO companies

Tapestry

Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~17,300
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔

Tapestry is a leading house of modern luxury and lifestyle brands. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society in a number of ways, which include matching employee donations and offering paid time off for nonprofit volunteering. Specifically, through its VTO program, employees across Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman are gifted paid time off to volunteer for and make a positive impact on causes they are passionate about.

Takeda is one of the top VTO companies

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A.

Sector: Healthcare
Location: Cambridge, MA and worldwide
Employee count: ~47,300
VTO cap: 16 hours per year*
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to making the world a better place through strategic philanthropy, innovation, and more. Through its VTO program, the company’s employees are gifted paid time off to volunteer. The program provides two days of paid time off per year, though Takeda has been known to expand the program to offer up to five days in the event of a humanitarian crisis.

Thomson Reuters is one of the top VTO companies

Thomson Reuters

Sector: Information
Location: Toronto, Canada and worldwide
Employee count: ~15,600
VTO cap: 16 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of business information services, believes in giving back through corporate volunteerism. In order to engage its employee base, the company provides an additional 16 hours of paid time off to volunteer for charitable projects.

Whether it’s providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, employees have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Timberland is one of the top VTO companies

Timberland

Sector: Fashion & Apparel
Location: Stratham, NH and nationwide
Employee count: ~50,000
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Volunteer Grants ✔

Timberland, along with other subsidiaries of VF Corporation like North Face, JanSport, Dickies, and more, is a global outdoor lifestyle brand committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. Through its VTO program, employees are encouraged to use paid time off (a full week’s worth!) to participate in volunteer activities.

By supporting employee volunteerism, Timberland strengthens its commitment to corporate citizenship and reinforces its mission to inspire and equip people to step outside, work together, and make a difference in the world.

University of Arizona is one of the top VTO companies

University of Arizona

Sector: Higher Education
Location: Tucson, AZ
Employee count: ~1,600
VTO cap: 8 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Scholarship Funds ✔ Research and Innovation ✔

The University of Arizona is a leading public research university. It’s also an institution that’s committed to serving the greater community and fostering social responsibility among its employees. One way that it does so is through its VTO program!

As a way to incentivize volunteerism among university faculty and staff, team members are encouraged to spend 8 hours of paid time off volunteering with nonprofit. In the end, the University strengthens its commitment to excellence and innovation, both on campus and beyond.

Warner Bros is one of the top VTO companies

Warner Media

Sector: Media & Technology
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Employee count: ~35,300
VTO cap: 40 hours per year
Other notable giving programs: Matching Gifts ✔ Volunteer Grants ✔

Warner Media, formerly Warner Bros. Discovery, is a leading global media and entertainment company devoted to driving positive change in society through various philanthropy efforts. One example of this is its VTO program, where employees are encouraged to use 40 hours of dedicated paid time off to volunteer for causes related to arts and culture, education, social justice, and beyond.


Wrapping Up

Corporate social responsibility continues to grow in terms of demand and execution alike, which means more companies participating than ever before. Volunteerism is one of the top ways for corporate employees to get involved, and paid volunteer programs from VTO companies like these offer a unique incentive for engagement.

Just remember: the companies selected above represent only a fraction of available opportunities. Encourage your volunteers, donors, and other supporters to look into their employers’ programming to see what possibilities lie in your network.

Interested in delving deeper into corporate volunteerism and other forms of workplace giving incentives? Check out the additional resources below:

Learn about the matching gift opportunities in Detroit.

Matching Gift Programs: Top Companies in Detroit, Michigan

At Double the Donation, we help nonprofits across the country increase their revenue through corporate matching gifts and volunteer grants. Through these programs, employers match the financial donations (or, provide a financial donation corresponding to volunteer hours) given by their employees to qualifying nonprofit organizations.

We’ve found that the best place to start is by discovering the top companies in your area offering these corporate philanthropy programs. After receiving several calls from the Detroit area we decided to write an article on a few of the big corporations in Michigan willing to match donations made by their employees.

We’re going to examine corporate philanthropy, in general, for Detroit before going into further detail on the following companies:

  • Ally Financial
  • Eaton Corporation
  • DTE Energy
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers

This list is by no means comprehensive when it comes to all of the companies offering match programs in Michigan, and you should consider supplementing it with your own outside research. If you do, consider using a dedicated matching gift tool to supplement your search.

The Best Way to Discover Matching Gift Programs

Whether you’re just beginning to solicit matching gifts or you already have procedures in place, a dedicated matching gift tool is a valuable resource. These tools can not only help you discover matching gift opportunities but also educate donors on submitting a match request in the process.

Double the Donation is the leading matching gift software that serves the needs of nonprofits large and small. This matching gift automation platform is perfect for nonprofits looking to grow their already-existing solicitation processes. By automatically searching for a donor’s eligibility upon donation, and sending marketing communications once eligibility is established, this software decreases the workload for nonprofits receiving matched gifts. 

Now, continue reading for a look at corporate philanthropy in Detroit.

Detroit Matching Donations List

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and, as such, is the financial and cultural center of the state.

The city has long been known as the nation’s leader in the automotive industry. Even after the financial downturn of many automotive staples, many strong companies with philanthropic roots remain tied to the city.

Ally FinancialAlly Financial is a top company in Detroit with a matching gift program.

Ally Financial Inc. will match donations between $1 and $250. Ally is unique in that it matches donations as low as one dollar. If you have a large number of donors making smaller donations, a matching program like Ally’s could make a significant difference.

Read more about Ally Financial’s matching gift program.

 

Eaton CorporationEaton is a top company in Detroit with a matching gift program.

Eaton will match donations to many nonprofits, including arts and civic organizations and educational institutions. The company will double donations made by employees that are up to $5,000.

Read more about Eaton Corporation’s matching gift program.

 

DTE EnergyDTE Energy is a top company in Detroit with a matching gift program.

DTE will match up to $5,000 per employee, with the minimum gift matched at $25. DTE Energy also has a generous volunteer grant program.

Read more about the DTE Energy matching gift program.

 

Fifth Third BankFifth Third Bank is a top company in Detroit with a matching gift program.

Both full and part-time employees of Fifth Third Bancorp are elligible to take part in the matching gift program. Bancorp will match gifts between $25 and $1500.

Read more about Fifth Third Bank’s matching gift program.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopersPricewaterhouseCoopers is a top company in Detroit with a matching gift program.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has one of the more generous matching gift programs in Detroit. They will match gifts up to $10,000 per employee each year. They will match donations made to higher education.

Read more about PricewaterhouseCoopers’ matching gift program.

 


Just as Detroit offers many opportunities to increase your revenue through matching gifts, other cities across North America do as well. Check out the following list of top companies offering these programs, and consider using a matching gift tool to do further research for yourself:

Top companies throughout the US and Canada offering matching gift programs.

Find out if your donors work for these matching gift companies in Detroit.

Guide to gift acceptance policies for nonprofits

Gift Acceptance Policies: Templates and FAQs for Nonprofits

Gift acceptance policies are an essential but easily overlooked part of nonprofit management. You won’t miss them until you need them, and then you’ll wish you’d created them earlier!

To avoid touchy (and potentially damaging) donor relations and legal situations, it’s worth taking the time to study up on these policies and how to create them. This quick guide covers all the essentials, plus extra considerations you need to know:

Looking for more ways to improve your nonprofit’s governing structures and set your organization up for success? We recommend board self-assessments.

Learn more about matching gifts and how they grow your nonprofit's revenue.Understanding Nonprofit Gift Acceptance Policies

Let’s start with the fundamentals by reviewing a few frequently asked questions about nonprofit gift policies.

What is a gift acceptance policy?

The definition of gift acceptance policy, detailed in the text below.

A gift acceptance policy is a section of or addendum to a nonprofit’s bylaws that clearly defines the types of gifts it can and cannot accept. These policies most often come into play when donors offer to give unusual or exceedingly valuable in-kind or non-cash gifts.

In addition to defining acceptable types of gifts, thorough (and effective) acceptance policies also cover:

  • The circumstances under which certain types of gifts can be accepted
  • How certain types of in-kind and non-cash gifts will be liquidated and/or managed
  • Who at the nonprofit is responsible for reviewing donations that may conflict with the acceptance policy
  • Logistical details defining how certain gifts will recognized, tracked, and reported
  • Guidelines for your general gift substantiation process, which is how and when donors receive acknowledgment for tax-deductible gifts valued over $250

Why do nonprofits create gift acceptance policies?

A gift acceptance policy spells out what you can and cannot accept, giving your fundraisers and donors a concrete set of guidelines to reference when tricky conversations arise.

Why is this important? All kinds of tangible items, assets, and securities get donated to nonprofits, and many may come with added baggage, such as compliance requirements, reputational implications, complex restrictions, and additional costs. This means there are cases when it’s in your nonprofit’s best interest to turn down a gift, either because its value isn’t worth the added work/cost of accepting it or because it might open you up to new liabilities that aren’t worth the risk.

Acceptance policies can also establish operating guidelines for gift substantiation and reporting, which are essential for maintaining your nonprofit’s legal compliance.

Plus, you may be required to have a gift acceptance policy in place when reporting some gifts to the IRS in your nonprofit’s annual 990 filing process. When reporting non-cash gifts, your nonprofit may be required to complete Schedule M (Noncash Contributions) of Form 990 if it has received over $25,000 in non-cash gifts or received certain gifts of art or similar assets. Schedule M asks whether you have a gift acceptance policy in place, and “no” is not an acceptable answer to this question.

What are the benefits of having concrete gift policies?

Gift acceptance policies provide a few key benefits:

  • Policies give you concrete criteria for determining if you should or shouldn’t accept a gift with no guesswork needed.
  • Policies make it much easier for fundraisers to turn down a gift with a simple “Our acceptance policy prohibits this kind of gift,” rather than a protracted or confusing conversation that could damage your relationship with the donor.
  • Guidelines for gift reporting and substantiation included in your acceptance policy help to ensure that your organization fully complies with regulations by documenting them and assigning ownership in a central location.
  • As mentioned above, gift acceptance policies are required as part of the Form 990 process, essential for maintaining your organization’s tax-exempt status.

How to Create a Gift Acceptance Policy: 5 Steps

You’re ready to update (or write your first) gift acceptance policy for your organization. Great! Now, what next? We recommend these core steps:

How to develop a nonprofit gift acceptance policy, detailed in the text below.

  1. Secure buy-in and alignment. Get your organization’s leadership and board on the same page about the need for a new or updated gift acceptance policy. You need official sign-off and ratification for the policy addition to take effect, so get a head start by putting it on everyone’s radar. Recruit one or two individuals to join a small committee. If you have a board member with professional legal experience or connections, ask them specifically to join.
  2. Draft your gift acceptance policy. Work with your team to draft a policy for your organization. Take a look at the example policies and templates below to get started. But be sure to take your time and seek legal input if needed. Although nonprofits’ gift acceptance policies are often quite similar, they should not be one-size-fits-all. A policy customized to your nonprofit’s needs, past experiences, and anticipated challenges (even if they’re unlikely) always offers the best protection.
  3. Review and revise as a team. Gather feedback from your team and one or two other organizational leaders or legal counsel who haven’t been involved in the drafting process. They’ll evaluate the policy more objectively and identify any potential problems or gaps that should be addressed in the next draft.
  4. Vote and enact your policy addition. Once you have a final version, share it with leaders and the board ahead of your next board meeting, and add the policy to the meeting agenda. During the meeting, discuss it as a group, determine if any further changes are needed, and then follow your organization’s protocol to vote on and enact the policy addition.
  5. Communicate the change internally. Add the new policy to your nonprofit’s official bylaws, republish them, and notify your entire internal team. Send a quick email that links to the updated policy and explains these key points:
    • What an acceptance policy is
    • Why you’ve created or updated one
    • How it will help your nonprofit and specific teams
    • Who to contact with questions

See Them in Action: Example Gift Acceptance Policies

Check out these real examples of nonprofit gift acceptance policies:

If you’re drafting or updating your own policy, we recommend carefully reading thorough examples like these to see their full range of details and specifications. Here are some notable sections and inclusions from these examples:

  • Introductions and contextual sections that clearly define what your nonprofit considers a “gift”
  • Details about any gift review committees or internal staff positions in charge of reviewing specific types of gifts and what that process entails
  • Details, requirements, and expectations for any gift agreement processes that you may implement to ensure mutual understanding of the policies for large gifts above a certain value threshold
  • Exact acceptance criteria and processes for gifts of cash, publicly traded securities, private securities, cryptocurrency, various types of in-kind gifts, real estate, donor-advised fund grants, various types of planned gifts, and more
  • Liquidation timeframes for gifts of securities or cryptocurrency
  • Whether certain types of gifts will be restricted or unrestricted upon donation, plus the process for changing a donation’s restriction status if desired by the donor
  • Explanations of how employer-sponsored matching gifts will be recorded and substantiated
  • Details about standard gift counting and reporting processes

Gift Acceptance Policy Templates

Gift acceptance policies are extremely varied as the whole point is that they should protect and support your unique organization. However, they do usually share a few common elements and details that make your staff’s lives easier and protect your 501(c)(3) status.

Policies can be simple and short to cover your bases or extremely thorough to spell out exact protocols for specific situations. For reference, here are templates for a basic and more detailed gift acceptance policy:

Gift Acceptance Policy Template – Basic

  1. [Nonprofit] solicits and accepts gifts consistent with its mission and support its core programs and special projects.
  2. Donations and other donated forms of support are generally accepted from individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and other partners, subject to the following acceptance limitations:
    1. [Descriptions of limitations, which may include:]
    2. [Specific types of gifts]
    3. [Delivery/pickup of donated items]
    4. [Condition of donated items]
    5. [Proof of ownership or provenance of donated items]
  3. Gifts of Real Property, Personal Property, Securities, and other Assets may only be accepted upon approval of [specific committee within the nonprofit].

This example clearly states that accepted gifts are determined to be consistent with the mission, adhere to specific limitations, and require approval in some cases. Its last point helps cover your bases and eliminates the need for granular detail, but do not neglect to follow through with the approval process.

If a policy is so loose or light that it’s forgotten the next time a donor wants to gift you a certain type of donation, you might as well not have the policy in place at all!


Gift Acceptance Policy Template – Moderately Thorough

[Nonprofit] solicits and accepts gifts for purposes that will help it further and fulfill its mission. [Nonprofit] encourages prospective donors to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gifts, including the resulting tax and estate planning consequences. The following policies govern acceptance of gifts made to [Nonprofit].

Purpose of the Policy: The purpose of this policy is to govern the acceptance by [Nonprofit] of [all or specific types of gifts], and to provide guidance to prospective donors.

Gift Review Committee: Any gift or proposed gift that does not comply with this policy must be reviewed and approved by the [internal committee], which is composed of [internal roles that make up the committee]. As indicated below, certain proposed gifts may require the approval of the [Board or Executive leadership, if applicable].

Use of Legal Counsel: [Nonprofit] will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate. Review by counsel is recommended for [common stipulations below]:

  1. Gifts of securities that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements
  2. Documents naming [Nonprofit] as trustee or requiring it to act in any fiduciary capacity
  3. Gifts requiring [Nonprofit] to assume financial or other obligations
  4. Transactions with potential conflicts of interest
  5. Gifts of property that may be subject to environmental or other regulatory restrictions

Restrictions on Gifts: [Nonprofit] will not accept gifts that:

  1. Would result in [Nonprofit] violating its corporate charter
  2. Would result in [Nonprofit] losing its status as an IRC § 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
  3. Are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value
  4. Would result in any unacceptable consequences for the organization
  5. Are for purposes outside [Nonprofit]’s mission.

Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Executive Director.

Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review [common examples below]:

  • Cash. Cash gifts are acceptable in any form, including by check, money order, credit card, or online… [Provide additional requirements and restrictions for all gift types as needed.]
  • Marketable Securities. [Include details about the transfer process, liquidation timeframe, restrictions, approval processes, etc.]
  • Bequests and Beneficiary Designations under Revocable Trusts, Life Insurance Policies, Commercial Annuities, and Retirement Plans.

Gifts Accepted Subject to Prior Review:

Certain forms of gifts or donated properties will be subject to review by [committee, board, and/or executive leadership] prior to acceptance. Examples of gifts subject to prior review include, but are not limited to [common examples below]:

  • Tangible Personal Property. [Details about acceptance requirements, restrictions, approval processes and criteria, etc.]
  • Life Insurance.
  • Real Estate. 

This example is more thorough than the first and more clearly defines specific details about types of gifts and the processes and protocols that surround their acceptance.

But if you want, your policy can go even further! Consult with your nonprofit’s legal counsel to develop a gift acceptance policy tailored to your organization’s exact needs.

However, remember that while you don’t necessarily need to get your gift acceptance policy perfect the very first time, you do need to have one in place! You can always expand or refine it over time by working with your organization’s leaders and legal counsel.

Learn more about matching gifts and how they grow your nonprofit's revenue.Additional Considerations to Keep in Mind

As you draft or update your nonprofit’s acceptance policy, there are additional considerations that you should keep in mind. These will help to further protect your organization, maximize the policy’s utility and value, and ensure adoption.

  • Adjust your policy over time. As noted above, your gift acceptance policy is not set in stone. Drafting an exhaustive policy isn’t always necessary, and it can be quite time-intensive when done on your own. If you need to develop a basic one to cover your bases quickly, go for it. Then, take the time later to consult with a nonprofit legal expert, draft a more thorough version, and get it approved by your board.
  • Include gift-specific clauses as needed. It might be easy to define what your nonprofit considers “gifts” and slap a gift review committee process onto the policy (definitely better than nothing!), but it might not serve you well in the long run. It’s easy to forget or neglect loose policies, and policies that create additional steps for multiple team members are likely to be disliked and perhaps disregarded over time—not a good outcome. Consider the types of gifts you currently accept and want to accept. For example, if your nonprofit wants to intentionally expand its programs for securing planned gifts or corporate gifts of in-kind goods, a policy playbook will be extremely helpful for reaching these goals.
  • Consider additional types of clauses as needed. Most notably, decide if you want to include variance and morality clauses. The primary function of these clauses is to give your nonprofit options for dealing with the repercussions of a donor’s poor reputation or legal troubles, allowing your organization to separate itself from their name. An unfortunate outcome, but it does happen, so best to have options!
    • Variance clauses in gift agreements dictate what happens when the original terms of a gift can no longer be met. For example, if a building funded by a donor’s major gift is renovated or rebuilt, their name will be removed from the updated or new building. These clauses can also more generally ban perpetual public recognition and eliminate any expectations that your nonprofit must display the donor’s name on prominent funded buildings or installations in perpetuity.
    • Morality clauses explicitly give your nonprofit the ability to distance itself and remove naming if a donor (or the donor’s business practices) no longer align with your stated values and mission. These can be touchy to discuss with donors, which is why many nonprofits rely on a combination of variance and morality clauses to provide protection without offending new donors when gift terms are discussed.
  • Have a plan for using your gift acceptance policy. When your gift acceptance policy is triggered (or a gift officer simply encounters an unfamiliar situation), have a process and guidelines in place for how to discuss it with donors. First, ensure your policy is internally publicized and easily accessible to everyone in your bylaws. Next, actively train your fundraisers, gift officers, accounting team, and any other relevant staff on the policy’s contents and applicability. Outline specific steps they should follow to elevate unusual or new issues that aren’t covered in your policy.

Deepening Relationships Through Non-Cash and Corporate Gifts

One final recommendation is to use the occasion of drafting or updating your nonprofit’s gift acceptance policy as an opportunity to consider your current (and ideal) revenue streams.

These policies are most helpful in situations that involve either non-cash gifts or donations made through other organizations rather than individuals. As you work on your acceptance policy, use it as a springboard to think about what further growth might look like for your nonprofit. Consider these questions:

  • Are you heavily reliant on individual contributions?
  • Are you making the most of opportunities to secure non-cash gifts or gifts from businesses and foundations?
  • Do you actively talk about diverse or alternate giving options with donors?
  • Have you promoted matching gifts to your donors (the easiest way to build a corporate giving stream by far)?
  • Do you explore your major and mid-level donors’ corporate connections to uncover new potential partnerships?

Corporate giving platforms for nonprofits like Double the Donation and software built specifically for planned giving, stock giving, DAFs, and more can help you build more robust giving programs that match the robustness of your acceptance policies (and aspirations).

Explore your options and don’t be afraid to diversify. Overreliance on a single form of revenue is risky for nonprofits, and there are tons of easy ways to diversify your fundraising and give your donors better, more flexible experiences. To continue learning how to build a well governed and funded nonprofit, take a look at these additional resources:

 

 

Learn how Double the Donation can help you diversify your revenue sources and secure more corporate dollars.

A man using fundraising software on his computer with the title of the article next to him: How A Corporate Giving Database Unlocks Fundraising Success

How A Corporate Giving Database Unlocks Fundraising Success

Companies gave an impressive $29.48 billion to U.S. charities in 2022. Even with this generosity, nonprofits frequently overlook revenue opportunities. In fact, $4-$7 billion in funds allocated for matching gifts go unclaimed every year. That’s where a corporate giving database comes in.

This technology makes it easy for nonprofits to identify companies that offer CSR opportunities, such as workplace giving programs, sponsorships, and in-kind gifts. With a comprehensive and accurate database, nonprofits can access detailed information about corporate giving programs, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.

This article will cover these topics and share how nonprofits can utilize corporate giving databases to discover companies willing to donate:

These databases aren’t just information repositories; they’re gateways to increased donations through generous companies. Let’s explore how to harness this technology to unlock greater fundraising success at your nonprofit.

Download our free guide to learn how 360MatchPro's corporate giving database can help your nonprofit raise more money.

What Is A Corporate Giving Database?

A corporate giving database is a comprehensive resource that compiles information on corporate philanthropy programs. This technology helps nonprofits identify potential funding opportunities by providing details on individual companies’ program criteria, application processes, and contact information.

Some databases offer geographic search functions, while others require you to search for specific companies by name. A database will typically store information on different types of giving opportunities such as:

  • Matching Gifts: In this program, companies match donations their employees make to eligible nonprofits, effectively doubling the initial donation amount.
  • Volunteer Grants: Corporations provide monetary grants to nonprofits where their employees volunteer usually based on the number of hours volunteered.
  • Volunteer Time Off: This type of program provides employees with dedicated PTO hours they can spend volunteering with nonprofit causes.
  • In-Kind Donations: Instead of cash, businesses donate goods or services, such as products, professional services, or other resources that the nonprofit might need.
  • Cause Marketing: Also called cause-related marketing, cause marketing is when companies collaborate with nonprofits to launch campaigns where a portion of the revenue from certain products or services is donated to the nonprofit.
  • Community Grants: Corporations provide grants for specific projects or programs that align with their CSR objectives, often focusing on local community enhancement.

Double the Donation’s matching gift database stores information on companies’ matching gift and volunteer grant programs. Fundraisers, donors, and volunteers can use the database to search for their employers and discover employee eligibility requirements, which nonprofits are eligible for matching grants, grant amounts, and match ratios. It’ll even provide instructions on submitting a match request and a link to the form, if available.

For example, here are the guidelines our database has for YUM Brands, which owns KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell:

360MatchPro's corporate giving database stores matching gift and volunteer grant guidelines, like these for YUM Brands.

Corporate giving databases are ideal for nonprofits looking for support and journalists reporting on CSR contributions.

CSR Databases: Understanding The Business Perspective

Companies that give to charity receive a reputation boost, tax write-offs, and increased employee engagement. As such, many corporations like to publicize their CSR efforts by creating dedicated web pages. They’ll also reach out to corporate giving database providers to be added to their systems, making it easy for nonprofits and employees to research donation opportunities and find eligibility requirements.

Reasons that companies share their CSR policies include:

  • Enhanced brand reputation: Our CSR research indicates that consumers are 4-6x more likely to trust, protect, champion, and purchase from companies with a strong sense of purpose. Meanwhile, 93% of employees prefer working for companies that lead with purpose. That means companies with CSR initiatives are more likely to win over employees and consumers.
  • Higher employee participation in CSR: Promoting their workplace giving programs means more employee participation! For example, let’s say someone donates to your nonprofit. If their employer shares their information with a corporate giving database provider, donors can research their eligibility and determine if they’re match-eligible right from your donation page.
  • Community goodwill: Some companies show off their support for specific causes that align with their companies’ services. Our list of corporate philanthropy examples highlights how Bombas, a popular clothing retailer, donates socks, t-shirts, or underwear for every item purchased. They’ve donated 100 million items to 3,500+ shelters, transitional living facilities, and other community organizations.

Bombas is a popular clothing retailer that aligns its charitable giving with its brand.

Some companies manage corporate giving by launching a separately administered private foundation, for which the IRS requires public disclosure. Companies typically share impact metrics, funding opportunities, and how to apply for funding on their websites.

However, businesses commonly donate through corporate giving programs. Since companies aren’t required to publicize these programs, you might have trouble finding which businesses offer them. A corporate giving database like ours can help here! Our team constantly updates its database with the latest information on companies’ CSR programs. With records on more than 24,000 companies, our matching gift database is the most comprehensive, accurate one in the world.

Why Some Companies Cautiously Share Their CSR Programs

While there are several benefits to marketing CSR programs, some companies choose to limit their publicization. Here’s why some companies choose to limit the visibility of their philanthropic activities:

  • Concerns over too many donation requests
  • Privacy considerations for recipients or sensitive projects
  • Angering customers who think the company is wasting money on an organization or cause they don’t approve of

Instead of publishing relevant CSR information on their website, businesses may quietly add their information to a corporate giving database to ensure key information is available to only those who need it, such as nonprofits and employees.

Double the Donation’s Corporate Giving Database For Nonprofits

Our corporate giving database is specifically designed to help nonprofits increase fundraising through corporate philanthropy. It’s the world’s most comprehensive matching gift database, representing 26.8 million matching gift-eligible individuals at 24,000+ companies. That’s an incredible 99.68% of all match-eligible donors!

With it, your nonprofit can:

  • Identify and pursue match-eligible gifts and volunteer grants
  • Uncover in-kind giving opportunities, corporate grants, sponsorships, and more
  • Incorporate matching gifts into existing software via 100+ integrations, including leading providers like Blackbaud and Classy
  • Simplify the matching gift and volunteer grant experience for supporters
  • Save time with automated email streams that encourage supporters to submit requests to their employers
  • Track and report on matching gifts with ease
  • Uncover volunteer time off opportunities offered by generous employers in your network

Our team also constantly searches for and resolves stumbling blocks like broken links, outdated forms, and loading issues. That way, donors and volunteers won’t waste time completing an application just to find out they’re not eligible.

How Our Corporate Giving Database Works

Nonprofits can easily make using our database a part of their existing donation and volunteer management processes. Here’s how it works:

  1. Embed our company search tool into key areas on your website like your donation form and confirmation page.
  2. Supporters look up their employers. They can search for subsidiaries, brand names, and local offices. Even if they misspell the company’s name, our database can help them find the right one.
  3. Supporters view the company’s guidelines. For matching gifts, this includes minimum and maximum donation amounts, match ratios, employee eligibility requirements, nonprofit eligibility requirements, and request deadlines.
  4. If available, supporters click the link to the match request form or follow other submission guidelines. Currently, we have over 90% of forms available in our CSR database.

Watch this virtual tour of our platform, so you can envision how it’ll work for your team:

With Double the Donation, you can check on individual donors’ match statuses and follow up at any point. You’ll even have a matching gift dashboard to get a snapshot of your nonprofit’s corporate giving fundraising results!

Our CSR database comes with a dashboard, so your nonprofit can check on its corporate giving results at any point.

As the leader in matching gift technology, we’re constantly developing powerful new features to drive nonprofits’ success forward. For instance, our latest innovation is matching gift auto-submission, which gives donors the option to let our technology submit their match requests for them. That means less work for them, fewer errors on their forms, and more revenue for your nonprofit!

With Double the Donation, you can rest assured that you’re making the most of corporate matching gifts.

Learn more about our comprehensive corporate giving database, so you can receive more matching gifts and volunteer grants.

How Nonprofits Can Leverage Our Corporate Giving Database

Nonprofits of all shapes and sizes should learn how to leverage a corporate giving database. These databases can help your nonprofit identify and connect with companies whose giving criteria match your mission, helping to pinpoint long-term partnerships.

If investing in a corporate giving database sounds like a smart move, here’s how you can make the most of Double the Donation:

  • Educate your team. Ensure your team knows how to use your corporate giving database. Nonprofits who use our database can explore our support articles, learn all about corporate giving through our Matching Gift Academy, and connect with our highly-responsive team if they need help.
  • Embed the company search tool into key places. Add our company search tool to your online donation form and confirmation page to enable donors to check if their employer offers matching gifts when donating. Some nonprofits create a dedicated corporate giving page that features CSR opportunities and the search tool.

Embed Double the Donation's employer search tool on your donation confirmation page to give donors access to your corporate giving database.

  • Track and report on CSR results. Our platform maintains detailed records of your supporters’ corporate giving to analyze your strategies’ success. Pay special attention to companies that give substantially to your organization. Then, follow up to emphasize their impact and thank them for their support. This can lead to ongoing support through long-term partnerships and sponsored events.

By following these strategies, your nonprofit can boost its fundraising efforts with our corporate giving database. In no time, you’ll raise more funds and build stronger relationships with donors and corporate partners.

Final Thoughts on Corporate Giving Databases

Corporate giving databases offer a vital resource for nonprofits seeking to maximize their fundraising efforts and enhance their impact. By leveraging companies’ generosity, your nonprofit can expand its capacity to serve, innovate, and thrive.

To learn more about unlocking growth via corporate giving, explore these educational resources:

Get a free demo of our CSR database to find matching gift and volunteer grant companies.

Handbid and Double the Donation Partner with Integrated Matching Gifts Solution

Handbid and Double the Donation are proud to announce a new integration and partnership to benefit nonprofits and their donors through employer matching gifts. The integration places Double the Donation tools on Handbid donation forms for donors to discover their eligibility for matching gifts from their employer. 

“We know from our experience with mobile bidding and auctions that donors love when they can give in unique, scalable ways,” said Jeff Porter, Founder of Handbid. “We consider corporate matching gifts to be one of those key ways donors can deepen their impact again and again.”

An estimated $4-7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year. These are funds specifically set aside for nonprofit organizations–and the goal of the Double the Donation and Handbid integration is to help organizations start reaping the benefits of corporate philanthropy programs.

“Every day donors make gifts to the organizations they care about but don’t realize they can make an even bigger difference thanks to their employer,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Automation through Double the Donation and Handbid guides those donors to the programs that can literally double their donations.”

Handbid and Double the Donation’s new integration with Double the Donation can now be accessed by mutual clients of the solutions. Follow our integration guide for more details on how to get connected. 

Ready to add matching gifts to your Handbid donation experience? Request a demo with us and make sure to share you’re a Handbid user!

Want additional resources to help you take your matching gifts strategy to the next level? Enroll today in our Matching Gift Academy for in-depth content about growing your matching gift revenue.

Matching Gifts Download

[Free Download] The Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts

What is the Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts?

Double the Donation’s Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts is designed to be your go-to resource for understanding, leveraging, and maximizing corporate matching gift opportunities for your organization. Matching gifts, often overlooked, supply an incredible source of funding for nonprofits—offered by companies to financially reward the causes their employees care about. However, many teams aren’t fully aware of how these programs work or how to tap into them effectively.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about matching gifts, from understanding the basics and eligibility requirements to actionable tips on how to increase participation and track results. We provide examples of companies offering generous matching gift programs, best practices for educating and engaging donors, and strategies for fostering relationships with corporate partners.

Whether you’re new to the concept of matching gifts or looking to refine your existing approach, this resource offers detailed insights to help you unlock additional funding and deepen your engagement with both individual and corporate supporters.

Why download the Ultimate Guide to Matching Gifts?

Maximize fundraising potential.

Access actionable strategies to significantly boost donation revenue by leveraging corporate matching gift programs. By understanding how to tap into this often underutilized resource, nonprofits can unlock additional funding.

Streamline matching gift processes.

Uncover clear steps for optimizing the management of matching gifts, from identifying eligible donors to simplifying the follow-up process. This helps organizations save time and effort while ensuring they don’t miss out on match-eligible contributions.

Enhance donor engagement.

Donors are more likely to give if they know about matching gifts. Unleash best practices for educating and motivating donors to participate in matching gift programs, strengthening donor relationships and increasing engagement with your cause.

Additional Recommended Resources

What to Know About Volunteer Grants


Download the Ultimate Guide to Volunteer Grants

10 Quick Steps to Matching Gift Success


Matching Gift Checklist Download

Matching Gifts in the Donor Journey


Matching Gifts Donor Journey Download

The title of this article, “10+ Higher Education Fundraising Conferences to Attend”, next to an image of a college graduate.

10+ Higher Education Fundraising Conferences to Attend

Higher education fundraising professionals work hard every day to generate the revenue that keeps their schools running. By doing so, they offer a better educational experience to students, provide scholarships and financial aid, fund research projects, and more.

Since fundraising is so essential, higher education professionals need to stay up-to-date on new trends and best practices. That’s where fundraising conferences come in. These events provide a venue for you to develop your fundraising skills and discover cutting-edge knowledge.

To help you decide on which conferences to attend, we’ve put together a list of the top higher education fundraising conferences. No matter which conference you decide on, you’re sure to come away with a wealth of knowledge you can use to grow the wealth of your higher education organization.

Click to download Double the Donation’s free ultimate guide to matching gifts.

1. Academic Impressions

Date: Year-Round

Location: Varies

Academic Impressions is dedicated to providing leadership, personal development, and skills-based training opportunities to higher education faculty and staff members. As part of their goal, they regularly offer training opportunities and conferences to members and non-members alike. Many of these events occur virtually, making Academic Impressions’ offerings a great choice for higher education professionals who prefer not to travel.

Training sessions and conferences offered by Academic Impressions focus on a range of topics relevant to higher education professionals. Aside from fundraising, they also cover academic leadership, faculty success, academic planning, enrollment management, and more.

2. AFP Icon

Date: April 7-9, 2024

Location: Toronto, Ontario

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is a member-based group that empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising. AFP Icon is their annual fundraising conference and one of the biggest around with over 3,000 attendees each year. This conference offers fundraising training to professionals from all types of organizations, providing an opportunity to network and build relationships with other prestigious nonprofits in addition to attending educational workshops.

From executive coaching to affinity group meetings to speed networking, AFP Icon is sure to boost your knowledge of fundraising.

3. CASE District IV Annual Conference

Date: April 14-16, 2024

Location: San Antonio, Texas

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) is a global nonprofit association dedicated to education advancement professionals. It hosts a variety of annual conferences, including the District IV Annual Conference.

At this conference, higher education fundraising professionals can attend speaker sessions and workshops focused on various topics related to nonprofit education organizations. Regardless of your experience level or the type of higher education institution you belong to, you can find a track that you will benefit from, such as fundraising, alumni relations, development, communications and marketing, professional development, and more.

4. CASE Drive

Date: March 25-27, 2025

Location: Washington, DC

Also hosted by CASEDrive is an annual conference that creates a focused learning and networking experience for higher education institutions and other nonprofits that work with data and analytics. If you wish to improve your knowledge of collecting, managing, and analyzing donor data for fundraising, Drive is a valuable conference to attend.

In today’s constantly developing technological landscape, this conference empowers you to stay ahead of evolving data tools and gain insights into harnessing the power of data to improve fundraising and other aspects of your operations.

5. Elevate: A Conference for Fundraising Events

Date: March 12-13, 2025

Location: Portland, Oregon and online

Elevate is a collaborative community of industry experts and thought leaders dedicated to creating a learning hub for individuals who want to expand their knowledge of fundraising events. Elevate’s annual conference serves as a masterclass in fundraising events, bringing together nonprofit and fundraising professionals from a variety of sectors to network, share resources, and learn about best practices.

By being held in a hybrid format, this conference provides the flexibility of attending at a location of your preference. You can either go in person to the venue in Portland, Oregon or attend virtually from another location. Either way, you’re sure to pick up tips on storytelling and fundraising strategy that will help you elevate the donor experience at your higher education organization’s fundraising events.

Click to download Double the Donation’s free ultimate guide to matching gifts.

6. Fundraising Day in New York

Date: June 14, 2024

Location: New York, New York

Another conference hosted by the AFPFundraising Day in New York is a one-day fundraising conference. Whether you’re a newcomer to the fundraising industry or a seasoned veteran, you’re sure to benefit from this conference’s diverse range of sessions, including ones on the most current trends and developments. Plus, these sessions are presented by respected leaders and experts in the fundraising industry.

At Fundraising Day in New York, you’ll connect with a community of dedicated fundraisers who are eager to share their knowledge, form new connections, and advance their fundraising expertise.

7. NASPA Annual Conference

Date: March 9-13, 2024

Location: Seattle, Washington

NASPA is an association for student affairs administrators in higher education, supporting a network of 15,000 professionals and over 1,200 institutions across the globe. They’re dedicated to helping colleges and universities fulfill the promise of higher education by placing students at the center of their work.

At the NASPA Annual Conference, you’ll participate in professional development workshops that will inspire you and your work. Attend educational sessions and connect with exhibitors to aid in your professional development and your organization’s fundraising efforts. If you’re a first-time attendee, participate in the Mentor Program to connect with experienced professionals who can serve as a resource for networking and conference navigation.

8. One Day Development

Date: June 21, 2024

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Hosted by Academic Advancement Partners, One Day Development is a conference for professionals who work in higher education fundraising. These individuals are encouraged to attend alongside deans and provosts, as the focus of the conference is on major donors.

This conference features speakers who are experts in academic fundraising and storytelling, some of whom currently serve on the fundraising committees of higher education organizations. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other higher education fundraising professionals.

9. Planet Philanthropy

Date: June 3-5, 2024

Location: Orlando, Florida

Planet Philanthropy is a premier fundraising conference in Florida. Hosted by the Florida Caucus of AFP, it attracts fundraising professionals from all over the United States and Puerto Rico. Over 300 nonprofit leaders attend this conference to learn about the latest and greatest fundraising news and strategies.

Planet Philanthropy addresses topics ranging from grant writing to leveraging AI to assessing legacy pipelines. On top of keynote speeches and workshops, Planet Philanthropy also offers a social event that you can attend for fun or to network with other professionals.

Click to download Double the Donation’s free ultimate guide to matching gifts.

10. RNL Advancement Innovation Summit

Date: March 23, 2023

Location: Online

Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) is an organization dedicated to making colleges, universities, and other nonprofit organizations successful and vibrant. RNL does this by helping these organizations learn how to build lifelong relationships with donors at their Advancement Innovation Summit.

Although RNL hosts a plethora of events, including the RNL National Conference, if your focus is on higher education fundraising, the Advancement Innovation Summit is the conference you should attend. At this event, you’ll learn key insights into maximizing donor engagement, increasing fundraising results, and providing a better donor experience. From annual giving to alumni relations to legacy gifts, this conference will help you build a fundraising strategy that works.

11. SEC/ACC Annual Giving Conference

Date: January 24-26, 2024

Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas

The SEC/ACC Annual Giving Conference brings together annual giving professionals from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to discuss topics related to higher education fundraising. The conference is hosted at a different university each year within the SEC or ACC.

This conference offers two days of learning, networking, and inspiration. At it, you’ll participate in roundtable discussions and presentations focused on advancing and enhancing annual giving operations and solicitations. Their topics range from giving days to CRM conversions to crowdfunding, covering valuable fundraising insights sure to help your annual giving strategy.

Fundraising with Matching Gifts

If you’re looking for a quick way to augment your higher education organization’s fundraising, matching gifts provide a great opportunity for you to double the donations you receive. This is how matching gifts work:

The steps to the matching gift process, also covered in the text below.

  1. An individual, such as an alumni, donates to your organization.
  2. The individual checks if they’re eligible for a gift match from their employer.
  3. This individual submits a matching gift request to their employer.
  4. The employer reviews the request and verifies the donation.
  5. The employer matches the individual’s donation to your organization.

The greatest barrier to obtaining matching gifts funding is awareness. After all, it’s estimated that over $4 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year. To leverage this source of funding, promote educational content about matching gifts through your marketing channels.

Additionally, you may want to purchase a dedicated matching gifts software solution. The right tool will allow you to embed a matching gift database that donors can use to check their matching gift eligibility. These platforms also allow you to send automated emails to encourage donors to fill out a matching gift request with their employer and create reports to determine if you are making the most of matching gifts. Plus, some solutions include auto-submission features, simplifying the matching gift process even further for donors through automation.

Additional Resources

If your organization has been looking to improve your fundraising strategy, higher education fundraising conferences are great opportunities for you and the other professionals on your team. Through these events, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the best ways to fundraise, empowering you to generate more fundraising revenue for your organization.

If you’re interested in learning more about higher education fundraising, check out these resources:

Click to download Double the Donation’s free ultimate guide to matching gifts.

Explore this ultimate guide to learn how to find the best eCard websites.

10+ Best eCard Websites for Nonprofits to Raise More

Whether someone is celebrating a birthday or needs a pick-me-up, greeting cards show you care. As technology advances, we can bring this joy into the digital space via eCard websites.

Nonprofits, in particular, can sell branded charity eCards to raise money, encourage supporters to send personalized cards to spread awareness, or send greeting cards directly to supporters to show appreciation.

However, you shouldn’t just pick any eCard software. Your organization needs special features like the ability to embed eCards into your website or bulk discounts to stay within your budget.

To narrow down your options, this guide will help your team make smart buying decisions when selecting an eCard website. We’ll cover the following:

If you’re ready to take advantage of all the great benefits eCards offer, let’s get started on our journey. Alternatively, go ahead and launch your efforts forward with our favorite platform!

Start creating interactive eCards with our recommended eCard site: eCardWidget.

What eCard Websites Are and How They Work

Before getting too deep into your search, learn the fundamentals of these platforms. Simply put, eCard websites are online platforms that enable users to design and send electronic greeting cards. These websites typically offer pre-designed templates, graphics, and customization options, allowing users to personalize digital cards for different occasions.

For nonprofits, you can sell cards to raise money or send them to supporters during key times to let them know you’re thinking about them.

When leveraging eCard software, here’s how the process typically looks:

  1. Select a website: Choose a site that suits your needs based on features and pricing. We’ll explore specific features to keep an eye out for later. For now, consider features like easy design tools and fundraising capabilities.
  2. Design your eCards: To get a jump start on your project, browse through the platform’s eCard templates. These are typically organized into occasions like birthdays, holidays, and appreciation. Alternatively, design from scratch to make the design completely your own.
  3. Customize the eCard: Personalize each eCard with your own text, images, animations, or videos. You can also adjust other visual elements like fonts and colors to match your branding.
  4. Add the eCards to your website or online store: Think through whether you’ll give greeting cards in exchange for donations. If so, Fundraising Letters’ charity eCards guide explains that depending on your platform, you have a few ways to sell them. Use them as integrated donation forms, offer them on your donation confirmation page, or add them to your online store. From here, your supporters can buy your eCards.

That’s the gist of how these platforms work. Now, let’s take a closer look at the nonprofit-specific benefits of these websites.

Why You Should Leverage eCard Sites

For one, eCard websites provide a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper greeting cards. Not to mention, they offer more design options, customization features, and delivery tracking options than direct mail.

Beyond convenience and creative control, online greeting cards have so many great uses for nonprofits. Here’s a quick overview of how you can leverage eCard sites to amplify your work:

Your eCard site should offer features like intuitive design tools and integrated fundraising capabilities.

  • Fundraise in a unique way by selling eCards or offering them in exchange for donations.
  • Celebrate holidays and show supporters you’re thinking of them on important occasions.
  • Thank donors and volunteers for their generosity.
  • Announce upcoming events and initiatives to increase participation.
  • Boost peer referrals to spread the word about your cause.

In short, the best eCard websites make it easy for organizations to fundraise, expand brand awareness, or express appreciation for volunteers and donors through digital cards. Think carefully through your approach, and you’ll make up whatever you invest in your platform in the form of fundraising dollars or supporter engagement.

Explore how a nonprofit used an eCard website to create a new revenue stream.

How To Choose The Right eCard Website

Before spending your hard-earned fundraising dollars on a website, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Your chosen platform should equip you with everything you need to design branded eCards that stimulate brand awareness and push your fundraising forward.

Let’s dive into some of the key features nonprofit leaders should prioritize.

Your eCard site should offer features like intuitive design tools and integrated fundraising capabilities.

User-Friendly Design Tools

Chances are, you’re not a nonprofit graphic design pro. With the right nonprofit eCard software, you don’t have to be!

Consider each eCard site’s ease of use and design capabilities when narrowing down your options. Here are some key features that indicate whether a site’s design tools will be intuitive:

  • Templates to kickstart the design process
  • The ability to incorporate custom branding by uploading your own graphics
  • Plenty of colors and fonts to make your design your own
  • Drag-and-drop functionality to simplify the design process
  • A library filled with photos and graphics

Each eCard’s design is imperative, so ensure your nonprofit will have no problem creating ones that capture your brand and its cause.

Integrated Fundraising Capabilities

As a nonprofit leader, you’re constantly thinking about how to raise money to support your work. As we touched on, charity eCards are a fantastic way to do that, so make sure the eCard website you choose has integrated fundraising abilities.

In other words, you should be able to offer online greeting cards in exchange for donations. For this approach, we recommended looking for eCard software that enables you to set suggested giving amounts. Alternatively, you might be able to add them as fundraising products in an online store.

You may even be able to tap into advanced features like tribute donations, where supporters can donate on behalf of a loved one and send an eCard letting them know.

Multi-Language Support

Especially if your work spans multiple countries, you should choose a platform that allows you to change the translation of your eCards.

That way, everyone can enjoy your eCards, no matter where they’re located in the world!

Reporting and Insights

Ensure you can track sender and recipient email addresses to know who’s sending and receiving eCards. This is a fantastic way to measure supporter engagement and build a pipeline of likely supporters.

Senders may also be able to enable read receipts. That way, there’s no question as to whether the recipient opened their eCard.

Fair Pricing and Subscription Models

Nonprofits must be thoughtful about how they spend their money. As with any software you purchase, choose an eCard website within your budget.

These types of sites typically follow one of two pricing models:

  1. Pay for a set number of eCards either all at once for a specific time span or individually.
  2. Purchase unlimited eCards for a certain time span, which is more economical if you want to send several to power fundraising and donor relationships.

Choose the model that’s right for your organization based on how many eCards you’ll send.

The Best eCard Website: eCardWidget

Without further ado, we present our favorite eCard platform: eCardWidget. This highly versatile platform makes it incredibly easy to boost audience engagement, build brand loyalty, and add an interactive element to your online presence.

eCardWidget is the best eCard website for any organization.

Designed for organizational use, eCardWidget comes equipped with all the features you need to fundraise, spread the word about projects, or let donors know you’re thinking about them on important occasions.

Once you’ve perfected your designs with the user-friendly designer, organize your eCards into campaigns like donation eCards for Valentine’s Day or volunteer thank-you eCards. Then, easily embed the widget into your website or fundraising store. From here, your team can send custom greeting cards to supporters or enable supporters to send them to loved ones. Either way, you’ll have plenty of sending options, including email, social media, and text messages.

Use eCardWidget's eCard software to fundraise or send memorable greetings to your supporters.

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Standout Features of This eCard Site

When you get started with eCardWidget, you’ll gain access to plenty of useful features, including:

  • Fundraising capabilities: With eCardWidget, you can turn eCards into a regular part of your fundraising. Sell eCards in your fundraising store or embed the widget into your donation confirmation page to provide an instant give-back with every gift. You can create suggested giving amounts and even enable tribute donations, making a donation to your organization the perfect gift for birthdays and holidays!
  • User-friendly design tools: Gain complete design control with plenty of customization options. Choose from dozens of templates to get started. Then, use the drag-and-drop tools to incorporate different fonts, colors, and your own images.
  • eCard statistics: Get powerful insights into who’s sending and receiving emails with reporting. Get copied on all eCards sent through the widget. This feature is great for kickstarting relationships or seeing which supporters are most engaged.

 

Why We Love This eCard Site

Designing and selling eCards has never been easier. They’ve really thought of everything with this eCard website! Between easy implementation and mobile responsiveness, you’ll have whatever you need to design interactive greeting cards that spark joy and bolster brand awareness.

eCardWidget Pricing: Get started with a free plan, which offers up to 4 eCards and 15 emails per month. All the paid plans offer unlimited eCards and start at just $30 per month.

Start creating interactive eCards with our recommended eCard site: eCardWidget.

Other Top eCard Software for Organizations

While eCardWidget checks off all our boxes, there are some other great platforms out there. To give you a sense of your options, here are 10 other top eCard sites that work for nonprofits.

This graphic shows logos from some of the best eCard websites.

eCard Website 2) Smilebox

If your nonprofit sells fundraising products, this eCard website might be the solution for you.

Smilebox enables users to create animated eCards when they purchase a gift from your online store. At checkout, they’ll be asked if their purchase is a gift. If they select “yes,” they’ll be prompted to create a personalized card to send alongside it. They can also schedule a time to send it, correlating it with the gift’s estimated delivery date.

Smilebox's eCard website is great for nonprofits that sell fundraising products.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

Gift recipients can track their package, making it the perfect retargeting strategy for your organization’s marketing efforts.

Smilebox’s Pricing: Request a demo to receive pricing information for this platform.

eCard Website 3) Open Me

Looking for a collaborative approach to eCards? Try out Open Me. This eCard site allows you to send thoughtful digital greeting cards via Facebook and email. You can send them directly to supporters, but our favorite feature is the ability to create group eCards.

With this feature, choose an eCard, sign it with a personal note, and share it with anyone else before it’s sent to the recipient. You’ll be able to select the send date, click the ‘Invite to Sign’ button, and select your delivery method. Thanks to this unique feature, this eCard site is perfect for sending eCards from your team to beneficiaries, supporters, and stakeholders.

Open Me's eCard websites allow you to send group eCards from multiple people at your nonprofit.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

This eCard website features eCards designed by artists around the globe, giving you a hand-curated boutique of different styles. When you explore the site, you’ll notice that each eCard includes the artist’s name, so you can find ones whose styles speak to you.

Open Me’s Pricing: Send unlimited eCards for free via Facebook or email by signing up.

eCard Website 4) Evite

Known for virtual event invitations, Evite now offers eCard templates you can customize with text, images, and other visual elements. Whether you want to get ahead of things or a special occasion sneaks up on you, you can use scheduled sending or instant sharing.

Great for spreading event awareness or sending just-because eCards, Evite makes it easy to design custom cards or choose from its premade selection of cards. Customize each design by adding a message or attaching a photo or video.

This example is from Evite, a site that offers online eCard software.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

Your thoughtful words are what will stand out to supporters you send these eCards to. Evite makes it easy to add a message to the front of the card or flip it over to write a longer message on the other side. If you’re at a loss for words, check out the suggested message options that’ll help craft the perfect message. Plus, you can choose from different fonts and adjust the text size to make your eCard look exactly how you want it to.

Evite’s Pricing: Either choose the free version, which includes ads on eCards, or upgrade to a paid account, starting at $15.99 for up to 15 cards. Paid accounts are priced based on how many recipients will receive your cards.

eCard Website 5) Hallmark eCards

We couldn’t leave the company that revolutionized the greeting card business off this list. Since 1910, Hallmark has empowered people to convey their emotions through thoughtful cards. Over a century later, they’re bringing that tradition into the virtual space with its video eCards.

Upload your photos and videos to create a memorable, one-of-a-kind video greeting card. Then, instantly share it via text or email. You also have the option to send a real card, which they can scan with their phone to play your video. How innovative!

With tons of designs to personalize, you can create eCards to send to supporters for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a silly card, a serious design, or something in between.

Hallmark's eCard website offers customizable video eCards.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

Hallmark is ideal for nonprofits that want to send highly personalized eCards, making this platform a great source for volunteer or donor appreciation gifts. As explained in re:Charity’s donor appreciation gift guide, greeting cards can be personalized with custom messages, perfect for highlighting an individual supporter’s impact.

Hallmark’s Pricing: Purchase video eCards individually. Most video eCards cost $4.99 and $5.99 depending on whether you purchase a physical card too.

eCard Website 6) Paperless Post

Similar to Evite, Paperless Post is known for its invitation services, but it also offers a selection of greeting cards, too. Featuring world-class brands like Rifle Paper Co. and Kate Spade, Paperless Post has a range of beautifully-designed eCard templates for events and special occasions.

Browse the selection to find your favorite designs. Then, make each eCard your own by customizing everything from the text and images to the virtual envelope lining and stamps. Your supporters will appreciate the extra effort you put into customizing your cards!

The user-friendly interface enables you to easily choose from various themes, styles, and layouts to match your nonprofit’s aesthetics — whether you’re sending event invites or holiday greetings. You can even add animated elements to make your eCards more engaging and memorable. Then, send your eCards to recipients via email, text, or shareable link.

Paperless Post's eCard site offers greeting cards from popular brands like Rifle Paper Co.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

Keep an eye on delivery statuses and gather RSVPs for events thanks to Paperless Post’s tracking and RSVP management features. That way, you’ll know whether your eCards are being delivered and can accurately gauge attendance for nonprofit events.

Paperless Post’s Pricing: Most cards are free for up to 50 emails. To send more than that, you’ll pay a flat fee of $20 for up to 15,000 recipients. Purchase eCards with credits called Coins, starting at $0.12 per coin each depending on how many you buy. Each eCard displays a “starting at” number of coins, which indicates the starting pricing. The final price includes any additional Premium elements you opt to include, like the envelope, liner, stamp, or backdrop.

eCard Website 7) Adobe Creative Cloud Express

For a do-it-yourself approach to your charity eCards, check out Adobe Creative Cloud Express. Design custom eCards that feature your organizations branding — even on the go thanks to the mobile app.

If you’re limited on graphic design experience, select from a wide array of online templates to get started. Then, handpick graphics from their libraries or upload your own photos, icons, and graphics. The platform supports high-resolution graphics and offers precise control over your details, so you can create impactful charity eCards.

Once you’ve perfected your design, hit the download button to save your project and instantly share your eCard across virtual platforms.

Nonprofits can create greeting cards with Adobe's user-friendly eCard software.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

You gain complete creative freedom with Adobe’s extensive customization options. Because of its flexible design tools, you can personalize every aspect of your eCards including colors, typography, illustrations, and animations.

Adobe’s Pricing: Adobe is a great free option, but paid premium plans unlock features like the option to auto-apply your nonprofit’s logo, fonts, and colors. Note that verified nonprofits can receive Adobe Express Premium for free as part of the company’s commitment to CSR.

eCard Website 8) Canva

Canva is a well-known graphic design platform that offers a wide range of features, making it well-suited for designing eCards. Its popularity stems from how quickly users can create designs, which applies to designing eCards too.

With this design site, you gain access to a library of more than 420,000 templates, 75 million images, 3.5 million graphic elements, and 3,000 fonts. With countless customizability options, you can create designs perfect for celebrating any occasion with supporters or inviting people to your events.

Note that Canva doesn’t offer an eCard-sending service. Instead, you’ll need to share your eCards directly from the platform or download your designs to use across other channels. Alternatively, go the snail mail route by designing physical cards.

Canva's versatile design tools make it a reliable eCard website.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

If you want to take a collaborative approach to your eCards, Canva is a solid choice. This eCard website enables collaboration among team members, allowing multiple users to pitch in on the design process.

Canva’s Pricing: Canva’s premium design tools are free for verified nonprofits.

eCard Website 9) Jacquie Lawson

If you love the idea of art-inspired eCards, Jacquie Lawson may be the eCard website for you!

Whether you want watercolor creations or colorful celebratory designs, you’ll have plenty of options. Purchase a membership, then send as many eCards as you want for the duration of your membership.

You’ll also get everything you need from a professionally-run eCard site: an address book, birthday reminders, and a helpline on top of the unique, artfully-drawn designs.

Jacquie Lawson's eCard site offers unique, art-inspired greeting cards.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

Break out of the traditional eCard realm with Jacquie Lawson. This eCard website offers beautiful, artful designs you can’t get anywhere else. These visually-compelling cards are ideal for propelling your nonprofit’s relationships forward, especially if the unique look correlates with your brand.

Jacquie Lawson’s Pricing: Become a member for the equivalent of four traditional paper cards per year. Monthly plans are $9, annual plans are $30, and 2-year plans are $45.

eCard Website 10) Acme Ecards

Put plenty of thought into your eCard strategy with Acme Ecards. Formerly known as Ecard Mint, this eCard website works to reimagine your nonprofit marketing ideas with bespoke cards designed to grow your brand

Communicate your strategy and digital marketing goals to their team. Then, let them curate your eCard collection by designing animated eCards based on supporter data and history. They’ll handle your email campaigns for you, making every email feel personal to recipients.

Formerly eCardMint, Acme's eCard website offers branded, bespoke greeting cards.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

For cards fully tailored to your recipients, Acme Ecards is a reliable solution. Humanize your email marketing by letting them take charge of your card designs. They’ll pull from their wide range of pre-designed greeting cards which can be rebranded and worked into any campaign. In no time, you’ll have on-brand bespoke eCards that make your outreach stand out in supporters’ inboxes.

Acme Ecards’ Pricing: Acme’s pricing starts at $90 for first-time customers. Pricing tiers increase primarily based on the number of individuals on your contact list. This site offers discounts for nonprofits, so contact their sales team to learn more.

eCard Website 11) Postable

Postable offers a different take on eCards. While the experience is virtual on your end, recipients will receive a physical card in the mail. Browse their massive collection or create your own unique designs. That means you can fully infuse your nonprofit’s brand. Then, they’ll handwrite the address and eCard’s note for you. They even help curate your online address book, making sending your cards incredibly easy.

If you’re worried about eco-friendliness, it might ease your concerns to know that their cards and envelopes are 100% recycled.

Postable's eCard site allows you to design cards online and then send them via direct mail.

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Why We Like This eCard Software

Make your greeting cards even more personal by maintaining the traditional feel of direct mail. The design is fully your own, and you can even choose the handwritten font that each note and address uses.

Postable’s Pricing: An account is totally free. The cards vary in pricing depending on how many you send. Generally, 1-19 cards cost $3.99 each plus stamp fees, while 20 or more cards cost $3.29 plus stamp fees. This eCard site also offers discounted volume pricing, making it great for organizations.

Final Thoughts on eCard Websites

When it comes to fundraising and supercharging supporter relations, nothing quite matches up to eCards. Personalized and visually appealing eCards can strengthen your nonprofit communication and engagement in a snap — but only if you use the right eCard platform!

The right website can make eCards a viable fundraising and marketing avenue for your cause. Keep the key features we mentioned in mind, and you’ll be set to choose the site that best fits your organization’s needs.

While you make your decision, check out some of these helpful resources we hand-curated for you to continue learning:

Design greeting cards for your cause with the best eCard website: eCardWidget.