Corporate matching gifts have significant nonprofit fundraising potential, and one of the easiest, most effective ways to raise awareness for these programs is through personalized donor outreach. Whether through traditional or digital channels, smart matching gift letters can inform donors about the opportunities and encourage them to get involved.
And there are a wide variety of letters you can send to boost results.
To elevate your matching gift potential, we recommend incorporating these types of letters in your team’s donation-matching communications:
- Fundraising Appeal Matching Gift Letters
- Donation Acknowledgment Matching Gift Letters
- Matching Gift Emails
- Matching Gift Inserts
- Matching Gift Postcards
- Matching Gift Newsletters
- Eligible Donor Matching Gift Letters
- Ineligible Donor Matching Gift Letters
- Unknown Donor Matching Gift Letters
- Board Member Matching Gift Letters
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser Matching Gift Letters
- Giving Season or End-of-Year Matching Gift Letters
- Matching Gift Request Thank You Letters
- Completed Matching Gift Thank You Letters
In this guide, we’ll walk through the above kinds of matching gift letters, explaining how each can benefit your organization and its audience. Plus, we’ll share sample copy and inspiring examples that can bring your team’s messaging to the next level.
By providing donors with detailed information on how easy and important it is to submit matching gift requests to their employers, you can drive more matches to completion. Incorporating messaging that emphasizes these points can be particularly effective in your outreach.
Ready to maximize corporate and individual donations with well-crafted matching gift fundraising letters and use cases? Let’s get started!
Letter #1 – Fundraising Appeal Matching Gift Letters
As a nonprofit fundraiser, you surely understand the need to make your gift appeals stand out in your supporters’ mailboxes—whether physical or virtual.
Luckily, incorporating matching gift information in your fundraising requests can go a long way! In fact, our research indicates that 84% of supporters are more likely to donate if a match is being offered. And 1 in 3 would give a larger gift if matching is to be applied.
The result? A 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average donation amount when matching is mentioned in fundraising appeals.
Check out this example to see it in action:
This type of matching gift letter should:
- Highlight the substantial impact that matching gifts can offer;
- Frame matching opportunities in terms of tangible mission-related programming when possible;
- Encourage donors to take part by contributing to your organization’s fundraising.
Get started with this free matching gift appeal letter template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a valued supporter of [Nonprofit], we wanted to share an exciting opportunity that can magnify the impact of your generosity – matching gifts.
Did you know that many companies have matching gift programs in place to amplify their employees’ charitable contributions? It’s true! Through these programs, your giving has the potential to be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. This means that the gift you make today could have twice the impact, producing an even greater difference in the lives of those we serve.
To explore the potential of matching gifts and find out if your employer participates, please visit our donation page at [link] and use our embedded company search tool to receive step-by-step instructions after submitting your gift. We are committed to making the process as seamless as possible, ensuring that every dollar you contribute has the maximum impact.
Thank you for your continued generosity, advocacy, and belief in our mission. Together, let’s create a brighter tomorrow.
With heartfelt appreciation,
[Name]
[Title]
[Nonprofit]
Remember: your donors want to make a difference for the cause your nonprofit is pursuing. When presented with the opportunity to make their dollars go even further, supporters are often eager to get involved.
When to send: Whenever you organize a fundraising campaign that involves soliciting donations from supporters
Who to send to: All existing supporters and prospective donors
Why send: To increase awareness of matching gifts, elevate response rates, and make your appeals stand out
Letter #2 – Donation Acknowledgment Matching Gift Letters
Your communications after an individual supports your cause should help demonstrate your gratefulness for their giving. But did you know that your acknowledgment letters can also function as one of your first post-donation opportunities to promote matching gifts?
Donor thank-you letters (or emails!) can be written with customizable templates in which you insert a donor’s name, brand it to your organization, and provide a few other details in order to deliver a personal touch. For example, we recommend calling out specific gifts. Instead of a general “Thanks for the donation!” you can say, “We so appreciate your generous $100 contribution on May 5th, 2023.”
From there, consider plugging in a bit of information pertaining to matching gifts. It can be as simple as this: “Keep an eye out for ways to make your support go even further. We’ll send a separate email in the next few days regarding matching gifts.” In the meantime, you could even direct them to your dedicated matching gift web page to learn more!
Here’s a sample acknowledgment email complete with matching gift information:
This type of matching gift letter should:
- Thank the donor for their initial support of your organization;
- Inform the recipient that additional matching gift-related outreach will be sent soon;
- Encourage the individual to learn more about matching gift opportunities by exploring the nonprofit’s matching gift page.
Get started with this free matching gift donation acknowledgment letter template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
On behalf of [Nonprofit], I want to express our sincerest gratitude for your recent donation of $[gift]. Your generous support enables us to continue [describe the impact of their contribution or the work your organization does].
But did you know that your donation has the potential to go even further? Many companies have matching gift programs in place, which means they can match their employees’ charitable contributions. By taking a few moments to seek a match from your employer, you have the power to double or even triple the impact of your recent gift.
To find out if your company participates, click here [link] to use our company search tool, and be on the lookout for more matching gift insights soon.
Warm regards,
[Name]
[Title]
[Nonprofit]
[Contact Information]
Thanking supporters is one of the major keys to maximizing donor retention. When you thank your donors in this way, you’re also extending a courtesy by giving them the chance to contribute more without reaching back into their own pockets.
Your donors want to help as much as possible, and you don’t want to leave easy money on the table. It’s a win-win!
When to send: Immediately after receiving a new donation
Who to send to: Recent donors
Why send: To thank individuals for their recent donations and provide information as to how they can amplify their giving impact
Keep in mind that this should not be a primary form of matching gift communication that you rely on to get the word out about the opportunity. Donation acknowledgments are often discarded without a thorough look, so you’ll want to incorporate other types of letters in your strategy as well.
Letter #3 – Matching Gift Emails
Nowadays, email is a popular outreach method for nonprofits looking to engage their supporters in the virtual realm. Thus, you’ll want to make the most of the channel by using it to promote matching gift opportunities.
Note: this section covers general matching gift emails that can be sent to all of your organization’s donors at various points year-round. Keep reading to learn about more targeted messaging that you might opt to trigger with donor- and company-specific insights below.
Take a look at this matching gift email you might send:
This type of matching gift letter should:
- Inspire interest from the start with an engaging subject line;
- Direct readers to the organization’s dedicated matching gift web page;
- Leverage specific and prominent calls to action that encourages donors to seek the opportunity;
- Emphasize the increased donation impact made possible through matching gift programs.
Get started with this free matching gift email template:
Subject: Double Your Impact with Matching Gifts!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Did you know that many companies have matching gift programs in place to support their employees’ charitable giving? Through these programs, your donation can be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of your generosity. Some companies even offer a 2:1 or 3:1 match, meaning your gift could have an even greater effect.
Seeking a matching gift is easy! Here’s how you can get started:
Check if your employer offers a matching gift program. You can do this by searching our matching gift database here [link] or by reaching out to your HR department.
Then, obtain and complete the necessary forms or information required by your employer. Be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by your company.
By taking a few moments to seek a match from your employer, you can double the impact of your donation, making an even greater difference in [Nonprofit]’s mission of [describe the specific impact of their contribution].
We are here to assist you throughout the matching gift process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our matching gift coordinator at [contact information].
Thank you once again for your support and dedication to our cause. Together, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact.
With gratitude,
[Name]
[Title]
[Nonprofit]
To further streamline the matching process, consider equipping your nonprofit with a comprehensive matching gift database search tool. In that case, you can send supporters to the tool from your matching gift outreach and inspire them to see if their employer offers a program!
When to send: A few times throughout the year
Who to send to: All donors who have yet to submit match requests
Why send: To increase matching gift awareness and inspire donors to uncover their own eligibility
Letter #4 – Matching Gift Inserts
Direct mailings can go a long way toward enhancing donor engagement and getting your fundraising message in front of supporters. Since snail mail is on the pricier end of communications, you’ll likely want to do what you can to get your money’s worth out of the channel. And that means using your mail packages to promote matching gift opportunities.
However, you shouldn’t have to re-work your existing printed resources. Instead, we recommend creating new materials that can be included alongside your established fundraising letters. These inserts can simply be printed and slipped into your envelopes prior to sending. Then, you’re ready to go!
Here’s an example:
This type of matching gift letter should:
- Incorporate an eye-catching graphic to grab your recipients’ attention;
- Provide an easy way for donors to request additional information—such as an easy-to-type URL or scannable QR code;
- Be short, sweet, and to the point. Just a quick matching gift blurb will do!
Get started with this free matching gift insert template:
Double Your Impact with Matching Gifts!
Did you know that your donation to [Nonprofit] could be matched by your employer? Many companies have matching gift programs that can double or even triple your contribution.
It’s a simple process – scan the QR code (or go to the URL here: [link]) to learn more. By taking a few minutes to seek a match, you can multiply the value of your gift and help us continue our important work.
Thank you for considering a matching gift – together, we can make an even greater difference!
The good news is that paper inserts can be mailed along with almost any direct mail outreach. Consider sending them in newsletters, gift acknowledgments, event invitations, volunteer information, and more. Each communication will remind donors of the possibility of matching gifts, thus inspiring generosity and driving action.
When to send: Any time you send direct mail communications
Who to send to: All donors and prospects receiving direct mail outreach
Why send: To break through the digital clutter and drive matching gift awareness
Letter #5 – Matching Gift Postcards
If you’re looking to promote matching gifts via direct mail but want to take a more unique approach than a typical fundraising letter, consider sending a postcard instead.
To start, postcards have a friendly feel—like a note from a loved one who’s thinking of you. Consider incorporating them into your direct mail fundraising strategy to make your efforts stand out; specifically as a matching gift marketing tactic.
You’re sure to keep your organization (and its additional giving opportunities) at the forefront of the donor’s mind for a longer period of time. It might even end up on the recipient’s fridge!
Here’s what a matching gift postcard might look like:
This type of matching gift letter should:
- Grab your audience’s attention with a visually appealing design that is strategically branded to match your organization’s style;
- Include a clear and specific call to action for the recipient, such as determining their matching gift eligibility or submitting a request, if applicable;
- Keep any URLs short, sweet, and easy to type—or incorporate a scannable QR code.
Get started with this free matching gift postcard template:
Front
[Nonprofit logo]
Double Your Impact on [Nonprofit] with Matching Gifts!
Back
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Thank you for your recent support of [Nonprofit]. Did you know that your donation could go twice as far? Scan the QR code below to find out how. [link to matching gifts page]
Thank you for considering a matching gift – your support makes a difference!
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Nonprofit]
[Contact Information]
Plus, you’ll always want to consider personalization. While you likely won’t have the time to handwrite every postcard, merely signing your name at the bottom can do wonders to let donors know that you took time out of your day to engage them.
Nowadays, we often refer to direct mail as ‘snail mail.’ But what it lacks in speed, it often makes up for in emotional impact!
When to send: A few days to a week after an individual has made a donation
Who to send to: High-value supporters who you’ve determined are likely to be eligible for a matching gift
Why send: To cut through the unnecessary obstacle of getting your fundraising letters opened in the first place
Top tip! If you’re looking to save on shipping costs, a digital postcard can make your efforts stand out as well. Consider sending a fundraising eCard that highlights matching gift opportunities and directs donors to your matching gift web page to learn more.
Letter #6 – Matching Gift Newsletters
Without a promotional strategy in place, more often than not, potential and current donors won’t know about matching gift opportunities–let alone what they entail. A good remedy for this is to include it in one of your most valuable marketing resources: your newsletter.
A nonprofit newsletter is a popular way for supporters to stay up to date on current happenings at an organization they support. This regular publication may be a physical resource sent through the mail or a digital one that makes its way to your audience’s email inboxes. Regardless, it likely provides details on upcoming events, ways to get involved, and more. And it’s perfect for matching gift information!
Check out this sample matching gift newsletter:
This type of matching gift letter should:
- Make matching gifts a regular feature in newsletters sent to donors and prospects;
- Incorporate an overview of the fundamentals of matching gift programs;
- Provide step-by-step instructions for donors interested in getting involved in the initiatives;
- Share real examples of ways your organization has benefited from matching gifts in the past.
Get started with this free matching gift newsletter template:
Double Your Fundraising Power With Matching Gifts
Many companies have matching gift programs that can double or even triple your donations, allowing you to make an even greater difference in the causes you care about.
Here’s how it works: When you donate to [Nonprofit], you can easily check if your employer offers a matching gift program. With a few additional steps, you can unlock new sources of funds that directly benefit our organization.
For example, a $100 contribution can produce over $200 worth of value, thanks to your employer’s workplace giving initiative. This additional funding allows us to expand our programs, reach more individuals in need, and create lasting positive change in our community.
We encourage you to explore the matching gift opportunities available to you. Together, we can make an even greater impact on our mission.
Depending on your needs, you may decide to include a section about matching gifts within a larger publication or devote an entire edition just to corporate gift-matching. Other enticing topics to cover may include a list of popular matching gift companies, facts and figures relating to your nonprofit’s prior matching success, research demonstrating the prevalence of such programs, and more.
When to send: Once or twice throughout the year
Who to send to: Donors, volunteers, prospects, and others on your nonprofit’s newsletter mailing list
Why send: To inform donors about the prevalence of matching gift opportunities and how they can get involved
Letter #7 – Eligible Donor Matching Gift Letters
An eligible donor matching gift letter is a specific type of outreach sent only to supporters who you’ve identified as being likely eligible for a corporate match through their employer. This targeted messaging typically aims to inform donors about not only the existence of matching gift programs in a general sense but also to provide company-specific details pertaining to their own employer.
Plus, it will often include personalized instructions on how the recipient can initiate the request process now that they’ve been deemed eligible.
If you’ve determined that a donor works for a matching gift company, you’ll want to send a matching gift letter like this:
This matching gift letter should:
- Address the donor by name and acknowledge their initial gift amount;
- Encourage the reader to submit their matching gift request;
- Provide direct links to match submission forms or online portals for the individual’s employing company;
- Ask the supporter to notify the organization once they’ve completed their request.
Get started with this free matching gift eligible donor letter template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
We are pleased to inform you that your recent donation of $[gift] qualifies for a matching gift from your employer, [Company]. Requesting your match is easy, and we’ve provided you with the forms and instructions you need to complete the process.
Step 1: Click here to access [Company]’s matching gift forms. Fill out the online form and submit it to your employer!
Step 2: After completing your request, please click this link to let us know that it’s been submitted.
On behalf of the whole team at [Nonprofit], we are SO grateful for your continued support of our mission. We hope you take the opportunity to amplify your giving impact with a corporate match!
If you have any questions throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our matching gift coordinator at [contact information].
Best regards,
[Name]
[Title]
[Nonprofit]
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to uncover match-eligible donors and trigger personalized matching gift letters like these, consider investing in an automation tool like Double the Donation Matching.
The Double the Donation platform scans information donors provide during the giving process to determine likely eligibility, sending personalized and actionable email streams that drive more qualifying matches to completion.
When to send: Within 24 hours of an individual making a donation to your nonprofit
Who to send to: Donors who you’ve identified as likely eligible for a matching gift program through available employment information
Why send: To provide company-specific matching gift program guidelines and links to submission forms
Letter #8 – Ineligible Donor Matching Gift Letters
On the other hand, an ineligible donor matching gift letter is a type of outreach that informs the recipient that, according to the nonprofit’s records, they likely do not qualify for a matching gift from their employer. However, it’s vital to keep a positive approach, encouraging donors to consider amplifying their support for the organization in other ways.
Check out this sample matching gift letter you might send to a donor you’ve marked as likely ineligible for a match:
This matching gift letter should:
- Thank the donor for their initial support of the organization;
- Encourage the reader to confirm with their employer the existence (or lack thereof) of a corporate matching gift program;
- Inspire the individual to consider advocating for their employer regarding the establishment of a new matching gift program;
- Include or link to additional resources that can aid an employee in championing a matching gift program.
Get started with this free matching gift ineligible donor template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
We really appreciate your recent donation to our organization.
One way that you can amplify your giving impact for [Nonprofit] is with matching gifts. Does your employer match?
We don’t have a record of your employer in our database. But they may have a program nonetheless! Consider reaching out to your company’s HR Department to discuss the possibility of a matching program.
If your employer does match, please add your company to our matching gift database or email a copy of your form to data@doublethedonation.com.
If your company does not currently offer a matching program, they might be willing to start! Check out this guide to see how you can advocate for a new matching gift program to your employer.
Thank you again for your support.
Best regards,
Matching Gift Team
[Nonprofit]
You never know–an ineligible donor may be just the person to influence a brand-new matching initiative. And your communications to these individuals can go a long way toward providing updated data points, deepening engagement opportunities, corporate partnership potential, and more.
When to send: Within 24 hours of an individual making a donation to your nonprofit
Who to send to: Donors who have indicated that they work for a company that does not offer a matching gift program
Why send: To encourage such supporters to double-check for the existence of a matching program and provide resources to aid in new program advocacy
Letter #9 – Unknown Donor Matching Gift Letters
After giving, there’s a third category in which donors may be placed–and that is unknown eligibility. Unknown donor matching gift letters are those sent to that segment.
A donor may be sorted into this category based on a few reasons. First, an individual may have simply completed their initial gift without providing their employment details. In this case, you can’t know if a donor will qualify for a matching gift if you don’t know where they work.
On the other hand, another donor may be marked as “unknown eligibility” if they did provide their current employer, but your organization lacks information regarding the availability of the company’s matching gift programs.
If a donor’s eligibility is unknown, consider sending a letter like this one:
This matching gift letter should:
- Thank the donor for their initial contribution;
- Encourage the individual to look up their employer using the provided company search tool;
- Inspire the reader to take the applicable next steps depending on their determined eligibility status;
- Ask the supporter to let the sender know whether their employer offers a matching program and/or when they’ve submitted their match request.
Get started with this free matching gift unknown donor template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Warm greetings from [Nonprofit]! We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for your recent donation to support our cause. Your generosity is making a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.
We wanted to take this opportunity to inform you about an incredible opportunity to increase the impact of your contribution – matching gifts. Many companies offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple the value of your donation.
To find out if you qualify for such a match, please click here to search for your employer in our matching gift database lookup tool! It’s quick and easy, and can even provide you with the forms you need to complete your match in seconds.
Then, once you’ve submitted your matching gift request, click here to let us know.
Thank you again for your ongoing support of [Nonprofit] and our mission.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Nonprofit]
Overall, this type of outreach should be used to drive donors further down the funnel. Whether they do or do not ultimately qualify for matching gifts, following the instructions provided in the letter allows them to provide the sending organization with additional information that can help guide further efforts.
When to send: Within 24 hours of an individual making a donation to your nonprofit
Who to send to: Donors for which you do not have current employment information to determine eligibility or those whose employers lack updated matching gift guidelines
Why send: To encourage donors to provide up-to-date employment data and uncover their matching gift eligibility
Letter #10 – Board Member Matching Gift Letters
You know your board members are some of your most valuable supporters. And they often come with lucrative matching opportunities, as well!
Board member matching gift letters are a type of communication sent exclusively to your nonprofit’s board of directors. Most often, these messages will be sent following a recent donation, encouraging the recipient to pursue a matching gift from their employer. This allows board members to take a more active role in fundraising for your nonprofit, which is a common challenge identified in board assessments.
After all, many companies offer exceptionally generous matching gift programs (which often incorporate higher donation ratios and maximums) for even greater corporate matching impact when an employee serves on a nonprofit board.
Here’s an example of a board member matching gift letter:
This matching gift letter should:
- Address the donor/board member by name and thank them for their recent contribution to the organization;
- Explicitly acknowledge the individual’s status as a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors;
- Encourage the reader to submit a board member match request to their company;
- Provide direct links to match submission forms or online portals for the individual’s employing company;
- Ask the individual to notify the organization once they’ve completed their request.
Get started with this free matching gift board letter template:
Get on Board With Matching Gifts!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
We are eternally grateful for your generous support of [Nonprofit] – both regarding your recent donation of $1,000 as well as your ongoing dedication in serving on our nonprofit board.
Did you know that your employer, [Company], offers a special matching gifts program for employees who serve on a nonprofits’ Board of Directors? Thus, your $[gift] donation qualifies for a [matching gift ratio] match from your company – multiplying the value of your initial gift!
Requesting your match is easy, and we’ve provided you with the forms and instructions you need to complete the process.
Step 1: Click here to access [Company]’s matching gift forms. Fill out the online form and submit it to your employer!
Step 2: After completing your request, please click this link to let us know that it’s been submitted.
On behalf of the whole team at [Nonprofit], we are SO grateful for your continued support of our mission. We hope you take the opportunity to amplify your giving impact with a corporate match!
If you have any questions throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our matching gift coordinator at [contact information].
Warmly,
[Name]
[Nonprofit]
Keep in mind that your board members have already shown great dedication toward your cause. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be on the board in the first place. Take the opportunity to promote matching gift programs for qualifying board members–especially if you know that their employer is one that provides a special match initiative.
When to send: Soon after receiving a donation from a board member
Who to send to: Donors who currently serve on your organization’s board of directors or board members who aren’t currently giving
Why send: To inform board members that many companies offer unique matching gift programs when their employees serve on a nonprofit’s board
Letter #11 – Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser Matching Gift Letters
Even among those who’ve been informed about traditional donation match programs, many are still unaware that other companies offer fundraising match programs. The difference? Donation matching involves an individual requesting that their employer matches a gift they personally contributed to a nonprofit. Fundraising matches, on the other hand, encompass a company matching all the funds an employee raises on a nonprofit’s behalf—even those not made by the company’s employees themselves.
So if you’ve recently hosted a peer-based fundraising event (such as a run/walk/ride), a peer-to-peer matching gift letter can be an excellent follow-up for eligible individuals.
Here’s a sample matching gift letter you might send to a recent peer-to-peer fundraiser:
This matching gift letter should:
- Acknowledge the volunteer fundraiser by name and recognize their total amount of fulfilled pledges from the P2P campaign;
- Encourage the reader to submit a fundraising match request to their employer;
- Provide direct links to match submission forms or online portals for the individual’s employing company;
- Ask the supporter to notify the organization once they’ve completed their request.
Get started with this free matching gift peer-to-peer fundraiser template:
Your Pledges Could Be DOUBLED!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
We are so grateful that you’ve supported [Nonprofit] by taking on a peer fundraising role in our recent campaign.
Did you know that your employer, [Company], offers a special matching gift program in which it offers to match the fulfilled pledges an employee collects on behalf of a nonprofit cause? That means the $[total collected pledges] you raised for our [campaign name] is eligible to be multiplied!
Requesting your match is easy, and we’ve provided you with the forms and instructions you need to complete the process.
Step 1: Click here to access [Company]’s matching gift forms. Fill out the online form and submit it to your employer!
Step 2: After completing your request, please click this link to let us know that it’s been submitted.
On behalf of the whole team at [Nonprofit], we are SO grateful for your continued support of our mission. We hope you take the opportunity to amplify your giving impact with a corporate match!
If you have any questions throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our matching gift coordinator at [contact information].
Best wishes,
Matching Gift Team
[Nonprofit]
Peer fundraising initiatives often produce significantly higher funding amounts than a single donation. Fundraising match letters can help bring that success to the next level!
When to send: In the days or weeks following the conclusion of a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign
Who to send to: Peer-to-peer fundraising volunteers who have recently collected donations on your organization’s behalf
Why send: To inform peer-to-peer fundraisers that many companies offer unique matching gift programs that allow employees to request corporate matching for their total fundraising amounts
Letter #12 – Giving Season or End-of-Year Matching Gift Letters
Donors often increase their charitable giving at the end of the year. This is when individuals are most aware of their finances and how much they have left to give. Plus, the holiday season tends to bring out an increase in generosity.
Because of this, many nonprofits make their big pushes for donations during this end-of-the-year giving season, such as through matching donation challenges. This is also an excellent time to pursue corporate matching gifts.
And an automation platform like Double the Donation can help! That’s why Double the Donation offers a dedicated year-end email stream that you can use to contact donors about the donations they’ve already made during the year.
Here’s what a year-end matching gift email can look like:
This matching gift letter should:
- Be personalized to the donor;
- Include the donation amount and date;
- Provide pertinent information about the donor’s employer and their matching gift eligibility;
- Establish urgency by reminding the donor that many companies close their request windows at the end of the year in which the donation was made;
- Leverage clear calls-to-action that encourage donors to kickstart the matching gift process.
Get started with this free matching gift end-of-year fundraising letter template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
It’s not too late! Did you know that you can still request a matching gift for your donation of $[gift] made on [donation date]?
Thousands of companies have matching gift programs in place that can significantly increase the value of employees’ donations. However, it’s important to note that many employers close their matching gift request windows at the end of the calendar year in which a gift is made.
So that means the time is now to complete the matching gift process and amplify your support of [Nonprofit] and its mission. Luckily, a submission is easy, and we’ve provided you with the forms and instructions you need to finalize your match.
Step 1: Click here to access [Company]’s matching gift forms. Fill out the online form and submit it to your employer!
Step 2: After completing your request, please click this link to let us know that it’s been submitted.
If you have any questions throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our matching gift coordinator at [contact information].
Season’s greetings,
Matching Gift Team
[Nonprofit]
Many people have already donated for the year, and the giving season is an ideal opportunity to remind supporters how they can do more to help your cause.
When to send: The end of the calendar year
Who to send to: Match-eligible donors who have not indicated that they’ve submitted their matching gift request
Why send: To remind donors about matching gifts and encourage submissions while their gifts still qualify
Letter #13 – Matching Gift Request Thank You Letters
We’ve previously recommended that organizations employing matching gift letters to drive match submissions should encourage eligible donors to let them know when they’ve completed their requests. This enables easier tracking through the matching gift lifecycle and better forecasting (and, thus, budgeting) for incoming matches.
However, it also provides an additional opportunity to engage with your matching gift donors. And that’s where matching gift request acknowledgment (or thank-you) letters come in!
Upon being notified of a recent matching gift submission, consider sending a matching gift thank you note like this:
This matching gift letter should:
- Let the recipient know that they’ve been notified of the individual’s recent matching gift request;
- Thank the matching gift donor for their above-and-beyond support of the organization;
- Reiterate the vast benefits of matching gifts on the nonprofit’s overarching mission.
Get started with this free matching gift request thank-you letter template:
Dear [Donor’s Name],
We are writing to let you know that we so appreciate your recent matching gift submission on behalf of [Nonprofit].
Donors like you going the extra mile to support our cause allow us to make an even greater difference for our mission.
Thanks again! We’ll be in touch throughout the completion of the [Company] matching gift process. Feel free to let us know if you have any additional questions.
Best,
Matching Gift Team
[Nonprofit]
Depending on the employing company’s submission requirements, you might choose to inform the donor that you’ll begin your part of the matching gift process (such as filling out a separate form or confirming that the initial gift was made).
When to send: Within 24 hours of a matching gift submission notification
Who to send to: Donors who have recently indicated that they completed their employer’s matching gift request process
Why send: To confirm that your organization was notified of a submitted matching gift request by a donor
Letter #14 – Completed Matching Gift Thank You Letters
Our last recommended matching gift letter is another thank-you. But this time, it’s sent after a matching gift is completed by the company.
This letter allows your organization to reiterate your gratitude for the individual going the extra mile, which has resulted in double (or perhaps triple!) the funding for your cause. Plus, it allows you to close the loop, ensuring the donor understands their match was successful.
After you’ve received a completed match from a donor’s employer, send a final acknowledgment like this one:
This matching gift letter should:
- Thank the donor once again for their willingness to pursue a matching gift on your nonprofit’s behalf;
- Acknowledge that the company match has been successfully received and processed.
Get started with this free completed matching gift thank-you letter template:
[Donor],
We’re SO excited to let you know that we recently received the matching gift funds from your employer, [Company]. Once again, we thank you for all your support.
And please consider requesting a match again if you decide to make another gift in the future!
Much appreciation,
[Name]
Matching Gift Team
[Nonprofit]
You can also use this matching gift letter to encourage donors to keep their employer’s matching program in mind in regard to future engagement opportunities. After all, you now know for certain that the individual qualifies for corporate matching. Make sure to set your team up for ongoing match success but encourage future participation as well!
When to send: In the days after you receive a completed matching donation from an individual’s employer
Who to send to: Donors whose matching gifts were recently fulfilled by their employing companies
Why send: To wrap up the matching gift process and reiterate gratitude for the individual who requested the match
Bonus! How a Matching Gift Database Can Help
As you now know, nonprofits can boost their revenue by promoting matching gifts to their audiences. When eligible, donors can double (and sometimes triple!) their contributions with the help of employer matches. The key is to make them aware of the available opportunities and to simplify the processes involved.
Luckily, the right technology can make a big difference.
Identify Matching Gifts with Double the Donation
Double the Donation offers the #1 matching gifts database, with thousands of the sector’s largest organizations using it in their efforts. The searchable database includes records for more than 24,000 companies and subsidiaries, representing 26+ million individuals.
More specifically, Double the Donation recognizes match-eligible donors with giving form integrations, donation follow-ups, email domain screening, and more. From there, it encourages donors to complete the matching gift process through a series of personalized and automated outreach.
As the most comprehensive source of matching gift forms and instructions, corporate employees can quickly uncover their eligibility and submit requests to their employers.
The end result? More funding for your mission.
Your staff will save time while still providing donors with the necessary guidance for completing their matching gift requests promptly, too.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Final Thoughts
There you have it: fourteen types of matching gift letters for all of your workplace giving needs. By incorporating these recommendations in your organization’s outreach strategy, you can boost your fundraising revenue by increasing awareness among and encouraging matches from your generous donors.
And matching gift software will empower you to scale your efforts beyond the possibilities of manual sending and tracking, too! This allows your team to make the most of their time and effort, reinvesting more of your resources into your highest-value tasks and opportunities.
Learn more—Explore other educational resources to drive fundraising impact from the Double the Donation team below:
Driving Matching Gifts for Health & Medical Services
/in Learning Center, Fundraising Ideas, Matching Gift Companies, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerIn the world of healthcare fundraising, effective revenue generation saves lives. After all, every dollar counts towards advancing medical research, providing patient care, and improving overall well-being. In order to make the most of each donation, matching gifts for health and medical services can go a long way.
And this guide will provide everything your team needs to get started with the opportunity! We’ll explore the concepts and strategies behind driving matching gifts specific to health and medical services, including:
Get ready to uncover the potential that matching gifts have to revolutionize fundraising for healthcare and related nonprofit causes.
Let’s dive in!
Matching Gifts for Health & Medical Services | The Basics
Matching gifts offer a powerful opportunity for health and medical services to multiply the impact of individual contributions. This powerful fundraising strategy combines individual and corporate giving to increase engagement and funding for a nonprofit’s mission.
And it’s easy! Essentially, the process looks like this:
Successful matching gift practices can effectively double or even triple the support for vital healthcare initiatives. This empowers donors to leverage their employers’ involvement to make an even greater difference in a cause they care about.
Companies That Match Gifts to Healthcare Organizations
Thousands of companies match employee donations to qualifying nonprofit causes. But here, we wanted to spotlight a few businesses in the healthcare industry that offer standout matching gift initiatives.
These include (but are certainly not limited to) the following…
CVS Health
CVS Health is dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. Through the CVS Health Foundation, the company gives back by offering generous in-kind donations, employee giving opportunities, volunteer grant programs, and more.
Currently, one of the CVS Foundation’s most prominent offerings is its employee matching gift program. Through this initiative, the company encourages team members to give to a variety of nonprofit causes. These include health and medical services, children’s and educational groups, environmental organizations, and more. Once completed, employee donations made through the company’s workplace giving portal qualify for generous matches by CVS Health!
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
UnitedHealth Group aims to revolutionize the healthcare system to improve health overall. And they do so not only through the company’s core offerings but also by participating in generous corporate philanthropy initiatives.
For example, its employee giving program, coined “United for Giving,” incentivizes team members to support their favorite nonprofit organizations with their dollars and their time. In 2022 alone, nearly $50 million was contributed through the program to more than 20,000 global charities.
Each employee qualifies to request up to $15,000 per year in company matches on behalf of the organizations they support.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
CIGNA
Through the CIGNA Foundation, healthcare and insurance company CIGNA offers a standout matching gift program in which it encourages employees to participate. In fact, the foundation contributed more than $12.5 million worth of corporate grants to health and wellness-focused nonprofits in 2021 alone!
When qualifying employees give to medical organizations and many other registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, they can request an associated match from the CIGNA Foundation. This allows team members to amplify their giving impact and do more to make the world a better and healthier place.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
AmerisourceBergen
With a generous matching gift cap set at $10,000 per employee per year, current full-time and part-time AmerisourceBergen team members can request matching gifts from the company corresponding to their own personal gifts. Donations are typically matched at a standard 1:1 (or dollar-for-dollar) ratio, though the company often promotes a heightened match rate to inspire Giving Tuesday participation at the end of the year.
Facilitated through the AmerisourceBergen Foundation, this company’s matching gift initiative is making a difference in producing healthier futures worldwide.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
McKesson Corporation
One thing that makes the McKesson matching gift program stand out is its open availability for current full-time, part-time, and retired employees! Of course, healthcare organizations qualify to receive associated matching gifts. Additionally, team members can support educational institutions, community organizations, volunteer fire rescue and emergency services, and more.
The McKesson Corporation also offers an impactful volunteer grant initiative known as the McKesson Volunteer Program—or MVP. After an individual makes their initial gift to an organization, they have 90 days (or approximately three months) post-donation to submit their match request.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
Tips for Developing a Healthy Matching Gift Strategy for Your Org
Getting matching gifts for your healthcare or medical organization doesn’t have to be difficult. Find out how to do so as effectively as possible with these recommended practices.
1. Incorporate matching gifts in your grateful patient program.
For a healthcare or medical organization, a grateful patient program can be one of your most valuable fundraising strategies. This unique initiative provides medical-focused nonprofits, like hospitals and other facilities, an opportunity to engage donors who have experienced exceptional care.
Maximize the impact of your grateful patient program by incorporating matching gifts! To do so, ensure that materials provided to patients—such as thank-you letters, brochures, and discharge information—include details about matching gifts. This allows patients to leverage the opportunity to amplify their impact as they give back.
2. Highlight the medical impact of matching gifts.
As you enlist donor communications to promote the matching gift opportunity, be sure to emphasize the direct impact of matched donations on healthcare outcomes.
Showcase success stories, former patient testimonials, and statistics that demonstrate the transformative effect of your organization’s work. This will resonate with potential matching gift donors who want to make a tangible difference in the healthcare field. In other words, help your supporters imagine the tangible benefits of doubling your fundraising power.
3. Simplify the matching gift experience for donors.
Make it easy for donors to navigate the matching gift process. Offer step-by-step instructions on your website, provide donors with company-specific request forms for their employers, and be available to provide assistance throughout the submission steps.
Keep in mind that the more streamlined and accessible the process, the more likely donors will follow through with their matching gift requests. On the other hand, excessive roadblocks lead to missed matches and unclaimed funding for your team.
Luckily, the best way to streamline matching is by automating the experience from start to finish with the right technology! For example, Double the Donation’s software ecosystem enables nonprofits to embed their matching gift tools directly into the initial giving process.
This typically includes a brief mention of matching gift opportunities, alongside a field requesting a donor’s employer information, on the giving form. Then, an automatically populating matching gift widget on the confirmation screen provides eligibility information and submission forms for the company previously selected.
It’s as easy as can be, and donors are provided with easy access to the information they need—without having to search for it on their own!
4. Get inspired by other healthcare organizations’ matching practices.
See what other medically-focused nonprofits are doing to pursue matching gifts! Check out this case study compilation that highlights some of the largest healthcare organizations in the nation.
These include:
By studying the matching gift strategies from these organizations (and more), you can identify common themes, glean creative approaches, and make a note of successful tactics. From there, you’ll be able to more effectively ingrain matching gifts into your own fundraising efforts.
Consider adapting and implementing tried-and-true strategies within the context of your own healthcare nonprofit to increase donor engagement, uncover corporate giving opportunities, maximize contributions, and make a greater impact on your mission.
Sample Matching Gift Messaging for Healthcare Nonprofits
Get started with effective matching gift outreach! Check out the following templates for powerful communications tailored to matching gifts for health and medical services organizations.
Top tip: Easily automate matching gift communications with Double the Donation! This ensures you’re able to provide timely correspondence to all donors—without worrying about any potential matches slipping through the cracks.
Matching Gift Email Template
Matching Gift Tweet Template
Matching Gift Facebook Template
Matching Gift Text Message Template
Wrapping Up
Matching gifts have the potential to revolutionize fundraising for all sorts of health and medical services. By harnessing the power of employer-matching initiatives, healthcare-focused nonprofits can tap into additional resources, amplify their impact, and accelerate their mission of increasing health and well-being.
The bottom line? Implement a comprehensive matching gift strategy to unlock a world of possibilities, inspire greater donor participation, and drive positive change in the realm of health and medical services.
Play the video below to hear how LuMind IDSC Foundation supercharges their matching gift strategy with Double the Donation’s matching gift automation.
LuMind IDSC Foundation – Matching Gift Success from Double the Donation on Vimeo.
Interested in learning more about making the most of matching gifts? Check out the following recommended resources:
A Full Guide to Employee Engagement Tools + 20 Top Picks
/in Corporate Consulting /by Adam WeingerWhat comes to mind when you think about employee engagement? Excitement, enthusiasm, maybe meaningful team collaboration? All of those elements are the results of an effective engagement program. And they all contribute to an improved workplace culture where people not only have to work but enjoy doing so.
Employee engagement may make sense in theory, but how should your organization cultivate it on a daily basis? In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of employee engagement for your company and discuss 20 tools your organization can use to foster a positive work environment.
Why Does Employee Engagement Matter?
Your organization is most likely juggling a lot of different tasks—you have performance metrics to hit, clients to impress, and meetings to manage. That said, should employee engagement really be a priority? Recent statistics definitely suggest so.
Here are some combined polls that provide insights into employee engagement, including the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The Good
The Bad
The Ugly
As you can see, employee engagement can make or break a workplace in more ways than one. If your employees aren’t motivated and engaged, at best, you’re not efficiently achieving your goals, and at worst, you’re wasting resources.
On the other hand, engaged employees can be the secret weapon that lets your organization hit more performance benchmarks at a faster rate. They also stay at your organization longer and do their best work every day. So, how can you prioritize employee engagement? By leveraging dedicated employee engagement tools!
How Can We Boost Employee Engagement?
While every organization is different, there are some tried-and-true techniques that you can implement to energize and motivate your employees, including:
Now that you have some ideas for improving your organization’s employee engagement, let’s review some of the software solutions that can help you make it happen.
What is an Employee Engagement Tool?
Employee engagement tools are software applications that a company uses to increase internal communication and boost employee satisfaction. There are a wide variety of tools available and choosing the right one will depend on your organization’s needs. For instance, a company that wants to streamline its project management process between separate departments might look at an engagement tool like Asana. Or, an organization looking to track employee productivity more effectively may invest in a timesheet software solution.
Usually, human resources departments take the lead when introducing employee engagement tools and recognition platforms. Eventually, if the platforms succeed at providing engagement value to your organization, they’ll become a part of your new employee onboarding materials and day-to-day workflow.
Employee Engagement Tool Benefits
What can you expect from an employee engagement tool? Depending on which provider you go with, the benefits will vary. However, here are a few common advantages:
To help you discover which employee engagement tool is right for your company, we’ve broken down our top picks based on employee recognition, feedback, and internal communication. You can adopt one of these tools or several at a time depending on your budget and needs. Remember that as your team expands, you’ll also need a scalable tool to keep new and existing employees engaged.
Top Employee Engagement Tool: CSR Software
One of the best ways to engage employees is to develop a CSR program that highlights your company’s values and gives back to the causes your employees care about. For example, your hiking supplies business may focus on helping organizations that encourage sustainability and protect wildlife. When employees see their company making a positive difference in the world, they’ll be more motivated to stay at the company long-term.
Corporate social responsibility programs can have a lot of moving parts. Here are just a few examples of initiatives your program may include:
You may be wondering how your company can juggle all of these components to properly engage employees. The answer is CSR software.
CSR software is specifically designed to help companies manage their CSR programs. With all the forms and information associated with your program in one place, you can keep track of all relevant data and make it easy for employees to get involved. Check out the CSR program elements that software can help you organize:
The best CSR platforms go one step further in increasing employee engagement by integrating with nonprofit-facing tools. On the nonprofit side, many organizations use matching gift software to streamline matching gift requests, and some software providers even offer auto-submission functionality that submits matching gift request forms on the donors’ behalf. Look for CSR software that integrates with auto-submission tools to increase program participation and employee engagement.
Employee Engagement Tools for Employee Recognition
Annual or even biannual performance reviews are not enough to keep your employees active and engaged. They benefit from continuous feedback both from managers and peers. Managerial recognition helps directs know that they’re on target and keeps them motivated to keep going. Peer recognition boosts camaraderie and reinforces teamwork.
Additionally, employee recognition extends to celebrating milestones and anniversaries. If your employee has been working productively for five years, for instance, you can use an engagement tool to publicly applaud their impressive performance.
1. eCardWidget
eCardWidget is a powerful digital retention tool built to prove to employees that they are more than just a number. These digital eCards are easy to make, send, and receive, making it easy for businesses to fold into their existing employee recognition programs. To start your engagement campaign, simply add your custom company branding, sort by company value (or any other internal goal), and draft a quick recognition note! Check out this video to learn more about how it works:
What we love about eCardWidget
eCardWidget stands out because it’s extremely easy and enjoyable to use. With the ability to customize eCards using different fonts, colors, and images, you can personalize your recognition efforts and invite employees to use their creativity.
Additionally, eCardWidget provides insights into which employees are sending and receiving eCards. That way, you can gauge which of your employees are contributing to your internal company culture and which are being commended most often by their peers. You may want to recognize these employees more formally for improving the workplace environment.
Pricing: eCardWidget includes free options to Enterprise Options ($200) to best fit your team’s size and internal engagement goals. See the pricing page for more information.
2. Kudos
Kudos is another workplace peer-to-peer recognition tool that provides actionable insights into employee performance and culture. You can also use Kudos to create rewards that reflect your company’s goals, values, and overall culture. That way, employees can feel motivated and acknowledged for their hard work.
What we love about Kudos
Pricing: Visit Kudos’ website and talk to their sales representatives for more pricing information.
3. Limeade Listening
Formally known as TinyPulse, Limeade Listening is a solution for enhanced listening, 1:1 coaching, and employee recognition. This data-backed tool provides opportunities for employees to provide regular, transparent feedback so that they can show up to work as their best selves every day.
What we love about Limeade Listening
Pricing: Visit the Limeade Listening contact page for more information or to book a demo.
4. Reward Gateway
Reward Gateway offers a tailored employee reward and recognition program that supports everyone. You can use their platform to quickly celebrate daily success through automation and endless redemption options. Their branded mobile app can even let you celebrate other employees on the go!
What we love about Reward Gateway
Pricing: Browse Reward Gateway’s website and schedule a demo to find a pricing solution that suits your team.
5. Goody
Goody is an all-in-one platform for business gifting with no address needed. This simple solution lets recipients provide their shipping information once they accept your gift or they can easily swap it for something else if needed. Plus, with their regularly updated gift collections, you can choose from a selection of best-sellers or trending products.
What we love about Goody
Pricing: Goody’s plans vary from a free Starter Plan, a $20 Monthly Plan, or a customizable Team Plan for HR, Sales, and Marketing Teams.
6. WorkTango
WorkTango’s holistic employee recognition and rewards, employee surveys and insights, and goals platform provide an effective employee experience. Its recognition and rewards experience amplifies key organizational values and can help your organization foster connections across hybrid and in-person teams.
What we love about WorkTango
Pricing: Schedule a demo with the WorkTango team to learn more and see how their solution fits into your company’s budget.
7. Motivosity
Motivosity is a workplace solution built to help your team understand every stage of the employee journey. From recruitment to hiring to engagement and development, Motivosity helps your team understand your each of your employee’s career goals and make measurable progress by providing a meaningful growth path. Its employee rewards and recognition add-on helps your team make consistent employee appreciation a reality.
What we love about Motivosity
Pricing: Contact Motivosity to get a pricing quote based on your team’s size and engagement needs. They promise to offer a 6-month money-back guarantee.
8. Awardco
Awardco is an employee recognition platform that promises to offer millions of employee rewards with free shipping and zero markups. This recognition solution has partnered with Amazon Business to make rewarding effective and easy for both the sender and recipient. That means that your company can feel good about gifting your employees something that they actually love.
What we love about Awardco
Pricing: Book a time with Awardco’s sales team to schedule a demo and discover a pricing quote for your company.
9. Mo
Mo’s platform is built to improve retention, increase engagement, and boost productivity. Their software can help your company “drive change faster” with a long feature list from employee engagement and rewards and recognition to communication and insights. Specifically, Mo’s employee recognition can help your team create sustainable engagement habits and celebrate meaningful moments.
What we love about Mo
Pricing: Mo provides a $3 Monthly Starter Plan, a $5 Level Up Plan, or a Custom Plan with advanced security and advanced customer support.
10. Bonusly
Bonusly provides a streamlined, all-in-one engagement platform that fosters candid, social, and expressive recognition. The platform’s global catalog lets you select gift cards from popular brands like Nike, Apple, and Starbucks. You can also display digital signage showing recent bonuses in your workspace.
What we love about Bonusly
Pricing: Bonusly offers $2.70 monthly Core, $4.50 monthly Pro, and Custom Plans for mid-size to large organizations.
Employee Engagement Tools for Feedback
Employees want to know what they’re doing well and where they can improve on a regular basis. And with 36.2 million Americans working remotely, it’s a must to keep this feedback loop open and accessible. Additionally, incorporating reliable feedback is a way to safeguard against quiet quitting or the common practice of employees leaving unexpectedly. Providing consistent and reliable feedback is the perfect way to mitigate that risk while nurturing positive and candid relationships with managers and directs.
Feedback-based employee engagement tools can help your organization cultivate a rhythm of regular feedback that can put both managers and employees at ease. Browse through our top picks to find a platform that best fits your company’s reporting and communication needs.
11. Qualtrics CoreXM
A leader within the employee feedback space, Qualitrics offers three suites to create exceptional customer frontlines, high-performing teams, and products. Qualtrics Core XM, or teams-based performance management, has scalable goal-setting functionalities with automated pulsing for regular feedback.
What we love about Qualtrics CoreXM
Pricing: Contact the Qualtrics CoreXM support team or request a demo to find the right Qualtrics solution for your organization.
12. Culture Amp
Culture Amp’s employee engagement platform can help your organization build high-performing teams through an agile, trusted review process. Managers can review data based on the lifecycle stage of their employees, by demographics, or by time frame with customizable views. This tool is built to foster growth conversations for individual employees, teams, and whole companies wanting a culturally aligned performance process.
What we love about Culture Amp
Pricing: Culture Amp divides its pricing options between company sizes, from 25 to 1,000+ employees, so your organization can choose platform capabilities that align with your goals.
13. Officevibe
Officevibe is an intuitive platform that places managers at the center of their team’s success. Trusted by over 8,000 companies worldwide, Officevibe provides impactful performance and development tools that can be tailored to your team’s needs. Performance reviews, continuous performance monitoring, one-on-one meetings, and OKRs, and goal setting can be accessed and tracked in one place.
What we love about Officevibe
Pricing: Officevibe’s pricing ranges from a free package to a $5 per month package that can be billed annually or monthly.
14. 15Five
15Five is a performance management tool that provides simple and effective reviews for your team to maximize productivity. This tool specializes in actionable engagement surveys that employees actually want to complete and managers can easily understand. These surveys take only 6 minutes and can be completed from anywhere, making engagement as easy as possible.
What we love about 15Five
Pricing: 15Five offers four pricing options which range from $4 per month to $14 per month depending on your company’s platform needs.
15. Reflektive
Reflective’s performance management platform helps companies scale constructive and ongoing conversations to increase employee satisfaction. This platform includes solutions for 1:1 conversations, reviews and check-ins, and feedback cadences. That way, high performers can get their voices heard and receive actionable development insights.
What we love about Reflektive
Pricing: Talk with the Reflektive sales team to schedule a performance management consultation and discuss your company’s engagement goals.
Employee Engagement Tools for Internal Communication and Project Management
With more and more projects to manage, employees to onboard, and growth goals to hit, the need for highly efficient internal communication has dramatically increased. Additionally, with every new communication touchpoint, your company needs a project management solution that grows with you. To find a technical solution that streamlines your team and your work, you’ll need to research the top players. To help you get started, we’ve drafted our top picks:
16. Monday.com
Monday.com is a well-known engagement tool to boost your team’s alignment, efficiency, and productivity. This highly customizable platform can be tailored to suit creative and design, software development, marketing, project management, sales and CRM, task management, HR, and so much more.
What we love about Monday.com
Pricing: Monday.com’s pricing ranges from a free to a $16 seat per month Pro Package to a deluxe Enterprise Package for larger teams.
17. Slack
Slack is a channel-based communication tool with organized systems built to connect your teams across departments, offices, and time zones. This tool also allows you to build your own workflows enabling you to switch between fewer tabs during your routine tasks. Plus, with Slack’s immediate and straightforward internal communication systems, your team can enjoy sending and receiving fewer emails.
What we love about Slack
Pricing: Depending on your organization’s needs, you can select a Free Package or an Enterprise Grid Package for large-scale team collaboration.
18. GoogleMeet
GoogleMeet offers comprehensive video conferencing services ideal for remote, hybrid, and global employees. The video conferencing tools let individuals using different devices and screens connect from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Businesses can use GoogleMeet to conduct meetings with up to 500 internal or external participants.
What we love about GoogleMeet
Pricing: GoogleMeet provides a $6 Business Starter Package, a $12 Business Standard Package, and a $18 Business Plus Package all billed monthly.
19. Asana
Asana is an effective platform for cross-functional work. With calendar tools, timeline charts, goal tracking, automation, and workload management, Asana offers a wide range of management and collaboration capabilities. You can also sync tasks across multiple projects, to see work in different contexts without creating duplicates.
What we love about Asana
Pricing: Asana’s pricing plans range from a Basic free plan to a $24.99 Business Plan that includes advanced integrations with Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, Tableau, and Power BI.
20. ClickUp
ClickUp is a work solution customizable to fit any type of work from personal tasks and team collaboration to company-wide organization. ClickUp’s nonprofit selection is especially useful for tracking funding and calculating budgets in addition to creating and sharing accessible volunteer schedules. ClickUp’s variety of project management, remote work, personal, CRM, and business operations make it really simple to find a solution that works best for your organization.
What we love about ClickUp
Pricing: ClickUp’s pricing provides a Free Package that’s best for personal use along with four other pricing packages that range from $5 monthly to $19 monthly.
Employee Engagement Tools: Final Thoughts
Choosing the right employee engagement tool can be a powerful way to transform your organization’s recognition, feedback, communication, and project management. These tools help you also solve problems before they arise and maintain employee retention.
Did you enjoy this guide to employee engagement tools? Check out these resources to keep learning:
Matching Gifts for Food Security + Anti-Hunger Organizations
/in Learning Center, Fundraising Ideas, Matching Gift Companies, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerFood security and anti-hunger organizations play a critical role in addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges—ensuring that every individual has easy access to nutritious food and resources. However, in order to maximize their impact and extend their reach, such organizations often rely on the support of generous donors and well-thought-out fundraising initiatives. One strategy that holds immense potential for enhancing the financial resources of food security organizations? Matching gift programs.
By leveraging the power of matching gifts, food security organizations can more effectively fuel their missions to eradicate hunger within their communities and beyond.
In this post, we delve into the significance of matching gifts for food security and anti-hunger organizations and how you can set your team up for corporate matching success. This includes:
Here, we’ll explore the ways in which these programs can transform the landscape of food access and contribute to lasting change. As a fundraiser for such a cause, establishing a foundation of knowledge regarding matching gifts and how to make the most of the opportunities is a must.
Let’s dive in!
What to Know About Matching Gifts for Food Security Nonprofits
Anti-hunger organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and other initiatives dedicated to alleviating hunger worldwide, work tirelessly to combat food insecurity and its wide-ranging consequences. But doing so requires access to funding—and making the most of the funds available.
That’s where corporate matching gift opportunities come in! When qualifying donors work for companies that offer corporate matching, the company agrees to make a (typically dollar for dollar) match to the organizations its employees support. And most often, food banks and other anti-hunger organizations are eligible to receive the funding!
Matching gift programs essentially empower donors to stretch their donations twice as far for the nonprofit causes they support. In fact, research shows that incorporating matching gifts in an organization’s overall fundraising strategy results in a 71% increase in donation response rate and a 51% increase in average gift size.
And that’s not even taking into account the additional corporate match funding made available through these programs!
All in all, matching gifts offer an actionable strategy to further the mission of food security organizations—without asking generous donors to reach back into their own wallets to do so.
However, these initiatives continue to be overlooked by qualifying organizations and their donors.
Today, millions of individuals qualify for corporate matching gifts through their employers, though the majority of the group remains unaware of the opportunity at stake. And unfortunately, donors who are unaware of their match-eligibility status are not likely to complete the steps required to secure a matching donation from their employer on your behalf.
The solution? Increasing awareness of matching gift programs among your audience.
Companies That Match Donations to Anti-Hunger Orgs
Tons of companies (including more than 65% of the Fortune 500) offer matching gift programs that inspire employee giving. Typically, anti-hunger causes like yours will qualify for the initiatives—though there are far too many to list.
Here, we wanted to spotlight a few businesses with missions that specifically reflect a vision to alleviate food insecurity.
The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company was founded with a mission to make chocolate accessible to everyone. Today, that mission goes beyond just chocolate, with the company getting involved to support a wide range of food security organizations across the globe.
And one of the most prominent forms of philanthropy offered by the Hershey Company is its matching gift program. Current full-time and retired employees qualify to have the company match their charitable contributions to eligible organizations—including anti-hunger groups and more. Individuals can request up to $5,000 per calendar year on behalf of their favorite causes to which they themselves are also giving.
Learn more about the matching gift program.
Tyson Foods
With a lofty goal to “Feed the World,” as coined through its corporate giving initiatives, Tyson Foods is devoted to supporting the communities in which it operates and its team members reside. And they’re making a big impact, too! In a single year, the company contributed more than $2.5 million and over 18 million pounds of its protein to Feeding America food banks across the nation.
Plus, Tyson Foods encourages its employees to get involved in its efforts through a generous matching gift program. Current full-time and part-time team members can submit gifts between $10 and $1,000 per year to qualifying organizations to be matched at a dollar-for-dollar rate.
Learn more about the matching gift program.
Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company cites its philanthropic impact goal as “working to create sustainable change in our communities.” And it does so by supporting nonprofit partnerships with organizations aiming to produce a systems-based approach to improving food access and healthy living.
One such method, beyond its community grants and multi-year giving initiatives, is the Campbell Soup Foundation’s matching gift program. This offering inspires Campbell employees to get involved by matching donations to eligible nonprofits—including higher education institutions and health and human services.
Full-time, part-time, and retired team members qualify to participate and can request matches between $20 and $1,500 annually.
Learn more about the matching gift program.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo, through the PepsiCo Foundation, states the following in its mission statement: We feed potential. In order to do so, the company aims to support sustainable and innovative solutions that provide nutritious food and other critical resources for underserved communities.
One way that they do so is through the PepsiCo matching gift program. Current full- and part-time employees qualify to request corporate matches for gifts between $25 and $10,000 per year. Most nonprofits are eligible to receive match funding, which includes (but is not limited to), food security organizations and other community missions, educational institutions, environmental groups, and more.
Learn more about the matching gift program.
Starbucks Corporation
Starbucks‘ Partner Match Program is one of the most popular ways in which the company supports a wide range of organizations. Donations made by full-time and part-time US and Canadian employees to most registered nonprofits qualify for matching at a 1:1 ratio up to $1,000 per year. Once the donation has been made, eligible employees have 90 days to submit their matching gift request on behalf of the cause.
Additionally, the Starbucks Foundation encourages current team members to nominate local nonprofits in consideration of generous Neighborhood Grants, which have provided more than $10 million to over 6,000 organizations.
Learn more about the matching gift program.
Top Tips to Amplify Impact with Effective Gift-Matching
By harnessing the power of gift-matching, you can unlock a world of opportunities to enhance your fundraising efforts and extend the reach of your food security organization’s services.
At Double the Donation, we’ve worked with many of the leading anti-hunger groups, and we’ve compiled a list of six tried-and-true tips to do so effectively.
1. Raise awareness of matching gift programs among supporters.
More than 78% of eligible individuals have no idea that their employer will match their gifts to charitable causes like yours. And that’s why so many matching gifts to unclaimed each year.
Thus, the first step in establishing an effective matching gift strategy for your organization is to educate your supporters about this opportunity.
We recommend employing various marketing channels, such as your…
With these tactics, you can effectively share information and success stories related to matching gifts, exposing supporters to the invaluable opportunity. When donors are aware of the programs, they want to get involved.
As you get started, consider working off our optimized matching gift messaging templates and examples to see best practices like these in action. This should include providing ample context regarding the programs, incorporating clear and specific calls to action, and more.
2. Communicate the amplified financial impact of matching.
From the donor’s perspective, one of the greatest benefits of participating in a matching gift program is the ability for their contributions to stretch twice as far. After all, they already care about your mission—to reduce food insecurity. Of course, they’ll want to make a more significant impact at no extra cost to them!
Thus, be sure to emphasize this amplified donation impact in all of your matching gift communications. You can even put it in specific, tangible terms to better demonstrate the value. For example, if your organization advertises that a $5 donation will feed a family of four for a day, you can clarify that a matched $5 gift can support two families.
3. Collect employment data to uncover match-eligible donors.
One key strategy to maximize the potential of gift matching involves collecting and maintaining accurate employment data for your donors. This will allow your team to compare the information against top matching gift companies (such as the ones listed above) and identify match-eligible gifts.
To gather the necessary data, start by including fields for an individual’s employer name in your donation forms. You can also request employment details in post-donation follow-ups and more. Remember that this information can get stale relatively quickly, not to mention matching gift program qualifications are constantly changing, so it’s important to collect this data on a regular basis to stay up to date.
(Hint: this is particularly easy when using a matching gift tool that integrates with your online giving platforms.)
4. Thoroughly research companies’ matching gift program guidelines.
Not all matching gift companies have the same policies in place, so taking time to research donors’ employers can go a long way. By delving into the specifics of each program, you can identify the most advantageous opportunities for your organization and effectively communicate these details to supporters.
And you don’t want to discount your cause from a company’s program without a closer look, either. For example, many food pantries and soup kitchens are associated with religious groups like churches. But if you see a donor’s giving initiative bars matching to faith-based organizations—don’t fret! Most companies that exclude strictly religious causes include an addendum to the policy stating that religiously affiliated groups providing social services (like food security initiatives) do, in fact, qualify for matching gifts.
Still, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to matching gift eligibility, so it’s a good idea to conduct thorough research regardless. We recommend utilizing a comprehensive matching gift database to make this task as easy as can be.
5. Explore corporate partnerships with food-focused businesses.
Matching gifts aren’t the only type of corporate philanthropy to consider for your anti-hunger cause, either! In fact, pursuing strategic partnerships with for-profit businesses can unleash advantages for both parties involved.
For example, you might ask a local grocery store if they’d be willing to donate nonperishable food items to stock your pantry. Or even host a food drive out of their business that encourages shoppers to participate!
Alternatively, you could solicit a restaurant or catering business to prepare a meal to serve at your organization’s soup kitchen.
Depending on your nonprofit programming and the companies in your area, the opportunities are endless. And if you’re looking to get your foot in the door with a potential corporate sponsor, taking a look at your donors’ employers that are already supporting your cause through matching gifts can be a great start. In fact, the donors who work for those companies can be some of your greatest champions in advocating for such partnerships!
6. Scale efficiencies with matching gift automation.
Running a food security program can be a lot of work. You may even be operating with limited staff and resources, which could make strategically pursuing matching gifts seem like an impossible task. But that’s where automation comes in to take the brunt of the effort off your team’s plate. Instead, scaling up efficiency and overall results.
Double the Donation’s matching gift software can maximize matching gifts for food security and anti-hunger organizations with the following features:
Matching gift automation tools can significantly reduce the administrative burden associated with promoting and managing matching gifts. Plus, it makes things easier for participating donors, too! This ultimately allows your organization to focus on its core mission while reaping the benefits of corporate matching—without lifting a finger.
Next Steps
Now, begin pursuing matching gifts for food security groups by implementing these tips and tricks in your fundraising strategy.
When actively promoting and facilitating matching gifts, anti-hunger organizations can tap into the generosity of individuals and corporate entities alike. And ultimately, it allows you to grow your return on investment and do more for the individuals receiving your services.
Watch the video below to learn how Daily Table leverages Double the Donation to increase matching gift funds and better serve their community.
Daily Table – Matching Gift Success from Double the Donation on Vimeo.
Interested in learning more about maximizing your matching gift practices? We’ve compiled a few recommended resources:
Matching Gifts and Animal Rescues | How to Double Impact
/in Fundraising Ideas, Learning Center, Matching Gift Companies, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerWhen it comes to running an animal rescue, there are a few things we can assume about you. First of all, that you’re devoted to the animals in your care. And second, that you want your animal organization’s fundraising dollars to go as far as possible to best support the furry (or feathered, scaly, etc.) friends depending on your services.
The solution? Matching gifts!
Matching gifts and animal rescues go hand in hand—or paw in paw, if you will. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know as an animal rescue team member to make the most of matching gifts for your cause. This includes:
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
The Basics of Matching Gifts for Animal Rescues
Matching gifts can significantly impact just about any nonprofit group—animal rescues included. These powerful programs allow organizations to double their impact, empowering eligible donors to get involved with their companies’ programs.
Specifically, matching gifts are a form of corporate philanthropy where businesses match employees’ charitable donations to eligible nonprofit causes. This means that if an individual donates to their local pet shelter, their employer will contribute an equal (or sometimes larger) amount, effectively doubling the initial gift. It’s an incredible opportunity for individual donors to amplify their impact and make a greater difference in the lives of animals in need.
Thus, as an animal rescue fundraiser, matching gifts maximize the support coming your way. Research even shows that individual donors are more likely to give, and more likely to give in larger amounts, when they know that matching is available!
However, matching gifts continue to remain a severely underutilized revenue source for qualifying nonprofits. And that’s because most eligible supporters have never been made aware of the programs. Because individual donors typically have to complete and submit their own matching gift forms for their employers, a lack of familiarity with the opportunity results in substantial amounts of unclaimed funding.
Today, an increasing number of organizations are taking steps to close the knowledge and consequent funding gaps with strategic matching gift promotions and guidance—and we recommend that your animal mission gets on board.
Tips for a Pawsitive Matching Gift Experience
Maximizing matching gifts for animal rescues doesn’t have to be difficult. Check out these recommended tips that are already being used by organizations across the globe.
1. Use animal-related imagery in communications to illustrate impact.
You likely understand that imagery is used in nonprofit marketing materials to attract and retain an audience’s attention. This is especially beneficial regarding matching gift communications. After all, corporate donation-matching is likely to be a new idea for many of your donors—and an abstract one at that.
Utilizing familiar, impactful imagery can go a long way toward deepening the connection with your audience. Plus, it helps demonstrate the concepts involved with matching gifts through photo, graphic, and video content that reflects your organization’s tangible mission values. Think: twin kittens or a bonded pair of dogs.
You already know that your donors support your cause. Use visual elements to reiterate that they can do even more with a corporate match, enabling your team to further its lifesaving work, providing vital medical attention, shelter, and loving homes for the animals in your care.
2. Share company-specific matching gift guideline information.
Each company that offers to match employee donations is able to establish its own unique set of matching gift eligibility criteria. Most often, this includes a combination of:
However, donors who are learning about matching gifts for the first time through your organization are not likely to know where to look for this information. Rather than allowing it to cause a roadblock for supporters, make an effort to provide the relevant details to your donors directly.
For example, if you know an individual works for the Walt Disney Company, research the company’s guidelines so that your donor doesn’t have to. Then, present them with the information you’ve uncovered on the gift confirmation page (if you use a matching gift tool) or in a follow-up email.
3. Guide matching gift donors through the process.
Once you or your donor has confirmed a gift’s match eligibility, the individual can begin to initiate the process. Typically, this involves a brief online form, with the donor providing details about your organization and their recent transaction.
Make it easy for your supporters to do their part by streamlining things on your end! As you did with the eligibility criteria, locate information regarding your donors’ matching gift submission processes to ultimately reduce the extent of the task that’s being asked of them.
Then, send them a link to the online portal and encourage them to submit the form. If you know the company is going to ask for information about your organization, proactively share the details they’ll need—such as your mailing address and tax ID number.
4. Automate the experience with a matching gift tool.
Without the right resources in your fundraising toolkit, effectively marketing matching gift opportunities to your audience can be a daunting task. Luckily, Double the Donation aims to simplify the process with our best-in-class matching gift automation platform. And it empowers organizations like yours to trigger personalized matching gift communications that inform donors about gift-matching, streamline requests, and more.
Specifically, Double the Donation…
This allows your team to save time, energy, and resources that can be reallocated to other high-value tasks—such as next-level animal rescue fundraising and caring for your furry friends in need.
Interested in seeing how other leading fundraising organizations have elevated their fundraising with matching gift technology? Check out this compilation of inspirational case studies—including one from Humane Society International!
5. Seek additional corporate partnership opportunities.
Matching gifts are one of the most prevalent forms of corporate philanthropy, but they’re certainly not the only kind out there for your animal rescue. Still, an effective matching gift strategy can help your team uncover additional partnership opportunities.
For example, if you see that a significant segment of your donor base works for a particular employer, you might decide to reach out to the company to seek a sponsorship. If the company already participates in matching employee gifts, even better! You already know that it’s a socially responsible business that has a lot in common with your rescue.
And if it’s one that doesn’t already match gifts, consider imploring them to consider a one-off matching gift initiative benefitting your nonprofit! You can even encourage your donors to advocate for a program on your behalf.
We recommend prioritizing companies that share similar values to your own. For example, a pet-related business (such as a pet supply shop, a grooming business, or even a company that sells cleaning products targeting pet owners) may be interested in sponsoring your upcoming fundraising event. After all, you share a love of animals, and your target audiences are likely to overlap as well.
Companies That Match to Animal Rescue Organizations
Thousands of companies, large and small, have these programs in place as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Tons will match donations made to animal rescues like yours, but we’ve selected a few standout examples to explore below.
Pets Best Insurance
Pets Best Insurance, a subsidiary of Synchrony Financial, is proud to offer a corporate matching gifts program that reflects its commitment to supporting the welfare of both animals and society as a whole. Through this program, Pets Best Insurance encourages its employees to contribute to nonprofit animal rescue organizations and other charitable causes, amplifying their impact by matching individual donations.
Currently, full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the program. Each team member is able to request matches between $25 and $25,000 to qualifying causes. Among animal rescues are educational institutions (K-12 included), health and human services, arts and cultural organizations, civic and community organizations, environmental groups, and many other 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
Hills Pet Nutrition
As a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive, Hills Pet Nutrition has designed its corporate matching gift program to make a meaningful difference in its community. And, of course, the furry friends it serves are key beneficiaries when the company matches employee donations to qualifying animal rescues and other charities.
At a dollar-for-dollar rate, full- and part-time team members are eligible to request corporate matching of up to $8,000 per employee per year. Along with animal rescues, other causes the company supports include a variety of education, health, community, and environmental nonprofits.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo and other General Mills subsidiaries offer generous matching gift programs in which they encourage employees to participate. Thus, not only does Blue Buffalo’s match initiative demonstrate the company’s dedication to supporting the welfare of animals, but it also inspires and motivates employees to give back to causes they care about.
With a match ratio of up to 2:1, Blue Buffalo employees can triple the impact of the gifts they contribute to qualifying organizations. Each team member can request between $25 and $1,000 per year, and the company even matches gifts made by retired employees as well!
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
Zoetis
Formerly under Pfizer and now an independent pharmaceutical company, Zoetis is the largest animal health company across the globe. And it’s devoted to animal (and overall) welfare even beyond its own offerings. By supporting charitable causes—including animal-focused organizations—through its matching gift program, Zoetis makes giving back a priority.
Plus, its employees are encouraged to take the reins with the giving program by supporting their own favorite charities and requesting associated corporate matches. Processed through the Zoetis Foundation, employee donations, along with their associated matches, support more than 119,000 pet owners in need and provide over $7.7 million for animals and the people who care for them each year.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
ADM Animal Nutrition
An Archer Daniels Midland company, ADM Animal Nutrition is a leading manufacturer of animal nutrition products. And its matching gift program goes to support animal welfare as well!
Current full-time team members qualify to request matches from ADM regarding gifts between $100 and $5,000 each year. Among animal rescue organizations, most registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits supported by ADM Animal Nutrition or other ADM employees qualify to receive such funding.
Learn more about the matching gift program here.
And that’s only a small percentage of the companies that match gifts to nonprofit organizations—for most of which, animal rescue groups like yours will qualify!
Dive into even more generous matching gift companies with lists like this. Or employ a matching gift database to uncover information on any corporate philanthropy opportunity in seconds.
Matching Gift Communication: Sample Wording for Animal Rescues
Ready to begin promoting matching gifts to your nonprofit rescue’s audience? These examples can offer an excellent headstart as you develop your personalized strategy.
Matching Gift Email Template
Matching Gift Facebook Post Template
Matching Gift Tweet Template
Matching Gift Text Message Template
Your animal rescue organization likely invests in smart fundraising strategies to generate revenue needed to fund your day-to-day and mission-based activities. If you haven’t explored the opportunity already, matching gifts can scale the impact of your efforts to new heights. And you certainly don’t want to miss out on this stream of no-cost funding—so it’s time to get started!
Learn more—Dive deeper into the world of corporate matching gifts with these recommended resources for your organization:
GiveSmart by Community Brands Integrates with Double the Donation in New Matching Gift Partnership
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerDouble the Donation and GiveSmart by Community Brands have just released a new integration on GiveSmart fundraising forms with Double the Donation’s advanced matching gift automation software. The new integration allows nonprofits to raise more from matching gifts by taking the stress out of discovering donors’ match eligibility.
The new integration focuses on helping donors discover their eligibility and deepen their impact without having to reach back into their own pockets.
“Matching gifts are a great fundraising resource because the number one roadblock is a simple issue of donor awareness,” said Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “Our new integration interacts with donors at the time of giving to help remove that roadblock.”
Read on to learn more about the integration and how it benefits mutual users of GiveSmart fundraising and Double the Donation.
Activate in Seconds and Start Raising More in Matching Gifts!
The GiveSmart and Double the Donation teams have made sure that setup is simple for nonprofit clients. When an organization goes to their GiveSmart settings and navigates to integrations, they’ll be able to enter their public and private API keys from their Double the Donation account. Once they’ve entered their keys and verified their connection, they can then add the Double the Donation auto-complete search tool to all relevant donation forms.
Once Double the Donation is placed on the nonprofit’s donation forms, their donors can then search their company name during the giving process. Once the donor has completed their gift, they can check their email for a personalized message from the nonprofit, powered by Double the Donation, prompting them to continue the matching gift process and submit their match request.
Donors deepen their impact while nonprofits can engage with their supporter base in new and exciting ways that encourage more boosted revenue!
Drive More Matching Gifts to Completion with Double the Donation!
The GiveSmart and Double the Donation integration responds to nonprofit and school requests for powerful integrated matching automation. Some more benefits of this automation can be found below:
Ready to start raising more with matching gifts? Schedule a personalized demo today.
About GiveSmart by Community Brands: GiveSmart is a fundraising, event management and donor management software with the mission to help nonprofits, schools, and foundations reach their fundraising goals while creating an engaging, exciting, and easy year-round giving experience for donors. GiveSmart has helped its partners raise over $6 billion. Learn more at givesmart.com.
About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. Double the Donation integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up appropriately with donors about matching gifts.
Double the Donation and Allegiance Group Enhance WeDidIt Integration to Streamline Matching Gift Experience
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerAllegiance Group and Double the Donation are excited to announce their expanded matching gift integration. These partners remain committed to helping fundraising organizations fully harness the power of corporate matching gifts as a funding and donor engagement tool. Allegiance Group’s WeDidIt donation forms now integrate directly with 360MatchPro, Double the Donation’s industry leading matching gift software.
With the new 360MatchPro integration, WeDidIt clients can more fully engage donors with matching gifts and track that engagement throughout the matching gift process. Specifically, 360MatchPro can now embed seamlessly into WeDidIt forms and present donors with their exact matching gift next steps on those confirmation pages. Allowing donors to kick off the matching gift request process immediately following their contribution increases follow-through and empowers donors while they are still in the giving mindset.
Along with providing donors their matching gift next steps on the confirmation page, this enhanced integration will allow mutual clients to automate matching gift outreach to all donors post-contribution. These matching gift emails serve as an engaging touchpoint and increase client success in identifying match opportunities and driving those matches to completion. By using this enhanced 360MatchPro and WeDidIt integration, nonprofits will be equipped to take a more proactive approach to matching gifts and track their progress along the way. Within their 360MatchPro dashboard, clients will be able to access rich matching gift strategy insights.
“While helping donors navigate corporate matching can unlock your success, manually following up with donors and tracking their engagement can present challenges,” says Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “This enhanced WeDidIt integration eliminates those manual steps so that nonprofits can drive more matches to completion with less effort.”
360MatchPro works seamlessly with Allegiance Group’s WeDidIt donation forms, improving the matching gift experience for donors. Leveraging this automation, nonprofits can feel confident in their matching gift efforts.
Activate in Seconds and Start Raising More from Matching Gifts!
Activating the WeDidIt and 360MatchPro integration is simple. Once nonprofits navigate to the organizations setting within their WeDidIt account, they just need to retrieve their public and private API keys from their 360MatchPro account and plug them into the 360MatchPro by Double the Donation section.
From there, you can select which campaigns you would like to activate 360MatchPro on specifically within your WeDidIt campaigns settings! Once organizations begin leveraging the integration, they will be able to determine their donor’s matching gift eligibility during the donation process and provide eligible donors their matching gift next steps on the confirmation page. From there, organizations can send automated matching gift emails to encourage submission!
This integration can help fuel matching gift revenue for organizations!
Looking to learn more? Check out our in-depth integration guide to get started.
Drive More Matching Gifts to Completion with 360MatchPro!
360MatchPro ensures your matching gift opportunities don’t fall through the cracks.
Take advantage of this solution to:
Ready to drive matching gifts for your next fundraising effort? Schedule a personalized demo to learn how matching gifts can fund your mission.
About Allegiance Group: Allegiance Group helps you grow your supporter file, increase giving loyalty, elevate your brand experiences and enhance your technologies. To learn more, visit: https://teamallegiance.com/contact-us/
About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The 360MatchPro platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. 360MatchPro integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up appropriately with donors about matching gifts. To learn more, visit https://360matchpro.com/demo-request/
Tiltify Partners with Double the Donation for Matching Gifts Integration
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerDouble the Donation and Tiltify answer the call for advanced matching gift functionality with an all new integration between Tiltify donation forms and Fouble the Donation, the leading matching gift automation software for nonprofits and educational institutions.
The integration now enables Tiltify viewers and donors to increase their impact by discovering their matching gift eligibility and taking their next steps toward matching gift success.
“We’re excited to offer organizations the opportunity to interact further with their donors through Tiltify, educating donors about their match eligibility in the process,” says Adam Weinger, President at Double the Donation. “This integration keeps the process seamless for those donors but provides that essential information that could result in a match.”
Read on to learn more about the Tiltify and Double the Donation Integration!
Activate in Seconds and Start Raising More from Matching Gifts!
Activating the Double the Donation and Tiltify integration takes a matter of minutes. After retrieving their public and private API keys from their Double the Donation account, organizations can plug those keys into their Tiltify account in their integrations module.
From here, Double the Donation will be activated across their Tiltify fundraising pages!
For donors, the process is even easier. After a donor makes a gift on a Tiltify donation page, they’ll be prompted to search their company name, then be presented with their next steps toward matching gift success with the Double the Donation matching gift plugin.
Once the donor hits “Go to Matching Gift Form” on the Double the Donation matching gift plugin, that donation record will flow into the organization’s Double the Donation account for recording and tracking. Anonymous donations will not include a name when passed into Double the Donation.
Drive More Matching Gifts to Completion with Double the Donation!
Double the Donation and Tiltify have partnered so nonprofits boost their revenue with powerful matching gift automation software and engage their donors in a new way.
Some additional features organizations can expect to leverage with Double the Donation:
Ready to start raising more with matching gifts? Schedule a personalized demo today.
About Tiltify: Tiltify is a social fundraising platform that brings together digital communities, charities, and brands to do social good across the globe. With innovative fundraising engagement tools such as polls, milestones, and rewards as well as interactive overlays, Tiltify is a charity fundraising platform built for digital communities.
About Double the Donation: Automate your matching gift fundraising with the industry-leading solution from Double the Donation. The Double the Donation platform provides nonprofits with tools to identify match-eligible donors, drive matches to completion, and gain actionable insights. Double the Donation integrates directly into donation forms, CRMs, social fundraising software, and other nonprofit technology solutions to capture employment information and follow up appropriately with donors about matching gifts.
Marketing Matching Gifts | A Guide for Avid Fundraisers
/in Learning Center, Learning Center, About Double the Donation, Marketing Strategies /by Adam WeingerMatching gift programs are an excellent way for nonprofits to engage supporters, double donations, and leverage corporate partners. However, a significant lack of awareness could be holding your organization back. And that’s where marketing matching gifts comes in!
In this guide, we’ll break it down as effectively as possible by covering the following topics:
Your donors love to support your cause. And matching gifts are another powerful way that they can do so!
Strategically incorporating corporate giving into your outreach will put you on the path to reaching (and surpassing) your fundraising goals. Let’s get started.
The Basics: What Is Matching Gift Marketing?
Matching gift marketing is the process a nonprofit or other fundraising institution takes to proactively promote corporate or employee matching gift programs to its supporters.
This often involves driving awareness of program availability in the first place, reminding donors of their eligibility, and encouraging qualifying individuals to complete their end of the matching gift process.
When done well, marketing matching gifts enables donors—and the charitable causes they support—to maximize the impact of their dollars.
The Value of Effectively Marketing Matching Gifts
Mission-driven organizations need every dollar they can get in order to fund their programming and day-to-day operations. Luckily, matching gifts are an effective way to increase an organization’s revenue without asking too much of individual donors.
Current corporate giving trends point to growing generosity among companies, particularly through matching gift programs. As a nonprofit professional, strategically promoting these philanthropic opportunities can substantially increase your team’s fundraising potential. Just think about what you could do with double the funding.
After all, the most common reason why donors don’t submit match requests is that they don’t know their employer offers such a program. Recent studies even estimate that:
This results in only an estimated 10% of eligible donors ultimately going on to complete the matching gift process on behalf of the organizations to which they give. And it’s a leading cause of the funding gap we see each year—with $4 to $7 billion in matching gift funds going unclaimed on an annual basis.
Marketing matching gifts is a direct solution to this critical problem.
Plus, promoting matching gift opportunities in donor outreach has even been known to result in increased individual giving, as well! 84% of donors say they’re more likely to donate if a match is offered, and 1 in 3 donors indicate they’d give a larger gift if matching is applied.
So not only do matching gift programs double donations, but they also encourage donors to increase their original gift—making the matched gift larger, too!
And since supporters love getting involved, it can also offer an excellent source of engagement. It allows your team an opportunity to interact and deepen your relationships with donors without making an additional request for funds.
Best Practices for Successful Matching Gift Marketing
Marketing matching gifts is an investment, but smart practices can allow your team to maximize its ROI. Make the most of your efforts by implementing these tried-and-true tips and tricks!
Train your internal team.
A nonprofit’s internal team should be some of the organization’s most valuable matching gift champions. That said, if you’re looking to increase your marketing results, it’s important to ensure that your own team of paid staff and volunteers is up to speed beforehand.
Specifically, we recommend forming a dedicated workplace giving team made up of members from marketing, volunteer, and other key departments.
This group will address and streamline specific roles in the matching gift process—such as managing CSR vendor portals, verifying donations, and more. Not to mention, you’ll always have someone to answer donors’ questions about how or why matching gifts matter and how to get involved.
Tip: Get started with some of the educational resources in our online hub here—such as the Ultimate Guide to Securing Matching Gift Buy-In, our complete Matching Gift Academy, and more.
Consider your timing.
Matchable donations have lifespans, so it’s important to promote matching gifts to eligible donors before the clock runs. A supporter can’t donate one year and submit a matching gift request for that donation a few years down the line, which means the cadence of your messaging is crucial.
For the best results, we recommend sending your first matching gift promotions in the first 24 hours after an individual donates to your cause. This allows you to re-engage supporters while your mission—and their recent donation—is still at the forefront of their minds and giving momentum remains high.
(Hint: automation software that integrates with your fundraising tools can ensure you won’t let any potential matches slip through the cracks—but more on that later!)
Another popular option involves sending year-end matching appeals, which remind donors of impending corporate deadlines as the calendar year comes to a close. This time of year, also known as the giving season, tends to see increased generosity anyway. So it’s the perfect chance to should ramp up your promotions to new and unclaimed matching gift donors concerning the opportunities—and the urgency—at stake.
Leverage multimedia elements.
It’s important to make your matching gift marketing efforts stand out to your audience, and multimedia elements can be a great way to do so. By incorporating relevant photos, graphics, videos, and more, you can more effectively grab and retain your supporters’ attention!
Even fundraising eCards like the one pictured above can help differentiate your messaging with unique and engaging visual elements!
Employ an omnichannel marketing strategy.
Impactful matching gift marketing relies on a well-thought-out promotional plan. In most cases, employing a single outreach tactic is not enough.
Instead, omnichannel promotions empower your team to effectively break through the marketing clutter and strengthen connections with your audience. The more familiar your audience is with the concept and availability of corporate matching gifts, the more likely they are to partake. And the higher the revenue you can expect to see!
We’ll walk through our recommended marketing channels in depth below. But in short, it’s a good idea to incorporate matching gift promotions in your digital outreach (like emails and texts), on your nonprofit website, and more
Key Matching Gift Marketing Channels for Nonprofits
Speaking of omni- (or multi-) channel marketing, how should you determine which mediums to employ in your strategy?
We’ve outlined the most common channels—which include an organization’s email, social media, online presence, SMS messaging, and direct mail—below.
Email
Email outreach is a vital component of online fundraising. Not to mention, it’s significantly lower cost than its direct mail counterpart and offers additional benefits in terms of sustainability as well.
Plus, it’s a versatile medium with multiple ways to engage supporters. These include:
Digital Newsletters
With enough space to incorporate a quick blurb or even a full article, electronic newsletters are a great place to educate donors about matching gifts. You might even send a quarterly biannual edition dedicated solely to matching gifts!
Acknowledgment Emails
When your nonprofit receives a gift, you should always say thank you. And more than likely, you have some sort of automated system in place to trigger emailed donation receipts. So use those messages as a way to promote matching gifts! Recent donations are fresh on donors’ minds, and a little nudge saying that they can double their donations without shelling out another cent can go a long way.
However, having a dedicated matching gift email cadence (in addition to your initial gift acknowledgments) typically produces even greater results results.
Dedicated Match Emails
Unfortunately, many donors simply skim and discard (or just discard) acknowledgment emails. That’s why you’ll want to send a follow-up email just for matching gift information to make sure it gets through. And these can be targeted for each donor, providing company-specific details regarding the next steps and submission forms, too!
And remember to focus on donation (and matching gift) impact! This is likely to be one of your most valuable matching gift marketing tools, so make the most of it with a well-thought-out digital outreach plan.
For the best results, be sure your emails are sent from your organization’s own email domain (rather than a third-party service) to instill a sense of trust in the recipient. You’ll also want to brand your emails with your nonprofit’s consistent graphic style—including colors, logos, fonts, and more.
Email Signatures
Chances are that your team sends a ton of emails. When you incorporate matching gifts in your email signatures, every message is a chance to promote the opportunity. All you need is a simple blurb or a graphic (branded to your organization!) about corporate giving. This can increase awareness and be the needed push for donors to learn more or submit their matches.
The bottom line is that whether you market matching gifts in your email signatures, newsletters, acknowledgments, or separate match-specific messages, email allows you to showcase matching gifts in a prominent way.
Social media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are being increasingly used by nonprofit teams to spread their messages to wide-reaching audiences. These sites have become powerful tools for fundraising pushes and engagement opportunities—which means sharing matching gift information should be a no-brainer.
In order to best appeal to your followers and inspire action, it’s important to keep up with current trends and practices. For example, we recommend incorporating eye-catching graphics with short and sweet captions, hashtags, and more.
Just be sure to include links to additional resources—such as your website—where donors can take a deeper dive into the topic!
Website
Your nonprofit’s website is the centralized hub for all information regarding your cause and how to get involved. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a great place to market revenue opportunities like matching gifts.
And there are a few key ways that we recommend doing so.
Dedicated Matching Gift Page
A dedicated matching gift page on your organization’s website can be an excellent space to overview the matching gift opportunity and a donor’s role within it. The goal is to give donors a centralized resource to learn about matching gifts and to be spurred into relevant action.
Consider incorporating additional details such as inspirational matching gift statistics or annual matching gift figures. If you subscribe to a matching gift service like Double the Donation, include your matching gift company search tool on this page, too.
Fun fact! 93% of the leading peer-to-peer nonprofits host a dedicated matching gift page on their websites and/or event pages.
Ways to Give Page
More than likely, you already have a Ways to Give page on your organization’s website. As this is an ideal space for supporters to learn about all of their donation options to your nonprofit, it’s important to add matching gifts to the list.
This can incorporate a quick matching gift blurb that links to your more built-out match page for additional information. Depending on how your Ways to Give page is structured, you might even be able to embed your matching gift tool here as well!
Navigation Bar
Once you’ve developed in-depth matching gift website content, make sure it’s easy to find from your website’s home page. Our recommendation? Add your matching gift page to your website’s navigation bar!
Incorporating a link to your matching gift page in your primary site menu (or a drop-down “Giving” submenu) allows donors to intuitively discover the opportunity. If an individual browses your website and has never heard of corporate philanthropy, simply seeing there’s a page about it can spark curiosity.
Blogs
Does your team host blog content on your website regarding organizational updates, fundraising wins and efforts, and more? If so, be sure to share an article or two dedicated to matching gift opportunities!
Blog posts are a great way to start the conversation about corporate giving while also evoking emotion in readers. For example, you might demonstrate the importance of matching gifts through tangible impact stories while educating your audience about how to submit the necessary forms.
Double the Donation even offers prewritten matching gift articles that you can use to get started!
Donation Process
The best time to promote matching gifts is when your donors are actively supporting your organization. There’s no time like the present, and people are already in a giving mood. Why not inform them about how they can give twice as much?
That’s why marketing matching gifts directly within your donation process is a must. Specifically, your online giving page can be a vital tool for collecting employment information—which should then inform your personalized outreach strategy.
All you need to do here is include a brief mention of matching gifts on your donation form. Contextualize your request for employer data as a means of determining match eligibility status. You can even say something along the lines of, “Keep an eye out for additional information regarding matching gift opportunities after you submit your gift.”
From there, we also recommend highlighting matching gifts on your donation confirmation screen!
With a matching gift tool, you can provide automated insights based on the employer a donor selected on the previous page. This should include company minimum and maximum donation amounts, match ratios, qualifying nonprofits, employee types, and direct links to online submission forms.
Online Ads
As a fundraising organization, you likely aim to keep your marketing costs low, so you may have skipped over paid advertisement channels altogether. However, online search ads may be available to your group at no cost through in-kind sponsorships like Google’s advertising grant.
The Google Grant provides ad space up to $10,000 per month to qualifying nonprofits. If eligible, your organization can promote your online matching gift content on relevant search engine results pages for free!
This is a great way to increase your mission’s visibility to a wider audience, inspiring new and existing donors alike to support your cause through matching gifts and more.
Text message
SMS text messaging is an underrated form of outreach that can produce big results by meeting your supporters where they are—on their mobile devices! Thus, it makes sense that it can be a key component of a well-rounded matching gift digital marketing strategy.
We recommend using personalized texts as a way to nudge match-eligible donors toward submitting their requests. However, you can even send organization-wide SMS blasts to increase general awareness of matching gifts—and encourage all supporters to look into the opportunity.
Direct mail
The debate between paper communications and online means has raged on for years. While electronic outreach is quick and easy, some donors still prefer to stay in touch via direct mail. Nonetheless, employing both types of marketing channels in tandem works best.
If you’re interested in incorporating physical mailings in your matching gift marketing strategy, this might include a combination of printed matching gift letters, postcards, paper inserts, newsletters, return envelopes, and more.
Since direct mail costs can quickly add up, however, we recommend retaining snail mailings for your highest-value donor segments.
Building Out an Impactful Matching Gift Marketing Toolkit
Just about any modern marketing endeavor relies on technology with which to plan and carry out the strategy. And oftentimes, the better-equipped the technology, the better the results (and the ROI).
The same is true when it comes to promoting matching gift opportunities to your audience. Thus, it’s essential that you empower your team with the right tools in your toolkit. Here’s what we recommend!
A Matching Gift Automation Platform
Employing dedicated matching gift software opens the door to a multitude of impactful marketing—and revenue—opportunities.
With Double the Donation’s matching gift platform, you can embed this industry-leading database tool directly on your website and donation forms. This way, supporters can easily discover whether they qualify for matching and receive detailed insights regarding their companies’ programs to get started.
More specifically, Double the Donation:
And the results are great! In fact, recent findings show that leveraging a matching gift automation tool like Double the Donation increases matching gift revenue for nonprofits by an average of 61%.
Get started! Request a demo of the automation platform here.
Integrable Fundraising Technologies
Matching gift software can go a long way toward optimizing marketing efforts and bringing awareness to donors. But it relies on an ecosystem of fundraising technology integrations to provide a seamless experience for nonprofits and their donors.
Luckily, Double the Donation integrates with 90+ of the industry’s largest technology providers. Empowering organizations to streamline matching gifts with ease, these include:
Interested? Get started by searching our native integrations here.
Bonus! How Companies Can Market Matching Gifts to Employees
Tons of companies offer matching gift programs. But the extent to which they promote the opportunities to their employees can vary drastically. In fact, the aforementioned studies indicate that only 19% of companies include substantial information regarding matching gift programs in their easily accessible employee-facing materials.
That’s why more and more nonprofits are taking a proactive approach to matching gift promotions. It also means there’s a significant opportunity for companies to ramp up their internal marketing of the programs among employees.
This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:
Matching gift companies get the highest return on their investment when employees make the most of available programming. Ultimately, increased marketing efforts by companies, in addition to nonprofit marketing pushes, are likely to result in strengthened philanthropic partnerships that benefit all parties involved.
Wrapping Up & Additional Resources
All in all, marketing matching gifts involves using a variety of promotional and engagement strategies to increase awareness regarding the opportunity and ultimately drive more matches to completion.
Effective marketing involves a multifaceted approach—so get started implementing these strategies in your fundraising strategy as soon as possible. It’ll be a win-win for your organization, its donors, the companies supporting your efforts, your mission beneficiaries, and more.
On your mark(eting)…get set…go!
Interested in learning more about marketing matching gifts to your audience? Check out our recommended further reading:
14 Types of Matching Gift Letters Every Nonprofit Should Send
/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerCorporate matching gifts have significant nonprofit fundraising potential, and one of the easiest, most effective ways to raise awareness for these programs is through personalized donor outreach. Whether through traditional or digital channels, smart matching gift letters can inform donors about the opportunities and encourage them to get involved.
And there are a wide variety of letters you can send to boost results.
To elevate your matching gift potential, we recommend incorporating these types of letters in your team’s donation-matching communications:
In this guide, we’ll walk through the above kinds of matching gift letters, explaining how each can benefit your organization and its audience. Plus, we’ll share sample copy and inspiring examples that can bring your team’s messaging to the next level.
By providing donors with detailed information on how easy and important it is to submit matching gift requests to their employers, you can drive more matches to completion. Incorporating messaging that emphasizes these points can be particularly effective in your outreach.
Ready to maximize corporate and individual donations with well-crafted matching gift fundraising letters and use cases? Let’s get started!
Letter #1 – Fundraising Appeal Matching Gift Letters
As a nonprofit fundraiser, you surely understand the need to make your gift appeals stand out in your supporters’ mailboxes—whether physical or virtual.
Luckily, incorporating matching gift information in your fundraising requests can go a long way! In fact, our research indicates that 84% of supporters are more likely to donate if a match is being offered. And 1 in 3 would give a larger gift if matching is to be applied.
The result? A 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average donation amount when matching is mentioned in fundraising appeals.
Check out this example to see it in action:
This type of matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift appeal letter template:
Remember: your donors want to make a difference for the cause your nonprofit is pursuing. When presented with the opportunity to make their dollars go even further, supporters are often eager to get involved.
Letter #2 – Donation Acknowledgment Matching Gift Letters
Your communications after an individual supports your cause should help demonstrate your gratefulness for their giving. But did you know that your acknowledgment letters can also function as one of your first post-donation opportunities to promote matching gifts?
Donor thank-you letters (or emails!) can be written with customizable templates in which you insert a donor’s name, brand it to your organization, and provide a few other details in order to deliver a personal touch. For example, we recommend calling out specific gifts. Instead of a general “Thanks for the donation!” you can say, “We so appreciate your generous $100 contribution on May 5th, 2023.”
From there, consider plugging in a bit of information pertaining to matching gifts. It can be as simple as this: “Keep an eye out for ways to make your support go even further. We’ll send a separate email in the next few days regarding matching gifts.” In the meantime, you could even direct them to your dedicated matching gift web page to learn more!
Here’s a sample acknowledgment email complete with matching gift information:
This type of matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift donation acknowledgment letter template:
Thanking supporters is one of the major keys to maximizing donor retention. When you thank your donors in this way, you’re also extending a courtesy by giving them the chance to contribute more without reaching back into their own pockets.
Your donors want to help as much as possible, and you don’t want to leave easy money on the table. It’s a win-win!
Keep in mind that this should not be a primary form of matching gift communication that you rely on to get the word out about the opportunity. Donation acknowledgments are often discarded without a thorough look, so you’ll want to incorporate other types of letters in your strategy as well.
Letter #3 – Matching Gift Emails
Nowadays, email is a popular outreach method for nonprofits looking to engage their supporters in the virtual realm. Thus, you’ll want to make the most of the channel by using it to promote matching gift opportunities.
Note: this section covers general matching gift emails that can be sent to all of your organization’s donors at various points year-round. Keep reading to learn about more targeted messaging that you might opt to trigger with donor- and company-specific insights below.
Take a look at this matching gift email you might send:
This type of matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift email template:
To further streamline the matching process, consider equipping your nonprofit with a comprehensive matching gift database search tool. In that case, you can send supporters to the tool from your matching gift outreach and inspire them to see if their employer offers a program!
Letter #4 – Matching Gift Inserts
Direct mailings can go a long way toward enhancing donor engagement and getting your fundraising message in front of supporters. Since snail mail is on the pricier end of communications, you’ll likely want to do what you can to get your money’s worth out of the channel. And that means using your mail packages to promote matching gift opportunities.
However, you shouldn’t have to re-work your existing printed resources. Instead, we recommend creating new materials that can be included alongside your established fundraising letters. These inserts can simply be printed and slipped into your envelopes prior to sending. Then, you’re ready to go!
Here’s an example:
This type of matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift insert template:
The good news is that paper inserts can be mailed along with almost any direct mail outreach. Consider sending them in newsletters, gift acknowledgments, event invitations, volunteer information, and more. Each communication will remind donors of the possibility of matching gifts, thus inspiring generosity and driving action.
Letter #5 – Matching Gift Postcards
If you’re looking to promote matching gifts via direct mail but want to take a more unique approach than a typical fundraising letter, consider sending a postcard instead.
To start, postcards have a friendly feel—like a note from a loved one who’s thinking of you. Consider incorporating them into your direct mail fundraising strategy to make your efforts stand out; specifically as a matching gift marketing tactic.
You’re sure to keep your organization (and its additional giving opportunities) at the forefront of the donor’s mind for a longer period of time. It might even end up on the recipient’s fridge!
Here’s what a matching gift postcard might look like:
This type of matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift postcard template:
Plus, you’ll always want to consider personalization. While you likely won’t have the time to handwrite every postcard, merely signing your name at the bottom can do wonders to let donors know that you took time out of your day to engage them.
Nowadays, we often refer to direct mail as ‘snail mail.’ But what it lacks in speed, it often makes up for in emotional impact!
Top tip! If you’re looking to save on shipping costs, a digital postcard can make your efforts stand out as well. Consider sending a fundraising eCard that highlights matching gift opportunities and directs donors to your matching gift web page to learn more.
Letter #6 – Matching Gift Newsletters
Without a promotional strategy in place, more often than not, potential and current donors won’t know about matching gift opportunities–let alone what they entail. A good remedy for this is to include it in one of your most valuable marketing resources: your newsletter.
A nonprofit newsletter is a popular way for supporters to stay up to date on current happenings at an organization they support. This regular publication may be a physical resource sent through the mail or a digital one that makes its way to your audience’s email inboxes. Regardless, it likely provides details on upcoming events, ways to get involved, and more. And it’s perfect for matching gift information!
Check out this sample matching gift newsletter:
This type of matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift newsletter template:
Depending on your needs, you may decide to include a section about matching gifts within a larger publication or devote an entire edition just to corporate gift-matching. Other enticing topics to cover may include a list of popular matching gift companies, facts and figures relating to your nonprofit’s prior matching success, research demonstrating the prevalence of such programs, and more.
Letter #7 – Eligible Donor Matching Gift Letters
An eligible donor matching gift letter is a specific type of outreach sent only to supporters who you’ve identified as being likely eligible for a corporate match through their employer. This targeted messaging typically aims to inform donors about not only the existence of matching gift programs in a general sense but also to provide company-specific details pertaining to their own employer.
Plus, it will often include personalized instructions on how the recipient can initiate the request process now that they’ve been deemed eligible.
If you’ve determined that a donor works for a matching gift company, you’ll want to send a matching gift letter like this:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift eligible donor letter template:
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to uncover match-eligible donors and trigger personalized matching gift letters like these, consider investing in an automation tool like Double the Donation Matching.
The Double the Donation platform scans information donors provide during the giving process to determine likely eligibility, sending personalized and actionable email streams that drive more qualifying matches to completion.
Letter #8 – Ineligible Donor Matching Gift Letters
On the other hand, an ineligible donor matching gift letter is a type of outreach that informs the recipient that, according to the nonprofit’s records, they likely do not qualify for a matching gift from their employer. However, it’s vital to keep a positive approach, encouraging donors to consider amplifying their support for the organization in other ways.
Check out this sample matching gift letter you might send to a donor you’ve marked as likely ineligible for a match:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift ineligible donor template:
You never know–an ineligible donor may be just the person to influence a brand-new matching initiative. And your communications to these individuals can go a long way toward providing updated data points, deepening engagement opportunities, corporate partnership potential, and more.
Letter #9 – Unknown Donor Matching Gift Letters
After giving, there’s a third category in which donors may be placed–and that is unknown eligibility. Unknown donor matching gift letters are those sent to that segment.
A donor may be sorted into this category based on a few reasons. First, an individual may have simply completed their initial gift without providing their employment details. In this case, you can’t know if a donor will qualify for a matching gift if you don’t know where they work.
On the other hand, another donor may be marked as “unknown eligibility” if they did provide their current employer, but your organization lacks information regarding the availability of the company’s matching gift programs.
If a donor’s eligibility is unknown, consider sending a letter like this one:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift unknown donor template:
Overall, this type of outreach should be used to drive donors further down the funnel. Whether they do or do not ultimately qualify for matching gifts, following the instructions provided in the letter allows them to provide the sending organization with additional information that can help guide further efforts.
Letter #10 – Board Member Matching Gift Letters
You know your board members are some of your most valuable supporters. And they often come with lucrative matching opportunities, as well!
Board member matching gift letters are a type of communication sent exclusively to your nonprofit’s board of directors. Most often, these messages will be sent following a recent donation, encouraging the recipient to pursue a matching gift from their employer. This allows board members to take a more active role in fundraising for your nonprofit, which is a common challenge identified in board assessments.
After all, many companies offer exceptionally generous matching gift programs (which often incorporate higher donation ratios and maximums) for even greater corporate matching impact when an employee serves on a nonprofit board.
Here’s an example of a board member matching gift letter:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift board letter template:
Keep in mind that your board members have already shown great dedication toward your cause. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be on the board in the first place. Take the opportunity to promote matching gift programs for qualifying board members–especially if you know that their employer is one that provides a special match initiative.
Letter #11 – Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser Matching Gift Letters
Even among those who’ve been informed about traditional donation match programs, many are still unaware that other companies offer fundraising match programs. The difference? Donation matching involves an individual requesting that their employer matches a gift they personally contributed to a nonprofit. Fundraising matches, on the other hand, encompass a company matching all the funds an employee raises on a nonprofit’s behalf—even those not made by the company’s employees themselves.
So if you’ve recently hosted a peer-based fundraising event (such as a run/walk/ride), a peer-to-peer matching gift letter can be an excellent follow-up for eligible individuals.
Here’s a sample matching gift letter you might send to a recent peer-to-peer fundraiser:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift peer-to-peer fundraiser template:
Peer fundraising initiatives often produce significantly higher funding amounts than a single donation. Fundraising match letters can help bring that success to the next level!
Letter #12 – Giving Season or End-of-Year Matching Gift Letters
Donors often increase their charitable giving at the end of the year. This is when individuals are most aware of their finances and how much they have left to give. Plus, the holiday season tends to bring out an increase in generosity.
Because of this, many nonprofits make their big pushes for donations during this end-of-the-year giving season, such as through matching donation challenges. This is also an excellent time to pursue corporate matching gifts.
And an automation platform like Double the Donation can help! That’s why Double the Donation offers a dedicated year-end email stream that you can use to contact donors about the donations they’ve already made during the year.
Here’s what a year-end matching gift email can look like:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift end-of-year fundraising letter template:
Many people have already donated for the year, and the giving season is an ideal opportunity to remind supporters how they can do more to help your cause.
Letter #13 – Matching Gift Request Thank You Letters
We’ve previously recommended that organizations employing matching gift letters to drive match submissions should encourage eligible donors to let them know when they’ve completed their requests. This enables easier tracking through the matching gift lifecycle and better forecasting (and, thus, budgeting) for incoming matches.
However, it also provides an additional opportunity to engage with your matching gift donors. And that’s where matching gift request acknowledgment (or thank-you) letters come in!
Upon being notified of a recent matching gift submission, consider sending a matching gift thank you note like this:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free matching gift request thank-you letter template:
Depending on the employing company’s submission requirements, you might choose to inform the donor that you’ll begin your part of the matching gift process (such as filling out a separate form or confirming that the initial gift was made).
Letter #14 – Completed Matching Gift Thank You Letters
Our last recommended matching gift letter is another thank-you. But this time, it’s sent after a matching gift is completed by the company.
This letter allows your organization to reiterate your gratitude for the individual going the extra mile, which has resulted in double (or perhaps triple!) the funding for your cause. Plus, it allows you to close the loop, ensuring the donor understands their match was successful.
After you’ve received a completed match from a donor’s employer, send a final acknowledgment like this one:
This matching gift letter should:
Get started with this free completed matching gift thank-you letter template:
You can also use this matching gift letter to encourage donors to keep their employer’s matching program in mind in regard to future engagement opportunities. After all, you now know for certain that the individual qualifies for corporate matching. Make sure to set your team up for ongoing match success but encourage future participation as well!
Bonus! How a Matching Gift Database Can Help
As you now know, nonprofits can boost their revenue by promoting matching gifts to their audiences. When eligible, donors can double (and sometimes triple!) their contributions with the help of employer matches. The key is to make them aware of the available opportunities and to simplify the processes involved.
Luckily, the right technology can make a big difference.
Identify Matching Gifts with Double the Donation
Double the Donation offers the #1 matching gifts database, with thousands of the sector’s largest organizations using it in their efforts. The searchable database includes records for more than 24,000 companies and subsidiaries, representing 26+ million individuals.
More specifically, Double the Donation recognizes match-eligible donors with giving form integrations, donation follow-ups, email domain screening, and more. From there, it encourages donors to complete the matching gift process through a series of personalized and automated outreach.
As the most comprehensive source of matching gift forms and instructions, corporate employees can quickly uncover their eligibility and submit requests to their employers.
The end result? More funding for your mission.
Your staff will save time while still providing donors with the necessary guidance for completing their matching gift requests promptly, too.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Final Thoughts
There you have it: fourteen types of matching gift letters for all of your workplace giving needs. By incorporating these recommendations in your organization’s outreach strategy, you can boost your fundraising revenue by increasing awareness among and encouraging matches from your generous donors.
And matching gift software will empower you to scale your efforts beyond the possibilities of manual sending and tracking, too! This allows your team to make the most of their time and effort, reinvesting more of your resources into your highest-value tasks and opportunities.
Learn more—Explore other educational resources to drive fundraising impact from the Double the Donation team below:
How to Apply for Google Grants: A Complete Application Guide
/in Learning Center /by Adam WeingerIf you’ve ever seen sponsored results for nonprofits appear on Google’s search engine results page, that’s likely thanks to the Google Ad Grant program. Ever since the program’s launch in 2003, Google donates free advertising to thousands of nonprofits every month— in fact, they’ve donated over $9 billion in total.
Every month, eligible nonprofits receive up to $10,000 in advertising credits that they can use to boost their website to the top of search results. This leads to increased brand visibility, additional website traffic, and access to brand new audiences of potential donors.
How can your nonprofit get in on the action? All you have to do is apply! However, it’s a lengthy process that can feel confusing at times, so we’ve broken it down into five simple steps you can easily follow:
After we explore each step in more detail, we’ll also provide you with a few tips for making the process easy. Now, let’s dive into how to apply for Google Grants!
1. Meet the Google Ad Grant Requirements
Before you jump into creating accounts and filling out registration forms, check that you meet all of the Google Ad Grant requirements. Most nonprofits can become eligible for the Grant by making changes to their website, but there are a few types of organizations that are automatically ineligible:
If your organization doesn’t fit into any of those categories, you can move on to the other requirements. If your school or university is interested in the Google Ad Grant, look into Google for Education instead.
The full list of requirements can be found on the Google Ad Grant website, but here are the main eligibility criteria you need to meet:
Once you confirm that you meet or have the ability to meet all of the Google Ad Grant requirements, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
2. Set Up a Google for Nonprofits Account
Once you meet the requirements, you’re ready to create a Google for Nonprofits account. This is the account you’ll use to access the final Google Ad Grant application forms.
Registering for Google for Nonprofits is necessary to apply for the grant, but it also gives your nonprofit access to additional useful tools like Google Workspace and the YouTube Nonprofit Program. These resources can help keep your team organized and allow you to use exclusive features like YouTube donation buttons.
To get set up and receive the benefits, follow these steps:
This approval process is usually fast, but it can still take a few days. Make sure to check your email regularly to avoid missing your confirmation.
3. Wait for Verification From Percent.
If you’ve never heard of Percent, you’re probably wondering what it has to do with your Google Grant application.
Percent is an organization that connects charities with major brands. They verify nonprofits’ legitimacy for companies, so those companies can offer their products for free or at a discount to causes worldwide without concern.
For Google, Percent verifies that interested nonprofits are legitimate, registered 501(c)(3)s before they can proceed with the Google Grant application.
You don’t have to do anything additional to receive verification other than wait 2-14 business days. Keep an eye out for emails from the domain @poweredbypercent.com. Percent may reach out to you for more information or documentation to verify your organization. If you don’t receive anything from Percent, check your spam folder and contact Percent.
If you’re interested, you can also take advantage of the other benefits of being verified by Percent, like connecting with corporate partners and gaining exposure among individual donors.
4. Optimize Your Website for the Google Grant Application
While you wait for approval, take this time to make improvements to your website before submitting your Google Grant application. As mentioned earlier, your nonprofit must own the domain of a quality website in order to qualify for the grant.
What exactly does a quality website look like? For Google, this means more than just following basic nonprofit web design tips (though those are a great place to start!).
Specifically, it means that your website follows every Google Grant requirement for websites by having:
You can use this quick checklist to ensure you’ve met the above requirements:
While not required for the Google Grant application, it doesn’t hurt to go ahead and install Google Analytics on your website as well. This will be required to use the grant once you receive it, but it can also help you optimize your website ahead of time. Monitor metrics like bounce rates and conversion rates to learn which of your pages are performing well and which need special attention.
5. Apply and Set Up Your Account
Once your website is in the clear and your Google for Nonprofits registration is complete, you’re ready for the final step!
Filling out the official Google Grant application is fairly straightforward:
On the eligibility form, be prepared to provide a link to your website and briefly explain what your nonprofit’s goals for using the program are. Also, we suggest avoiding entering any credit card or bank information at any point. You may be prompted to do so, but entering it could disrupt your application and cause problems later.
After completing the application, you should hear back within 3 business days about whether you’ve been approved. Once your account is activated, you can start setting up your account and creating your first ad campaign!
Don’t forget to refresh your knowledge of the program rules as you set up your account and start advertising. You need to stay compliant to retain your access to the grant and continue driving results for your nonprofit.
3 Tips to Make the Google Grant Application Process Easier
The Google Grant application process can feel overwhelming. With multiple different accounts you have to create, a long list of requirements to fulfill, and seemingly indefinite wait times, you may be wondering if there’s any way you can simplify things.
Fortunately, there is! Thousands of nonprofits have been in your shoes, and naturally, they’ve learned how to adapt to the application’s challenges. Use these three tips to improve your application experience:
1. Work with a Google Grants agency
Don’t leave your Google Grant application up to chance! Getting help from professionals takes pressure off your staff and reduces the time and effort needed to apply for the grant successfully. Experts at a qualified Google Grants agency can:
These professionals have experience working with nonprofits and know how to tailor advertising strategies to your specific needs. To get started, set up a consultation to discuss your questions, priorities, and goals for using the Google Grant. They’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your nonprofit gets the most out of your grant.
We recommended Getting Attention. They’re a certified Google Ad Grant agency, which means they’ve been approved by those who run the Google Ad Grant program. By working with them, you’ll receive expert guidance to create successful ads and have a direct connection to Google if your account ever has issues.
2. Allocate enough time
If you and your staff aren’t prepared for the time commitment, you could end up feeling discouraged or even giving up on the Google Grant application altogether.
Make the application process easier on your staff by giving them an accurate picture of how long it will take to get approved for the grant. Take a look at this timeline and ensure you can set aside enough time to complete the process:
In total, the application process could take a month or two, and this doesn’t include the time you’ll need to spend setting up your account once you’re approved. If you’re worried about the time and effort the process requires, consider turning to a Google Grants agency for help.
3. Learn Google Grants best practices
While you wait on approval from Percent and Google for Nonprofits, take time to read up on Google Ad Grant best practices so you can hit the ground running once you’re approved. Look through the information and tips Google provides on the official Ad Grants website. You can even take an entire video course on how to run successful ad campaigns for free.
We also suggest checking out the resources provided by Getting Attention, our recommended (and fully certified) Google Grants management agency. Learn about website best practices, ad management tips, and more. By the time your Google Grant application gets approved, you’ll already be well on your way to success.
Wrapping up
Once you finish the application process and receive the grant, work on using the grant as effectively as possible. Stay on top of your campaign management, and don’t be afraid to get help from professionals. Google Grants can provide your organization with a wealth of benefits, but only if you give it the right attention!
If you’re eager to learn more about how to apply for Google Grants and put your grant to use, check out this selection of additional resources: