Matching gifts, also known as corporate matching gifts, are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations.

When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Companies usually match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at a 2:1, 3:1, or even a 4:1 ratio.

While over 26 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs, not many donors know about matching gifts, which means a whopping $4-7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed each year. To tap into the 84% of donors who say they’re more likely to donate if a match is offered, you must educate your donors about their matching gift opportunities!

They’re a win-win for everyone!

Matching gifts are valuable because they are free money for your nonprofit, help your donors’ gifts go even further, and allow companies to support the organizations that their employees care about.

Matching gifts give you more bang for your fundraising buck. Your organization will receive two donations for the work of soliciting one, and donors love knowing their gifts went twice as far.

It’s simple! If you can increase awareness among your donors and encourage them to submit their donation information to their employers, you’ll raise more money. To make it even easier, Double the Donation’s autosubmission tool automatically submits a request to donors’ employers when they make a contribution.