Unlocking the Power of Corporate Matching Gifts for Nonprofits
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For nonprofits looking to maximize their fundraising potential, corporate gift-matching programs are an often-underutilized goldmine. These programs allow companies to match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofit organizations, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of individual contributions. For nonprofits, this represents an incredible opportunity to secure additional funding without soliciting new donors.
Here’s a closer look at how nonprofits can benefit from corporate matching gifts and strategies to make the most of these programs:
Why Corporate Matching Gifts Matter
When donors know their contributions will be matched, it enhances their sense of value and engagement. A $100 donation can quickly turn into $200 or more, inspiring increased generosity. Yet many employees are unaware that their companies offer matching gift programs. By promoting these opportunities, nonprofits can unlock funding that might otherwise be left on the table. Highlighting matching gift opportunities can help nonprofits build deeper relationships with local and national corporations, opening the door to future collaborations or sponsorships.
Despite the potential from these programs, nonprofits often face hurdles in leveraging matching gift programs such as lack of awareness among donors about their company’s programs, complex application processes that deter participation, and/or limited internal resources to educate donors and facilitate matching submissions.
Strategies to Maximize Corporate Matching Gifts
GiveProsperly frequently helps its nonprofit partners overcome these challenges by implementing tailored strategies to educate donors and promote awareness of these programs. These strategies include:
Promote Awareness: Mention corporate matching gifts in all donor communications, from emails to social media posts.
Provide Tools: Use matching gift search engines, like Double the Donation or Benevity, on your website to help donors quickly determine their eligibility.
Share Stories: Highlight examples of successful matching gifts to show donors the tangible impact of their participation.
Guide Donors Through Submission: Offer step-by-step instructions or direct them to the right resources for submitting matching gift requests.
Create a FAQ Section: Address common concerns and questions about matching programs on your website.
Engage Corporate Partners: Reach out to companies with a significant presence in your community and ask them to promote their matching programs internally, and acknowledge corporate partners who actively participate in matching gift programs through newsletters, events, or social media.
Empower Staff and Volunteers: Ensure your development team and volunteers are familiar with corporate matching gifts so they can educate donors during events or meetings.
Monitor Progress: Keep track of matching gift submissions and follow up with donors and companies to ensure funds are processed.
Say Thank You: Always acknowledge matched donations with gratitude, both to the donor and the participating corporation.
One nonprofit that embraced matching gifts saw a 40% increase in revenue by simply adding a “Does your employer match?” checkbox on their online donation form. They followed up with donors who checked the box, providing easy-to-follow instructions and offering assistance with the submission process.
Corporate matching gifts offer nonprofits a way to expand their funding without increasing their donor base. By investing time in donor education, streamlining the matching process, and building corporate relationships, organizations can unlock significant financial potential. To learn more about how to optimize your fundraising strategies, GiveProsperly is here to help. Reach out to us for tailored solutions to elevate your nonprofit’s impact.
