7.2 Matching Gift Programs

Matching gift programs are a powerful way for companies to amplify their employees' charitable giving. These programs allow companies to match employee donations to eligible nonprofits, often dollar-for-dollar, up to certain limits. It's a win-win that boosts employee engagement and helps worthy causes.

Companies set guidelines for their matching gift programs, including which nonprofits qualify and how much they'll match per employee. They use technology to streamline the process, making it easy for employees to participate. Regular communication and recognition help drive employee involvement in these impactful programs.

Matching Gift Basics

Matching Gift Ratios and Limits

Top images from around the web for Matching Gift Ratios and Limits

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Making and Tracking Gifts - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  What is Corporate Social Responsibility? | Human Resources Management View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Making and Tracking Gifts - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Matching Gift Ratios and Limits

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Making and Tracking Gifts - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  What is Corporate Social Responsibility? | Human Resources Management View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Philanthropy Toolkit - Making and Tracking Gifts - Stanford PACS View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Companies determine a matching gift ratio that specifies how much they will match for each employee donation, such as a 1:1 ratio where the company matches dollar for dollar or a 0.5:1 ratio where they donate $0.50 for each$1 donated
• Donation thresholds set a minimum amount that employees must donate to qualify for a match, often ranging from $25 to$100
• Annual matching caps limit the total amount a company will match per employee each year, frequently between $1,000 to$10,000 or more
• Increasing matching ratios (2:1 or 3:1) for specific campaigns or causes incentivizes employee giving to priority focus areas

Benefits of Matching Gifts

• Matching gifts allow employees to double the impact of their donations to eligible nonprofits at no additional cost to themselves
• Companies benefit from matching gifts through enhanced employee engagement, positive brand reputation, and tax deductions
• Nonprofits receive increased funding from matching gifts, helping them further their mission (disaster relief, education programs)
• Matching gifts foster a culture of giving and corporate social responsibility within companies

Eligibility and Guidelines

Qualifying Nonprofits

• Companies specify the types of nonprofits eligible for matching gifts, often including 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and health and human services charities
• Some companies exclude religious or political organizations, professional associations, and certain controversial causes from their matching programs
• Employees can usually search for eligible nonprofits in their company's matching gift database or submit requests for new organizations to be approved

Program Guidelines and Verification

• Matching gift program guidelines outline the specific criteria for eligible donations, such as minimum and maximum amounts, types of gifts matched (monetary, volunteer hours), and deadlines for submitting requests
• Employees must follow the designated process to request a match, typically filling out an online form and providing documentation of their donation
• Companies verify the legitimacy of employee donations before issuing matching funds to ensure compliance with program guidelines and prevent fraud
• Nonprofits may need to confirm receipt of the original donation and their tax-exempt status to receive the matching funds

Program Management

Streamlining with Technology

• Automated matching gift platforms streamline the process for employees, companies, and nonprofits by enabling online donation verification, electronic funds transfer, and real-time reporting
• Integration with employee giving and volunteer tracking systems allows for seamless matching of various types of philanthropic activities
• Matching gift software reduces administrative burden and processing times, increasing efficiency and satisfaction for all parties involved

Driving Employee Participation

• Regularly communicating matching gift opportunities through internal channels (email, intranet, newsletters) keeps the program top-of-mind for employees
• Providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions and resources on how to participate in the matching gift program encourages more employees to take advantage of this benefit
• Celebrating employee participation in matching gifts through recognition programs, impact stories, and leaderboards fosters a sense of pride and friendly competition
• Setting specific goals for employee participation rates (25% of eligible employees submitting match requests) and tracking progress motivates involvement and allows for program optimization