Matching gift programs offer a unique opportunity for nonprofits to double the impact of their fundraising efforts, but many organizations overlook these valuable resources. Identifying employers with matching gift programs is a strategic way to boost donations and strengthen relationships with businesses in your network.

Whether it's a enterprise-level corporation or a small mom-and-pop business, countless employers are eager to support nonprofit causes by matching employee donations.

However, finding these programs can be a challenge without the right approach. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you identify matching gift opportunities in your community, ensuring you maximize every dollar raised for your cause.

What’s Included:

1. Collect employment information as donors give.

2. Look at supporters who qualify for other corporate giving programs.

3. Research opportunities from local businesses.

4. Encourage donors to check with their employers.

5. Look at technology and finance companies in your network.

6. Invest in a matching gift database tool.

1) Collect employment information as donors give.

One of the most effective ways to identify matching gift opportunities is by collecting employment information from donors as they give. When you ask for details about where donors work during the donation process, you create an opportunity to identify companies that may offer matching gift programs.

Incorporating a simple employment field into your donation forms, whether on- or offline, allows you to keep track of which companies are represented in your donor base. This way, you can actively research those companies and determine if they provide matching gifts, volunteer incentives, or other forms of corporate philanthropy.

Pro Tip: Include an optional checkbox that asks if the donor’s employer matches gifts and a space to provide the name of the company if so. This proactive step ensures you can follow up with donors about matching opportunities.

2) Look at supporters who qualify for other corporate giving programs.

Corporate giving often extends beyond matching gifts. In fact, many companies offer other initiatives like volunteer grants (or Dollars for Doers), Volunteer Time Off, or payroll giving programs for nonprofits their employees support.

By reviewing your donor base and identifying supporters who participate in other corporate giving programs, you can spot potential matches for matching gift programs. These individuals are more likely to know about the matching gift opportunities their employers offer, and engaging with them could uncover additional funding for your cause.

Pro Tip: Keep a record of the companies tied to your donors who qualify for other corporate giving programs, as this will serve as a valuable resource when you are reaching out for matching gift support.

3) Research opportunities from local businesses.

Local businesses, ranging from small enterprises to regional branches of larger corporations, are often overlooked as sources for matching gifts. Start by researching businesses within your immediate community or region, especially those with a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus.

Many local businesses offer matching gift programs to encourage philanthropy among their employees. Local chambers of commerce, business directories, or regional networks often provide helpful information about businesses that have a history of supporting local nonprofits.

Reaching out to these companies, even those that might seem smaller, can result in valuable corporate partnerships.

Pro Tip: Make a list of local businesses in your area and engage with them by sending personalized messages that explain your nonprofit’s mission and the potential for a matching gift partnership.

4) Encourage donors to check with their employers.

While nonprofits can proactively research matching gift programs, sometimes the best source of information is the donors themselves. Encourage your supporters to check with their employers to determine if their company offers matching gifts. 

Include calls to action in your emails, donation pages, and newsletters to prompt donors to reach out to their HR departments or check the company’s giving policies. You could even provide a template or example email for donors to send to their employers, making the process easier for them. This empowerment can help boost matching gifts, especially when donors are aware of the impact their companies may have.

Pro Tip: Offer an easy-to-find FAQ or webpage on your site dedicated to matching gifts, explaining how donors can check with their employer and maximize their donations.

5) Look at technology and finance companies in your network.

Certain industries, particularly those centered on technology and finance, are more likely to have generous matching gift programs. Major players in these sectors, such as tech giants and financial institutions, often support employee philanthropy through robust matching gift offerings.

When reviewing your donor database, pay attention to supporters working in these industries, as they may have access to more comprehensive matching programs. You can also reach out to other organizations or professionals in these fields to identify companies that are known for their corporate giving programs.

Pro Tip: Focus your outreach efforts on employees in tech and finance companies by leveraging their widespread philanthropic programs, which are often tied to large budgets and high employee participation.

6) Invest in a matching gift database tool.

A matching gift database tool is one of the most efficient ways to identify matching gift opportunities within your network. These tools, such as Double the Donation (which integrates seamlessly with Feeling Blessed!), allow you to quickly search for matching gift information by company, helping you identify donors who may qualify for matches.

By implementing this tool within your donation platform, you can instantly assess whether a donor’s employer offers a matching gift program and provide the necessary instructions to encourage them to submit their donation for matching in real time.

Investing in this tool streamlines the process and increases your organization’s capacity to capture these valuable gifts.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of features offered by matching gift database tools, such as automated reminders, real-time company searches, and integrations with your donation platform, to ensure you are maximizing the potential of every contribution.

Uncovering matching gift programs in your community is a powerful way to increase the impact of your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. By leveraging the right tools, networking with local businesses, and engaging with employees, you can tap into a wealth of corporate support that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Don’t miss out on the chance to double your donations and strengthen your nonprofit’s relationships with local businesses. Start using these six tips today to uncover matching gift opportunities and make your next fundraising campaign even more successful.

Ready for more? Continue growing your knowledge with the matching gift strategies and tools from Double the Donation: https://doublethedonation.com/get-a-demo/.