Everything You Need to Know About Matching Gift Programs

In fundraising, there are plenty of strategies nonprofits use to increase revenue. There are annual campaigns, peer-to-peer campaigns, special events, and of course that end of the year push. But what about the rest of the year?

Did you know that you might be able to double your donation to Sage Ridge School by asking your company if they do charitable matches? Matching gifts are not seasonal. They are not only available for a limited time. This is money left behind if you are not asking for it.

But what are matching gifts, you ask?

Matching gift programs are set up by companies and corporations as an employee benefit. After an employee donates to Sage Ridge School, they can submit a matching gift request to their employer, and the company will make an additional donation to Sage Ridge School.

Here is a list of notable companies that offer matching gifts; don’t forget to ask your company today!

Company Name         

Though every matching gift program is unique to the company, every set of guidelines is sure to include the same elements:

Match ratio: The match ratio refers to the amount of money a company will pay in relation to the original donation made by the employee. A 1:1 ratio means that a company will donate the exact same amount. The match ratio can be anywhere from .5:1 to 3:1, though it is most commonly 1:1 or 2:1.

Minimums and maximums: Matching gift programs will usually specify a minimum and maximum amount for qualifying donations. If an employee donates less than the minimum, they are not eligible for a match. If they donate more, they are only eligible for as much as the specified maximum amount.

Employee status: Sometimes the match ratio, or even an employee’s eligibility, depends on the employee’s status. For example, a part-time employee might be eligible for a 1:1 match, while a CEO of the same company qualifies for a 2:1 match. Often retired employees are eligible for matching gifts as well, though sometimes at a reduced ratio.

Type of organization: Some companies will narrow their matching gift programs to organizations of a certain kind. For example, some companies will not donate to organizations with religious goals, though they are technically classified as a 501(c)(3). Others may not donate to schools because they are not a 501(c)(3), however Sage Ridge School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Deadlines: It is important to check your guidelines specifically for the deadline for requesting matching gifts. Some companies put their deadline at the end of the year, while some use Tax Day as their cutoff.

These are the key pieces to every matching gift program. As you become more familiar with matching gifts, you will see these terms and phrases repeatedly. Now you are an expert!