Top Tools to Help Nonprofits Grow Corporate Fundraising

6 Top Tools to Help Nonprofits Grow Corporate Fundraising

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To maximize your organization’s revenue and grow corporate fundraising engagement among your network, it’s essential to leverage the right tools. Why? To capture your share of the billions in unclaimed matching gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll donations available annually.

By integrating data-rich databases, intuitive automation systems, and more, nonprofits like yours can streamline workflows and significantly increase overall funding. In this guide, we’ll walk through the six types of tools every organization should use in order to scale corporate giving.

These include:

  1. A Corporate Philanthropy Database
  2. Workplace Giving Automation Software
  3. Matching Gift-Enabled Donation Forms
  4. Clean, Data-Filled CRM
  5. Integrated Corporate Volunteer Management Systems
  6. CSR Vendor Platform Logins

Establishing a modern fundraising tech stack is no longer optional for organizations seeking to remain competitive in shifting philanthropic landscapes. While individual giving remains a cornerstone of nonprofit support, the untapped potential within CSR represents a massive opportunity for growth.

Let’s dive in to explore the tools you can use to drive success.

#1: A Corporate Philanthropy Database

A comprehensive database serves as the foundational intelligence layer for any successful workplace or corporate engagement strategy. This tool is a centralized repository with thousands of companies’ giving guidelines, including for matching gifts, corporate volunteering, payroll deductions, sponsorships, and more.

The primary role of this tool is to bridge the knowledge gap between donors and their employers. Research shows that over 78% of individuals are unaware that their company offers such a program. Providing a search tool means donors and volunteers can simply type their employer’s name, and the database populates with tailored insights in real time.

Without a searchable database, nonprofits are forced to rely on manual research, which is both error-prone and impossible to scale as their network grows. However, a database tool removes the friction that often prevents supporters from completing the request process.

Grow corporate fundraising revenue with a workplace giving database tool.

Here’s what you should consider when in the market for this type of solution:

  • Number of company profiles (look for 20,000+ to ensure high levels of supporter coverage)
  • Program inclusion (matching gifts, volunteer grants, volunteer time off, payroll giving, grants, in-kind gifts)
  • Detailed eligibility criteria for different organizations and mission types (e.g., K-12 schools vs. environmental causes)
  • Regular updates from a dedicated research team that tracks changes in corporate giving policies to guarantee data freshness
  • Direct links to online submission portals (or downloadable PDF forms, when applicable) to streamline the donor or volunteer journey

TL,DR: A robust database like Double the Donation’s allows organizations to identify every possible avenue for corporate support. Easy access to this information makes it simpler for supporters to get involved and improves processes for your back-end fundraising team!

How to Find the Right Tool for Your Team:

Check out re: Charity’s “What Is the Best Matching Gift Database? Our Reviews.“

#2: Workplace Giving Automation Software

Workplace giving automation software takes information from a philanthropy database and goes a few steps further. Essentially, an automation system puts the data into action without requiring manual intervention by your staff.

That’s essential, given that Nonprofit Source reports that 80% of nonprofits struggle to develop strong workplace giving strategies due to limited staff and resources.

This kind of technology is designed to identify donors and volunteers who qualify for workplace giving programs as soon as they enter your system. From there, it triggers the next steps in the lifecycle by automating personalized outreach, empowering nonprofits and other fundraising organizations to capture revenue that would otherwise be lost.

Grow corporate fundraising revenue with workplace giving automation software.

Here are a few standout features to keep in mind as you search for workplace giving automation software:

  • Instant identification of eligible donors and volunteers through email domain screening and seamless, ready-built integrations
  • Automated email streams or multichannel outreach that reminds supporters to complete their workplace giving requests
  • Tracking and reporting throughout the corporate giving lifecycle, from initial donation to final disbursement
  • Matching gift auto-submission, which equips donors at select companies with one-click request functionality directly from a donation confirmation screen

The efficiency gained through automation allows your organization to focus on high-level strategy and relational stewardship rather than administrative data entry. It also ensures that every gift is maximized, resulting in an average 20% to 50% increase in revenue (according to Double the Donation users).

TL,DR: A workplace giving automation system essentially serves as an extra member of your fundraising team, working around the clock to ensure no corporate dollar is left unclaimed.

How to Find the Right Tool for Your Team:

Check out our very own “Best Workplace Giving Software for Nonprofits to Grow Funds.“

#3: Matching Gift-Enabled Donation Forms

The giving form is the most critical touchpoint in the donor journey, making it the ideal place to introduce workplace giving opportunities. A matching gift-enabled form incorporates a search tool or checkbox that allows donors to identify their employer during the transaction. This proactive approach ensures that the organization captures up-to-date employment data at the source.

Fun Fact: Studies indicate that over 73% of donors will use a company search field on a donation form when presented with the opportunity. (source: https://360matchpro.com/matching-gift-statistics/)

Plus, when donors see that their contributions can be doubled or tripled by their employers, it often influences conversion rates as well as initial gift amounts. Research shows that 1 in 3 donors would give a larger gift, while 84% are more likely to donate if a match is offered.

Grow corporate fundraising by mentioning matching gifts in your donation forms.

By featuring matching gift information prominently on your giving forms, you’re not just asking for money; you’re inviting the donor to support you in a way that amplifies their personal impact. This creates a more rewarding experience for the individual and a higher return for the nonprofit.

Grow corporate fundraising revenue with a matching gift-enabled donation form.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when seeking a matching gift-enabled donation form provider:

  • Integrated company search widget availability (with autocomplete functionality!) within the core donation form itself
  • An embeddable confirmation page plugin that drives next steps with direct links to corporate submission portals
  • Mobile-responsive designs that ensure a smooth experience on smartphones or tablets

TL,DR: The best way to engage donors in matching gifts and other corporate programs is to include the information directly within the giving workflow. This enables your tools to grasp their attention while momentum is highest!

How to Find the Right Tool for Your Team:

Check out Getting Attention’s “Top Online Donation Tools That Help Nonprofits Raise More.“

#4: Clean, Data-Filled CRM

A constituent relationship management (CRM) system is the centralized hub for a nonprofit’s engagement operations. To grow corporate fundraising revenue effectively, it’s essential that this asset is filled with clean, updated employment data for each donor and volunteer. Having this information at your disposal allows you to segment your audience, send highly targeted appeals, and guide supporters through their companies’ specific processes. Plus, it helps identify clusters of individuals who work for the same employer, making them ideal candidates for deeper corporate partnerships!

Here are some things to consider if you’re searching for a new CRM to help scale your corporate giving efforts:

  • Integration with your donation forms and workplace giving automation system to ensure consistent, behind-the-scenes data flow
  • Reporting and analytics tools that assist with tracking performance, identifying areas for improvement, and making data-backed strategy adjustments
  • Organized constituent records that track the history of matching gifts and volunteer grants (with soft credit functionality to simplify reconciliation and recognize an individual’s full lifetime value)

Keep in mind that strategic enrichment is a key process for maintaining a healthy CRM. By periodically performing employer data enhancement, organizations can fill in any remaining gaps.

TL,DR: A well-managed CRM serves as an invaluable supporter intelligence hub. By integrating this system with your other fundraising tools, it’s easy to power your efforts with the right data to grow corporate fundraising effectively across all avenues.

How to Find the Right Tool for Your Team:

Check out Double the Donation’s “Standout Nonprofit CRMs to Better Manage Supporters.“

#5: Integrated Corporate Volunteer Management Systems

Employee volunteerism is a powerful corporate engagement entry point, and an integrated corporate volunteer system helps manage these relationships effectively. Plus, this kind of tool allows nonprofits to track volunteers’ time and identify those who qualify for programs such as volunteer grants and VTO.

42% of nonprofits have used volunteers as internal advocates to develop formal partnerships with their employers, while 20% stated that existing employee involvement warmed up sponsor conversations. (source: Double the Donation’s 2026 Corporate Volunteer report)

Integration is the most important aspect of this system. When your volunteer management software connects to a workplace giving database, it can automatically flag volunteers who work for participating companies in real time as they register.

Grow corporate fundraising with a VMS integration.

This allows you to send targeted reminders that encourage volunteers to log their service hours and submit their requests.

Here are some other features to consider if you’re looking for a VMS that’s equipped to grow corporate volunteering:

  • Automated volunteer time-tracking to ensure supporters reach the minimum thresholds required for corporate grants
  • Tools for sourcing and facilitating team volunteer events, which are often on a much larger scale than individual activities
  • Tailored email streams that provide information on (and direct links for) volunteer grant and VTO policies

TL,DR: Using the right technology to manage volunteer-related workflows is crucial for maintaining corporate interest. A well-connected ecosystem ensures that employee volunteers are made aware of their workplace benefits and are supported in securing those funds on your organization’s behalf.

How to Find the Right Tool for Your Team:

Check out our very own “Top 13 Corporate Volunteer Platforms to Unlock Revenue.“

#6: CSR Vendor Platform Logins

CSR platforms are software solutions that corporations use to manage philanthropic activities, including matching gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll giving. For a nonprofit to receive funds from these programs, it often must register and maintain an active profile on these third-party portals.

Grow corporate fundraising by accessing your CSR portal logins.

Note: This last category differs from the others in that it’s not a tool your organization purchases on its own. (Most CSR vendors offer free access to their nonprofit portals.) However, securing access to these platforms is a vital part of the corporate fundraising toolkit. When an employee submits a match request, the nonprofit is often required to confirm receipt of the initial gift. If this step is skipped, the workplace giving lifecycle stalls, and the funds will never be disbursed.

Rather than choosing the “right” tool for your team, CSR portal registration involves administering logins for each platform that processes donations for your donors’ and volunteers’ companies.

Our best tip? Apply for them all to ensure no funding slips through the cracks.

Today, the largest CSR vendors to note include Benevity, YourCause, and CyberGrants (now Bonterra). However, to benefit from the matching gift auto-submission mentioned above, you’ll need to be verified by additional CLMA-designated platforms. These currently include Selflessly, Millie, Uncommon Giving, Field Day, and Givinga.

TL,DR: To ensure you actually receive the workplace giving revenue you’re entitled to, you must first establish logins for the third-party technical intermediaries that run your supporters’ employers’ programs.

How to Get Started:

Check out Double the Donation’s “Registering Your Org with CSR Platforms + Key Steps For Each.“

Final Thoughts on Tools to Grow Corporate Fundraising

The corporate philanthropy landscape is vast. However, much of it remains untapped by nonprofits that lack the necessary tools to navigate it effectively. By investing in essential corporate fundraising solutions, your organization can move from passive receipt of funds to proactive, data-driven strategy.

These tools don’t just raise more money; they build deeper, more meaningful connections with the companies and employees who want to see your mission succeed. To truly supercharge your efforts, consider how these solutions can work together as a single, unified ecosystem.

Double the Donation offers the most advanced workplace giving solutions on the market, and their tools are designed to fit seamlessly into your existing workflows. Whether you’re looking to automate matching gifts or identify new sponsorship opportunities, having the right tech in place is the first step toward reaching your full potential.

Ready to scale your corporate giving strategy?

Get started with Double the Donation and its extensive ecosystem of fundraising partners.
Request a free demo today
Best Workplace Giving Software for Nonprofits to Grow Funds

Best Workplace Giving Software for Nonprofits to Grow Funds

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According to research from Nonprofit Source, 80% of organizations struggle to build strong workplace giving strategies due to limited staff and resources. Luckily, the industry has a solution to this challenge: workplace giving software.

Workplace giving software for nonprofits allows stretched-thin development teams to tap into massive, multi-billion-dollar funding streams by automating the steps required to secure corporate matching gifts, volunteer grants, payroll donations, and more.

However, there are a few workplace giving software providers in the space, and it’s worth noting that all fundraising tools are not created equal. That’s why we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the two leading platforms here:

Building a sustainable fundraising strategy requires looking beyond individual donations and tapping into the massive potential of corporate giving. By leveraging high-performance tools, organizations can eliminate manual research and empower supporters to amplify their impact through seamless, integrated workflows.

The results? Driving revenue growth without increasing administrative load. Let’s dive in.

HEPdata ⁠— A Legacy Matching Gift Solution

HEPdata is recognized as one of the oldest players in the matching gift technology landscape. For decades, it was the primary choice of universities and large nonprofits looking to track and secure corporate gifts.

However, in recent years, the platform has faced criticism for becoming increasingly outdated as newer, more automated solutions have entered the market. While it still maintains an industry presence, it is generally considered less than cutting-edge.

Still, let’s take a look at its two core products: eMatch Donor Link and eMatchPortal.

eMatch Donor Link (Company Lookup)

The eMatch Donor Link is HEPdata’s entry-level solution for facilitating company lookups. This tool is designed to give both donors and development teams access to a database of corporate gift-matching programs. When a user enters a company name into the search tool, the system populates employer-specific information, including a summary of eligibility criteria, forms (if available), and contact details.

A look at HEPdata's Workplace Giving Software

This widget is generally used by nonprofits to provide a self-service option for their supporters. While it typically provides accurate information, the user interface and overall experience are often described as more utilitarian and less intuitive.

While the primary goal is to bridge the knowledge gap by showing donors that their gifts can be matched, it requires several manual steps to complete the process. It serves best as a basic reference guide rather than a high-performance growth tool.

eMatchPortal (Automating Matching Gifts)

From there, HEPdata’s eMatchPortal represents the platform’s more advanced solution for managing the matching gift lifecycle. It’s marketed as a way to amplify affinity automatically by identifying eligible donors in a nonprofit’s database and following up with them via customized emails. The tool aims to track donations and maintain personalized communication with donors until the required matching-gift paperwork is submitted to the employer.

A look at HEPdata's Workplace Giving Software

While this portal offers some level of automation, it has historically lacked the depth of integration found in newer platforms. Unlike the 100+ native APIs offered by current industry leaders, eMatchPortal relies on a limited number of partnerships and often requires manual intervention, such as CSV uploads. This can make the initial implementation more difficult for organizations without dedicated IT support and increase the risk of missed matches due to stale data.

Final Thoughts on HEPdata’s Workplace Giving Tools

The primary focus of this platform remains on its database of corporate matching gift guidelines. HEPdata provides a search tool for nonprofits to check whether a donor’s company offers a match, but it lacks the multi-module approach that defines comprehensive workplace giving software.

Because it has not expanded significantly into areas such as volunteer grants or payroll giving, organizations using it often find they need additional tools to manage other facets of their corporate strategy.

Double the Donation ⁠— Complete Workplace Giving Software

Next up to review is Double the Donation.

This platform currently stands as the industry leader in workplace giving, offering the most comprehensive suite of tools to help nonprofits and schools capture every available corporate dollar.

Founded in 2011, the company began with a focus on matching gifts. Since then, however, it has evolved into a robust, multi-module platform that addresses the full spectrum of employee-led, corporate-driven philanthropy.

Let’s examine each of the primary modules currently offered.

Double the Donation Matching (Automating Matching Gifts)

Double the Donation’s matching gift module is the flagship component of its workplace giving software, designed to secure thousands of dollars worth of corporate matches that often go unclaimed. This solution provides a user-friendly search tool that can be embedded directly on donation forms and confirmation pages, as well as groundbreaking automation functionality that simplifies the experience for donors and fundraisers alike.

Double the Donation Workplace Giving Software - Matching

One standout feature is Double the Donation’s auto-submission functionality. For select companies, individuals can submit their matching gift requests directly from the nonprofit’s donation page without ever navigating to a separate portal. This breakthrough technology significantly reduces the drop-off rate, driving more submissions to completion. For companies that do not yet support auto-submission, Double the Donation’s automation system still provides direct links to online forms and program guidelines, such as minimums, maximums, and ratios.

Double the Donation Volunteering (Automating Volunteer Grants + VTO)

Next, Double the Donation’s volunteering module shifts the focus toward supporters who contribute their time rather than just their treasure. Many corporations offer volunteer grant programs, providing monetary donations to nonprofits in recognition of their employees’ service hours, and volunteer time off, which enable employees to support organizations in hands-on ways during regular business hours without sacrificing their pay.

Double the Donation Workplace Giving Software - Volunteering

Double the Donation Volunteering empowers nonprofits to make the most of these opportunities by integrating with VMS tools to collect employment data during registration and follow up with personalized reminders post-engagement.

Double the Donation Payroll (Automating Payroll Giving)

Payroll giving is often described as one of the most underutilized fundraising opportunities, providing a gateway to predictable, recurring income for nonprofits. For this reason, Double the Donation’s payroll giving module is designed to identify high-value payroll donation programs within an organization’s existing support network.

Double the Donation Workplace Giving Software - Payroll

Specifically, the payroll giving module provides an embeddable plugin that can be placed on a dedicated web page. This allows donors to search for their employers and receive company-specific next steps for enrollment. Plus, reporting dashboards within the module supply critical insights into which companies are most frequently searched for by their supporters.

Double the Donation’s Sponsorship Directory (Corporate Grant + In-Kind Donation Lookup)

Rounding out the comprehensive suite is Double the Donation’s sponsorship directory. While the other modules focus on employee-led initiatives, this resource helps uncover broader opportunities for corporate grants, event sponsorships, and in-kind donations.

The directory tool provides specific insights into thousands of companies’ philanthropic pillars and geographic focus areas. By providing verified contact information and direct links to grant application portals, Double the Donation once again eliminates hours of manual research for development staff.

Double the Donation Workplace Giving Software - Sponsorships

Not to mention, it integrates with leading event management platforms, making it an essential resource for nonprofits planning galas, walkathons, auctions, and more.

Final Thoughts on Double the Donation’s Workplace Giving Tools

Double the Donation is currently trusted by more than 8,000 organizations to identify supporters who qualify for workplace philanthropy benefits and streamline communication about their giving potential. And for good reason!

The platform is built on a massive database covering more than 26 million workplace giving-eligible supporters. This extensive reach ensures that nearly every supporter can be screened for potential corporate benefits.

Plus, unlike HEPdata and other older platforms, Double the Donation functions as a centralized hub for matching gifts, volunteer incentives, payroll giving, and more, making it the most advanced workplace giving solution on the market.

HEPdata vs. Double the Donation Platforms Compared

Choosing the right workplace giving software for nonprofits requires a clear understanding of how different solutions stack up. While both HEPdata and Double the Donation offer matching gift information, their approaches to technology and automation differ significantly.

The following chart provides a quick comparison to help you evaluate the tools:

Double the Donation HEPdata
Years since founding1529
Company listings24,00020,000
Types of programs6+1
Number of clients8,0001,000
Integrations offered100+15-20

Analyzing the differences between these two providers reveals a significant gap in modern functionality. In the sections below, we’ll break down these fast facts to explain why your choice of software affects your long-term success.

Years Since Founding (Market Stability)

When looking at years since founding, the two companies represent different eras of the nonprofit technology sector. Founded in 1997, HEPdata has been in the market for 29 years. This means it was established at a time when matching gift research was largely manually performed by university advancement offices. HEPdata’s extensive history allowed the provider to establish a deep footprint, but it also means its core infrastructure was built before the era of modern cloud-based automation and real-time API integrations.

In contrast, Double the Donation has been operating for 15 years, launching at a time of rapid digital transformation. This allowed the platform to be developed with an “automation-first” mindset. While a decade and a half still provides immense stability and industry expertise, the software feels significantly more modern. This often translates into how quickly and consistently each company releases new features, with the younger generally leading in innovation.

Company Listings (Database Reach)

The number of companies included within each database is a critical metric. After all, it directly correlates to the likelihood that your supporters will find the information they need. As of 2026, Double the Donation lists 24,000 companies. Whether an individual works for a massive global corporation or a regional business, their program details are likely available.

On the other hand, HEPdata lists approximately 20,000 companies. While this is still a substantial number, the 4,000-company difference can lead to significant lost revenue. The larger database (provided by Double the Donation) casts a wider net to capture more opportunities. This ensures your staff does not have to manually research programs that the software missed.

Client Base (Industry Trust)

The number of clients using a platform is a strong indicator of its reliability and its ability to scale. HEPdata currently serves around 1,000 users, a number that has remained relatively stagnant as more organizations move toward automation. A smaller client base means fewer resources for research and development, and it’s tested in fewer, less diverse fundraising environments.

Comparatively, Double the Donation is trusted by 8,000+ clients, including many of the world’s most reputable nonprofits. This high volume of users creates a feedback loop that helps the software improve. With millions of searches across the network, researchers can quickly implement the necessary changes when a company updates its guidelines.

Integration Offerings (Tech Stack Compatibility)

In the world of workplace giving software for nonprofits, integrations are the most important factor for scaling efficiency. Today, Double the Donation offers 100+ native integrations with CRMs, donation forms, peer-to-peer platforms, VMS systems, CSR portals, and more. This means the solution can easily “talk” to your existing tools, identifying eligible supporters at the moment they engage. The seamless data flow eliminates the need for manual efforts, ensuring that no donor or volunteer falls through the cracks.

At the same time, HEPdata is currently limited to between 15 and 20 donation form and CRM integrations. For many modern nonprofits, this is a significant limitation. If your fundraising platform is not on that short list, your team will likely have to resort to CSV uploads and manual data updates. This often results in human error and creates a lag in communication.

Types of Programs (Revenue Stream Diversity)

The final point of comparison is the variety of programs each workplace giving software supports. Despite its extensive history in the corporate philanthropy space, HEPdata remains focused almost exclusively on a single type of program:

  • Matching gifts

This narrow focus means that organizations are missing out on other portions of the growing workplace giving ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Double the Donation provides powerful insights and automation tools for more than six different types of giving programs, including:

  • Matching gifts
  • Volunteer grants
  • Volunteer time off
  • Payroll giving
  • Sponsorships and grants
  • In-kind donations

This allows nonprofits to manage their entire corporate giving portfolios (and grow revenue across all channels) with a single platform.

Workplace Giving Software in Action: Real Nonprofit Examples

To truly understand how the right software can impact your fundraising, let’s look at how two different organizations leverage these tools on their websites. While both nonprofits are dedicated to incredible causes, their choice of workplace giving software creates a vastly different experience for their supporters.

Example #1: Poway Unified School District (Powered by HEPdata)

In this first example, we see a clean, dedicated matching gifts page. This resource provides clear instructions on the impact of a donor’s gift (noting it can be doubled or tripled by an employer) and uses a straightforward search bar to assist in locating an employer’s policy.

Poway Unified School District Workplace Giving Software

However, it’s important to acknowledge that the scope of workplace giving promoted here is strictly limited to matching gifts. The embedded HEPdata search tool doesn’t bridge the gap for supporters who might want to engage through other corporate channels.

This creates a siloed experience where the donor only checks for a match, potentially leaving other available incentives on the table.

Example #2: Heroes Foundation (Powered by Double the Donation)

Conversely, the Heroes Foundation utilizes Double the Donation’s workplace giving software, and the difference in revenue surface area is immediate. Noting that they offer “several employer-based options to double donations,” this organization represents a triple threat in workplace philanthropy, encompassing matching gifts, payroll giving, and volunteer incentives.

A look at Heroes Foundation's workplace giving software usage

The Heroes Foundation’s workplace giving page is designed to eliminate the knowledge gap that prevents millions of dollars worth of corporate funds from being claimed. Alongside the integrated matching gift search tool (pictured below), the interface provides a dedicated sidebar that displays the foundation’s legal name, address, tax ID, and contact details to reduce friction in the request process.

A look at Heroes Foundation's workplace giving software usage

From there, users are met with additional information about payroll giving and employer volunteer incentives, showcasing a truly holistic workplace fundraising strategy. By incorporating these options into the same search experience, the Heroes Foundation ensures that no matter how an individual wants to support them, the software identifies the opportunity and guides them through the process to finish the job.

A look at Heroes Foundation's workplace giving software usage

The Bottom Line

If your organization only focuses on matching gifts, you’re likely leaving 50% or more of potential corporate revenue on the table. However, getting set up with modern tools allows you to capture additional funding streams in the same breath as a standard donation.

While HEPdata offers a solid entry point for matching gift lookups, Double the Donation provides a more expansive toolkit that turns every donor search into a multi-channel funding opportunity.

Wrapping Up: Growing Funds With Workplace Giving Tools

With 84 percent of donors stating they’re more likely to give if a match is offered, and 1 in 3 donors indicating they would give a larger gift if it were matched, the psychological and financial impact of these opportunities is undeniable. However, the complexity of managing the programs manually creates a barrier that most staff simply cannot overcome on their own.

The landscape of nonprofit fundraising is changing. Organizations that fail to leverage the right tools are leaving a substantial amount of revenue on the table.

As you evaluate the best solution for your organization, consider the platform’s long-term scalability. Investing in high-performance tools allows your fundraising team to focus on building meaningful relationships. Meanwhile, the software handles the heavy lifting of identifying and securing corporate funds. Best of luck!

Ready to scale your revenue? Get started with Double the Donation’s complete suite of workplace giving tools and unlock your supporters’ full potential today. Click here to request a demo.

The Best Matching Gift Software for Nonprofits and Schools

The Best Matching Gift Software for Nonprofits and Schools

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The matching gift opportunity represents a massive source of untapped funding for charitable organizations, yet billions of dollars remain unclaimed annually. Implementing the right matching gift software allows nonprofits and schools to automate the identification of eligible donors and streamline the submission process, ensuring no corporate revenue is left on the table.

Our guide includes everything you need to know about matching gift software to set your organization up for fundraising success. We’ll cover:

Choosing the right technology is the single most important step in modernizing your corporate fundraising strategy and achieving (and surpassing) your revenue goals. Dive into the current landscape of matching gift software to help your team make an informed decision that maximizes your impact.

Let’s begin with the basics!

What Is Matching Gift Software?

Matching gift software is a specialized workplace fundraising tool designed to empower nonprofits and schools to secure more revenue from corporate donation-matching programs. While many fundraisers are familiar with the concept of matching gifts, the administrative burden of tracking thousands of different company policies often prevents these programs from reaching their full potential.

Luckily, the right software serves as a bridge among your organization, your donors, and corporations that want to support your mission.

There are generally two primary types of matching gift software solutions for nonprofits and schools:

  1. The first is a company database. This is a comprehensive repository of corporate giving guidelines, including minimum and maximum gift amounts, match ratios, and submission deadlines for thousands of employers.
  2. The second is an automation solution. While a database provides the information, an automation tool ensures that donors actually see that information at the right time.

The most effective matching gift solutions integrate these functions into a single workflow. For example, when a donor enters their employer’s name into a search tool on your donation page, the software instantly pulls data from the database to show them exactly how to request a match. Then, if they don’t complete the match request, an email reminder will trigger to encourage those next steps.

Without support from this kind of software, donors are often left to navigate complex corporate portals on their own, resulting in frustration and high drop-off rates. To achieve the best results, look for a solution that combines a robust database with high-performance tracking and outreach tools.

How Does Matching Gift Software Support Nonprofits & Schools?

The true value of matching gift software extends far beyond just collecting corporate checks. When done well, it fundamentally changes how donors engage with your cause.

Research shows that 84% of survey participants are more likely to donate if a match is offered during the solicitation process. This means simply having matching gift software visible on your giving forms can increase the number of donations you ultimately receive.

Matching Gift Software Statistics

Implementing a dedicated solution offers several other transformative benefits for your fundraising strategy, too:

  • Increased gift sizes: 1 in 3 donors indicate they would give a larger base contribution if they knew a match was going to be applied to their gift.
  • Improved response rates: Mentioning matching gifts in fundraising appeals increases response rates by 71% and the average donation amount by 51%.
  • Significant revenue growth: The average matched gift is 1.5-2X the size of the average unmatched gift, providing a massive boost to your organization’s bottom line.
  • Unrivaled supporter engagement: High-performing matching gift strategies can result in over 75% engagement, which is 5x the average rate for nonprofit communications.
  • Reduced administrative processing: Matching gift software streamlines the identification, follow-up, and verification processes. This reduces the effort that often bogs down development coordinators.
  • Reallocation to high-impact stewardship: By automating administrative tasks, software empowers your team to pivot its focus to high-value activities, such as cultivating relationships or launching new campaigns.
  • Data-driven insights: Instead of manually compiling spreadsheets, the right technology delivers instant reporting and analytics, enabling leadership to make strategic decisions based on real data.

The returns on these tools are substantial. When donors see that their $100 gift can yield $200 or even $300 in impact through their employer, they feel more inspired to get and stay involved. This results in deeper engagement and longer-term retention over time.

What Are the Best Matching Gift Software Solutions Available?

As the demand for corporate social responsibility grows, matching gift software is becoming an increasingly essential component of any nonprofit tech stack. But how can you choose the right provider for your organization’s needs? Let’s take a look at the two top platforms in the matching gift space today.

Double the Donation Matching

Double the Donation is widely considered the best matching gift software for nonprofits and schools. Why? It’s largely because of its industry-leading database and innovative automation.

The platform currently includes listings for over 24,000 companies (with more added nearly every day), spanning more than 26 million eligible employees. That’s an estimated 99.68% coverage for match-eligible donors! In other words, when a donor searches for their company, they’re almost certain to find accurate results.

Double the Donation Matching provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to maximize efficiency and revenue:

  • Extensive corporate gift-matching database: Access the most accurate and up-to-date repository of corporate giving guidelines.
  • Automated email streams: Trigger personalized follow-ups based on donor eligibility to guide them through the submission process after they give.
  • Matching gift auto-submission: Allow qualifying donors to submit requests directly from your confirmation screen, removing the need for external portals.
  • Extensive integration network: Connect seamlessly with over 100 different fundraising systems, CRMs, and peer-to-peer platforms for a turnkey setup.
  • Actionable reporting: Track match requests from the initial search to the final disbursement with real-time data and donor engagement metrics.

A look at Double the Donation's Matching Gift Software

Not to mention, it also offers powerful solutions for raising funds through employee volunteering, payroll giving, sponsorships, and more. This empowers teams to make the most of every facet of corporate engagement.

Here’s what one online review says: “When it comes to growth and evolution, Double the Donation is the clear winner. This is the only platform that has demonstrated significant growth over the years, with many large organizations turning to its software to meet their database needs.”

HEPdata eMatch Tools

HEPdata is an alternative matching gift software provider that offers a suite of tools for donor lookup and automated follow-up. Their primary offerings include:

  • eMatch Donor Link, which provides donors and fundraisers with access to a gift-matching program database
  • eMatchPortal, which is designed to identify match-eligible donors and reach out to them post-donation via email

A look at HEPdata's Matching Gift Software

While HEPdata has been a long-standing name in the industry, its current technology has significant limitations. For example, its website states that it’s currently “working toward integrations” and is asking fundraising platforms to get in touch. This indicates that the platform does not currently offer the same level of turnkey partnerships as other leading providers. For those seeking out-of-the-box automated workflows, this can be a major drawback.

Furthermore, many organizations find HEPdata’s database to be outdated compared to other, more modern solutions. This often results in donors receiving broken links or inaccurate information, as companies update their program guidelines and submission processes. Plus, it’s been reported that the way the details are displayed is less than intuitive.

Here’s what one online review says: “HEPdata offers information that can be used by both donors and nonprofits. However, the way their database presents its information may be confusing for some who are unfamiliar with the process.”

How Do CSR Platforms Relate to Matching Gift Software?

To understand the full ecosystem of matching gift technology, it’s important to distinguish between:

  • The tools nonprofits use to simplify fundraising
  • And the tools corporations use to manage their programs

Corporations typically manage their matching gift programs through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platforms. These tools serve as technical intermediaries through which matching gift requests are processed and funds are disbursed.

How matching gift software and CSR vendors work together

However, most CSR platforms offer a free portal through which a nonprofit can register as an approved cause. This allows them to verify initial donations from supporters and reconcile funds upon receipt.

Here are some names you should know:

Benevity, CyberGrants, and YourCause are the platforms that currently manage the majority of enterprise-level corporate giving programs. When a donor submits a match request, the nonprofit is typically required to log in to the appropriate portal. From there, they must confirm that the initial donation was actually made before the company releases the matching funds.
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In recent years, additional CSR platforms such as Field Day, Givinga, Millie, Selflessly, and Uncommon Giving have entered the market. These solutions have partnered with nonprofit matching gift software like Double the Donation to enable groundbreaking auto-submission functionality. By connecting the donor-facing search tool directly to the corporate management portal, these tools streamline the request process. The result? A significant increase in the number of matching gifts that are ultimately received.

Next Steps: Building Your Matching Gift Software Toolkit

Investing in matching gift software is a strategic move to unlock a massive and sustainable revenue stream for your organization. By automating the identification and outreach processes, your team can focus on building relationships with major donors while the technology handles the brunt of the high-volume administrative workload.

And it truly is an investment. The ROI for these tools is often realized quickly. As the development manager at New Life Ranch noted, their nonprofit team saw a definitive increase in revenue almost immediately after implementation, stating that the software “already paid for itself in 6-8 weeks.”

To kick things off, take some time to evaluate your current fundraising toolkit. Prioritizing a matching gift solution with database and automation capabilities will ensure the best possible experience for your community. Not to mention, the highest revenue growth for your mission!

We recommend checking out Double the Donation’s standout matching gift software. Request a personalized demo to get started today!