Revamping Your Matching Gift Program: A Guide to Enhancing Employee Engagement

Revamping Your Matching Gift Program: A Guide to Enhancing Employee Engagement

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In today’s workplace, employee expectations have shifted. People want more than just a paycheck. They want to know their employer is doing good and making different. This shift means that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer a side initiative but a core part of a company’s offering. One key way to demonstrate your commitment to CSR while also increasing employee engagement? Investing into your matching gift program.

Companies that offer matches not only double the impact of their employees’ donations, but also see measurable gains in morale, loyalty, and public perception. This guide explores how thoughtful design and smart technology can help businesses maximize both participation and outcomes.

In this article, we’ll cover:

Understanding Matching Gifts and Engagement

Matching gifts are employer-sponsored programs that match charitable contributions made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. 65% of companies offer these programs as open-choice programs, giving employees the freedom to give back to any mission that’s meaningful to them.

These programs, especially when they’re offered as open-choice programs, influence employee engagement in meaningful ways. Research consistently shows that when employees see their companies supporting the causes they care about, they feel more connected, appreciated, and motivated. That emotional connection often results in greater job satisfaction, stronger retention, and higher productivity.

In short, these programs make employees feel valued and excited to work for a company that wants to do good.

Why Matching Gifts Matter for Business

Beyond just those philanthropic and employee engagement outcomes, matching gifts can create even more strategic business value. For examples, companies with strong matching gift programs have seen benefits in:

  • Attracting and retaining talent: Talented workers (especially Millennials and Gen Zers) increasingly prioritize employers that support social causes. Matching gifts are a tangible way to demonstrate that support.

  • Deepening employee loyalty: Participation in giving programs helps employees feel aligned with a company’s mission and values. That means they’re going to be stickier employees who are less likely to job surf and look for new opportunities.

  • Enhancing CSR impact: Matching gifts drive measurable social good while also enabling better reporting and tracking of corporate contributions. The impact of these programs is definable and measurable.

  • Boosting brand reputation: Companies seen as generous, modern, and value-aligned enjoy stronger stakeholder trust and media attention. With a matching gift program strengthening the company culture and showing their commitment to giving back, it’s no wonder that companies with programs in place benefit from positive brand associations.

The impact is not just theoretical. Companies with robust giving programs often rank higher in employee satisfaction and are more likely to be featured on “best places to work” lists.

What Holds Participation Back

Despite the appeal of matching gifts, participation rates tend to only hover around 10 percent. The reasons vary, but most boil down to three issues:

  • Lack of awareness. Many employees are unaware their employer offers a matching gift program. If employees aren’t reminded that the program exists regularly, it can be easy for them to overlook this as one of their key benefits.

  • Complicated processes. Submitting a matching gift request often involves finding the right portal, logging in, entering donation details, and uploading receipts. If your company doesn’t make it accessible and easy for employees to complete the matching gift request process, this can lead to drop-off and lower program usage.

  • Poor timing. The delay between making a donation and being reminded to submit a match request can lead to drop-off. Many employees never follow through because the gift is no longer top-of-mind by the time they’re made aware that the program exists and educated on the submission process.

The reality is that even the most generous program won’t perform well if it’s difficult to use. This is where smarter design and user-focused technology come into play.

Designing Better Programs

A high-impact matching gift program starts with simplicity. Employers should approach design from the employee’s point of view, making it simple for them to understand that the program exists and what it looks like to request a match.

Key strategies to achieve this include:

  • Clear communication: Promote the program regularly via email, onboarding packets, intranet banners, and internal events.

  • Defined eligibility: Make it easy to understand which donations qualify and how to participate. Explain match ratios, maximum match amounts, minimum match amounts, which employee groups are eligible, and more.

  • Responsive support: Provide an easy way for employees to get help if they hit a roadblock. It should be clear which department they should reach out to at your business should they have any questions on getting involved.

Companies may also consider incorporating matching gifts into broader employee engagement efforts, such as volunteer grants, giving campaigns, or social recognition events. These programs work best when they’re not treated as separate offerings or isolated offerings. Instead, offer a variety of employee giving programs.

The Case for Auto-submission Technology

Auto-submission is a game-changer in corporate philanthropy. It allows employees to submit their matching gift requests directly from a nonprofit’s website, eliminating the need to visit a separate portal or complete manual forms.

Why Auto-submission Improves Participation:

  • Convenience. When the request process is part of the donation experience, there is no follow-up needed.

  • Speed. Requests are filed immediately, increasing the chance of approval and reducing administrative lag.

  • Accuracy. With fewer manual steps, there is less chance of user error or incomplete submissions.

  • Engagement. Employees are more likely to participate in a system that feels modern and responsive.

From a corporate operations standpoint, auto-submission reduces friction on both sides. It minimizes internal support needs, improves data collection, and supports better reporting.

Platforms like Double the Donation offer this technology to nonprofits, and companies can partner with them to activate this functionality for employees.

The result is a more efficient, employee-centric giving program that meets expectations without creating new burdens.

Becoming a Certified Leader in Matching Automation

Some companies are taking their commitment to streamlined giving a step further by pursuing recognition as a Certified Leader in Matching Automation.

This distinction recognizes businesses that enable auto-submission and demonstrate a commitment to employee-driven philanthropy. By obtaining this certification, you can signal to employees, applicants, and customers that your company takes giving seriously and is committed to reducing barriers to impact.

Companies with this certification stand out not only for their generosity but for the systems they put in place to make generosity scalable.

Tracking Success and Improving Over Time

Just like any other business initiative, successful matching gift programs are grounded in data.

Metrics to Monitor:

  • Participation rate: What percentage of eligible employees are submitting match requests?

  • Average match amount: Are employees giving at levels aligned with company expectations?

  • Time to submission: Are requests coming in promptly, or is there a drop-off after donation?

  • Support requests: How often do employees need help with the submission process?

These insights allow CSR leaders to adjust messaging, clarify eligibility, simplify touchpoints, and identify opportunities for further automation.

Moreover, data can support better storytelling in annual impact reports, recruitment materials, and investor updates. It helps quantify not just what the company gave, but how it enabled employee-led impact.

Conclusion: Matching Purpose with Performance

Matching gift programs are more than a perk you can offer employees. They are a strategic investment in culture, retention, and social impact. Companies that make participation easy, integrate technology like auto-submission, and seek out best practices create a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to give back.

If your organization is ready to see major employee engagement benefits, refining your matching gift approach is one of the most effective and scalable ways to do it.

Beyond the Basics Creative Matching Gift Campaigns That Work

Beyond the Basics: Creative Matching Gift Campaigns That Work

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Matching gifts are already a powerful tool for increasing donations. But what happens when nonprofits and companies move beyond the standard reminders and start getting creative? That’s where the real magic happens.

In this post, we’re diving into smart matching gift campaigns that break the mold and drive real results. From themed giving days to storytelling spotlights and gamified team challenges, these strategies go beyond the basics to spark donor engagement, boost match submissions, and build lasting support.

Specifically, we’ll cover:

  • Innovative Matching Gift Campaign Ideas for Nonprofits
  • Inspiring Matching Gift Campaign Ideas for Companies

Whether you’re a fundraiser looking for fresh ideas or a business aiming to energize employees around giving, these proven campaigns can help you take your impact to the next level. Feel free to click around to the section that most aligns with your goals and objectives!

Innovative Matching Gift Campaign Ideas for Nonprofits

Do you send matching gift emails to your supporters when they give? These reminders can offer an excellent starting point to your marketing, but there’s even more potential to unlock. By going beyond a simple call to action and incorporating more engaging, educational content into your outreach, you can deepen donor understanding, increase participation, and ultimately drive more matching gift revenue.

In this section, we’ll explore fresh, out-of-the-box campaign ideas designed to capture attention, spark curiosity, and make matching gifts feel like an exciting part of your fundraising.

Matching gift awareness drive

A Matching Gift Awareness Drive is a focused campaign designed to educate your supporters about the power of matching gifts. Many donors are unaware that their employers may offer to double—or even triple—their contributions.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

Use this campaign to highlight how simple it is to check eligibility and submit a match request. Incorporate emails, social media posts, donor thank-you pages, and website banners to share facts, FAQs, and impact stats. The goal is to reach as many donors as possible with clear, accessible information that turns untapped matching opportunities into real revenue.

Matching Gift Month

Designated as “Matching Gift Month,” February is a great opportunity to give this important part of your fundraising strategy the attention it deserves. Use the month to run educational campaigns, share donor testimonials, and highlight the matching gift programs of popular employers.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

February is ideal—it’s early in the calendar year, donors are thinking about finances and taxes, and it gives your team time to build momentum before year-end campaigns. Consider a themed weekly email series, blog posts, and internal challenges to keep energy high all month long.

Matching Monday

Start each week by spotlighting matching gifts with “Matching Monday“—a recurring campaign you can feature in your newsletters and on social media. Highlight one company with a matching gift program each week, or showcase real donor matches as examples.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

This gives you an ongoing, branded opportunity to educate your audience in bite-sized pieces and keep matching gifts top of mind. Bonus: it’s a perfect excuse to thank employers and reinforce your corporate relationships publicly.

Text-to-match campaign

A Text-to-Match campaign makes it easier than ever for supporters to access matching gift information right from their phones. After a donation is made, send an automated SMS message with a link to your matching gift search tool or matching gift forms.

 

Creative matching gift campaign idea

Mobile messaging is direct, immediate, and has a high open rate—perfect for reminding donors to take that extra step. This approach is especially effective for live events, giving days, and peer-to-peer fundraisers where donors are already engaging via mobile.

Matched donor spotlights

Featuring “Matched Donor Spotlights” is a great way to put a human face on matching gifts and drive increased participation with social proof. Share short stories about donors who successfully submitted a match—what inspired their gift, how easy it was to request the match, and the impact it had.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

Use blog posts, short videos, social posts, or newsletter features to celebrate these donors and inspire others to follow their lead. This kind of storytelling builds trust, makes the matching process feel more approachable, and reinforces how donors can double their difference.

#MatchingWednesday

The day after a large-scale fundraising campaign like Giving Tuesday is a golden opportunity to follow up with a matching gift push. Branded as #MatchingWednesday, this campaign can help you make the most of the surge in donations from the day before.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

Reach out to all Giving Tuesday donors to remind them to submit their match requests—and offer quick, clickable links to do so. Promote the campaign on social media with visuals, short success stories, and employer shout-outs to extend the momentum of Giving Tuesday while amplifying your results.

One-off matching gift fundraiser

Partnering with a company for a one-time, exclusive matching gift fundraiser is a win-win. The business gets to support a cause its employees care about, and your organization benefits from a boost in matched donations. This campaign works especially well when aligned with a shared mission, milestone event, or giving season.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

Promote the opportunity through email, landing pages, and employee outreach. Highlight that gifts made during the campaign will be matched—dollar for dollar—for a limited amount of time for added urgency and excitement.

Year-end matching gift campaign

The end of the year is a peak season for generosity, making it the perfect time for a matching gift campaign. Donors are looking to give before the tax deadline, and a reminder that their gift could be matched often leads to increased motivation. Not to mention, many companies establish year-end matching gift deadlines, so the end of the calendar year is a perfect time to encourage completed matches.

Creative matching gift campaign idea

For the best results, use countdown timers, bold visuals, and donation impact statements to create urgency. Send targeted follow-up emails encouraging match submissions from all donors who gave during the final months of the year. This is also a great time to spotlight match-eligible employers and promote automation tools to simplify the process.

Matching gift automation

Finally, integrating a platform like Double the Donation or HEPdata is a campaign idea that works behind the scenes but drives powerful results. Matching gift automation identifies eligible donors in real time, prompts them to submit their match, and follows up with them automatically.

Promote your use of automation as a donor benefit—letting them know that the process is fast, easy, and built right into your donation experience. Consider adding a short explainer on your donation form, a blog post about how it works, and email content that encourages donors to take full advantage of it.

Watch the video overview below to learn more:

Power your matching gift program with the right software

Inspiring Matching Gift Campaign Ideas for Companies

A well-run matching gift program doesn’t just amplify donations. It strengthens your company culture, boosts employee morale, and reinforces your commitment to social impact. But to truly unlock that potential, companies need more than a policy—they need a plan that inspires action.

Here, we’ll highlight matching gift campaign ideas that go beyond the basics to actively encourage employee participation. These strategies are designed to foster generosity, increase engagement, and help your company make a meaningful difference—all while supporting the causes your team cares about most.

Affinity month matching gifts

Affinity months—such as Black History Month, Pride Month, or Women’s History Month—are powerful opportunities for companies to align their giving with causes that matter to employees. During these months, companies can boost engagement by offering enhanced matching gift benefits, like doubling the match ratio (e.g., 2:1 instead of 1:1) or increasing the maximum match amount for donations made to aligned nonprofits.

This shows support for employee values while driving higher participation in corporate giving programs. Promote the campaign through affinity groups, company newsletters, and internal social platforms to spread the word.

Employee giving challenges

Turn your matching gift program into a fun, team-building experience with an Employee Giving Challenge. Departments, locations, or teams compete to see who can generate the most matching gift activity—whether it’s submitting the highest number of match requests or raising the most funds through eligible donations.

To increase engagement, you can even offer prizes like catered lunches, donation credits to a cause of the winner’s choice, or company swag. These challenges create excitement, foster a spirit of giving, and boost employee giving while increasing the impact of your matching gift program.

Matched donor impact stories

Encourage employees to share their personal stories about making donations and seeing their gifts matched. These Matched Donor Impact Stories can be shared internally via newsletters, internal channels, or intranet features—and externally on company blogs or social media.

Hearing from peers about why they give and how easy the match process was can inspire others to participate. These stories humanize the program, showcase company values in action, and connect the act of giving to real-world impact.

Matching gift milestone celebrations

Celebrating internal milestones—like reaching a certain number of matching gifts or achieving a lofty participation rate—can reinvigorate employee interest and highlight the success of your program.

A milestone celebration might include a company-wide thank-you message, a visual dashboard of impact, a celebratory event, or a feature in the company newsletter. Recognizing collective achievement not only builds pride but reinforces the message that matching gifts are a core part of your company’s culture of generosity.

Giving season match push

The end-of-year giving season is the perfect time for a Matching Gift Push. Many employees donate during November and December for tax reasons and out of holiday generosity, making it the ideal moment to remind them of your matching gift program.

Run a multi-channel campaign (incorporating email, intranet, and manager reminders) encouraging employees to donate early and submit match requests before the year ends. Include deadline reminders, impact stats, and employer match highlights to motivate action before the clock runs out.

Matching gift auto-submission

Our final idea? Streamline the entire giving process with matching gift auto-submission, available through corporate social responsibility vendors integrated with Double the Donation. With auto-submission, employees no longer have to manually fill out submission forms or remember to log into the correct portal. Instead, everything is taken care of immediately after the donation⁠—straight from the organization’s giving page.

This modern upgrade significantly boosts participation by removing barriers and demonstrating your company’s commitment to making giving easy and impactful. For the best results, promote this feature with how-to guides, short videos, and onboarding materials so employees know how to take advantage of it.

Watch the video overview below to learn more:

Power your matching gift program with the right software

Final Thoughts & Further Reading

When it comes to matching gifts, creativity pays off—literally. By thinking outside the box and tailoring your campaigns to your audience, you can turn passive interest into meaningful action and significantly increase your fundraising revenue.

Whether you implement one of these ideas or use them as inspiration to build your own, the key is to make matching gifts more visible, accessible, and exciting.

Ready to go beyond the basics? Start experimenting, track your results, and, most importantly, make it easy and engaging for supporters to double their impact. With the right campaign, your matching gift potential is virtually limitless.

Interested in learning even more about corporate gift-matching and beyond? Check out these recommended resources:

Raise more with matching gift automation software

Why Your Company Should Be Matching Gifts—And How to Start

Why Your Company Should Be Matching Gifts—And How to Start

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Looking for new ways for your company to give back to its community and support the organizations your employees are devoted to? Ready to increase engagement within your workforce and better position yourself as a company that cares?

Imagine doubling the impact of every dollar your employees donate to charity without asking them to give more. That’s the power of matching gifts. These initiatives allow companies to match their employees’ charitable donations, turning individual acts of generosity into a collective force for good. Yet, despite the clear benefits, billions of dollars in corporate matching funds go unclaimed every year.

If your company isn’t matching gifts yet, you’re missing a huge opportunity to support your employees, strengthen your community, and build a purpose-driven workplace culture. In this post, we’ll explore why offering a matching gift program is a smart move for your business—and how to get started with one that’s effective, sustainable, and impactful. We’ll cover:

  • What are corporate matching gifts?
  • Why your company should offer employee matching gifts
  • How to start a new matching gift program
  • Common challenges⁠ for companies—and how to overcome them

Whether you’re a small, local business or a large-scale corporation, implementing a matching gift program is more achievable than you might think. And the returns can be substantial! From improved employee morale to enhanced brand reputation, the benefits go far beyond the dollars matched.

Keep reading to explore what matching gifts are, why they matter, and how your company can build a program that makes a meaningful difference. Let’s get started with the basics.

What are corporate matching gifts?

Corporate matching gifts are a form of philanthropy where companies financially match charitable donations made by their employees. In a typical matching gift program, when an employee donates to an eligible nonprofit organization, the company matches that contribution, often dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the impact of the original donation.

Understanding the impact of matching gifts

These programs are a powerful way for companies to support the causes their employees care about while reinforcing a culture of giving and community engagement. Match ratios and eligibility criteria vary, but many companies offer a 1:1 (or even 2:1) match up to a certain annual limit per employee. Some even extend their programs to include retirees and spouses, or match volunteer hours with financial contributions as well.

In essence, matching gifts allow companies to invest in both their workforce and the broader community, aligning corporate social responsibility goals with employee values. For employers, it’s a straightforward and scalable way to demonstrate commitment to purpose-driven business practices while enhancing employee satisfaction and public perception.

Why your company should offer employee matching gifts

Offering a matching gift program isn’t just a generous gesture. It’s a smart, strategic move for today’s purpose-driven companies. Here’s why implementing one can benefit both your business and your people, as well as your greater community.

Benefits of matching gifts

Amplify Employee Giving and Community Impact

Matching gifts multiply the charitable contributions of your workforce, increasing the overall impact your company has on causes that matter. It’s a cost-effective way to deepen your commitment to social responsibility and demonstrate meaningful community investment for causes that are making a difference.

Boost Employee Engagement and Retention

Employees want to work for companies that align with their values. Matching gift programs send a clear message: your company cares about what your team cares about. Studies show that employees who feel their employer supports their charitable efforts are more engaged, loyal, and productive.

Strengthen Your Employer Brand

In a competitive market, your reputation matters. A visible commitment to giving back helps position your company as an employer of choice, especially among younger workers who prioritize social impact when evaluating job opportunities.

Enhance Your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy

Matching gifts are a tangible, measurable way to fulfill CSR and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. They complement broader initiatives and can be tracked to show real-time impact to stakeholders, shareholders, and the general public.

Improve Public Perception and Customer Loyalty

Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that give back. Matching gifts not only benefit nonprofits but also enhance your corporate image, fostering goodwill with customers, investors, and partners.

Enjoy Potential Tax Benefits

Donations made through a corporate matching gift program are typically tax-deductible as charitable contributions, offering potential financial advantages for your business. While the specifics can vary based on your location and tax structure, these deductions can help offset the cost of the program while increasing your philanthropic footprint.

How to start a new matching gift program

Launching a matching gift initiative doesn’t have to be complex. With the right structure, tools, and communication, you can build a program that’s easy to manage and delivers real impact.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you kick off the process:

1. Define Your Program Goals and Budget

Start by determining what you want your program to achieve. Are you looking to increase employee engagement, support specific causes, or enhance your CSR strategy?

Set a clear annual budget for matching contributions and decide on match parameters—such as the match ratio (e.g., 1:1), minimum/maximum match amounts, and total yearly cap per employee.

2. Establish Eligibility Guidelines

Decide which types of donations and organizations will qualify for a match. Will you match donations to any registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or only to select issue areas (e.g., education, environment, health)? You should also clarify which employees are eligible—full-time, part-time, retirees, spouses, etc.

3. Choose a Matching Gift Management System

Efficiency matters. While some smaller companies start with a manual process (e.g., submitting forms via HR), many choose to use a matching gift management platform to automate and streamline the process.

Solutions like Benevity, CyberGrants, and more offer user-friendly tools for both employees and administrators.

Power your matching gift program with the right software

4. Communicate the Program Internally

Even the best-designed program won’t succeed if employees don’t know it exists. Launch with a clear internal communications plan: send an announcement email, post on your intranet, create FAQs, and include information during onboarding and team meetings. Emphasize how easy it is to participate and why it matters.

5. Track Participation and Share Impact

Set up a process to monitor usage and measure the program’s effectiveness. Regularly report on total donations matched, causes supported, and employee participation rates. Sharing success stories and metrics can build momentum and reinforce your company’s commitment to giving, too!

6. Adjust and Improve Over Time

Gather feedback from employees and be open to refining the program. Consider increasing the annual match cap, expanding eligible nonprofits, or integrating volunteer matching to further engage your team.

Common matching gift challenges for companies⁠—and how to overcome them

Even with the best intentions, companies can face a few roadblocks when launching or managing a matching gift program. The good news? Most of these challenges are easy to overcome with the right tools and strategy.

Here, we cover some common issues and how your team can address them.

Low employee awareness

Even the most well-designed matching gift program will fall flat if your employees don’t know it exists. A common reason for low participation is simply a lack of awareness or understanding of how to use the program.

Solution: Prioritize internal communications.

Make consistent, clear communication a core part of your rollout and ongoing strategy. Announce the program through company-wide emails, internal newsletters, team meetings, and your HR portal. Create simple guides or explainer videos, and include program information in onboarding materials for new hires. The easier it is for employees to learn about and access the program, the more likely they are to participate.

Administrative burden

Managing a matching gift program manually—tracking requests, verifying nonprofit eligibility, and processing payments—can be time-consuming and unsustainable, especially as participation in the program grows.

Solution: Invest in a CSR management platform.

To streamline operations, consider implementing a corporate social responsibility platform such as Benevity, YourCause, or CyberGrants (as well as a number of other solutions). These tools handle donation verification, automate matching gift submissions, and provide detailed reporting. By reducing the administrative lift, your team can focus on strategy and impact rather than paperwork.

Failure to follow through with requests

Even when employees are aware of the program, matching gift requests sometimes fall through the cracks, due to delays, unclear steps, or a cumbersome submission process. This can lead to frustration and lost impact.

Solution: Enable auto-submission through Double the Donation.

Simplify the employee experience by enabling auto-submission in your program. All you need to do is choose a CSR platform that integrates with Double the Donation. This feature allows employees to complete a matching gift request directly at the point of donation, with no additional forms or steps. It increases match rates, minimizes errors, and ensures more donations are successfully matched without administrative friction.

Budget uncertainty

Companies sometimes hesitate to launch a matching gift program because they’re unsure how much it will cost or how many employees will participate.

Solution: Get started with a one-off matching gift initiative.

Rather than committing to a full-scale program upfront, start with a limited-time initiative. For example, you may agree to match gifts during a specific giving campaign or around the holidays, usually for gifts made to a specific organization. This allows you to test interest, gather data, and gauge participation without long-term financial risk.

Wrapping up & additional matching gift resources

Launching a matching gift program isn’t just a nice thing to do. Instead, it’s a strategic way to deepen employee engagement, enhance your brand’s reputation, and increase social impact. By empowering your team to give (and backing their contributions when they do), you show that your company cares about more than just its bottom line.

Whether you begin with a limited-scope initiative or roll out a robust platform, the important thing is that you start. After all, matching gifts make a real difference: for nonprofits, for your employees, and for your company culture. Now’s the time to take that first step toward building a more generous and connected workplace through matching gifts.

Ready to learn more about matching gifts for companies like yours? Check out these additional resources to help you get started:

Drive matching gifts with the right software

Matching Gift Benefits Win-Win for Companies & Communities

Matching Gift Benefits: Win-Win for Companies and Communities

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In today’s world, employees and consumers alike expect companies to do more than just turn a profit. They want to see businesses giving back.

One of the most impactful yet often underutilized ways companies can support charitable causes is through matching gift programs. These initiatives allow companies to match the charitable donations made by their employees, effectively doubling (or even tripling) the support nonprofits receive.

Matching gifts don’t just benefit the nonprofits and communities they serve; they also offer powerful returns for companies in the form of enhanced employee engagement, stronger brand reputation, and deeper community ties.

In this post, we’ll explore how matching gifts create a win-win scenario for both corporations and the causes they (and their employees) care about. Let’s get started with the basics.

Who benefits from matching gift programs?

Matching gift programs create a ripple effect of benefits that touch multiple groups throughout the process. These include, but are not limited to, employees, companies, nonprofits, and the communities they collectively serve.

Let’s take a closer look at what each stakeholder gains from these initiatives:

Advantages of Matching Gifts for Companies

For businesses, matching gift programs are more than just an act of goodwill. They’re a strategic component of a company’s broader employee engagement and CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts.

Here are some key benefits companies can expect:

  • Enhanced Brand Reputation: Consumers and clients increasingly favor businesses that give back. Matching gifts demonstrate a company’s commitment to social impact, allowing them to do exactly that.
  • Boosted Employee Morale and Retention: Employees feel proud to work for a company that supports causes they care about. This leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.
  • Stronger Recruitment Appeal: Younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials, actively seek employers with meaningful social responsibility programs. A matching gift initiative can be just what a company needs to stand out and recruit new talent.
  • Improved Community Relationships: Supporting local and global causes helps businesses build goodwill and long-term community trust.
  • Tax Benefits: Matching gift contributions can often be written off against a company’s total taxable income, creating financial incentives while giving back.

By implementing a matching gift program, companies position themselves as leaders in corporate citizenship, strengthening their workforce, improving public perception, and making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.

Advantages of Matching Gifts for Employees

Employees play a key role in driving matching gift programs, and they benefit just as much as their companies and the organizations they support. Here’s how:

  • Amplified Impact: When donations are matched, employees know their contributions go further, which increases their sense of personal impact.
  • Increased Engagement: Matching gifts help employees feel connected to both their employer and their community, fostering a deeper sense of purpose at work.
  • Greater Awareness of Philanthropy: Employees become more involved in charitable causes, often discovering new nonprofits and volunteer opportunities through company-sponsored programs.
  • Recognition and Empowerment: Many companies spotlight employee giving, which boosts morale and cultivates a sense of pride in company culture.

Ultimately, matching gifts empower employees to become more engaged citizens and ambassadors for change, both inside and outside the workplace.

Advantages of Matching Gifts for Communities and Nonprofits

Finally, matching gifts provide nonprofits and their greater communities with valuable support that extends far beyond individual contributions. These benefits include:

  • Increased Funding: With every matched donation, nonprofits receive more resources to deliver services and scale their impact.
  • Expanded Donor Base: Matching gift programs often motivate first-time donors to take the step, expanding visibility and growing support for the organization.
  • Greater Financial Stability: Predictable matching gift funds⁠, especially with strong tracking and revenue forecasting⁠, help nonprofits plan better and invest in long-term initiatives.
  • Stronger Corporate Partnerships: These programs often lead to ongoing relationships between nonprofits and businesses, opening doors for volunteerism, sponsorships, and additional joint campaigns.
  • Community Empowerment: Local organizations become better equipped to address real needs—whether it’s food insecurity, education, or environmental protection—resulting in stronger, healthier communities.

The final result is a more connected ecosystem where businesses, donors, and nonprofits work together to create sustainable, meaningful impact for the greater good. Talk about a win-win!

How to increase matching gift benefits for everyone involved

To fully realize the potential of matching gift programs, companies, nonprofits, and employees must work together to maximize participation, streamline the process, and increase awareness.

Here are key strategies each group can use to amplify their benefits:

1. For Companies: Make It Easy and Visible

  • Simplify the process: Use CSR or donation-matching software (like Benevity, YourCause, CyberGrants, or other similar platforms) to automate matching requests and approvals. This will save time for your and your employees.
  • Communicate regularly: Promote the program in onboarding, internal newsletters, and employee portals to keep it top of mind. The better your staff are aware of the opportunity, the more likely they are to participate.
  • Celebrate participation: Highlight employee donations and the causes they support in company updates or events to build enthusiasm. Recognizing involvement goes a long way in driving recognition and social proof!
  • Expand eligibility: Consider including retirees, part-time employees, team member spouses, or board members to broaden your impact. The broader your program criteria, the greater impact it can make overall.

Power your matching gift program with the right software

2. For Nonprofits: Educate and Encourage Donors

  • Promote matching gifts in donation forms and emails: Include a reminder like “Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match!” before, during, and after each donor gives. Plus, be sure to collect employment information on the giving form to help power your efforts.
  • Use a matching gift search tool: Provide an embedded tool on your website (such as a widget from Double the Donation or HEPdata) where donors can check if their employer matches donations and access forms and instructions in real-time.
  • Thank both donor and employer: Strengthen relationships with both parties by acknowledging matched contributions. This can include public recognition, small tokens of appreciation, and more.

Power your matching gift program with the right software

3. For Employees and Donors: Take Advantage of What’s Offered

  • Check eligibility: Many employees are unaware their company offers matching gifts. A quick check with HR or an internal giving portal can uncover valuable opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not sure how to get started!
  • Plan donations around matches: Consider making gifts during times when matches are promoted or doubled for special campaigns. This can allow you to spread your impact even farther.
  • Advocate internally: Encourage coworkers to participate and ask your company to enhance or expand the program if it’s underutilized. And if your company doesn’t currently match employee gifts, you can advocate for such a program to be developed in the first place!

By making participation seamless, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of giving, everyone—from nonprofits to businesses and their employees—can get more out of matching gifts. When all parties are aligned and proactive, the collective impact can be transformational.

Wrapping up & additional matching gift resources

Matching gift programs are more than just a philanthropic gesture. They’re a strategic investment in people, purpose, and community. Companies that embrace these programs not only amplify their social impact but also cultivate a workplace culture grounded in generosity and shared values. Meanwhile, nonprofits gain crucial support to fuel their missions and expand their reach.

Whether you’re a company looking to deepen your corporate social responsibility efforts or a nonprofit eager to unlock more donor potential, matching gifts represent a powerful tool for mutual growth. In other words, when generosity is matched, everybody wins.

Ready for even more information about matching gifts for companies and beyond? Check out these additional recommended resources:

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The ROI of Matching Gifts More Than Just Philanthropy

The ROI of Matching Gifts: More Than Just Philanthropy

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More and more companies are recognizing that corporate giving isn’t just about doing good—it’s also good for business. In fact, the ROI of matching gifts is becoming increasingly clear, especially as leading companies integrate these programs into their broader employee engagement and CSR strategies.

By matching employee donations to eligible nonprofits, companies aren’t just supporting causes—they’re strengthening their workforce, enhancing their reputation, and building long-term loyalty.

In this post, we’ll explore why top employers like Microsoft, Apple, and Google invest heavily in matching gift programs—and how other companies can tap into similar returns by aligning purpose with performance. Specifically, we’ll cover:

  • What are corporate matching gifts?
  • The business case: Why companies offer matching gifts
  • ROI breakdown: Matching gifts’ return on investment
  • The industry standard; Big players leading the way
  • Getting started: How other companies can benefit, too

Ready to jump in? This post explores how and why matching gift programs create meaningful ROI for companies, and why more businesses are adopting them not just to give back, but to move forward.

Let’s begin.

What are corporate matching gifts?

Corporate matching gifts are employer-sponsored programs that match charitable donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. From a company’s point of view, these programs are a structured way to support employee values, contribute to social causes, and enhance corporate social responsibility efforts—all while engaging the workforce in meaningful ways.

Typically, a company will set guidelines around who is eligible to participate, what types of donations qualify, and how much the company will match. For example, a company might offer to double donations up to $5,000 per employee per year to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

In essence, matching gifts are a simple yet powerful way for companies to align business values with employee passions, turning individual generosity into collective impact.

The business case: Why companies offer matching gifts

While matching gift programs are certainly rooted in generosity, their value to businesses goes far beyond charitable giving. In fact, for many companies, these programs are a strategic investment in culture, reputation, and performance.

Here’s why more employers are embracing matching gifts as a business imperative:

1. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

Today’s workforce, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, expects more from employers than just a paycheck. They want to work for companies that reflect their values and contribute to the greater good.

Matching gift programs signal that a company supports its employees’ passions and is committed to making a difference. This can be a deciding factor for job seekers and a key driver of employee loyalty.

2. Strengthening Employee Engagement

When employees see their donations matched, they feel heard, valued, and supported. This kind of personal investment from employers increases engagement, motivation, and satisfaction. In fact, studies have shown that employees who participate in workplace giving programs are more likely to feel proud of where they work and stay longer with the company.

3. Enhancing Corporate Reputation

Consumers are paying attention to how companies give back. A well-publicized matching gift program can enhance a brand’s reputation and build trust with customers, investors, and the general public. It demonstrates a company’s commitment to corporate citizenship and social impact, values that are increasingly influencing buying and partnership decisions.

4. Amplifying Community Impact

Matching gifts double the donations going to nonprofits, effectively multiplying the company’s positive footprint in communities where employees live and work. This amplifies the impact of corporate philanthropy while empowering employees to support the causes that matter most to them.
In short, offering a matching gift program is more than a feel-good initiative—it’s a business-savvy move. It builds a stronger workforce, enhances brand equity, and reinforces a company’s role as a force for good.

ROI breakdown: Matching gifts’ return on investment

Matching gift programs aren’t just good PR; they deliver real business returns.
When companies invest in matching employee donations, the benefits often outweigh the costs in both tangible and intangible ways. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas where companies see a strong return on investment (ROI) from matching gifts:

1. Lower Employee Turnover

Retaining employees is significantly more cost-effective than hiring and training new ones. Matching gift programs contribute to greater employee satisfaction and loyalty, which helps reduce turnover. According to some CSR studies, companies with strong social impact initiatives see up to 50% lower turnover among employees who participate in giving programs.

2. Increased Employee Engagement and Productivity

Employees who feel their values align with their employer’s mission are more engaged and motivated. When companies match donations, it demonstrates that they care about what employees care about, which can lead to higher job satisfaction, stronger workplace morale, and even improved productivity.

According to a Gallup report on employee engagement, companies with a highly engaged workforce have an estimated 21% higher profitability and approximately 17% higher productivity.

3. Enhanced Brand Reputation

Consumers are more likely to trust and support brands that are socially responsible. Publicizing a matching gift program shows stakeholders that the company is invested in making a difference. This can boost brand loyalty, attract value-aligned partners, and enhance public perception. And according to recent statistics, a company’s reputation accounts for 63% of its market value.

4. Improved Stakeholder Confidence

Investors and board members are increasingly prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making processes. Implementing matching gift programs can enhance a company’s social responsibility profile, thereby strengthening stakeholder confidence and trust.

In fact, a McKinsey & Company survey recently revealed that 85% of chief investment officers consider ESG factors necessary in their investment decisions. This finding highlights the growing emphasis investors place on social initiatives when evaluating a company’s long-term value and risk profile.

By adopting matching gift programs, companies not only demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility but also align with investor expectations, potentially leading to increased investment appeal and stakeholder trust.

 

Power your matching gift program with the right software

The industry standard: Big players leading the way

If you’re wondering whether matching gift programs are worth the investment, just look at what the world’s most successful companies are doing. Research shows that more than 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer corporate matching gifts.

Major brands across tech, finance, healthcare, and retail have made employee donation matching a core part of their corporate giving strategies; not just to give back, but because it delivers a clear and proven return on investment.

Microsoft

Microsoft: Setting the Gold Standard

Microsoft has long been a leader in corporate philanthropy, and its matching gift program is no exception. The company matches employee donations dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 per year and also matches volunteer hours with cash donations to nonprofits. In a single year, Microsoft employees raised over $255 million for nonprofits—$72 million of which came from the company match.

The ROI? A highly engaged workforce, industry-leading retention rates, and a brand identity deeply tied to purpose.

Learn more about Microsoft’s matching gift program here.

Google's matching gift program

Google: Empowering Employees to Give More

Google matches up to $10,000 per employee annually. The company emphasizes the program in onboarding, internal communications, and public CSR reporting, because it knows the value goes far beyond the dollars matched.

Matching gifts reinforce Google’s culture of innovation and impact, which helps attract top talent and keep employees invested in the company’s mission.

Learn more about Google’s matching gift program here.

Apple matching gift program

Apple: Matching Time and Money

Apple takes a dual approach by matching both donations and volunteer hours, offering $25 for every hour an employee volunteers with, or up to $10,000 in donations to a nonprofit. This not only supports community engagement but also increases employee satisfaction by acknowledging time as a valuable contribution.

The result? Greater loyalty and positive brand perception in a competitive market.

Learn more about Apple’s matching gift program here.

Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, General Electric, and More

These companies also offer robust matching programs that reflect their long-term commitment to social impact. For them, the ROI comes in the form of stronger community ties, increased employee pride, and an enhanced corporate reputation—factors that matter to shareholders, job seekers, and customers alike.

These industry leaders aren’t offering matching gifts just to be generous—they do it because the numbers back it up. Matching gifts drive employee engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen brand value. And when done right, they’re a low-cost, high-impact way to align business goals with community impact.

For companies looking to stay competitive, the message is clear: matching gifts aren’t just a trend—they’re the industry standard.

Getting started: How other companies can benefit, too

You don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to see the ROI of matching gifts. Whether you’re an established mid-sized business or a growing startup company, launching a matching gift program is a practical, scalable way to invest in your people, your brand, and your community.

Here’s how companies of all sizes can get started—and start seeing the benefits with ease.

1. Define Your Program Guidelines

Start by setting clear parameters for your program. As you develop a matching gift policy for your company, you’ll want to answer questions like these:

  • Who is eligible? (Full-time employees only, or include part-time and retirees?)
  • Which nonprofits qualify? (501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, etc.)
  • What’s the match amount? (Common minimums are between $1 and $25, while maximums tend to span $500 to $5,000 per employee per year.)
  • What’s the match ratio? (1:1 is standard, but some offer 2:1 or even 3:1)

Clear guidelines make your program easier to manage and more attractive for employees looking to get involved.

2. Choose the Right Platform

Several software providers can help you streamline matching gift submissions, approvals, and payouts. Platforms like Benevity, YourCause, and CyberGrants are designed to make administration simple for HR teams to manage. However, CLMA-certified providers like Millie, Selflessly, and more can allow your company to enable matching gift auto-submission, making the process easier for employees than ever before.

All in all, choosing the right tool can save time on both ends and maximize participation in your program.

3. Communicate Often and Clearly

Even the best-designed program won’t succeed if no one knows about it. Promote the program during new team member onboarding, in internal newsletters, and during periods of increased giving.

Plus, you can make it easy for employees to find information and submit matching requests by ensuring your program is added to the industry-leading matching gift database.

4. Track Results and Celebrate Impact

Use data to measure participation, total donations, and more. Then, communicate your findings with program stakeholders: including employees, consumers, investors, and more. You can even share impact stories internally and externally to build excitement and show employees that their contributions—and your support—are making a difference.

All in all, launching a matching gift program is easier than ever, and the returns can be substantial. With the right approach, companies of any size can create a culture of giving, strengthen relationships with employees, and make a real impact—all while supporting strategic business goals.

Wrapping up: Additional matching gift resources

Matching gift programs may start with a spirit of generosity, but their impact reaches far beyond charitable contributions. They help companies attract top talent, increase employee satisfaction, and build stronger relationships with customers and communities—all while doubling the impact of every dollar donated.

As the business landscape grows increasingly values-driven, the most forward-thinking companies recognize that investing in employee giving isn’t just good PR—it’s smart business. Matching gifts are no longer just a nice-to-have. They’re a strategic tool with real ROI, and an essential part of any modern corporate responsibility program.

Ready to learn more about matching gifts and their benefits for companies like yours? Check out these additional resources:

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