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Brand Authenticity: Why Your Company's Giving Tech is Your Culture

Brand Authenticity: Why Your Company’s Giving Tech is Your Culture

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The quality of your company’s giving tech directly reflects your corporate culture. Providing a seamless, intuitive matching gift experience protects your brand authenticity and ensures your commitment to social good is perceived as a core value.

In the modern corporate landscape, a company’s brand is no longer just what it tells the world through marketing campaigns. It is the sum of every interaction an employee has with the organization’s internal systems.

This is particularly true for social impact initiatives. When a corporation claims to be tech-forward and deeply committed to doing good, yet provides a clunky workplace giving system, a significant brand disconnect occurs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about:

The lived experience of an employee participating in your corporate social responsibility programs can either erode trust or build pride. To protect your company’s brand, it’s important that you prioritize a smooth user journey that matches the efficiency of the apps your workforce uses every day.

Keep reading to find out how you can do so.

The Rise of Brand Authenticity in the Digital Workplace

Authenticity has become the most valuable currency in the modern workplace. Employees are no longer satisfied with high-level mission statements; they want to see those values reflected in the company’s daily operations. This shift is driven by a workforce that values transparency and consistency. When a company’s actions align with its words, it creates a powerful sense of belonging and purpose.

Corporate giving is one of the most visible expressions of a company’s values. It is a tangible way for an employer to say, “We care about the things you care about.” However, the medium is the message. If the technology used to facilitate that giving is outdated and frustrating, the message of caring is lost.

An authentic brand ensures that every touchpoint, especially those related to social impact, is designed with the user in mind.

In today’s world, brand authenticity is inextricably linked to digital fluency. Employees expect their work tools to be efficient. A company that forces a staff member to jump through hoops to double their impact through its matching gift program is essentially saying that the individual’s time is not worth a modern investment. True authenticity requires a commitment to removing these barriers and making the giving experience as seamless as possible.

Quick Tip: Conduct an internal audit of your CSR programming. If engagement is low, the issue may not be the initiative itself, but friction within the software used. User-friendly tools are the best way to align your “innovation” values with your “giving” goals.

Why Clunky Systems Undermine Corporate Culture

When an employee participates in a matching gift program, they take a proactive step to support a cause. This is a high-intent moment. If they encounter a clunky system that requires multiple logins or manual data entry, that intent can lead to frustration. This frustration does not just stay within the giving portal; it bleeds into the employee’s overall perception of the company.

A portal-locked system creates a siloed experience. It separates the act of giving from the act of being an employee. In a tech-forward culture, systems should work together. When a company’s internal platform is disconnected from the nonprofit’s donation form, it creates an unnecessary administrative burden that employees may interpret as a lack of true support from leadership.

Furthermore, these hurdles lead to low participation rates. When program participation is low, the corporate culture of giving feels weak. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy where employees stop giving because they don’t see their peers doing so. To break this cycle, corporations need to move toward integrated solutions that facilitate an intuitive giving experience.

Did You Know? High-friction processes are a primary reason why billions in potential impact go unclaimed. According to recent statistics, only 1.31% of contributions are matched at the average nonprofit, despite more than 10% qualifying for corporate matches.

Frictionless Philanthropy and the New Employee Expectation

The expectations of the modern workforce have been shaped by the consumer world. Employees use apps that anticipate their needs and simplify their lives. They expect the same level of sophistication from their employers. Frictionless philanthropy is the idea that giving back should be as easy as any other digital transaction. It’s no longer an optional extra; it’s a requirement for attracting and retaining top talent.

For Gen Z and Millennial workers in particular, social impact is a major factor in career decisions. They want to work for companies that empower them to make a difference. However, they also tend to have a low tolerance for inefficient technology. If a company’s program feels like it belongs to 2005, it may signal that the company itself is stuck in the past. To these employees, friction is a sign of disrespect for their time and passions.

Frictionless philanthropy is achieved through deep integrations. When an employee can give to a nonprofit and have their match journey simplified through direct links and clear instructions, the technology itself fades into the background, and the impact takes center stage. This is the gold standard of the employee experience. It allows the individual to feel the full weight of their generosity without the impeding influence of the required paperwork.

How Nonprofit Fundraising Software Bridges the Culture Gap

Corporations can bridge the gap between their brand promises and their technology by encouraging the use of advanced fundraising software. For nonprofits, this technology acts as a data-synchronization layer that connects the donor’s intent with the corporation’s impact. By integrating these tools into the donation process, you provide a branded experience that reflects well on the corporation.

When an employee donates and immediately sees their company’s logo and matching gift policy, it reinforces their pride in their employer. A sophisticated fundraising tool makes the company’s philanthropy visible at the moment of the donation, which is far more impactful than a link in a monthly newsletter.

This technology also provides the “offline matching” capabilities that donors prefer. Because most employees want to give directly on a nonprofit’s website, having a fundraising software solution in place allows them to do so while still capturing the employment data necessary to trigger the match.

The Strategic Value of Modern Corporate Giving Integrations

For companies looking to scale their impact, the right integrations are essential. These software connections enable a two-way flow of data, ensuring that both the nonprofit and the corporation have accurate records of the impact being made. In a competitive talent market, brands that prioritize these seamless connections will succeed in building a more engaged workforce.

Modern social impact leaders understand that a program’s success is defined by its accessibility. When the matching process is intuitive, it reinforces the value of your employee benefits and positions your workforce to be the heroes of your brand story. This shift toward integrated CSR tech also provides a massive internal advantage: superior data.

When information flows automatically between a fundraising software tool and your internal systems, you eliminate the risks of manual entry and inconsistent reporting. This level of transparency is particularly vital for social impact reporting. Having a real-time view of where philanthropic dollars are going allows your team to demonstrate tangible impact to stakeholders with total confidence.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

The definition of a successful corporate giving program is changing as the future of philanthropy continues to develop. Today, it’s no longer enough to simply offer a match; corporations must provide a giving experience that is worthy of their brand.

In other words, the technology used to facilitate philanthropy is a direct reflection of a company’s culture and its commitment to its employees. By investing in the right tools and supporting intuitive workflows, such as through corporate volunteerism and donation matching, you ensure that every act of generosity is handled with efficiency and respect.

The Future of Corporate Philanthropy & Matching Gifts

The Future of Corporate Philanthropy & Matching Gifts

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Corporate philanthropy has always played a vital role in supporting nonprofit organizations and communities. However, in recent years, the landscape of corporate giving has evolved, and businesses are rethinking how they contribute to social causes. One of the most influential shifts has been the rise of matching gifts, a form of corporate giving that allows employees to double or even triple their donations through employer matches. As corporate giving continues to expand and evolve, the future of corporate philanthropy (and matching gifts in particular) holds enormous potential for both companies and nonprofits.

In this post, we’ll explore the key trends shaping corporate giving, how companies (and nonprofits) are adapting to the changing landscape, and how organizations can capitalize on these opportunities to drive long-term success. This will include:

Corporate philanthropy has seen a steady rise over the past few years, with corporate matching gift programs emerging as a critical component of workplace giving. As we move forward, matching gifts are expected to continue expanding in both scope and impact, helping companies engage employees and nonprofits raise more funds. Understanding these shifts and how they align with overall CSR strategies is crucial for both companies and nonprofits looking to maximize their social impact.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the future of corporate philanthropy and how these trends will shape the sector in the years to come.

The Evolving Landscape of Corporate Philanthropy

Corporate philanthropy has always been a way for businesses to contribute to society, but it’s no longer just about writing a check at the end of the year. Companies are now more intentional in their philanthropic efforts, aligning them with broader Corporate Social Responsibility (or CSR) goals that focus on making a positive impact on society, the environment, and the workforce.

Today, corporate giving is shifting toward long-term, sustainable initiatives. Companies are increasingly recognizing that their CSR strategies need to reflect a commitment to social good rather than just financial contributions. With the rise of employee-driven giving initiatives like matching gifts and other programs, businesses are not only promoting charitable giving but also fostering employee engagement, loyalty, and brand reputation.

Growth of Corporate Giving

Corporate giving has been growing steadily over the past few years, reaching record-breaking figures. In fact, the most recent Giving USA report indicates that corporate giving reached $44.4 billion, with matching gift programs accounting for a significant share. What’s driving this growth? For one, there’s an increasing recognition of the importance of giving back. Additionally, both consumers and employees are demanding that companies do more to contribute to the communities they serve.

But it’s not just large enterprises that are getting involved; small and mid-sized companies are also stepping up their philanthropic efforts. Many are offering matching gift programs, volunteer grants, and other workplace giving initiatives. The future of corporate philanthropy is poised to be more inclusive, with businesses of all sizes playing an active role in supporting charitable causes.

As the landscape of corporate philanthropy continues to evolve, several key trends are driving the future of workplace giving. These findings are shaping how companies approach corporate social responsibility and matching gift programs.

Here’s what we can expect to see more of in the years to come:

1. Increased Focus on Employee-Driven Giving

Employee engagement is a central theme in the future of corporate philanthropy. Companies are recognizing the power of their workforce to drive charitable giving, and many are rolling out year-round programs that encourage employees to get involved. By offering matching gifts and volunteer grants, for example, businesses empower employees to make a greater impact on the causes they care about.

2. The Shift Toward Year-Round Giving

While companies used to concentrate their giving efforts around specific times of year, such as the holidays or major fundraising events, there’s a growing trend toward year-round giving. Businesses are increasingly investing in continuous employee-driven giving initiatives, such as matching gifts and ongoing volunteer opportunities, to ensure philanthropy remains a consistent part of corporate culture rather than a one-time occurrence.

3. The Rise of In-Kind Donations and Volunteerism

In addition to financial contributions, many businesses are focusing on in-kind donations and corporate volunteering. These programs allow companies to donate goods or services rather than just money, which can be a valuable way to support nonprofit organizations. Volunteerism is also growing as companies recognize the benefits of giving employees the opportunity to contribute their time and skills to social causes.

The Role of Matching Gifts in the Future of Corporate Giving

Matching gift programs have been around for decades, but they are poised for even greater prominence in the future of corporate philanthropy. After all, matching gifts are an essential part of workplace giving because they allow employees to increase the impact of their donations.

As companies and employees both focus on maximizing their charitable impact, matching gifts are expected to become even more integral to corporate giving strategies. Here’s what we expect this to look like:

1. More Generous Matching Gift Programs

Many companies are becoming more generous with their matching gift programs. Increasing match ratios, raising the maximum donation amounts, and lowering the minimum donation requirements are just a few ways businesses are making matching gifts more accessible. This trend is likely to continue as businesses recognize the ever-growing importance of encouraging employee participation in philanthropic efforts.

2. Expanding Match Eligibility

Another key development is expanding matching gift eligibility to include more employees. Companies are increasingly offering matching gifts to part-time employees, retirees, board members, and even spouses. This broadening of eligibility is helping businesses engage a larger portion of their workforce in charitable giving, which is essential for expanding the reach and impact of matching gift programs.

3. Simplification of the Matching Gift Process

As more companies seek to streamline their matching gift programs, the processes involved with submitting and tracking matching gift requests are becoming easier. Tools like Double the Donation and other matching gift software platforms allow employees to quickly and easily submit their match requests. This simplification reduces barriers to participation and increases the likelihood that employees will take advantage of matching gift opportunities.

How Companies Are Adapting Their CSR Strategies for the Future

As we look toward the future of corporate philanthropy, companies are adapting their CSR strategies to meet the demands of employees, consumers, and nonprofit organizations alike. Here are a few ways businesses are evolving:

1. Integrating Corporate Giving with Business Strategy

More companies are integrating their philanthropic efforts into their core business strategy. By aligning their CSR objectives with their mission and values, businesses are creating a more authentic and impactful giving strategy. This alignment helps strengthen brand loyalty and attracts passionate employees who want to make a difference.

2. Increasing Transparency and Impact Reporting

Transparency is becoming increasingly important in corporate giving. Companies are expected to report on the impact of their philanthropic initiatives, including matching gifts. By providing detailed reports on how donations are being used and the difference they’re making, companies are enhancing their credibility and fostering greater trust with both employees and the public.

3. Focusing on Long-Term Partnerships with Nonprofits

Another key evolution in CSR is the move toward long-term partnerships with nonprofits. Rather than one-off donations or short-term collaborations, companies are seeking to build lasting relationships with organizations that align with their mission and values. These partnerships allow companies to create more meaningful, long-term impact, rather than just giving sporadically.

How Nonprofits Can Leverage Corporate Philanthropy Trends

Nonprofits have an incredible opportunity to tap into the growing trend that is corporate philanthropy. Here are a few impactful ways they can do so:

1. Promote Matching Gifts to Donors

Nonprofits can increase their revenue by promoting matching gift opportunities to their donors. Many donors are unaware that their employer will match their donation, so it’s crucial to actively educate and encourage them to take advantage of matching gift programs. For the best results, incorporate matching gift information throughout your social media, email marketing, donation process, nonprofit website, and more.

2. Build Relationships with Companies

Nonprofits should build long-term relationships with companies by focusing on corporate partnerships that align with their mission. By working closely with companies on charitable initiatives, nonprofits can ensure ongoing support and increase the impact of their programs. Keep in mind that your current donors’ employers can be some of your greatest prospects!

3. Keep an Eye on Program Updates

Make sure your team stays up to date on workplace giving program updates, as companies are refreshing their initiatives every day. The easiest way to do so? Use a matching gift database that tracks these changes and provides you and your donors with the information you need at your fingertips.

The Impact of Technology on Corporate Philanthropy

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of business operations, and corporate philanthropy is no exception. While historically, enterprise CSR platforms were designed to meet the needs of the largest companies, advancements in technology have now made corporate giving software accessible to businesses of all sizes, including small ones. Today, any-sized companies can implement corporate giving initiatives, such as matching gift programs, thanks to user-friendly platforms that simplify the process.

These platforms, such as Selflessly, Millie, and Uncommon Giving, cater specifically to smaller businesses, allowing them to offer matching gift programs and other charitable giving initiatives. What’s more, many of these platforms are CLMA-certified, a designation by Double the Donation that recognizes providers with an integrated auto-submission feature for matching gifts. This innovation ensures that the matching gift process is as seamless as possible for donors, making it easier for individuals to submit matching requests and for companies to manage their contributions.

As more companies embrace these tools, more funding becomes available to nonprofits, creating a win-win situation for both the corporate world and charitable organizations.

In parallel, nonprofit technology continues to evolve, streamlining the donation and matching gift submission process for donors. This increased efficiency means donors can submit matching gift requests quickly and accurately, while nonprofits can track and manage corporate gifts more easily. As these technologies advance, they continue to reduce friction in the donation process, enabling nonprofits to raise more funds and engage more donors.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

The future of corporate philanthropy is bright, with matching gifts at the forefront of this evolution. As companies continue to embrace employee-driven giving and expand their philanthropic efforts, nonprofits have a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on these trends to raise more funds and foster long-term relationships with corporate partners.

To stay ahead of these trends, both companies and nonprofits must focus on increasing transparency, embracing technology, and making corporate giving programs more accessible and impactful. By doing so, they can ensure the future of corporate philanthropy benefits all stakeholders.

For nonprofits aiming to make the most of matching gifts and broader workplace giving:

Raise more with matching gift automation software

For companies looking to get started with or scale up their corporate giving:

Drive matching gifts with the right software

Mistakes Nonprofits Make with Matching Gifts (+ How to Avoid Them)

10 Mistakes Nonprofits Make with Matching Gifts (+ How to Avoid Them)

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Matching gifts are one of the most underutilized resources in nonprofit fundraising. Every year, billions of dollars in matching gift funds go unclaimed, simply because donors are unaware of these programs or don’t know how to access them. While many nonprofits recognize matching gifts as a valuable revenue stream, they often make critical errors that prevent them from fully maximizing this opportunity.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes nonprofits make with matching gifts, and more importantly, how to avoid them. In other words, we’ll address the following roadblocks so that your team doesn’t have to fall prey:

  1. Treating Matching Gifts as “Nice to Have” Rather Than a Core Fundraising Strategy
  2. Hiding Matching Gift Information on Your Website Instead of Putting It Front and Center
  3. Expecting Donors to Navigate Employer Rules Without Guidance
  4. Ignoring Easy Wins Like Donation Form Prompts and Post-Gift Reminders
  5. Skipping Follow-Up Emails That Can Double Match Submission Rates
  6. Making the Process Harder Than It Needs to Be for Donors
  7. Failing to Review and Learn from Past Matching Gift Efforts
  8. Missing Opportunities to Partner with Employers Who Already Support Your Cause
  9. Failing to Train Staff and Volunteers to Answer Matching Gift Questions
  10. Underestimating How Matching Gifts Strengthen Donor Relationships

Whether you’re new to matching gifts or seeking to refine your organization’s existing strategy, this guide offers actionable insights to help you increase matching gift revenue, deepen donor engagement, and foster stronger relationships with corporate partners.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started with the first common mistake.

Mistake 1: Treating Matching Gifts as “Nice to Have” Rather Than a Core Fundraising Strategy

Many nonprofits view corporate matching gift programs as an afterthought, something “nice to have” but not essential to their fundraising efforts. This mindset prevents organizations from tapping into a significant and often untapped revenue stream.

The Missed Opportunity

An estimated $4 to $7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year because donors are unaware of what matching gifts are, let alone whether their company has a matching gift program. Nonprofits that take a reactive approach to matching gifts rather than a proactive approach are leaving money on the table. When matching gifts are integrated into team fundraising strategies, the results are more matching gift success.

Why Matching Gifts Matter

Matching gifts can amplify the impact of each donation without requiring your nonprofit to ask donors to contribute more. This makes them one of the most cost-effective ways to increase fundraising revenue alongside your existing campaigns and initiatives. Matching gift statistics even demonstrate that matching gifts can incentivize donors to give more. In fact:

  • 84% of donors are more likely to give if a match is offered.
  • 1 in 3 donors would increase their donation size if they knew their gift would be matched.

How to Make Matching Gifts a Core Strategy

To maximize the impact of matching gifts, nonprofits should incorporate matching gift mentions, marketing, and reminders across all their fundraising campaigns and initiatives. Specifically, here are some actions nonprofits like yours can take to improve your matching gift strategy:

  • Integrate Matching Gifts into Your Fundraising Plan: Incorporate matching gifts into your overall strategy and goals, rather than treating them as a side project.
  • Allocate Resources to Promote Matching Gifts: Dedicate time, staff, and resources to actively promote matching gift programs.
  • Use Technology to Simplify the Process: Utilize matching gift automation tools that make the matching gift process easier for donors to navigate and complete.

By treating matching gifts as a core fundraising strategy, you can increase revenue and build stronger relationships with both donors and corporate partners.

Mistake 2: Hiding Matching Gift Information on Your Website Instead of Putting It Front and Center

Visibility is key when it comes to corporate matching gifts. Yet, many nonprofits bury matching gift information deep within their websites or fail to highlight it during the donation process. As a result, donors are often unaware of their eligibility for matching gifts. In fact, approximately 78% of match-eligible donors are unaware that their employer offers a matching gift program.

Make Matching Gifts Easy to Find

To maximize matching gift opportunities, nonprofits should ensure that this information is easily accessible. By prominently featuring matching gift details on your website, donation pages, and confirmation screens, you increase the likelihood that donors will take advantage of these programs. Specifically, we recommend creating a dedicated matching gift page on your website where you outline what the matching gift opportunity is, explain the typical submission process, and integrate a CTA that encourages your donors to get started amplifying their impact!

Help Donors Discover their Eligibility

Incorporating tools like matching gift databases or search widgets directly on donation forms can make a huge difference. These tools allow donors to quickly check if their gift is eligible for a match and provide the necessary forms to complete the process. For example, UNCF has integrated Double the Donation’s matching gift search tool into its donation process, making it easy for donors to discover their eligibility and then connect with their next steps.

Mistake 3: Expecting Donors to Navigate Employer Rules Without Guidance

Corporate matching gift programs come with a variety of rules and eligibility criteria that can be confusing for donors. These include differences in match ratios, minimum and maximum gift amounts, eligible nonprofits, and submission deadlines. Expecting donors to navigate these details independently often leads to frustration and missed matches.

The Knowledge Gap

Matching gift research indicates that 16% of donors are aware that their company offers matching gifts but are unsure about their eligibility or how to submit requests. Without proper guidance, these donors may not complete the process, resulting in lost opportunities for your organization.

How to Bridge the Gap

Nonprofits can help donors navigate these complexities by providing clear, concise guidance. Resources such as:

  • Employer-Specific Matching Gift Guidelines: Include details for each company with which your donors are affiliated.
  • FAQs: Address common questions regarding match ratios, submission procedures, and deadlines.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Provide easy-to-follow directions on how to submit matching gift requests.

By proactively offering guidance and using tools to simplify the process, you can increase the likelihood of successful match submissions and, ultimately, raise more funds.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Easy Wins Like Donation Form Prompts and Post-Gift Reminders

Simple prompts during the donation process and follow-up reminders are among the most effective ways to increase participation in matching gifts. Unfortunately, many nonprofits overlook these easy opportunities and miss out on potential revenue.

The Power of Donation Form Prompts

Including a matching gift prompt on donation forms or confirmation pages encourages donors to check if their gift qualifies for a match. Since donors are most engaged with your organization at the point of donation, this is the perfect time to highlight matching gift opportunities, as they are most likely to be motivated.

Follow-Up Reminders

Sending reminder emails or notifications to donors who have not yet submitted their match requests can significantly improve submission rates. Many nonprofits automate these follow-ups and see a matching gift ROI with an average increase in revenue of 20-50%.

Tracking Donor Progress

Automation tools help track which donors need follow-up and make it easier to manage the process. By identifying those who need additional encouragement, you can ensure no matching gift opportunity is missed.

These straightforward strategies require minimal effort but can yield significant results, significantly boosting your organization’s matching gift success.

Mistake 5: Skipping Follow-Up Emails That Can Double Match Submission Rates

Follow-up communication is a critical tool in converting match-eligible donations into actual matched gifts. Many nonprofits miss the opportunity to send timely, targeted follow-up emails, resulting in lost revenue.

The Impact of Follow-Up Emails

Studies show that follow-up emails can double the rate at which donors submit matching gift requests. In fact, sending matching gift reminder emails within 24 hours of a donation being made yields a 53% open rate, which is 2.6 times higher than the average open rate for nonprofit emails.

For the best results, these emails should include:

  • Personalized Information: Tailor the email to include the donor’s specific eligibility details.
  • Easy Access to Submission Forms: Provide direct links to the necessary forms or instructions for submitting the match request.
  • Clear Deadlines: Highlight submission deadlines to create a sense of urgency and ensure donors don’t forget to take action.

Providing clear, actionable information in follow-up emails helps donors navigate the process with ease and encourages them to complete their matching gift request.

Mistake 6: Making the Process Harder Than It Needs to Be for Donors

A complex and time-consuming matching gift submission process discourages donors from completing their requests. Many companies require donors to fill out multiple forms, upload receipts, or navigate confusing portals. This added friction can significantly reduce participation.

Simplifying the Process for Donors

Streamlining the process is crucial to increasing participation. The easier you make it for donors to submit their matching gift requests, the more likely they are to follow through with them. Here are some strategies to simplify the matching gift process:

  • Direct Links to Employer Forms: Provide clear, easy-to-access links to each employer’s matching gift form, saving donors time and effort.
  • Searchable Matching Gift Databases: Embed databases that allow donors to find the matching gift guidelines for their company quickly.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Offer easy-to-follow instructions that guide donors through each step of the matching gift submission process.

By simplifying the matching gift experience, nonprofits can ensure a smooth flow of funds to their organization and maximize donor participation.

Mistake 7: Failing to Review and Learn from Past Matching Gift Efforts

Many nonprofits fail to review and analyze their past matching gift campaigns, missing out on opportunities to refine their strategies and improve future outcomes. By tracking key metrics such as the percentage of donations eligible for matches, submission rates, and the total revenue generated, nonprofits can gain valuable insights into what is working and where improvements are needed.

The Importance of Tracking Metrics

Tracking these key metrics is essential for understanding the effectiveness of your matching gift efforts. Regularly reviewing this data enables nonprofits to identify trends, spot successful strategies, and pinpoint areas that require attention and improvement. This type of analysis is crucial for refining campaigns and optimizing matching gift revenue.

Learning from Peers

In addition to analyzing your own efforts, learning from the experiences of other nonprofits can be incredibly valuable. Peer organizations often face similar challenges and can offer valuable insights into successful approaches for engaging donors and increasing matching gift submissions.

By continuously reviewing past campaigns and learning from both data and peers, nonprofits can refine their strategies, improve donor engagement, and ultimately increase their matching gift revenue.

Mistake 8: Missing Opportunities to Partner with Employers Who Already Support Your Cause

Many nonprofits overlook the potential of building deeper relationships with companies that already offer matching gift programs and employ their donors. These corporate partnerships can provide a significant source of ongoing support and increased matching gift revenue.

Leveraging Employee Interest for Corporate Engagement

Over 26 million individuals work for companies that offer matching gift programs, with these benefits being extended to major Fortune 500 companies as well as small, local businesses. Regardless of their size, companies are often eager to support causes that engage their employees, especially since many are actively seeking ways to enhance employee engagement and strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

By partnering with companies where donors already work, nonprofits can leverage these existing connections and establish strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

Mistake 9: Failing to Train Staff and Volunteers to Answer Matching Gift Questions

Donors often have questions about matching gift eligibility, submission procedures, and deadlines. If your staff and volunteers aren’t prepared to provide accurate and timely answers, donors may abandon the process or become frustrated. Therefore, marketing matching gifts to your internal team is a must.

The Importance of Training

Providing comprehensive training on matching gift programs is essential for ensuring your team can confidently guide donors through the process. This training should cover:

  • Standard Employer Policies: Understanding different company requirements and matching gift rules.
  • Using Matching Gift Tools: How to utilize tools that provide information on specific company policies or simplify follow-up.
  • Troubleshooting Issues: Ensuring your team can quickly resolve any problems that may arise during the process.

Ongoing Investment in Training

Regular training sessions and accessible resources help ensure that your team is always up to date. This investment in knowledge enables staff and volunteers to be effective ambassadors for your matching gift program, ultimately fostering trust and enhancing donor engagement.

Mistake 10: Underestimating How Matching Gifts Strengthen Donor Relationships

Matching gifts are not just a way to increase revenue; they also help deepen donor engagement and loyalty. When donors see their gifts doubled, they feel a greater sense of impact and connection to your cause.

Supercharge Donor Connections

Incorporating matching gifts into your stewardship strategy enhances donor satisfaction. When you thank donors for both their personal gift and the corporate match, you reinforce appreciation and solidify their connection to your cause.

Encourage Ongoing Participation

By sharing the success of matching gift programs and highlighting their impact, you motivate donors to continue supporting your mission. This communication builds trust and encourages ongoing participation.

Build Long-Term Relationships

Matching gifts foster a culture of giving that strengthens long-term support and commitment. Acknowledging and celebrating these contributions encourages donors to stay engaged and invested in your mission.

Wrapping Up

Matching gifts are a powerful tool for increasing nonprofit revenue and strengthening donor relationships. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on simplifying the process, training staff, and building strong partnerships, nonprofits can significantly boost matching gift participation and foster long-term support.

Start leveraging matching gifts today and watch your donor engagement grow, all while building deeper, lasting relationships with your supporters.

Raise more with matching gift automation software