“Double the gift, double the impact — without asking donors to give twice.”
Did you know that $4-7 billion in corporate matching gift funds go unclaimed every year? That’s money that could be funding your programs, paying your staff, and scaling your impact.
But most nonprofits miss it. Why?
- Donors don’t know their gift can be matched.
- Nonprofits don’t actively promote matching gifts.
- It’s seen as “too complicated” to manage.
It’s not complicated at all. With the right strategy, you can turn every $50 donation into $100 — without asking your donors to give more.
This guide will show you how to:
- Identify which donors qualify for matching gifts
- Promote matching gifts (on your website, emails, and social media)
- Create an easy system for tracking and claiming matching funds
What Are Corporate Matching Gifts? (And How Do They Work?)
A corporate matching gift is when a company matches a donation made by one of its employees. If an employee donates $50, the company matches it with another $50 — instantly doubling the impact.
How it works:
- Donor makes a gift to your nonprofit.
- Donor submits a matching gift request to their employer.
- Company approves and sends the match to your nonprofit.
The beauty of matching gifts is that you don’t need new donors to raise more money. All you have to do is tap into the donors you already have.
Example:
Sarah donates $100 to your nonprofit. Her employer, Google, offers a 1:1 match. Sarah submits a match request, and Google donates another $100.
Total impact: $200 — with no extra cost to Sarah.
Why Corporate Matching Gifts Are a Goldmine for Nonprofits
Most nonprofits are leaving money on the table.
Why? Because most donors don’t know their gifts can be matched. And if donors don’t know, they won’t submit a request.
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
- 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs.
- 78% of donors don’t know if their employer offers matching gifts.
- Up to $7 billion in matching gift funds go unclaimed every year.
Action Step: Look at your donor base. Do you know which companies your donors work for? If not, it’s time to start tracking this.
How to Identify Donors Who Qualify for Matching Gifts
The #1 challenge with matching gifts is that most nonprofits don’t know who qualifies. But it’s easier than you think to identify them.
Here’s how:
- Ask donors where they work. Add a “Does your employer match gifts?” field on your donation form.
- Use matching gift software. Tools like Double the Donation and 360MatchPro can match donor info with company gift programs.
- Tap into LinkedIn. Check donor profiles to see where they work.
How And Where to Promote Matching Gifts (So Donors Actually Use Them)
Most donors won’t think about matching gifts unless you remind them. So, make it easy for them to take action.
Here’s where to promote matching gifts:
1. On Your Donation Page
When someone makes a gift, they’re already in the “giving mindset” — it’s the perfect time to mention matching gifts.
How to do it:
- Add a “Does your employer match gifts?” checkbox to your donation form.
- Use a matching gift search tool (like Double the Donation) so donors can search for their employer.
Example Call-to-Action (On Your Donation Page)
“Want to double your impact? Check to see if your employer will match your donation!”
2. In Email Thank-You Messages
Your thank-you email is the perfect place to remind donors about matching gifts. Why? Because donors are most engaged right after they give.
How to do it:
- Add a line like: “Did you know your gift could be doubled? Check here to see if your employer offers matching gifts.”
- Include a link to a search tool where donors can find their employer.
Example Email CTA (Thank-You Message)
“Your generosity means the world to us. But did you know your gift could be doubled? Many companies offer matching gift programs for employees. Click here to check if your employer will match your gift: [Link].”
Action Step: Add a “Does your employer match gifts?” CTA to your thank-you email.
3. On Social Media (Don’t Overthink It)
Social media isn’t just for event promotions — it’s the perfect place to promote matching gifts.
How to do it:
- Post a simple message like: “Your gift could be doubled! Check if your employer offers matching gifts.”
- Use attention-grabbing visuals (like photos, GIFs, or progress bars).
Example Social Post (Simple & Clear)
“Did you know your gift could be doubled? Check here to see if your employer will match your donation: [Link].”
Action Step: Schedule a “Matching Gift Monday” social post once a month to remind donors about matching gifts.
How to Track and Claim Matching Gifts (Without the Headache)
Tracking matching gifts might sound complicated, but with the right system, it’s simple.
Tools to Simplify Tracking:
- Double the Donation — Let donors search for their employer’s matching gift policy in real time.
- 360MatchPro — Automate the entire process, from donor prompts to tracking gift status.
- Donor Databases (like Bloomerang or Salesforce) — Track donor info, company info, and matching gift status.
Email & Social Media Templates to Promote Matching Gifts
Here are ready-to-use templates to promote matching gifts to donors.
Email Template (After a Gift Is Made)
Subject: Double Your Impact (For Free!) ❤️
Hi [Donor Name],
Thank you for your incredible gift of $50 to [Nonprofit Name]. Your support means everything.
But did you know you can double your impact for free?
Many companies offer matching gift programs that will match your donation dollar-for-dollar.
Click here to check if your employer matches gifts: [Link]
It only takes 2 minutes to double your impact.
Thank you for being part of this mission,
[Your Name]
Social Media Post (Simple, Direct, and Clear)
Did you know your gift could be doubled?
If your employer offers a matching gift program, your $25 gift could turn into $50 — and it only takes 2 minutes to check.
Double your impact today: [Link]
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table
Corporate matching gifts are one of the most underused fundraising tools for nonprofits. The money is already there — you just have to claim it.
Here’s your action plan:
- Add a “Does your employer match gifts?” question to your donation page.
- Send a thank-you email with a CTA to check for matching gifts.
- Use matching gift software like Double the Donation to automate the process.
If you tap into this strategy, you’ll raise more money without asking donors to give more. That’s a win-win.
Action Step: Audit your current donation page and thank-you email. Make sure both have a “Does your employer match gifts?” call-to-action.
