How Matching Gift Programs Double Your Giving Tuesday Donations
Nov 30, 2024
Giving Tuesday is more than a single day—it’s a worldwide celebration of generosity and giving back. Falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this day unites people across the world in a shared mission: giving back. Whether it’s supporting a local charity, donating to a cause you care about, or volunteering your time, Giving Tuesday reminds us of the power of collective kindness.
But what if your donation could go even further? Enter matching gift programs. These programs allow companies to match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of a single gift. Imagine the power of your $50 donation instantly turning into $100 or more for the charity you care about—all without any extra cost to you.
Here’s the exciting part: This Giving Tuesday, you have the chance to maximize your generosity like never before. By leveraging matching gift programs, your contribution can make an even greater difference for nonprofits working tirelessly to create a better world.
Are you ready to double your impact this Giving Tuesday? Let’s dive into how it works!
Matching gift programs are an easy and impactful way to maximize the value of your donations. Here’s how they work: When you donate to a nonprofit, your employer may “match” that donation by contributing the same amount to the same cause. Essentially, it’s a way to double or even triple your impact without spending any extra money.
These programs are a popular initiative among companies as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. By supporting the causes their employees care about, companies like Google, Microsoft and many others demonstrate their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
The beauty of matching gift programs is in their simplicity. You donate, your company matches and the nonprofit benefits from the combined generosity. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved and it’s especially impactful on days like Giving Tuesday, when generosity is already at an all-time high.
If your company offers a matching gift program, why not take advantage of it? It’s one of the easiest ways to maximize your impact and contribute even more to the causes you care about.
“For more on how companies support charitable giving through matching gift programs, read our blog uniting technology and faith for charity.”
Giving Tuesday is all about generosity, and matching gift programs amplify that generosity in the most impactful way possible. The synergy between these programs and the spirit of Giving Tuesday is undeniable—they work together to make every donation count even more.
Here’s why matching gift programs are a perfect fit for Giving Tuesday:
Doubling the Impact: On a day when millions of people are coming together to support causes they care about, matching gifts ensure that nonprofits can make even bigger strides toward their goals. For every dollar donated, an additional dollar from a matching gift can fuel important programs and initiatives.
Encouraging More Generosity: People love knowing their contributions will go further. In fact, research shows that 84% of donors are more likely to give if their donation is matched. This added incentive motivates more people to give, resulting in a significant boost in funds for nonprofits.
Driving Awareness: Nonprofits often use Giving Tuesday as an opportunity to highlight their matching gift campaigns, sharing stories about how these programs help them achieve greater impact. This awareness encourages new and returning donors to participate, knowing their support will be amplified.
“To explore charitable practices during significant times, check out this article.”
Participating in a matching gift program is easier than you might think. These programs are designed to make doubling your donation a seamless process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Make a Donation: Start by choosing a nonprofit organization that qualifies for your employer’s matching gift program. Donate an amount you feel comfortable with—it’s about the impact, not the size.
Submit a Matching Gift Request: After donating, submit a request through your employer’s matching gift platform. This could be an online portal, a form on the company intranet, or a third-party service. Make sure to include details like the nonprofit’s name and proof of your donation.
Employer Verifies Eligibility: Once your request is submitted, your employer reviews it to ensure the nonprofit meets their eligibility criteria. This typically involves confirming the organization’s nonprofit status and alignment with the company’s giving policies.
Donation Match: After verification, your employer makes a matching donation to the same nonprofit, effectively doubling (or sometimes tripling) the impact of your original gift!
Simplifying the Process: Platforms like Double the Donation make it even easier to take advantage of matching gift programs. These tools help you search for your employer’s program, understand the guidelines, and navigate the submission process step-by-step.
Unsure if your employer provides a matching gift program? Don’t worry—it’s easy to find out. Many companies have these programs in place, but employees often miss out because they’re unaware. Here are some simple steps to check if your company participates:
Ask Your HR Department: Your HR team is the best place to start. They’ll have all the details about whether your company has a matching gift program, how it works, and what nonprofits are eligible. Don’t hesitate to ask—they’re there to help!
Check Your Company Intranet: Many companies list their matching gift policies on their internal platforms or employee portals. Look under sections like “Corporate Social Responsibility,” “Employee Benefits,” or “Charitable Giving.”
Use Online Matching Gift Search Tools: Platforms like Double the Donation provide user-friendly tools to help you find matching gift opportunities. Simply type in your employer’s name to see if they have a program and what the guidelines are. These tools make the process quick and straightforward.
Search for Matching Gift Options on Feeling Blessed: When donating through the Feeling Blessed platform, you can search for matching gift opportunities directly. Look for an option to indicate that your employer matches donations. Feeling Blessed helps streamline the process so you can easily maximize your impact.
Pro Tip: If your employer doesn’t offer a matching gift program, consider encouraging them to start one. Matching gifts not only amplify employee generosity but also reflect positively on the company’s commitment to social good.
Making the most of matching gift programs is all about being prepared and proactive. Here are some practical tips to help you maximize your impact this Giving Tuesday:
Plan Early: Avoid leaving your donation until the last minute. Start your Giving Tuesday plans early so you have enough time to confirm if your employer offers a matching gift program and complete the necessary steps. Starting early makes the process much easier!
Spread the Word: If you’re eligible for matching gifts, let your friends, family, and colleagues know. Many people aren’t aware of these programs, and your encouragement could inspire them to check with their own employers. Together, you can amplify your collective impact.
Choose Eligible Nonprofits: Before donating, ensure the nonprofit you’ve selected is eligible for your company’s matching gift program. Some companies have specific guidelines or restrictions, so double-check to avoid any hiccups. Platforms like Feeling Blessed make it easy to find eligible charities and streamline the donation process.
“Planning early and choosing eligible nonprofits is key. Learn how to create a fundraiser on Feeling Blessed by reading this blog.”
Bonus Tip: If your employer doesn’t offer matching gifts, consider encouraging them to start a program. It's an excellent way to involve employees and contribute to the community.
Nothing illustrates the impact of matching gift programs better than real-life stories. These examples show how a single act of generosity can multiply into something extraordinary.
Doubling the Impact for Education: Last year, Sarah, a schoolteacher, donated $100 to a nonprofit providing educational resources for underprivileged children. Through her employer’s matching gift program, her donation was doubled to $200. “Realizing my gift could support twice as many children was incredibly fulfilling," she said. "It made my small contribution feel so much more impactful.”
A Nonprofit’s Perspective: Helping Hands, a nonprofit that provides meals to families in need, ran a successful matching gift campaign during Giving Tuesday. With the help of matching gift programs, they turned $10,000 in donations into $20,000. "The extra funding enabled us to extend our reach and assist hundreds more families," said the organization’s director. “Matching gifts are a game-changer for nonprofits like ours.”
Inspiring Others to Give: John, a first-time donor, was initially hesitant about giving during Giving Tuesday. But when he learned his employer would match his $50 donation, he felt encouraged to give. "Realizing my $50 donation would double to $100 made me feel like my contribution truly made a difference," he said. "It also motivated my coworkers to join in and together, we raised over $2,000 for our chosen charity."
These stories highlight the incredible power of matching gifts to not only amplify donations but also inspire more people to give. By leveraging these programs, donors and nonprofits can create a ripple effect of generosity, making Giving Tuesday a truly transformative day.
Why not create your own success story this year? Check if your employer offers a matching gift program and see how far your generosity can go!
"Learn more about the powerful impact of giving in this article.”
Navigating matching gift programs might seem overwhelming, but Feeling Blessed makes the entire process easy and stress-free. Their user-friendly platform is designed to help you maximize your impact with just a few clicks—perfect for Giving Tuesday.
Identify Eligible Nonprofits Effortlessly: Feeling Blessed takes the guesswork out of choosing a nonprofit. With a vast directory of trusted charities, you can easily find organizations that align with your values and are eligible for matching gift programs. No need to sift through endless lists—the platform streamlines the process for you.
Seamless Integration with Employer Matching Gift Programs: Feeling Blessed understands the importance of maximizing your donation, which is why it integrates seamlessly with employer matching gift programs. Whether you’re submitting a matching request or need guidance on how to get started, the platform offers all the tools and information you need.
Special Features for Giving Tuesday: On Giving Tuesday, Feeling Blessed takes generosity to the next level. The platform highlights nonprofits actively participating in matching gift campaigns, making it easier for you to find causes where your donation can have the greatest impact. Their intuitive interface ensures that every step, from donating to matching, is quick and hassle-free.
Transparency: Clear tracking of your donations and matching status.
Convenience: Everything you need in one place—no separate forms or complicated processes.
Security: Your contributions are handled with the utmost care and protection.
“Find out how Feeling Blessed ensures your donations are safe and impactful here.”
Matching gift programs are a game-changer for donors and nonprofits alike. By leveraging these programs on Giving Tuesday, you can double—or even triple—the impact of your generosity, helping nonprofits reach their goals faster and make a bigger difference in the communities they serve.
Whether it’s through finding eligible nonprofits, encouraging friends and colleagues to join in, or using tools like Feeling Blessed to simplify the process, matching gifts ensure that your contribution goes further than you ever imagined. It’s not just about giving; it’s about maximizing your kindness to create real, lasting change.
Your donation can go further this Giving Tuesday—together, we can make a world of difference. Let’s take this opportunity to give back, amplify generosity, and help build a brighter future for everyone.
“For more tips and insights, visit our blog section.”
"The Most Beloved Deeds To Allah Are Those That Are Consistent." Sahih Bukhari
Check out our most popular blogs and resources.
You have been successfully subscribed to our newsletter.
