Double Your Impact: 10 Donation Matching Strategies for Nonprofits

Nearly 11% of all corporate cash contributions to nonprofits come through matching gift programs, totaling an estimated $2.86 billion annually. Corporate matching gift programs are one of the most effective ways to maximize charitable giving. Through these programs, donors can have their contributions doubled—or even tripled—by corporate giving initiatives. Yet, many donors and nonprofits remain unaware of these opportunities, leaving substantial funds untapped.

Let’s explore 10 powerful strategies for optimizing corporate matching donations and making the most of a donation matching platform. Whether you’re raising more funds for a campaign or hoping to increase donor awareness, your nonprofit can leverage corporate philanthropy initiatives for greater impact.

What is a corporate matching gift program?

A corporate matching gift program is a fundraising initiative where businesses match their employees’ charitable contributions at a set ratio (e.g., 1:1, 2:1.). While 2:1 matches are generous, a 1:1 ratio is usually sufficient to motivate donors.

Steps in a matching gift process:

1. Donation – A donor contributes to a nonprofit.
2. Submission – The donor requests a matching gift from their employer.
3. Verification – The nonprofit confirms the original gift.
4. Funds released – The company donates the matching amount.

Common eligibility requirements:

• Donor eligibility – Typically, donors must be employees, retirees, or associates of the matching company.
• Nonprofit eligibility – Some programs limit matches to certain types of organizations, such as educational, environmental, or health-related nonprofits.
• Submission deadlines – Companies may require requests within a specific timeframe.
• Minimum and maximum limits – Companies often set thresholds (e.g., $25 minimum, $5,000 maximum) per employee per year.

How to maximize corporate matching gifts: 10 key strategies

1. Use a donation matching platform

A donation matching platform, such as Double the Donation, simplifies the process for donors and nonprofits by:

• Identifying eligible companies with corporate matching gift programs
• Automating submission and tracking of matching gift requests
• Sending informative and reminder emails to eligible donors

2. Educate donors about matching gifts

Many donors simply don’t know their employer offers a matching gift program. Raise awareness by:

• Adding corporate donation match opportunities to your donation pages and emails
• Including matching gift reminders in thank-you messages
• Training staff to mention matching gifts at events
• Featuring an FAQ section about matching gifts to your website
• Providing easy-to-follow instructions for donors to submit their matching gifts

Sixty-five percent of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs, yet an estimated $4 – $7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year. Educating donors is essential to see growth in matching funds!

3. Establish corporate partnerships

Many businesses encourage employee giving through corporate philanthropy initiatives. Forming strategic partnerships can help nonprofits secure more matching donations.

Build partnerships by: 

• Leveraging your nonprofit CRM data – Identify donors working for companies that offer matching gift programs.
• Using a donation matching database – Platforms like Double the Donation provide searchable databases with automation tools.
• Engaging local businesses – Reach out to companies in your community to propose partnership opportunities.
• Encouraging donors to check with their employers – Add reminders to your website and donation forms suggesting supporters ask their company about matching gift programs.

Why DonorPerfect and Double the Donation? Unlike other donation matching platforms, Double the Donation and DonorPerfect seamlessly integrate to automate tracking and follow-ups to maximize corporate gift revenue.

4. Launch a matching gift challenge

A matching donation challenge incentivizes giving by securing a pledge from a major donor, business, or foundation to match all contributions within a set timeframe. Clearly define the matching parameters (e.g., “Every dollar donated up to $50,000 will be matched!”) and establish a timeline to create urgency.

Here’s how to develop a successful challenge: 

• Set a clear goal and deadline
• Promote heavily via email, social media, and other events
• Highlight the impact of doubling contributions, working with the corporate sponsor to garner positive media attention about their philanthropic efforts
• Use a fundraising thermometer to track and visualize progress

5. Optimize your online donation page

Your online donation page should make it easy for donors to take advantage of matching gift opportunities. Some best practices include: 

• Adding a page on your website dedicated to matching gift information
• Incorporating a checkbox on your online donation forms asking if their employer offers a donation match
• Showcasing statistics and impact statements illustrating the difference a match can make for your cause

6. Train your fundraising team on matching gifts

Your fundraising team should be well-versed in matching donations to educate and guide donors and prospective partners effectively. By learning how to communicate key giving opportunities, navigate donor conversations, and utilize donation matching platforms, your team can develop more effective outreach and engagement strategies across all fundraising initiatives. 

Here are some ways to train your team:

• Interactive workshops – Host regular training sessions where fundraising staff can practice explaining matching gift programs and answering common donor questions.
• Role-playing exercises – Encourage team members to simulate conversations with donors to refine their approach and ensure they can confidently guide them through the process.
• Nonprofit CRM – Train staff on tracking matching gifts in your fundraising platform.
• Scripted responses – Equip the team with talking points and email templates for common donor inquiries about matching donations.
• Ongoing education – Keep staff updated on changes in corporate giving programs and emerging trends in philanthropy and social responsibility initiatives to maximize their effectiveness.

7. Promote matching donations on social media

Social media can help raise awareness about matching gift programs and encourage participation. Some effective social strategies include:

• Share donor success stories
• Post infographics that explain corporate matching donations
• Run paid ads targeting donors working for matching gift companies
• Use hashtags like #MatchingGifts and #DoubleYour Donation to increase visibility

8. Recognize and thank donors

Expressing gratitude reinforces donor engagement and encourages future charitable giving. Thank your donors for their initial gift and convey your appreciation for the time they took to submit a matching gift request to their employer. When you receive the matching donation from their employer, take the opportunity to thank them again.

Be sure to thank the corporation for their matching gift. Acknowledging their support helps build a positive relationship with a new donor and opens the door for future collaboration. 

Show donor and corporate appreciation by: 

• Sending personalized thank-you emails or a thank-you video
• Featuring donors in newsletters or social media
• Offering exclusive updates on the impact of matching donations
• Sending thank-yous to corporations for their participation

9. Build and maintain a matching gift database

Using your fundraising CRM, create a database of employers that offer matching gifts. For example, DonorPerfect offers a relationship report that helps nonprofits identify employee-employer connections in donor data.

How to develop and keep a useful database:

• Regularly upload current company policies and contacts
• Link employer records to donor profiles
• Track matching gift and pledge totals
• Identify trends to target high-opportunity partners

10. Leverage year-end and GivingTuesday campaigns

Major giving seasons, like year-end fundraising and GivingTuesday, are ideal times to promote matching gifts. 

Be sure to:

• Announce matching gift challenges early
• Use countdowns to create urgency
• Encourage recurring donors to check for matching gift programs
• Create email campaigns with matching gift messaging (e.g., Every donation made today will be matched dollar-for-dollar.)

Why corporate donation matching matters

Corporate matching gift programs provide an incredible opportunity for nonprofit organizations to increase their fundraising success and can lead to:

• Increased revenue – You may be able to double or triple the funds to achieve greater results.
• Motivated donors – Supporters are more likely to give, knowing their gift will be matched.
• Strong partnerships – Collaborating with companies strengthens relationships and opens doors to additional support.
• Enhanced visibility – Donation matching campaigns can attract attention and raise awareness for your cause.

By implementing these strategies, nonprofits can raise more money, engage donors, and build stronger relationships with donors and corporate giving partners.

Ready to maximize matching gift opportunities? Discover how DonorPerfect can streamline your donation matching and drive more fundraising success—request a free demo today!