Top 15 Matching Gift Programs All Nonprofits Should Know

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You don’t have to be a top philanthropist to know that two nonprofit donations are better than one. In fact, it’s this kind of intuitive thinking that has led to the success of several corporate matching gift programs that produce a win-win situation for companies and nonprofits.

For those of you who are brand new to this concept, a matching gift program allows eligible donors to make a nonprofit donation and have their place of work double or even triple their gifts! While nonprofits receive generous funds, participating employers also benefit by enhancing their reputation with corporate philanthropy.

And yet, there are hundreds of nonprofits out there with no idea of the life-changing impact corporate matching gift programs can have. That’s why we’re here to help you target some of the biggest names in matching gifts, starting with our top 15 contenders.

Once you’ve reviewed these programs, stick around to learn more about our top picks for nonprofit matching gift tools:

• Double the Donation online matching gift resources
• 360 MatchPro matching gift software

Let’s jump right in!

1. Soros Fund Management

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time Soros Fund Management employees can apply for a matching gift; new employees can have their donations matched at a limited ratio.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted within one year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

With the highest matching gift limit of any corporation, Soros Fund Management matches at a 3:1 ratio for employees while partners are matched at a 2:1 ratio. They also promote a volunteer grant program that pays between $1,000-$4,000 in grants to a specific organization in exchange for 20-80 or more hours of employee volunteer work.

2. ExxonMobil

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

ExxonMobil’s matching gift program extends to a variety of employees and supporters, including:

• Full-time, part-time, and retired employees employees
• Employee spouses and surviving spouses of deceased employees
• Current and retired outside directors of ExxonMobil Corporation or the Exxon Corporation

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

ExxonMobil’s matching gift program branches into two categories:

• Arts and Cultural Matching Gift Program — ExxonMobil matches the first $2,000 per employee at a 1:1 ratio to arts and cultural organizations.
• Educational Matching Gift Program — ExxonMobil provides a 3:1 match on the first $7,500 donated to higher education institutions (max $22,500 company contribution).

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted by December 31st of the year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

ExxonMobil takes a special interest in donating to U.S. two-year and four-year colleges and universities in addition to The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), The American Indian College Fund (AICF), and The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). Their matching gift program for cultural organizations is also inclusive to: art, science, and historic centers and museums, libraries, public television and radio stations, and much more.

3. Hewlett-Packard (HP)

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and part-time HP employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests are handled on case-by-case basis.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Hewlett-Packard‘s unique matching gift program allows employees to donate funds and technology. With their Employee Product Giving Program, HP workers contribute 25 percent of the donated technology cost and HP picks up the remaining 75 percent. In addition, HP’s volunteer grant program donates $50 for every 10 hours an employee volunteers per quarter.

4. Johnson & Johnson

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

All Johnson & Johnson employees are eligible to apply for a matching gift, including full-time, part-time, and retirees.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Higher educational institutions (K-12 excluded)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted 12 months following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Johnson & Johnson’s generous matching gift program features a 2:1 ratio for current employees (max $20,000 company contribution) and a 1:1 ratio for retirees (max $10,000 company contribution). All workers have to do is submit their matching gift requests electronically through Johnson & Johnson’s matching gift portal.

5. Coca-Cola

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and retired Coca-Cola employees can apply for a matching gift; part-time employees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted by February 28th of the year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

As of late, Coca-Cola’s matching gift program has donated more than $820 million to nonprofits around the world since 1984. They also don’t hold back with other charitable giving seeing as in 2016 alone Coca-Cola contributed over $72 million in grants to 262 domestic and international organizations. They even have a designated matching gift portal for employees to submit requests.

6. PepsiCo

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

PepsiCo’s matching gift program extends to a variety of employees and supporters, including:

• Full-time and part­-time employees
• Retirees, their spouses, surviving spouses, and domestic partners
• Current and retired board members
• Advisory board members

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted within six months of the actual donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

PepsiCo’s expansive list of matching gift program eligible participants is definitely something to be admired by nonprofits. Furthermore, while PepsiCo doubles their employee donations, they actually triple their board member donations. Matching gift requests can be made through PepsiCo’s online company portal or with a print form.

7. General Electric (GE)

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

All full-time, part-time, and retired General Electric employees can apply for a matching gift.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted by April 15th of the year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

It’s a little known fact that General Electric actually created the very first matching gift program in 1954 and has since raised over $1 billion in nonprofit donations. This inspiring model features a fairly long deadline for employees to submit matching gift requests at their leisure.

8. Microsoft

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and part-time Microsoft employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted within one year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Since 1983, Microsoft has generously matched employee time and funds for nonprofit organizations. In 2016 alone, $142 million matched gifts were made with an average of 74% employee participation. Microsoft also sponsors a one-week “Hack for Good” program for employees to use their technical and business savvy for solving world problems. In 2016, more than 550 “Hack for Good” projects were accomplished.

9. Disney

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and part-time Disney employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests are handled on case-by-case basis.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Disney’s matching gift program involves a fairly simple process for donors. Employees must first register their gift online, where they receive a matching gift certificate and specific “Gift ID,” which nonprofits can then use to claim their matching gift. Disney also has a VoluntEARS program that awards employees with up to $2,000 in grants per year to eligible organizations.

10. Apple

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

All full-time and part-time Apple employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible to benefit from Apple’s matching gift program, excluding political and religious organizations. Their “International Giving” option allows donors to contribute to organizations around the world.

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted one year in advance of the date of donation.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

With no matching gift request too small, Apple accommodates giving capacities for all of their workers. All employees have to do is fill out a matching gift request on Apple internal company portal. They also have a volunteer grant program where Apple donates $25 to a nonprofit for every volunteer hour worked; there are no minimum of hours.

11. American Express

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and part-time American Express employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests are handled on case-by-case basis.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

While the standard matching gift ratio is 1:1, American Express employees who have served on a nonprofit board or volunteer for more than 50 hours a year are eligible to have their first $1,000 in donations matched 2:1. Their volunteer grant program also allows workers to apply for a grant after 25 hours of nonprofit volunteer service.

12. Google

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and part-time Google employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted by January 31st of the year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Google takes a special interest in matching donations for employees who personally raise funds for a charitable event in which they participate, such as walks, marathons, bike rides, and more. In addition to nonprofits, Google’s matching gift program also extends to disaster and international relief projects where they match up to $6,000 annually per employee.

13. Avon

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time Avon employees and board members can apply for a matching gift; part-time employees and retirees are exceptions.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests are handled on case-by-case basis.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Avon’s matching gift program issues a 2:1 ratio on the first $500 donated by an employee; all subsequent gifts are matched at 1:1. It should also be noted that Avon does not match gifts for organization events like walk-a-thons, bike races, 5Ks, etc. Avon matching gift requests can be completed electronically or by mailing in a print form.

14. Home Depot

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

Full-time and part-time Home Depot employees can apply for a matching gift; retirees are the exception.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Most U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted by January 31st of the year following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

Home Depot’s matching gift program doubles up to $1,000 annually per employee to the nonprofit of their choice with the max donation amount being $3,000 per employee. Donors can also pursue their matching gift requests electronically via their Home Depot Foundation account or over the phone by calling 1-888-628-2442.

15. Starbucks

Employee Matching Gift Eligibility

All Starbucks employees in the U.S. and Canada, including full-time, part-time, and retirees, are eligible to apply for a matching gift.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Eligibility

Only U.S. and Canada-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, including:

• Educational institutions (K-12 included)
• Health and human services
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Civic and community organizations
• Environmental organizations

Deadline for Matching Gift Submission

Matching gift requests must be submitted 12 months following the donation date.

Why We Love This Matching Gift Program

The Starbucks matching gift program is actually part of their larger charitable program “Partner Match” which also features a volunteer grant program. The latter is a community service initiative where Starbucks matches the time employees give to local nonprofits with a specific grant. The minimum number of  hours for grant donations begins at 25 hours and grants are paid quarterly.

How To Raise More with Matching Gift Tools and Resources

Now that we’ve explored the top corporate matching gift programs for your nonprofit to research, it’s time to amp up your matching gift strategy to retain annual donors with nonprofit tools and resources.

Double the Donation’s Online Matching Gift Resources

As the leading authority on nonprofit matching gifts, Double the Donation works tirelessly to help nonprofits everywhere identify matching gift opportunities and corporate programs. Their services branch off into two matching gift solutions:

• Individual nonprofit matching gift pages.
• Online corporate matching gift program database.

For starters, your nonprofit can draw in matching gift prospects with an informative matching gift web page. These fully customizable and shareable pages allow nonprofits to promote strong matching gift messages as well as their matching gift submission process.

However, to really beef up your matching gift promotions, no nonprofit can go wrong with incorporating Double the Donation’s online matching gift database.

With this plugin tool, prospective donors can easily search for their employer’s matching gift program guidelines and submission process in a matter of minutes without having to navigate off your matching gift page.

For a better idea of how to make the most of Double the Donation’s matching gift tools, let’s take a look at this example page from March of the Dimes:

As you can see, March of the Dimes draws in web visitors with clean branding and a clear message stating how matching gifts can positively impact their mission. Also in plain sight is the online matching gift search tool which easily grabs donors’ attention.

360 MatchPro Matching Gift Software

For nonprofits and higher learning institutions looking to master all their matching gift operations, 360 MatchPro is the solution for you.

This software fluidly monitors three essential components of matching gifts:

1. Identify matching gift prospects — Automatically uncovers eligible matching gift prospects from email domains via donation forms, confirmation screens, or emails.
2. Tailored matching gift solicitations — Drive every matching gift request to completion by creating and tracking automated messages personalized for every prospect.
3. Matching gift analytics — Develop your matching gift strategy by consulting the latest data from your current matching gift efforts.

To make all of this happen, 360 MatchPro relies on a host of powerful features to enhance your matching gift outreach and management tactics, such as:

• Matching gift tracking
• Email domain screening
• Automated outreach emails
• Matching gift email template creation
• Match portal management
• Customized search results

Overall, this software is perfect for helping you coordinate every step of your organization’s matching gift process by efficiently identifying, soliciting, and analyzing matching gift initiatives.

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Matching gifts are one of the most lucrative donation strategies out there, and yet, several nonprofits remain unaware of how to take advantage of this growing opportunity.

A fantastic place to start is by researching thriving matching gift programs and investing in matching gift tools to not only set your operations in motion, but keep them active for years.

For more information on matching gift and online donation tools, feel free to browse our additional resources:

• Top 6 Online Donation Tools for 2017 (Reviewed and Tested) — As long as you’re upgrading your matching gift efforts, why not strengthen other online donation tactics too? Get started with our list of best online donation tools.
• Top 8 Fundraising Software Options Your Nonprofit Should Know — Investing in matching gift software is only the first step in building up your fundraising. Grow your donation efforts with our top fundraising software.
• Matching Gifts: The Expert’s Guide — Hungry for more matching gift resources? Dive into 360 MatchPro’s extensive guide on how to maximize your nonprofit’s matching gift revenue.
• Corporate Matching Gifts: The Vital Tool to Double Donations — Coordinating a killer matching gift strategy can be intimidating. Learn the matching gift essentials with Goodshop’s top 5 questions answered.