When companies match employee donations, everybody wins.
Matching Gift Programs (MGP) are a great way for companies, donors, and nonprofits to combine forces and double their impact. Companies are perceived as socially responsible when they match donations to causes their employees support. Donors double their donations, and nonprofits and those they serve benefit tremendously from the contributions. However, MGPs are sometimes not well publicized, which is a huge opportunity-loss for everyone. As a company, employee, or nonprofit fundraiser, it’s never too late to get started.
Companies: Get More Bang for Your Buck
A company should publicize its MGP initiative to increase public awareness of how well it is living up to its social responsibility. For example, Macmillan, a leading publishing company, has a Matching Gift Program. It asked its employees to suggest organizations with missions and interests similar to its own: education and humanitarianism. One of our clients is a great fit because it is the largest educational organization in India. Macmillan could use this mutually beneficial partnership to leverage its contribution to education and literacy issues throughout the world.
Donors and Employees: There’s No Harm in Asking
Donors can stretch their dollars by asking if their employers have an MGP. If they have one, make sure it is publicized. If your company doesn’t have a matching gift program, make a case for setting one up. Enlisting other employees who’d like the opportunity to help nonprofits will make your argument stronger. Be persistent: If you don’t push for change,
who will?
Nonprofits: Reach Out and Speak Up
It’s in your nonprofit’s best interest to seek out companies that align with your values and inquire about Matching Gift Programs. Make a case for support: State similarities between your nonprofit and the company, show your organization’s impact, and offer to include the company’s logo in your materials to enhance their reputation and give your organization good PR. Taking this initiative can garner more corporate interest in your nonprofit. Corporations with money and resources need motivation to do social good, so reach out and inspire them!
