Sample Matching Gift Letter Templates
Don’t miss out on corporate matching gift programs and learn how to double the impact donors have on your cause, for any organization.
Don’t miss out on corporate matching gift programs and learn how to double the impact donors have on your cause, for any organization.
Today, businesses of all sizes want to increase their positive impact on the world and promote the welfare of others by hosting volunteer events and making charitable donations. Businesses also know that it’s important to show their humanitarian side, not only for positive brand awareness but to attract a new wave of younger workers who care deeply about their employers’ positions and impact. Corporate matching gift programs is one of the most common forms of corporate philanthropy and can double (or even triple!) the impact of donations made to your nonprofit.
So, what exactly are corporate matching gift programs? This is when businesses will financially match a gift that an employee gives to a charitable organization. If you’re a nonprofit professional, the benefits of these programs are obvious – doubling the impact of individual donations!
The thing is, not many donors know about matching gift programs. An estimated $4-$7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed per year, almost entirely because donors are unaware of their eligibility!
However, there are easy solutions. By embedding a matching gift database and search tool on your website, your donors can quickly and easily search for their eligibility and begin the process of requesting a match. You can even invest in a matching gift tool which you can embed in your nonprofit’s website. Around $2-$3 billion is donated through matching gift programs each year, so don’t miss out on this incredible source of revenue!
It’s hard to ask for donations, but with matching gifts, all you have to do is ask your donors to contact their employer and fill out a form! Inform your donors of this opportunity with these following matching gift letters as guides to help you make that next ask.
Sample Matching Gift Letter for Nonprofits
Sample Matching Gift Letter for Large Nonprofits
Sample Matching Gift Letter for Small Nonprofit
Matching Donations Email
Sample Matching Gift Letter for K-12 School
Sample Matching Gift Letter for Colleges and Universities
Matching Donation Letter for Theatres
Matching Donation Letter for Animal Shelters
Matching Donation Letter for Museums
Matching Gift Challenge Letter
Matching Gift Acknowledgement Letter
Matching Gift Thank You Letter
Subject: Double your impact today!
Dear [donor’s name],
Thank you so much for your generous donation of [donation amount] to our nonprofit. Your contribution has already made such an impact to [your mission] by [example of physical impact]. We cannot thank you enough.
We think you might be able to double your impact! Your employer, [donor’s workplace], may offer a matching gift program that can increase your gift! Matching gift programs are a form of corporate philanthropy where businesses match the donations their employees make to charitable organizations.
Taking the steps to get your gifts matched is a simple process and we are happy to walk you through the process:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at [website URL] or [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
We appreciate your support tremendously. You are the reason we are able to [recent accomplishment].
Thank you,
[nonprofit’s name]
1 in 3 donors say that they’d give a larger gift if matching is applied to their donation, so don’t miss out! As a nonprofit, a matching gift eligible donor can help to significantly increase your fundraising revenue and help your mission in ways you can’t even imagine. However, not many donors are aware of these programs.
Your letter should first provide a general understanding of matching gift programs in order to educate your donors. Use your letter to let your donors know that their company may be able to double the impact of their gifts (or even more). To make the process even easier and simpler, invest in a matching gift database tool. You can then provide links to your trusty database for your donors to check if their employers offer the program.
Subject: Can your donation be matched?
Dear [donor’s name],
Here at [nonprofit name], we appreciate every gift we receive. Your donation of [donation amount] has made such an impact to [your mission] and has done [a recent accomplishment] for us.
We are so close to our donation goal of [fundraising goal] and we think you can help get us there. Your contribution has already done so much, but we believe your employer, [donor’s workplace], may have a matching gift program that will match your generous donation and double your impact!
Taking the steps to increase your gift is a simple process. Please see the instructions below:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at our website [website URL] or phone number [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
We appreciate your support tremendously. You are the reason we are able to reach our goal of [fundraising goal] and achieve [your mission.]
Thank you,
[nonprofit’s name]
If you help direct fundraising at a larger nonprofit and have a fundraising goal in mind, it can be tricky to get those last few contributions when your campaign begins to slow down. Matching gift programs can really increase your funds and get you to your goal.
It might be smart to conduct some prospect research on your recent donors and screen business affiliations of those who made large contributions. 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs, and there is a good chance a chunk of your large donors work for these businesses. Remind eligible donors how close you are to achieving your goal to incentivize as many as possible to submit their matching gift requests.
Subject: We think your contribution to [nonprofit’s name] can be doubled.
Dear [donor’s name],
[nonprofit’s name] could not do what we do without you. Our mission needs all the support and help we can get, and your donation of [donation amount] has brought us further than we ever have been before. We are so close to our goal of [fundraising goal] and making [your mission] happen.
There’s a good chance your employer offers a matching gift program to help double your impact. The process is so simple, and we would love to do most of the work for you. In a few simple steps, you can increase your donation and continue to change lives:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at our website [website URL] or phone number [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
[nonprofit’s name] appreciates each donation and act of support you make.
Thank you,
[nonprofit’s name]
If you are a smaller nonprofit, then a matching gift donation can be critical to your fundraiser. When asking for a matching gift donation from donors, make sure to continue to tell them how much you appreciate their donation. Emphasize how simple the process is and provide a reliable and vast matching gift database for them to access.
In 2018, corporations have donated a total of $23.8 billion to nonprofits. These donations could very well bring you to your goal faster than ever, but you have to start raising awareness in order to tap into them!
Subject: Open me to double your impact today!
Dear [donor’s name]:
Thank you so much for your generous donation of [donation amount] to our nonprofit. Your contribution has already made such an impact to [your mission]. We cannot thank you enough.
[insert photo of nonprofit event]
We think you might be able to double your impact! Your employer, [the donor’s workplace], may offer a matching gift program that can increase your gift! Taking the steps to get your donations doubled or even tripled with the help of [donor’s workplace] is a simple process.
We are happy to walk you through procedures and help you help us accomplish [your mission]. Whether you’re on your computer, tablet, or mobile device, please see the below instructions:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at [email].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
We appreciate your support tremendously. You are the reason we are able to [recent accomplishment]. Follow our social media pages, [social media handles], for more updates on how much your contribution has done!
Thank you,
[organization’s name, website, social media information, and contact details]
Since email is the standard when contacting your donors and letting them know of matching gift opportunities, consider automated email tools to leverage your communication. Send your emails the day after a recent donation or even work in matching gift information into all of your automatic confirmation emails.
Your email content should be broken up in easy to read paragraphs so that it displays nicely on any screen, whether it is your donor’s laptop or mobile device. Since you’re using email as your communication channel, take advantage of including multimedia attachments such as photos or even videos. A photo of your organization at your last event or a video showcasing a fundraiser is a great way to remind people how their donations are actually making a difference. Remember to start off with a catchy subject to ensure your email gets opened and not just sent to spam!
Founded in 1949, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health nonprofit. With over $1.3 billion put into the cause, the LLS is proud to fund crucial blood cancer research and offer education and patient services. But the LLS knew that they could be raising even more and that they were neglecting a huge portion of donations by not taking full advantage of matching gift programs.
A large number of individual donors contribute to the LLS each year, with about $285 million in annual contributions. Imagine if one quarter of those donations could be doubled with matching gift programs! But the LLS is such a large organization that manually screening each donor’s matching gift eligibility and following up with instructions was practically impossible for their team.
The LLS started to look for a software solution that could keep track of matching gift eligible donors and help to simplify reaching out to those potential matches..
In 2017, LLS began leveraging 360MatchPro, Double the Donation’s most robust and extensive matching gift platform. With multiple matching gift identification methods and email automation capabilities, 360MatchPro offers an effective way to streamline communication between donor and nonprofit in a branded and intuitive way.
With this platform, all immediate matching gift opportunities are identified and automatically followed up on. According to a recent study, sending matching gift reminder emails within 24 hours of a donation results in open rates roughly 2-3 times higher than the average nonprofit email open rate. It’s all about speed, and automation is the best way to ensure the right donors receive the right messages quickly.
In just a few years, 360MatchPro has helped LLS raise $7,286,000 in matching gift revenue! Invest in an effective matching gift tool today to make sure your nonprofit isn’t missing out on huge opportunities.
Subject: Submit your matching gift form and make this school year count!
Dear [donor’s name],
Your generous contribution of [donation amount] has done so much for our students. From new school supplies, to fantastic programs, to unforgettable school dances, the kids of [school’s name] cannot thank you enough.
However, we want to make this year the best one yet. Last year, [number of parents who completed matching gift donations in the previous year] parents and [number of alumni who completed matching gift donations in the previous year] alumni helped [school’s name] by submitting matching gift forms to their employers.
Can you help us beat last year’s record by submitting your own matching gift?
In a couple of steps, you can check to see if your company will financially match your gift and double your impact. Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at our website [website URL] or phone number [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
Let’s make this year count! The class of [year] will be forever grateful.
Thank you,
[school’s name]
Even schools can benefit from matching gift donations! Donations from parents and alumni are going to give your students the best resources and set them up for success. Don’t be afraid to ask donors to see if their gift can be matched, since they’ll usually be excited to help, especially once they know how easy it is. To give them a gentle push, tell them how many people participated in matching gift programs the year before.
Subject: Help [school’s name] do even more!
Dear [donor’s name],
The students of [school’s name] are eternally grateful for your generous support. They cannot thank you enough for bringing [recent school renovation or improvement, like an improved library, new building, or renovated dorms] to life and providing a space for them to learn and grow.
Last year we raised [last year’s total matching gift revenue] all from matching gifts, or donations made by businesses to match those made by their employees. With very little extra effort, many of our donors were able to double their original contributions because their employers had matching gift programs in place.
In a few steps, you can check to see if your company will match your gift. Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at our website [website URL] or phone number [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
Your impact has already created a difference in the quality of life and the academic accomplishments our community has made recently. Imagine what can happen when your gifts are matched.
Thank you,
[school’s name]
If you are a college or university, targeting matching gift opportunities is a surefire way to increase donation revenue and help fund your institution. From improving the quality of campus life to making sure your students and staff have the resources they need, donations from families, friends, and alumni are very important. Remind your donors about a recent accomplishment or new structure on campus to show the tangible impact that their donations are having.
Subject: Love the arts? Double your recent donation today!
Dear [donor’s name],
Here at [theatre name], every gift and contribution from our supporters and community gives us the opportunity to further enrich the cultural life of our community. Thank you so much for thinking of us and helping us provide an affordable but also fantastical experience to our audiences.
We recently had a successful show [recent show’s name] that would not have come to life without your donation of [donation amount].
We think your donation can be increased! Does your employer, [donor’s workplace], have a corporate matching gift program? With matching gift programs, donations can be doubled or even tripled by generous businesses. To check if your employer might match your gift, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at [website URL] or [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
We appreciate your gift so much and know that [theatre’s name] would not have had the year we just had without your help.
Thank you,
[theatre’s name]
As a theatre, you might not generate the majority of your revenue from ticket sales or concession sales alone. Donations from the community around you and fans of the arts will help fund the various shows and performances that you put on. Remind your donors of what their contributions have already done for your theatre to make sure they know that their donation has made an impact. Because they don’t actually have to give more money to help you raise more matching gifts, most donors will be happy to check their eligibility.
Studies show that the top 10 matching gift companies matched up to an average of $47,500 per employee, with 91% of those companies matching at a 1:1 ratio, 4% of companies matching with a .5:1 ratio, and 5% matching donations with a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.
When we have an estimated $4-$7 billion in matching gift funds going unclaimed each year, it shows how much of an impact big corporations can make to your nonprofit or organization.
What are some of the top 5 companies that offer matching gift programs? Click each logo to learn more about their programs!
Johnson & Johnson is a company that produces and manufactures medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Best known for the brands Band-aid, Tylenol, and Neutrogena, the corporation employs over 134,000 people. Johnson & Johnson will match donations to almost every nonprofit and has a 2:1 matching ratio for employees as well as a 1:1 ratio for retirees.
Gap Corporation is a fashion and apparel brand n industry that also owns Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix, and employs over 135,000 people around the world. Offering both volunteer grants as well as a matching gift program, Gap employees can request matching gift donations to almost all nonprofit types.
ExxonMobil as a multinational oil and gas company is the largest publicly traded corporation. Employing over 69,000 people around the world, there’s a good chance some of your donors may be employees. Their matching gift program is very successful, with ExxonMobil giving a 3:1 match on donations to educational institutions with a 1:1 match to all arts & cultural organizations.
Coca-Cola is a well known American corporation that manufactures, sells, and markets beverages. Employing over 61,000 people around the world, Coca-Cola has agreed to match both full-time employees and retiree donations at a 2:1 ratio. Since beginning its program in 1984, Coca-Cola has donated more than $820 million to help charitable organizations.
American Express is a financial services corporation which specializes in providing things such as credit cards or traveler’s checks businesses. With over 55,000 employees worldwide, they will match all employees gifts atby 1:1 as long as it is over $25. Some donors can get their gifts matched at a higher ratio if they’re on a nonprofit board or volunteer more than 50 hours a year.
Subject: Submit a matching gift form and save the furry friends of [animal shelter’s name]
Dear [donor’s name],
We at [animal shelter’s name] cannot thank you enough for your recent gift of [donation amount.] Without kind supporters like yourself, we would not be able to provide [animals at your shelter] with the [food/water/home] that they deserve. With just your contribution, we were able to [example of a small task, like provide food to an animal or find a pet a home].
Want to help even more? We think your employer might match your generous donation if they offer a corporate matching gift program. In just a couple of simple steps, your impact to our organization can change even more lives. We’ll lay it all out for you:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at [website URL] or [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
[pet’s names] cannot thank you enough! [include a photo of the animal]
Best wishes,
[animal shelter’s name]
Targeting matching gift eligible donors is a surefire way for your animal shelter to get the funding you need to help lives of all forms. As an establishment that focuses on caring for others, the support and donations you get from your supporters go a long way. Send a letter to let your donors know about this possible opportunity. Make sure to emphasize the impact they have already made with a clear example. Maybe even include a photograph of your furry friends. Outline the steps clearly and carefully so they know how simple the process is!
Subject: Help [museum name] and get your gift matched!
Dear [donor’s name],
The patrons of [museum’s name] cannot thank you enough for your recent donation of [donation amount.] From displaying beautiful new exhibitions to hosting memorable events, [museum’s name]’s staff and team works hard. Our recent [recent accomplishment, for example an event launch, an exhibition opening up, or a new discovery] has been a huge success and it’s all thanks to loyal supporters like you.
Just last year we raised [amount of money raised from matching gift funds last year] all due to matching gift donations. We think your employer, [donor’s workplace], may offer a matching gift program and your generous contribution can also be increased. In just a few simple steps, we can work together to help figure out if your donation can be matched. Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at [website URL] or [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
Our museum has been able to provide history and art for [years museum has been active] and it’s all because of people like you. Submit a matching gift form and double your impact!
Thank you,
[museum’s name]
Museums thrive with the support from their community of art and history lovers. Most of your revenue probably come from donations as well. Remember, a huge chunk of matching gift funds goes unclaimed each year. When informing your donors of this opportunity, give them a physical reminder of where their donations are going by mentioning a recent event your museum has hosted or a new exhibition that has just opened. Let them know how successful matching gift programs have been in the past to assure them that these steps aren’t fruitless. Museums often rely on mid-range and major donors, so matching gifts can significantly increase their revenue.
Subject: Help us reach our goal and rise to the challenge!
Dear [donor’s name],
We at [organization’s name] are extremely grateful for your recent donation to our challenge grant fundraiser with [foundation or grantmaking body] in order to fund [specific project or event] and to more generally pursue our mission of [mission].
During our last challenge grant period, we were able to raise [amount of money raised] and were awarded [amount of last challenge grant]. With these funds, we were able to [impact of the specific project of your last challenge grant].
However, in order for us to receive the full monetary grant of [grant amount], we need to call our community of supporters and donors together and raise [prerequisite challenge grant amount]. So far, we are [amount of money] away from our goal. Once we reach that goal, the [grantmaking body] will match it with a generous lump sum.
We think your employer may offer a matching gift program that will double your donation to our fundraiser, getting us that much closer to receiving that grant. In just a few simple steps, we can work together to help figure out if your donation can be matched. Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program to increase your donation.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and let you know if you need to fill out any necessary forms and be aware of submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at [website URL] or [phone number].
Additionally, if your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program or won’t match your donation, please let us know as well.
Help us reach our goal today!
Thank you,
[organization’s name]
Challenge grants are donations made by grantmaking bodies to nonprofits—but only if the nonprofit has completed a predetermined list of requirements. These prerequisites make up the “challenge” portion of a challenge grant!
All kinds of institutions make and give grants, including foundations, trusts, corporations, and even government agencies. Usually the prerequisite is some sort of financial challenge, where the nonprofit has to hit a specified large fundraising goal before they can receive the grant.
When asking your supporters to donate to your challenge grant fundraiser, remember to include how imperative it is to meet the prerequisite goal in order to receive the grant. Showing your donors how much you still need to raise will incentivize them to help you get to the finish line. It’s smart to also mention if past challenge grant fundraisers have been successful and how they have helped your organization because it helps donors realize how impactful these grants are for nonprofits
Subject: Thank you for submitting your match!
Dear [donor’s name],
We at [organization’s name] truly appreciate your support to our cause. Without your original donation of [donation amount] we would not have been able to [recent accomplishment].
Thank you for letting us know that you have submitted your matching gift form to [donor’s workplace]! We’re in the process of filling out our part of the matching gift request and wanted to keep you updated. We’ll let you know if we have any questions from you as we finalize the gift. Hopefully this should be a quick and easy and your impact can increase soon!
Here at [organization’s name], we greatly appreciate your help and are excited to see your matching gift request come to life! Thank you for taking this time and helping us with [your mission].
Thank you,
[organization’s name]
No matter what kind of organization you are, you should always follow up a matching gift submission with a personalized email or letter. Donors are going out of their way to help by taking extra steps all for your cause and mission. Make sure to send an acknowledgement email in less than 24 hours after they’ve submitted the matching gift request.
Studies show that sending matching gift reminder emails within 24 hours results in an email open rate of 54%, which is 2-3 times higher than the average nonprofit email open rate. Sending your donors a message right after they’ve taken the steps to match their gift also opens up communication and allows them to reach out if they have any questions and gives you the opportunity to be transparent about the process!
Subject: We at [organization’s name] cannot thank you enough for your matching gift donation.
Dear [donor’s name],
We are incredibly happy to tell you that your donation of [donation amount] has been [doubled, tripled, etc] through your employer’s matching gift program to a total of [matching gift donation amount]. With your help we are so much closer to reaching our fundraising goal of [fundraising goal].
Last year, we raised [matching gift revenue last year] in matching gift donations and were able to [recent accomplishment]. This year, we hope to do even more.
All the hard work that our staff and volunteers have put in wouldn’t be half as successful without supporters like you. We are in the process of achieving [physical goal, for example an upcoming fundraiser or event] and your matching gift donation has helped us get one step closer.
If you have any questions regarding your matching gift donation or how the process has worked in general, feel free to contact us.
Thank you,
[organization’s name]
As an organization that depends on the support from others to achieve its goals, you should be showing your appreciation to your donors as often or even more than they give to your nonprofit. Remember to always include a Thank You email or letter so they know that the extra steps they took to provide a matching gift donation did not go unseen. In the letter, make sure to include facts about their donation and the physical impact it is making. Mention how it is helping your next event so donors know their efforts are worth it.
Your donors have already helped your nonprofit and sharing a new way they can give even more at no additional cost is an easy way to earn more. Use these letter templates as a kicking-off point for creating your own letter series that walks supporters through the matching gift process.
If you have dedicated supporters who work for an employer that doesn’t have a matching gift program, reach out to your supporters to ask them to start one. When multiple supporters armed with informative resources and heartfelt letters from your nonprofit about matching gifts, many employers will consider starting a program of their own.