A Matching Gift Overview
Today, businesses of all shapes, sizes, and sectors want to give back: to increase their positive impact and promote the welfare of others by participating in corporate philanthropy. And one of the most popular ways for a company to do so is by matching its employees’ gifts to charitable organizations like yours.
Why? Businesses understand that it’s important to show their humanitarian side. This is true not only for building a positive brand image but for attracting socially-minded workers who care deeply about their employers’ impact on the world.
The result is corporate matching gift programs which can double (or even triple!) the impact of donations made to your cause. It works like this:
- An individual contributes to a nonprofit of their choice.
- The individual determines their eligibility for a matching gift program.
- The individual completes a brief request process (typically submitting an online form) for their employer.
- The employing company reviews the request and verifies the initial donation meets the program criteria.
- The company approves the match request and contributes its matching donation to the organization.
In total, more than $2-$3 billion is donated through matching gift programs each year. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this incredible source of revenue!
Why Matching Gift Funding Goes Unclaimed
Matching gift programs sound like a win-win, right? The problem is that not many donors know about matching gifts to begin with—including those whose employers offer the programs!
This lack of awareness is a big reason why an estimated $4-$7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed per year. After all, a donor won’t take the steps required to submit a matching gift request to their employer if they’re never informed of the programs in the first place.
How to Increase Matching Gift Awareness
The best way to increase matching gift participation across your organization is to incorporate information about the programs throughout your fundraising and marketing materials. The more donors are exposed to the opportunity, the more inclined they’ll be to take the outlined steps when it’s time.
And that’s where these matching gift letters come in handy! Strategic outreach efforts can serve as a powerful tool for engaging supporters in matching gift programs, strengthening their connections with your cause, and improving the overall donor experience.
Plus, there are easy solutions designed to assist organizations like yours in overcoming the knowledge gap. For example, embedding a matching gift search tool on your website (including directly within your donation form and on a dedicated Match Page) can go a long way. This resource empowers donors to quickly and easily identify their eligibility for a program and access the guidelines and forms they need to initiate the match process.
Then, all you need to do is direct your audience to this page from your dedicated matching gift communications!
Get Started With These Customizable Matching Gift Letter Templates
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Any Organization
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Large Nonprofits
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Small Nonprofits
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Sample Matching Gift Advocacy Letter
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Sample P2P Fundraising Match Letter
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Sample Custom Matching Gift Program Letter
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Sample Volunteer Grant (Dollars for Doers) Letter
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Sample End-of-Year Matching Gift Letter
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Sample Matching Gift Informational Letter
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Sample Matching Gift Database Letter
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Sample Submitted Matching Gift Acknowledgment Letter
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Sample Completed Matching Gift Thank-You Letter
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For K-12 Schools
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Higher Education
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Theatres
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Animal Shelters
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Museums
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Healthcare Orgs
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Environmental Groups
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Sample Matching Gift Letter For Human Services
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Sample Limited-Time Donation Match Letter
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Sample Matching Grant (Challenge) Letter
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Any Organization
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 simple, 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.
Step 2: Your employer will point you in the right direction and inform you of any necessary criteria, forms, and submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you’ve submitted your matching gift request form (or if you have any questions about the process), please let us know. Feel free to 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, we’d love to know that as well.
We appreciate your support tremendously, and can’t wait to see your gift go even further for the cause.
Thank you,
[staff or volunteer’s name]
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
As a nonprofit, corporate matching gifts can significantly increase your fundraising revenue and benefit your mission in new and exciting ways. However, as previously mentioned, not many donors are aware of these programs.
This matching gift letter provides a general understanding of matching gift programs in order to educate your donors. From there, it informs donors that their companies may be able to double the impact of their gifts and encourages them to take the next steps.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Large Nonprofits
Subject: Can your donation to [nonprofit’s name] 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 on [your mission] and has allowed us to [recent project or accomplishment].
We are so close to our donation goal of [fundraising goal], and we think you can help us get there. Your contribution has already done so much. But we believe your employer, [donor’s workplace], may have a matching gift program that will double the value of your gift!
Taking the steps to secure your match is easy. 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 or 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].
Thank you for your continuous support,
[team member’s name]
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
If you fundraise at a larger nonprofit and have a specific goal in mind, you know it can be tricky to get those last few contributions when your campaign begins to slow down. Luckily, matching gift programs have the power to increase your funds and help you reach your objective. And this letter template works to help get you and your donors out of that slump!
65% of the Fortune 500 offer matching gift programs, and there is a good chance a segment of your donors work for these companies. Reminding eligible donors how close you are to achieving your goal can be an excellent way to encourage as many donors as possible to submit their matching gift requests.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Small Nonprofits
Subject: We think your recent contribution 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 recent 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 [mission/vision] happen.
Here’s how you can help do even more: There’s a good chance your employer offers a matching gift program to help double your impact. Participating is simple. In a few simple steps, you can increase your donation and continue transforming 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 direct you to program information, including guidelines, submission forms, deadlines, and more.
Step 3: You’ll complete a brief request form. Once you’ve submitted the documentation to your employer, contact us at our website [website URL], call [phone number], or reply to this email.
Your company doesn’t offer a matching gift program? This specific gift ineligible? We’d love to know that, too!
From the entire [nonprofit] team, we appreciate each donation and act of support you make.
Thank you,
[nonprofit director’s name]
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
As a smaller nonprofit, every dollar counts. And matching gifts can count twice! When asking for a matching gift donation from donors, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their ongoing support. This template does exactly that!
Each year, corporations donate an average of $20 and 26 billion to nonprofits. Much of these gifts are contributed through matching gift programs, too, which are some of the most accessible types of corporate giving for any-sized organization. You just have to start raising awareness in order to tap into them!
Sample Matching Gift Advocacy Letter
Subject: Get your employer to match your gift!
Dear [donor’s name],
Your dedication to [nonprofit’s name] is inspiring, and we want to share an opportunity to magnify your impact. We’ve noticed that your employer, [company], currently does not offer a matching gift program. But you can be the catalyst for change!
When you encourage your employer to consider initiating a matching gift program, your advocacy can unlock new avenues of support for our mission.
We’ll make it easy for you, too. Here’s a template to help you get started:
Thousands of companies across the globe have established employee matching gift programs as a way to support their staffs and the nonprofits to which they give. Companies that offer these programs essentially agree to match gifts made by their employees to qualifying nonprofit causes.
Matching gift programs lead to increased employee engagement and retention, opportunities to attract competitive candidates, improved brand image, and even growing sales. Meanwhile, team members love knowing their employers support their favorite causes.
If you’d like to take steps to establish a matching gift program for the company, Double the Donation has provided a detailed guide that walks corporate leaders through the process. You can access this resource here in hopes that it will help simplify the creation of such a beneficial program and use this free template to kickstart your policy creation.
Thank you for not only supporting us but also helping to pave the way for increased corporate philanthropy.
Best regards,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
This letter effectively empowers the donor to take action even if they don’t currently qualify for a matching gift program. Thus, you can still provide unique opportunities for them to multiply their support by becoming an advocate for your cause within their workplace.
This outreach also provides clear and specific steps for the donor to follow, emphasizing the potential positive outcomes of implementing a matching gift program. The inclusion of a template and additional resource also makes it easy for the individual to share relevant details with their employer, ultimately streamlining the advocacy process.
Sample P2P Fundraising Match Letter
Subject: Can you double your TOTAL funds raised?
Dear [fundraiser’s name],
Your dedication to our cause through peer-to-peer fundraising is truly inspiring! Did you know there may be a way to amplify your impact with hardly any extra effort?
Many companies offer fundraising match programs, a type of employee matching gifts where they match the funds raised by qualifying employees for charitable organizations.
This means the total funds you’ve raised could be doubled by your employer. In other words, you could turn your $[total funds raised] into $[total funds raised x 2]!
Here’s how to check if you’re eligible for such a program:
Step 1: Reach out to your HR department to inquire about your company’s matching gift program and guidelines.
Step 2: Your employer will provide the necessary forms and guidelines, and confirm that the company will match the sum of the donations you’ve raised.
Step 3: Once you’ve submitted your fundraising match request, let us know! Reply to this email or reach us at [contact details].
Thank you for your incredible efforts, and let’s maximize your impact together!
Warm regards,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Standard matching gift programs involve a company matching the donations its employees contribute directly to a nonprofit cause of their choosing. If a company offers a peer-to-peer fundraising match program, however, it agrees to supply a matching gift equal to the total amount an employee raises as part of a peer-to-peer fundraising effort. This often includes events such as run/walk/rides!
As these kinds of matching gift initiatives are less common, however, the matching gift letter is designed to inform a nonprofit’s volunteer fundraisers about the opportunity. Like matching gifts, your supporters will not submit the paperwork to request a fundraising match if they’re never made aware of the chance to do so. But, when well-informed, they love to double their impact on your cause.
Sample Custom Matching Gift Program Letter
Subject: Enhancing philanthropy with a custom matching gift partnership
Dear [company representative],
I hope this message finds you well. We at [nonprofit’s name] are endlessly grateful for the support we receive from the employees of [company’s name]. Your team’s commitment to our cause has not gone unnoticed, and we’d like to propose a unique opportunity to further strengthen this bond through a custom matching gift program.
While [company’s name] may not have a standard matching gift program in place, initiating a custom collaboration could significantly amplify the impact of your employees’ generosity.
If your team is interested in learning how we can tailor a unique matching gift initiative that aligns with [company’s name] values and objectives and benefits each of our organizations, we’d love to chat about the opportunity. Please feel free to contact us at [email address or phone number], and we’ll be in touch.
Together, we can make a lasting difference. Thank you for considering this impactful partnership.
Hope to hear from you soon,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
This sample letter serves as a persuasive appeal from a nonprofit to a company, suggesting the establishment of a custom matching gift partnership. Keep in mind that this type of outreach will generally be sent from a nonprofit to a company without an existing matching gift program in place. However, a variation might also be used to empower an individual team member to advocate for such a partnership on your organization’s behalf.
This template does well by providing an overview of the benefits for the company, emphasizing the mutual value in creating a unique or one-off matching gift program. The personalized approach is likely to capture the attention of companies seeking meaningful and strategic philanthropic initiatives, and your team might even end up with a long-term corporate partner!
Sample Volunteer Grant (Dollars for Doers) Letter
Subject: Amplify your support: Earn corporate grants for your volunteer hours!
Dear [volunteer’s name],
Your dedication as a volunteer at [nonprofit’s name] has not only enriched our community but has also opened doors to additional support.
Many companies offer volunteer grant or dollars for doers programs where they contribute generous amounts of funding for every hour an employee volunteers with a nonprofit cause. We believe your volunteer hours can translate into additional revenue for our mission.
Here’s how to find out if your employer participates:
Step 1: Contact your HR department to inquire about your company’s volunteer grant or dollars for doers programs.
Step 2: Your HR representative will provide documentation regarding any necessary forms, guidelines, and deadlines.
Step 3: If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email address or phone number]. We’d also love to hear when you’ve completed your end of the submission process!
Your volunteerism is already making a difference, and with a volunteer grant, we can achieve even more together.
Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Volunteer grants are another popular, and impactful, form of corporate philanthropy. Like matching gifts, companies with volunteer grant programs provide funds to the organizations their employees support. But in volunteer grant programs, the support being matched is a team member’s time spent volunteering!
This volunteer grant letter was crafted as an easy way to drive awareness of this opportunity as well as encourage volunteers to get involved. By emphasizing the additional support an individual’s volunteer hours can generate for your organization, you can deepen volunteer relationships and build stronger connections with your organization.
Sample End-of-Year Matching Gift Letter
Subject: Unlock additional impact before the year’s end
Dear [donor’s name],
As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of [nonprofit’s name]. Your dedication has been instrumental in driving our mission forward.
Did you know your impact could be even greater? Many companies have matching gift programs, and the most common year-end deadline for submissions is approaching. By checking if your employer offers a matching gift program, you could potentially double the impact of your contributions this year without spending another dime!
Here’s how you can do so:
Step 1: Contact your HR department to inquire about your company’s matching gift program.
Step 2: Your HR representative will provide you with the information you need to determine program eligibility and submit a request.
Step 3: Once you’ve submitted your match, let us know by replying directly to this email.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make an even greater difference this holiday giving season. Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a year of making a lasting impact!
Warm regards and Happy Holidays,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
This end-of-year letter successfully capitalizes on the urgency of the giving season, encouraging donors to consider matching gift programs for both recent and retroactive contributions. The sample message effectively communicates the time-sensitive nature of matching gift requests, prompting donors to take immediate action before year-end deadlines.
Plus, it reinforces the potential impact of maximizing contributions during a critical fundraising period, creating a sense of urgency that can spur increased donor participation.
Sample Matching Gift Informational Letter
Subject: Discover the transformative power of matching gifts inside
At [nonprofit’s name], we believe in maximizing the impact of every contribution. Did you know that matching gift programs offer an incredible opportunity to amplify the value of your donations?
When an eligible employee donates to a nonprofit, their employer will match that donation with an equal or sometimes even greater amount. Some companies even extend matching gift programs to retirees or spouses, broadening the scope of support. This means your gift could have double or triple the impact on our cause!
And all it takes is a small step to access this additional support. After making a donation to [nonprofit’s name], inquire with your employer about a matching gift program. If available, your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to submit a match.
Visit our Matching Gifts Page for more information, including an in-depth look at program eligibility, guidelines, and forms: [URL]
Your support is invaluable to us, and understanding the potential for matching gifts can make your contributions go even further.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community!
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
This matching gift letter takes an educational approach to matching gifts by providing readers with a comprehensive view of the opportunity. It does well by highlighting these programs’ impact on your cause, the benefits for the donors themselves, and the widespread advantages for your organization’s core audience.
Because it serves as an educational tool, it’s a matching gift letter you can send to all supporters, too—not just those who have recently (or ever) given. In fact, the information provided can even work to inspire higher rates of individual giving in the first place!
Sample Matching Gift Database Letter
Subject: Uncovering matching gift eligibility has never been easier!
Dear [donor’s name],
Thank you for your recent gift of $[donation amount]. Your continued support means the world to us at [nonprofit’s name].
Did you know that your employer may be willing to match your generous donations?
Tens of thousands of companies offer employee matching gift programs, but the vast majority of eligible individuals remain entirely unaware of the opportunity. Luckily, we’ve made it easy for you to check your eligibility. Just visit our dedicated Matching Gifts Page to utilize the matching gift database search tool: [match page URL]
This helpful widget allows you to uncover program eligibility, locate guidelines, and access necessary forms with a click of a button. Just begin typing your company name in the provided search field, select the appropriate employer from the auto-completing database tool, and explore the information provided to determine your next steps.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make an even greater impact through matching gifts.
All the best,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
When it comes to successful matching gift fundraising, your matching gift database is going to be one of your organization’s most valuable assets. This letter does well by directing readers to your dedicated matching gift page that is complete with such an embedded search tool.
By simplifying the process a donor takes to determine their program eligibility, individuals are increasingly inclined to take the steps involved in securing a match.
Sample Match Submission Acknowledgement Letter
Subject: Thank you for submitting your match!
Dear [donor’s name],
We at [organization’s name] truly appreciate your support of our cause. Thank you for letting us know you’ve submitted your matching gift form to [donor’s workplace]!
We’ll handle the rest of the process and keep you informed as the matching gift progresses.
Again, 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 [mission/vision].
Thank you,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Always follow up on a matching gift submission with a personalized email or letter. This allows your team to show its gratitude for the initial donation and its incoming match. After all, donors go out of their way to support your mission even more by participating in their employers’ matching gift programs. Make sure to send an acknowledgment email soon after you’re informed that the matching gift request has been submitted.
Sending a message at this point in the matching gift process also opens up communication and allows them to reach out if they have any questions!
Sample Match Completion Thank You Letter
Subject: We at [organization’s name] cannot thank you enough for your matching gift donation.
Dear [donor’s name],
We are pleased to inform you that your recent donation of $[donation amount] on [donation date] has been successfully matched! We received the completed matching gift from [employing company], which means we’re that much closer to reaching our goal of [fundraising goal].
Your initial contribution, as well as your company’s match, will be used to continue making an impact on [nonprofit’s core audience] by [example of project or program].
All the hard work that our staff and volunteers have put in wouldn’t be half as successful without supporters like you.
If you have any questions regarding your matching gift donation, feel free to reach out to our team.
Thank you again,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
As an organization that depends on the generous support it receives in order to achieve its goals, your team should be showing your appreciation to your donors every chance you get. So, in addition to the acknowledgment sent after a donor’s matching gift submission, you’ll also want to send your thanks once the match is ultimately fulfilled.
A matching gift letter like this ensures that the donor knows the extra steps they took to supply a match did not go unseen. It also helps close the loop on the matching gift process, informing the individual donor that their employer completed the corporate gift. And remember to always focus on the mission-specific impact, too!
Sample Matching Gift Letter For K-12 Schools
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 donors who completed matching gifts the previous year] parents, alumni, and other supporters helped [school’s name] by participating in their employers’ matching gift programs.
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 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.
Step 2: Your HR head will point you in the right direction and outline the request process you’ll need to complete in order to submit a match.
Step 3: Once you’ve completed your matching gift request form, let us know! You can reach us at [email address or phone number].
Let’s make this year count! The class of [year] will be forever grateful.
Thank you,
[school’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
As a K-12 school, 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 gifts can be matched. They’ll usually be excited to help, especially once they know how easy the process is.
Plus, incorporating metrics such as total matching gift revenue or the number of completed matching gifts from the year before can even use social proof to inspire supporters to get involved.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Higher Education
Subject: Help [school’s name] do even more with a matching gift!
Dear [donor’s name],
From all of us at [school’s name], we are eternally grateful for your generous support. We cannot thank you enough for bringing [recent school renovation or improvement] to life and providing a space for our students to learn and grow.
Last year we raised $[total matching gift revenue] from matching gifts. With little extra effort, many of our donors were able to double or even triple their original contributions at no added cost. And you might be able to do the same.
In a few steps, you can see if your company will match your gift:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to determine if they offer a matching gift program or utilize the matching gift search tool on our Match Page here: [URL]
Step 2: Follow the instructions provided by your employer or the embedded database widget to complete the matching gift request process.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your matching gift request form or if you have any questions about the process, let us know by clicking the button here: [button]
If your gift doesn’t qualify for a matching gift, we’d like to know that as well.
Your impact has already created a difference in the quality of life and academic accomplishments of our community. Just imagine what can happen when your gifts are matched.
Warm regards,
[college or university’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
If you are part of a college or university’s development team, targeting matching gift opportunities for higher education 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, individual donations and their corresponding matches are of utmost importance.
And matching gift letters like this one can help increase awareness of and participation in the programs alike.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Theatres
Subject: Double your recent donation for the arts today!
Dear [donor’s name],
Here at [theatre name], every gift 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 yet fantastical experience to our audiences and performers alike.
We wouldn’t be able to do it without your generous donation of $[donation amount]. And we think your donation can be increased!
Does your employer, [donor’s workplace], have a corporate matching gift program? Find out by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Contact your employer’s HR head to see if they offer a matching gift program.
Step 2: Complete any necessary forms prior to your company’s submission deadlines.
Step 3: Let us know when you’ve submitted your matching gift request! Give us a call at [phone number] or reply directly to this email.
We appreciate your support more than you know. [Theatre’s name] would not be where we are without your help.
Sincerely,
[theatre’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
As a theatre (or another arts and culture organization), you might not generate the majority of your revenue from ticket sales or concession sales alone. Donations from fans of the arts and the broader community around you will help fund the various shows and performances you put on.
If you’re aiming to multiply your group’s fundraising success, matching gifts are the answer you seek. And matching gift messages like this can remind your donors about everything their contributions have already done while encouraging them to go the extra step. All they have to do is follow the instructions outlined in the letter.
Because donors don’t actually supply additional funds for their matching gifts, most will be happy to see if they’re eligible, and submit a request if so.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Animal Shelters
Subject: Support twice as many furry friends at [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 our animals with the food, water, shelter, and care that they deserve.
Thanks to your recent contribution, we were able to [example of a small task; e.g., provide food for an animal or find a pet a loving home].
Want to help even more? We think your employer might match your gift. With a couple of simple steps, your impact can change even more lives.
All you need to do is contact your employer’s HR department to learn more about a possible matching gifts program. If one is available, you’ll complete the outlined request process and let us know when you’ve submitted your match!
Our friends like [specific animal name] cannot thank you enough! [photo of specified animal]
Best wishes,
[specific animal name] and friends
[animal shelter’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Animal rescue organizations (including pet shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and more) rely on generous donors to fund their operations and provide the lives in their care with the shelter, supplies, and medical attention that they need. Luckily, matching gift letters like this one can be used to target eligible donors and secure additional funds for your animal-focused efforts.
Make sure to emphasize the effects your donors have already made on your cause with a clear example or impact story. Perhaps even include a photograph of a furry friend (or two!) to put a face to your fundraising need and demonstrate the matching gift opportunity.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Museums
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 team works hard. And it’s all thanks to loyal supporters like you.
Last year we raised $[total matching gift revenue] through matching gift donations, which allowed us to [specific task or project funded by matching gift revenue]. We think your employer, [donor’s workplace], may offer a matching gift program as well.
In just a few simple steps, we can determine if your donation can be matched. Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Contact your employer to see if they offer a corporate matching gift program.
Step 2: Complete the provided forms and submit your matching gift request to your employer.
Step 3: Keep us updated and let us know if you have any questions regarding the process! Feel free to reach us at [website URL] or [phone number]. If your company doesn’t match your gift, let us know that as well.
Our museum has been able to provide history and art for [number of years since opening]. Help us continue serving our community by doubling your donation to the cause!
Thanks again,
[museum’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Museums thrive with the support from their communities: lovers of art, history, science, culture, and more. While you may charge a fee for entry or sell annual memberships, most of your revenue probably comes from donations. A matching gift letter like this one can set your organization up to secure corporate support from your donors’ employers!
Remember, a huge chunk of matching gift funds goes unclaimed each year. Museums often rely on mid-range and major donors, so matching gifts can significantly increase their revenue.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Healthcare Orgs
Subject: Help advance [field or focus] research and treatment with a matching gift
Dear [donor’s name],
At [nonprofit’s name], your commitment to health and wellness continues to make a mark on our mission. We’re excited to share a way to further multiply the effect of your generosity, too, through matching gifts.
Many companies offer matching gift programs, which means your contributions may be doubled or even tripled by your employer. In other words, your donation can help save even more lives!
Here’s how to check if you qualify for a donation match:
Step 1: Contact your HR department or visit our matching gifts page to learn about your company’s program opportunities: [URL]
Step 2: Complete the supplied documentation and submit your matching gift request.
Step 3: Let us know your match is on the way! Once you’ve finalized your match request, send us an update at [contact information].
Your support is crucial to our work, and matching gifts can significantly enhance your impact. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the health and medical services.
Warm regards,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
When it comes to funding groundbreaking medical research and treatments, multiplying donations with matching gifts can go a long way. In order to pursue the opportunity effectively for your own healthcare organization, this matching gift letter focuses on the lives that can be saved by making the most of unclaimed corporate giving opportunities. When you put it like that, it would be difficult for any donor to opt out of the quick and easy process!
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Environmental Groups
Subject: Double your gift for a greener tomorrow
Dear [donor’s name],
Your dedication to preserving our environment has not gone unnoticed at [nonprofit’s name], and your recent gift of $[donation amount] is so appreciated.
Now, we have an exciting opportunity to enhance the impact of your contributions: corporate matching gifts.
Many companies support their employees’ philanthropy by matching their donations, and we believe you might qualify for such a program. If so, your donation can have double the effect for our organization and the world around us.
Here’s how to determine if you’re eligible for a match:
Step 1: Contact your HR department to inquire about your company’s matching gift program.
Step 2: Your HR representative will guide you on any necessary forms and inform you about submission deadlines.
Step 3: Once you’ve submitted your matching gift request, contact us at [email address or phone number].
Thank you for considering this opportunity to multiply your positive influence on environmental conservation. With a match, you can help our team [example of a specific project or activity] more than ever before.
Warm regards,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
This matching gift letter provides an insightful resource for environmental organizations interested in pursuing matching gift opportunities. In order to do so, it successfully aligns the nonprofit’s mission with the values of environmentally conscious individuals and corporations.
Customizing a template like this to reflect your organization’s own efforts can be a great way to communicate the tangible impact of matching gifts on the world around us. Be sure to focus on your mission and vision, and demonstrate how these efforts can help your team go the extra mile for Mother Earth.
Sample Matching Gift Letter For Human Services
Subject: Does your employer match?
Dear [donor’s name],
Your commitment to improving lives through your support of [nonprofit’s name] is truly commendable. In order to maximize the impact of your contributions, we wanted to let you know about an exciting opportunity. Thousands of businesses offer matching gift programs where they supply funding to the organizations their employees support. And yours might be one of them!
Here’s how you can check:
Step 1: Contact your HR department to inquire about the existence of a corporate matching gift program.
Step 2: Your employer will provide you with details regarding program eligibility criteria, submission forms, deadlines, and more.
Step 3: After completing the outlined matching gift request process, give us an update! Or, if your gift is ultimately ineligible for a match, you can let us know that, too. Contact us at [nonprofit’s contact information].
Your support is vital to our work, and matching gifts can significantly enhance your ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for considering this opportunity to amplify your impact, bringing your support of our mission to new heights.
Best wishes,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
When your organization’s mission centers around providing support and resources for other people (whether within your own community or across the globe), you want your fundraising dollars to make the greatest impact they can. Such is the case with matching gifts for human services like relief and development organizations, homeless shelters and missions, and more.
As you can see, this template highlights the significance of such organizations and their social impact. The language is likely to appeal to donors passionate about supporting vulnerable populations and promoting social welfare. By framing the matching gift opportunity in the context of improving lives and communities, the matching gift letter effectively engages donors in the core mission.
Sample Limited-Time Donation Match Letter
Subject: Act NOW to ensure your gift has double the impact for [nonprofit’s name]
Dear [donor’s name],
Thinking about supporting our ongoing fundraising campaign? Now is the perfect opportunity to do so! For a limited time, each gift you make to [nonprofit’s name] will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.
In other words, you’re able to make twice the impact with the same amount of funds.
This rare opportunity is made possible by [matching gift supplier; e.g., company, foundation, etc.], and provides a chance for supporters like you to make a greater difference for [mission summary].
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or considering your first contribution, now is the time to act.
To participate, all you need to do is make a donation on our donation page before [deadline/match limit is fulfilled]. Your contribution will be automatically matched by [matching gift supplier]!
This limited-time match is a unique chance to amplify your support for our cause. Thank you for considering this opportunity and for your ongoing commitment to [core audience served].
Warm regards,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Sometimes, a major donor, business, or foundation will offer to put up a match to go alongside an organization’s fundraising campaign. These are generally structured as time-bound fundraisers (e.g., 24 hours) during which all donations contributed to the organization will be matched up to a pre-determined limit. While these are more difficult opportunities to source, the key benefit is that all donors qualify for the match, rather than being exclusive to a company’s own employees.
This letter effectively communicates a sense of urgency and exclusivity associated with a time-bound match offer. This encourages donors to take immediate action in order to maximize their impact, lest they miss out on the chance to double their gift.
Sample Matching Grant (Challenge) Letter
Subject: Help us rise to the challenge and meet our match!
Dear [donor’s name],
The [nonprofit’s name] team has been presented with an exciting chance to bring our fundraising game to the next level with a matching grant challenge. [Matching gift supplier] has offered to contribute $[promised match amount] to our organization. All we need to do is raise a matching amount in order to unlock the funds!
In our last challenge grant period, we were able to raise a collective $[total revenue amount] and were awarded $[total grant amount] as a result. With these funds, we were able to [impact of a specific project or program].
In order for us to receive the grant this year, we need to call on our generous community of supporters. So far, we are $[total value remaining] away from our goal.
Interested in being a part of this powerful opportunity? Click here to make a donation to the cause: [donation form URL]
Help us reach our goal today!
Thank you in advance,
[nonprofit’s name]
What This Matching Gift Letter Does Well
Challenge grants are donations made by grantmaking bodies (i.e., foundations, trusts, corporations, government agencies, etc.) to nonprofits. However, the funding is only supplied if the organization has completed a list of prerequisites (such as reaching a specific fundraising goal), which makes up the “challenge” portion of a matching gift challenge grant.
When asking your supporters to donate to your challenge grant fundraiser, remember to include how imperative it is to meet the goal in order to receive the grant. Using this template can help you do so! Meanwhile, showing donors how much you still need to raise can incentivize participation to help you cross the finish line.
If your organization has succeeded in a past challenge grant fundraiser, consider highlighting the impact of the previous campaign.
Other Matching Gift Considerations to Note
Standout Matching Gift Companies 🏢
Curious about which companies actually match employees’ charitable gifts? There are currently tens of thousands of programs in effect—with new ones being developed each day.
These programs can have a big impact! According to an analysis of corporate program guidelines, 91% of companies match gifts at a dollar-for-dollar rate. That means these companies will literally double their employees’ gifts to your cause—and the top 10 matching gift companies will do so up to an impressive average of $47,500 per employee per year.
Meanwhile, a small percentage (approximately 4%) have established a 0.5:1 ratio, with the remaining 5% offering even greater ratios of 2:1 and above.
Considering the billions of dollars in matching gift funds that go unclaimed each year, there’s immense potential for corporations and their employees to support your organization in this way.
Learn more about standout matching gift companies, and see if your donors work for these businesses! Check out five popular employers and their associated matching gift programs below.
Click each logo to dig deeper into the opportunities they offer!
Johnson & Johnson is a renowned pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer goods company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Since its inception in 1886, Johnson & Johnson has become well-known for its leading brands such as Band-Aid, Tylenol, and Neutrogena.
Today, the company has a workforce exceeding 152,000 employees. And it actively gives back to support its communities—and encourages its staff to do the same—with a generous matching gift program. Notably, the company provides a generous 2:1 matching gift rate for its employees and a 1:1 ratio for retirees. Since nearly all nonprofits qualify to receive funding through the program, current and former members of its workforce are empowered to make a greater impact on their favorite charitable causes.
Gap Corporation, with subsidiaries Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta, is one of the largest fashion and apparel brands in the U.S. With a headquarters in San Francisco and seven corporate office locations, the company employs a substantial 95,000 team members across the globe.
Plus, Gap gives back! Offering both a financial matching gifts program and generous volunteer grants (or Dollars for Doers) for its employees, Gap makes it easy for its staff to make an impact on their favorite organizations.
Employees can request matching gift donations to almost all nonprofit types, thus stretching the value of their initial contributions to new heights. And while full-time, part-time, and retired employees are encouraged to participate, the maximum match amount can vary by position and employment level up to $15,000 per year.
ExxonMobil, a multinational oil and gas company, is one of the world’s largest publicly traded corporations. And this Houston, Texas-based employer is eager to support philanthropy in a number of ways—including matching employee gifts.
ExxonMobil’s matching gift program, though narrower in scope of qualifying nonprofit recipients, is very successful in terms of employee engagement, too. The company offers a 2:1 match on donations to higher educational institutions such as colleges and universities, and its 62,000+ employees, spouses, surviving spouses, and retirees are all invited to participate.
Meanwhile, employees who volunteer with nonprofit groups can also request generous volunteer grants.
Coca-Cola is a leading provider of soft drinks, and the company manufactures, sells, and markets such beverages across the world. In addition to its namesake beverage, the Coca-Cola Company also encompasses well-known brands such as Bargs, Dasani, Fanta, Fresca, Gold Peak, Minute Maid, Powerade, and more.
This Atlanta-based company currently employs more than 82,000 team members globally and has agreed to match full-time employees and retiree donations at a 2:1 ratio up to $20,000 per year.
The overall impact? Since initiating its matching gift program in 1984, Coca-Cola has donated more than $820 million to charitable organizations. Plus, the company has encouraged its employees to give even more than that!
American Express is a financial services corporation and bank holding company that specializes in credit cards, traveler’s checks, and other versatile payment methods. With over 77,000 employees worldwide, the company is always looking for new ways to engage its workforce and give back to the communities in which it operates.
In order to do so, the company supplies corporate matches for team members’ charitable gifts at a 1:1 ratio between $25 and $8,000. And to multiply their impact even further, American Express offers a higher match rate to employees who participate on a nonprofit’s board of directors or volunteer more than 50 hours in a year.
Automating Your Matching Gift Letter Sending 📨
Efficiency and innovation play pivotal roles in maximizing an organization’s fundraising impact. The same goes for matching gifts! While it can be difficult for a nonprofit team to pursue matching gift opportunities to the max on its own, automated efforts can certainly come in handy.
And with an automation platform designed to streamline matching gift identification and promotion, fundraisers can free up additional time that can be invested into other high-value activities. Not to mention reduce the level of human error expected by manual tracking and outreach efforts.
Timing matters, too! 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. It’s all about speed, and automation is the best way to ensure the right donors receive the right messages at the right time—while your organization is still fresh in their minds.
Our recommendation for such a tool? Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro! 360MatchPro seamlessly integrates with the majority of leading donation tools, peer giving platforms, and CRMs, creating a unified system that streamlines workflows for big results. Plus, the outreach it triggers is personalized and dynamic, providing each donor with employer-specific program guidelines and direct links to their online request portals to guide them through the process.
And it offers a number of free, customizable design templates, too! Accessible to clients within 360MatchPro, these resources empower organizations to create visually appealing content even without a dedicated graphics expert.
Matching Gift Success Story 🏆
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Founded in 1949, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (or LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization. With over $1.7 billion put into the cause, LLS is proud to fund crucial blood cancer research as well as offer learning materials and patient services.
In order to do so, LLS taps into an expansive network of individual donors who contribute more than $285 million in annual contributions. But the LLS team knew it had the potential to raise even more by implementing a comprehensive matching gift strategy. And it all started with the identification and education of match-eligible donors.
Because LLS is such a large-scale organization, however, the team quickly determined that manually screening for match opportunities—and following up with tailored instructions—was nearly impossible. Rather than let that extra funding fall by the wayside, LLS began its search for a solution that could track eligible matches, simplify the associated outreach process, and simplify the process for participating donors.
Thus, in 2017, LLS implemented 360MatchPro by Double the Donation: the industry’s most comprehensive extensive matching gift platform. Equipped with numerous matching gift identification methods and a series of automated email streams, LLS is now able to streamline communication between donor and nonprofit in a branded and intuitive way.
And in just a few years, 360MatchPro has helped the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raise more than $7.3 million in matching gift revenue!
Final Thoughts & Additional Resources
Your donors have already supported your nonprofit by giving generously from their own wallets. Now, sharing how they can make a greater impact at no additional cost can set your team up to multiply its success. Not to mention grow donor relations and build deeper connections with your audience.
If you’re ready to bring your organization’s efforts to the next level, let these sample matching gift letters serve as a kick-off point with which to guide your strategy. Then, get to sending (or automating the process) to drive more funds for your cause than ever before.
Looking for additional matching gift templates and resources? Check out these recommended materials to learn more:
- 14 Types of Matching Gift Letters Every Nonprofit Should Send. With more matching gift letter templates from the experts at Double the Donation, your team’s outreach will be all set!
- How to Promote Matching Gifts (and Other Best Practices!) Explore our favorite donation-match marketing tips to increase awareness of—and participation in—corporate match initiatives.
- 10 Steps to Matching Gift Success: The Complete Nonprofit Checklist. Get the free downloadable checklist to track your organization’s progress toward optimized matching gift efforts.
About FundraisingLetters.org
FundraisingLetters.org is a project put together by Nexus Marketing and ECardWidget as a way to help individuals and organizations across the world effectively communicate with supporters. Feel free to use our fundraising letter templates for your organization.