Who benefits from a matching gifts program?

It's easy to see that the immediate receiver, the nonprofit, benefits from a matching gifts program - it gets the check! But a matching gifts program's worth far exceeds this one action. The check enables the nonprofit to carry on its work, be it academic research, or human services. And the donor whose connection with the matching company has made the gift possible feels that his or her worth is important to that company thus enhancing job performance and morale. After all, they've given to an organization the donor entrusts with his or her hard-earned money. And the matching company? It is the true winner: it has fulfilled corporate philanthropic obligations; endeared itself to its employees; supported worthy organizations; and gotten a tax benefit. What other program makes everyone a winner?

Matching Gifts is an important employee benefit that supports company employees and retirees in their personal philanthropy and fundraising efforts. This involves matching individual contributions to social services, disease research, environmental organizations, hospitals, museums, public and private schools, colleges and universities, and more. Matching Gifts Programs continue to serve as an important element of thousands of company Foundation portfolios.

HEP provides several resources for companies in the US and Canada initially establishing a program as well as supporting ongoing programs. We provide tools to allow company’s to view the programs of peer companies as well as allow for the updating of matching gift policies.

HEP/CASE also provides a handbook entitled “Matching Gift Administration” That provides guidelines concerning Matching Gifts for Religious or Political Uses. It also provides samples of four Model Company Matching Gift Programs and many other useful case studies and Best Practices which are extremely helpful to both Companies and non-profits.

According to the “Giving in Numbers” 2008 edition compiled by the CECP – Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy $4.39 million was the median dollars given by the Fortune 100 in 2007 (pages 28-30 focus on matching gifts) Click here for the full report.

If you are considering starting a Matching Gift Program please call we will be more than glad to help. 703-669-5602