This article explains why Double the Donation’s plugin cannot be embedded directly in emails and offers recommendations for promoting matching gifts within email campaigns.
Why Can't the Plugin Be Added to an Email?
Emails are designed for secure communication between individuals and have limited functionality. While you can include various elements in an email, such as text, links, and images, it is not possible to embed an interactive plugin like Double the Donation’s matching gift tool directly into an email.
What You Can Do in an Email:
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Add paragraphs of text: You can include information about matching gifts and your organization’s efforts.
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Add links to text: Link relevant text to your matching gift page.
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Add images or graphics: Use visuals that promote matching gifts.
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Add links to images: Link matching gift graphics to the appropriate page.
Why This Limitation Exists:
Email platforms do not support interactive elements such as search fields or donation forms directly in the email body. This means that you cannot have a functioning search tool (like the matching gift plugin) in an email itself.
Best Practices for Including Matching Gifts in Emails
Though the plugin can’t be embedded, you can still effectively promote matching gifts through text and images in your emails. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use Text and Links
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Include a short paragraph explaining the matching gift process and link one of the sentences to your dedicated matching gift page.
2. Use Matching Gift Graphics
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Include a matching gift graphic in your email.
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Link the image directly to your matching gift page, providing an easy way for donors to click through and find more information.
By using text and visuals, you can direct donors to your matching gift page, where they can take action.
Example:
Check out the examples of how other organizations feature matching gifts in their emails. These examples can inspire your email strategy and help you design compelling campaigns that drive matching gift participation.
Check out our downloadable graphics to help you market matching gifts in your email signatures.