This article explains whether your organization needs to register with individual companies before receiving matching gift funds.
Do You Need to Register with Each Company?
In most cases, your organization does not need to register with a company before you can receive matching gifts. Instead, the process is typically driven by the donor’s employer.
How the Process Works:
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Employee Donation: An employee donates to your nonprofit.
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Match Request Submission: The employee submits a matching gift request to their employer, including your organization’s name and details.
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Company Decision: The company quickly determines if your organization meets their matching gift criteria based on the nonprofit’s mission statement and IRS registration.
General Guidelines for Matching Gifts
Each company has its own guidelines regarding the types of organizations eligible for matching gifts. These guidelines typically include:
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Higher Educational Institutions
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K-12 Schools
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Health and Human Services Organizations
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Arts and Cultural Organizations
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Civic and Community Organizations
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Environmental Organizations
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Other 501(c)(3) Organizations
Why Most Organizations Don’t Need to Register
Generally, organizations do not need to register with each company beforehand. Instead, the process is initiated by the employee, who submits the necessary details for the company to review. The company will then determine if your organization meets their matching criteria.
FAQs:
Q: Does my organization need to be pre-registered with each company to receive matching gifts?
A: No, in almost all cases, your organization does not need to register in advance with each company. Employees will submit the matching request on your behalf, and the company will review your nonprofit's details based on their guidelines.
Q: What information does a company need to process a matching gift?
A: The company will typically need the nonprofit's name, mission statement, and proof of IRS registration (usually through a 501(c)(3) designation).