This article explains how we handle companies that don't match donations to your nonprofit and why we take a broad approach to including companies in our matching gift database.
Overview of Our Approach
We aim to maximize matching gift potential for our clients by including a broad range of companies in our database, even if some may not match donations for your specific organization.
Key Points:
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Broad Approach: We include all companies with known matching gift programs to help nonprofits maximize donation matches.
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Maximizing Potential: By casting a wider net, nonprofits can potentially access more matching opportunities, even if some donors aren't eligible for matching gifts.
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Donor Experience: Our system avoids leaving out companies that may not be immediately recognized, preventing donors from getting frustrated.
Why We Include All Companies
Matching gift programs vary greatly from company to company, and each organization has its own eligibility guidelines. Including as many companies as possible helps ensure that donors who are eligible for matching gifts don't miss out.
Benefits of a Broad System:
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Maximized Matching Potential: We believe this broader approach increases overall matching gift opportunities for your nonprofit.
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Donor Flexibility: Donors can search for their company's matching gift program, even if it’s not guaranteed, encouraging them to submit requests.
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Tracking Non-Eligible Companies: Our system allows nonprofits to identify companies that don’t currently match, offering opportunities for outreach.
Potential Challenges
While this approach provides significant advantages, it may lead to some donors submitting matching gift requests with companies that do not support your organization. These gifts won’t be matched, but our system still ensures that eligible matches are maximized.
Donor Questions:
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Why isn’t my company listed? Some donors may wonder why their company isn’t included in the list. This can cause confusion and lead to donor frustration, but our broader approach helps prevent missed opportunities for eligible matches.
Missed Opportunities for Some Donors:
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Non-eligible donors may submit requests, but ultimately, they won’t be matched by their companies. This system still ensures the overall matching gift potential is maximized.
How This Benefits Larger Nonprofits
Larger organizations may leverage this system to follow up with companies that don’t currently match, especially when there is a significant donor base. For example:
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Outreach Opportunities: If 20 employees from a particular company express interest in matching gifts, nonprofits can reach out to encourage the company to expand its program.