Maximize your Impact: Corporate Matching Programs

By: Sophia Moradian

Matching programs are an incredible way to double a donation. Thousands of companies participate in supporting their employees philanthropic interests, including over 65% of the Fortune 500. We encourage our members and supporters to explore their corporate matching programs. Giving Tuesday is a special day that comes after Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a way to support charitable involvement and contribution.  On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, many organizations and individuals focus on their year-end gifting.  See if your company, or the company of of someone you know, does something special on #GivingTuesday.

What is corporate matching? “Corporate Matching” or “Employee Matching Gifts” are are donations a company makes to match its employees’ charitable contributions. Typically, Employee matching gifts are contributed at a 1:1 ratio, but in some cases, companies go even further by tripling or quadrupling their employees’ donations. In addition to Employee matching gifts, some companies sponsor programs often called, “Dollars for Doers”. Employers will reward employees who donate their time non-profits by contributing financially to a non-profit. For example, if an employee donates 15 hours of her time to a non-profit, her employer may donate $250 to the non-profit. Because your dollar goes further with corporate matching, by not donating through your employer’s corporate matching program you are leaving money on the table for nonprofits such as AIWA-SF!

How to find out if your company does corporate matching: This online tool can give you a quick answer on whether your company does matching grants or not to non-profits. However, for the most up to date information, contact an internal function (e.g., HR) at your company directly.

What if my company doesn’t offer corporate matching? How else can I give in a meaningful way to AIWA SF? Like other non-profit organizations, AIWA-SF offers various events, campaigns, and giving opportunities throughout the year. Some examples: 

• AIWA-SF, you can donate directly by clicking here and clicking on the donate button.