Employer matching: make your donation go further
You can help nonprofits make the most of funds set aside for them.
Every year, an estimated $4–7 billion in employer matching funds never reach the nonprofits they’re intended to support.
That’s money already set aside and meant to help, only to disappear simply because no one claims it.
This February, your donation could go even further than you think.
What is employer matching?
Employer matching (also called a matching gift program) is a benefit offered by many enterprise technology companies that allows them to match charitable donations made by their employees.
If you choose to donate to an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your employer may contribute an additional amount — often dollar-for-dollar, and sometimes more — at no extra cost to you.
In realistic terms, that means:
- Your $50 donation could become $100
- Your $100 donation could become $200
Your favorite nonprofit receives additional funding simply because you took a few extra minutes to submit a match request.
You might already be eligible
More than 26 million people work at companies with matching gift programs. And 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer to match charitable donations — like Apple, Microsoft, and Google.
Employer matching is one of the most underused tools in charitable giving because most employees don’t realize they qualify. But statistically speaking, they probably do.
How employer matching works
Employer matching programs allow companies to match eligible donations their employees make to 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Donate to a 501(c)(3)
Start by making your donation to an eligible 501(c)(3) organization. If you're already planning to give, there's nothing different about this step. Simply make the donation as you normally would.
Remember: Employer matching doesn't change your donation — it increases the funds the nonprofit ultimately receives.
Save your donation receipt
This one's important: after you donate, remember to keep a copy of your receipt or email. Most employer match programs require basic documentation to verify your original contribution.
Keeping your receipt ensures your employer can process the match quickly and accurately.
Submit a matching request
Log into your company's internal giving portal or HR benefits platform and submit a matching request. You'll typically enter the nonprofit's information and upload or confirm your receipt.
Once approved, your employer will send an additional donation directly to the nonprofit, maximizing impact of your gift.
Disclaimer: Employer matching gift programs are administered by individual companies. Program details, eligibility requirements, match ratios, and timelines vary and may change at any time. Donors should consult their employer’s official resources for current information.