Driving Support with One-Off Matching Gifts Programs

Driving Support with One-Off Matching Gifts Programs

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One-off matching gift programs are a powerful yet often underutilized fundraising tool for nonprofits. Unlike traditional matching gift programs, which are generally tied to ongoing corporate giving initiatives, one-off matching gifts are unique opportunities that can create a significant impact for a single organization.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key strategies to ensure your organization drives support through these impactful programs. This includes:

All in all, establishing and leveraging these programs effectively can drive donor engagement, amplify contributions, and build strong relationships with corporate partners. However, understanding how to promote and execute one-off matching gift campaigns is crucial to maximizing their potential.

Let’s get started with an overview of the basics!

Defining One-Off Matching Gift Programs

One-off matching gift programs are specific and generally time-bound partnerships between a company and a single nonprofit organization.

While traditional matching gift programs are typically ongoing and open to a wide range of nonprofits, one-off matching gifts are targeted initiatives in which a company commits to matching employee donations exclusively to one chosen nonprofit for a defined period or campaign.

These programs often align with a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, focusing on causes or events that resonate with their values or employee interests. For nonprofits, this provides a unique opportunity to secure amplified support for their mission while building a closer relationship with the partnering company.

For example, a company might announce a one-off match during a nonprofit’s annual gala or Giving Tuesday campaign. If an employee donates $50 to the organization, the company matches that amount, turning a $50 contribution into $100 or more.

Understanding the Benefits of One-Off Matching Gifts

One-off matching gift programs offer numerous advantages for nonprofits, donors, and the companies initiating the match. By understanding these benefits, organizations can more effectively leverage these unique opportunities to maximize their impact.

1. Amplified Fundraising Impact

The most immediate benefit of one-off matching gifts is the ability to amplify the funds raised during a campaign significantly. When donors know their contributions will be matched, they are often more motivated to give—and to give more—knowing their impact will be doubled or even tripled. This leads to higher overall donation totals and a stronger ability to meet fundraising goals.

2. Increased Donor Engagement

One-off matching gifts create a sense of urgency and excitement that can energize donors. The limited nature of these programs encourages immediate action, helping nonprofits reach new supporters and re-engage lapsed donors. Additionally, donors feel a greater sense of accomplishment, knowing their contributions are being maximized through corporate matching.

3. Enhanced Corporate Partnerships

One-off matching gift programs offer a strategic way to align with charitable-minded businesses and demonstrate their commitment to social good. These initiatives can strengthen relationships with corporate partners, enhance the organization’s reputation, and foster goodwill among supporters and employees alike.

By capitalizing on the benefits of one-off matching gift programs, nonprofits can not only boost their immediate fundraising outcomes but also build stronger relationships with donors and corporate sponsors, setting the stage for long-term success.

Learn how you can boost one-off matching gift programs with Double the Donation.

Identifying Partners for One-Off Matching Gift Programs

Securing the right corporate partner is a critical step in launching a successful one-off matching gift program. Remember: the ideal partner will not only have the resources to support your fundraising efforts but will also align with your mission, values, and community impact goals.

There are a few ways you can do so:

  • Look into companies in your network that aren’t currently matching gifts. Take a look at the companies your donors work for. Then, narrow your search for those not currently offering matching gift programs. These can be some of your best opportunities⁠—and you can even use existing employee interest as a way to get your foot in the door.
  • Consider special campaigns with existing matching gift companies. Just because a company already matches gifts doesn’t mean they won’t be up for a special campaign in partnership with your organization. For example, see if you can pitch a program where the partnering company matches gifts to your cause at a 2:1 rate rather than the standard dollar-for-dollar ratio.
  • Research other mission-aligned companies. Look for companies whose mission, values, or products align with your cause. For example, an environmental nonprofit could approach businesses in the renewable energy sector, while a nonprofit focused on education might target local schools, tech companies, or bookstores. Shared values can make the partnership more compelling for the company and its employees alike.
  • Engage local businesses. Local businesses are often eager to support nonprofits that directly impact their community. These companies may not have large-scale matching gift programs but could be open to supporting a one-time initiative that highlights their commitment to local causes.

By carefully identifying and approaching the right partners, your nonprofit can secure meaningful one-off matching gift opportunities that amplify your fundraising efforts and create lasting relationships with corporate sponsors.

Marketing One-Off Matching Gift Programs to Supporters

Effectively promoting a one-off matching gift program is essential to maximizing its impact. With a clear and compelling marketing strategy, nonprofits can create excitement among supporters and encourage higher participation.

Here’s how you can market your one-off matching gift program effectively:

1. Establish a Sense of Urgency

One-off matching gift programs are often time-sensitive, making urgency a key driver of donor action. Use countdowns, deadlines, and phrases like “limited-time opportunity” or “get your gift matched by your employer today” in your messaging.

After all, highlighting the temporary nature of the match tends to motivate donors to act quickly and without hesitation.

2. Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms are ideal for generating buzz around your one-off matching gift program. Post eye-catching graphics, testimonials, and updates about the campaign’s progress.

Driving support with one-off matching gift programs through social media.

For the best results, we recommend using hashtags, tagging your corporate partner, and encouraging supporters to share the campaign with their networks to expand your reach.

3. Send Targeted Campaign Asks

For a one-off matching gift program, you generally don’t need to send a donation request to everyone in your database. Rather, it’s a good idea to focus on those who qualify for the match⁠—employees of your corporate partner.

And since this is likely a limited list, you can do a lot to ensure your messaging is well-tailored to the intended recipient!

4. Showcase the Corporate Partner’s Role

Be sure to highlight the corporate partner’s generosity and involvement in your marketing materials. Recognizing their contribution builds goodwill and strengthens the partnership. It also encourages the company’s employees to participate in the campaign before it’s too late.

5. Leverage Peer-to-Peer Advocacy

Encourage your current supporters (especially those employed by your matching gift partner) to spread the word. After all, peer-to-peer advocacy can significantly amplify your campaign’s reach.

Provide your donors and volunteers with shareable content, like social media posts and email templates, to make it easy for them to promote the match.

6. Involve Your Corporate Partner in Promotions

Don’t forget to collaborate with your corporate partner to promote the match! In order to spread the word, the company can share the opportunity through its internal communication channels, like company newsletters or intranet, as well as public platforms, such as its social media accounts.

7. Utilize Visual Storytelling

Use photos, videos, or graphics to visually demonstrate the impact of the matching gift program. A short video showcasing beneficiaries or a graphic illustrating the doubled donations for your cause can resonate emotionally with supporters and inspire them to give.

8. Follow Up with Impact Reporting

After the campaign ends, share the results with your supporters⁠—and your corporate partner. Send thank-you emails and share social media posts showing the total amount raised and how the funds will be used. Highlighting the tangible outcomes of their contributions reinforces donor loyalty and sets the stage for future giving opportunities.

By implementing these marketing strategies, your nonprofit can raise awareness, generate excitement, and drive greater participation in your one-off matching gift program, ensuring its success.

Automating One-Off Matching Gift Programs

One-off matching gift programs can go a long way⁠—but they can also be difficult to facilitate and manage on your own. Luckily, that’s where matching gift automation comes in, making things easier for everyone involved.

How?

Automation can play a crucial role in the success of one-off matching gifts, streamlining processes and reducing the administrative burden for nonprofits, their donors, and their corporate partners alike. By leveraging the right tools and strategies, organizations can enhance donor engagement, improve tracking, and maximize the impact of these limited-opportunity initiatives.

Employer Search Functionality

This feature allows nonprofits to incorporate a searchable database of companies with matching gift programs, including those offering one-off matching opportunities. This way, donors can quickly identify whether their employer is participating in the program, access matching gift details, and follow any specific submission guidelines—all from the donation page.

Driving support with one-off matching gift programs through employer search.

This increases program knowledge with straightforward and accessible information, improves the donor experience with real-time access to relevant company information, and reduces barriers to participation. Plus, with Double the Donation, it’s even customizable for one-off matches, allowing nonprofits to highlight specific companies involved in the current campaign and ensuring donors are aware of the opportunity as they give.

Matching Gift Request Auto-Submission

Auto-submission technology, offered by Double the Donation, enables donors to authorize the platform to automatically submit their matching gift request directly to their employer, eliminating the need for a separate process after their donation.

Driving support with one-off matching gift programs through auto-submission.

This streamlines the submission process and increases the likelihood that donors complete their requests, reduces donor effort to provide a frictionless experience, and boosts campaign results overall, ensuring nonprofits capture the full potential of available matches.

Automated Follow-Up Communications

This feature triggers personalized, timely reminders to donors who qualify for matching gift programs but have not yet completed the process. These messages can include company-specific instructions, deadlines, and direct links to take action.

Driving support with one-off matching gift programs through follow-up emails.

This increases submission rates by ensuring donors don’t forget to complete their matching gift requests, saves time for nonprofits by eliminating the need for manual reminders, and improves donor engagement with relevant, helpful follow-ups.

Contribution Tracking

Automated systems allow nonprofits to track donations, matching gift submissions, and overall progress for one-off matching gift campaigns in real time. These tools consolidate data, making it easy to monitor key metrics and generate reports.

Overall, this ensures transparency by providing accurate updates to partners and donors, simplifies reporting (building trust and credibility), and informs future strategies with insights gained from tracking metrics.

Driving support with one-off matching gift programs through tracking.

All in all, automation simplifies and enhances the effectiveness of one-off matching gift programs by reducing administrative tasks, increasing donor engagement, and ensuring accuracy in tracking and reporting.

By automating one-off matching gift programs, nonprofits can focus on engaging donors and maximizing the program’s impact. These tools not only save time but also enhance the donor experience, paving the way for more successful campaigns in the future.

Final Thoughts & Further Reading

One-off matching gift programs provide a unique opportunity to boost fundraising efforts, attract new donors, and deepen connections with existing supporters. By timing your campaigns strategically, promoting the match effectively, and emphasizing the impact of the multiplied contributions, your nonprofit can fully harness the potential of these limited-edition programs.

The next time a corporate partner offers a one-off match, view it as more than a generous donation—see it as a chance to galvanize your donor base and achieve new fundraising milestones. With careful planning and execution, one-off matching gift programs can become a game-changing component of your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy.

Ready to learn more about matching gifts and beyond? Browse our list of recommended resources to continue growing your knowledge below:

Learn how you can boost one-off matching gift programs with Double the Donation.