How to Match Charitable Gifts

With a charitable gift-matching program, your pennies can be multiplied.

Matching gift programs are tools often used by charities and other organizations to raise needed funds for their operations. These programs often bring in new donors who are attracted by the prospect of having their donation doubled through the program. Matching charitable gifts would allow a $25 donation to become $50 for the charity, as the program will match the initial donation amount. By creating a program to match charitable gifts, you can help support your favorite charity or encourage employees to invest in charities of their choice.

Things You'll Need

• lawyer
• charity of your choice
• publicity materials (website, mailings or brochures)

Instructions

1. Determine the maximum amount you will match, unless you have access to unlimited funds.

2. Lay out the guidelines surrounding the gifts, such as a time frame for the gift-matching program, minimum contribution amounts and who is eligible to donate.

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3. If you are setting up a matching gifts program with a specific charity, you will need to discuss with them any charity-specific requirements, such as where the money will be utilized and what percentage will be used for administrative purposes. If you are setting up a program where the gifts may be matched at more than one charity, as in the case of some corporate matching gifts programs, define what kinds of organizations and charities are eligible for the matching gift program. Many companies restrict these gifts to accredited schools and colleges and non-profit organizations recognized by the IRS

4. Finalize your decisions in a document and have a lawyer verify that the regulations and procedures are appropriate and follow any applicable state laws.

5. Publicize your charitable gift matching program so that interested parties can participate, such as through the company or charity's website, mailings, brochures or other methods.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the charity before planning your matching gift program, as they may have sample or template programs available, minimizing the work you'll need to do to start up your gift-matching.

• Verify that the charity or organization of your choice is a legitimate operation and is registered (if necessary) with the proper authorities to avoid legal problems.

References

• Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund; Glossary
• GE Foundation: Employee Programs