Matching Gift Programs

Does your employer offer a matching gift program? If so, are you taking advantage of your company’s benefits?

What are matching gifts? Matching gifts are a vitally important source of funds for educational institutions and non-profit charitable organizations. They are also an increasingly important way for companies to allow their employees to direct a portion of the monies earmarked for charitable contributions.

Why do companies establish matching gift programs? By giving to the institutions that educate their employees, companies “give where they get.” In other words, matching gifts are a way for companies to demonstrate their appreciation for quality institutions and to ensure an adequate supply of educated personnel will continue to be available to them. Through a matching gift program, a company is able to advertise its corporate image at a low cost and complement other support programs without conflict.

How does the matching gift process work? Gift matching procedures can vary from company to company; however, the following example is typical.

• An employee obtains a matching gift form from the employer, typically from the human resources department. Some companies also make their forms available on-line via their intranet system for employee convenience.
   

• After completing the form, the employee sends it along with the donation to the educational institution or non-profit.
   
• The non-profit certifies on the form that it has received the gift and meets the company’s guidelines for receiving a matching gift.
   
• The non-profit returns the form to the company.
   
• The company verifies eligibility of the employee and the non-profit recipient and sends the check to the non-profit.

According to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, employers and their employees have contributed more than $2 billion to education since 1954 thanks to corporate matching gift programs. Why not check with your employer today and take advantage of one of your company’s benefits? If you have questions regarding the matching gift program, please contact us at alumni@clarion.edu or 814-393-2572.