Many large companies provide matching grants. Usually these are available for money donated to any 501c3 organization. For example, in our area Qualcomm is one of the biggest employers. If a family donates to our pledge drive, Qualcomm will match the funds dollar for dollar up to a certain amount (I think it's $200 in any fiscal year). It is up to the employee of the company to fill out the paperwork asking Qualcomm to match the amount. We give the family a receipt on our letterhead with our address, phone number and Tax ID #. They attach that to their form and turn it in. We then get a notice from Qualcomm asking us to verify that the person really did pledge - or sometimes they ask us for our mission statement.

It sounds harder than it is. We do this with a lot of companies and the extra matching dollars really help. You just need to promote the idea for the families to ask their employers if they have a matching grant program. Every company I have worked for did and it was usually well-publicized. The catch is your group really needs to be incorporated and a 501c3 or most companies won't give you the matching funds.

The other plan we get is that some companies will donate money if their employee donates a certain number of volunteer hours. In that case we have to send a letter to the company (once the employee requests it) and verify they really volunteered that much.

Good luck and I'll be happy to answer more questions.

Walmart is a big contributor from the standpoint of matching gifts, just contact your local store. There are also other companies and organizations that match funds-just check the websites of businesses or groups in your community or contact them directly. Also, don't forget the employers of your members. Many companies will match the donations their employees make to non-profit organizations. Just ask your members to check with their employers.

Check details: some businesses match the money you raised up to a certain amount only and some you apply after your fundraiser and others your group can fundraise after the fact.

I attended the Chicago conference yesterday and their was a lot of talk about matching gifts from corporations. I am interested in learning about this. Can anyone give me any ideas or any companies that participate in this. Does anyone have a sample letter they sent out. Who do you contact? Anything would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Jenni
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