Expert Fundraising Tip: How To Ensure Your Nonprofit is Eligible for Gift Matching through Workplace Giving Programs

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March 26, 2025 | 6 min read By:

Overview

  • Some companies require nonprofits to affirm specific practices before matching their employees’ donations.
  • Nonprofits may need to confirm their adherence to ethical and legal standards, including how donations are used and any religious affiliations.
  • These affirmations must be renewed on a regular schedule to maintain eligibility.

Did you know that some companies only match employee donations if the nonprofit meets certain criteria? This can include the organization’s use of the donations, internal practices, or other rules and regulations. When nonprofits confirm these standards, they can receive employer-matching donations to employees’ contributions. These matches can double or sometimes triple the original donation, creating an even greater impact for the nonprofit and its mission.

Here are some examples of what companies look for: 
  • Non-discriminatory practices in their programs and provide equal opportunities, service, and treatment to all individuals.
  • Some companies have requirements about donations to religious organizations and want to be sure their money supports efforts open to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs.
  • Compliance with the USA Patriot Act to show that your organization is not knowingly providing support to terrorist organizations.
  • Confirming that donations you receive are solely to further your organization’s charitable purpose.
  • Ensuring donors do not receive impermissible benefits because of their donation.

Some companies may have additional criteria, like not using their logo on marketing materials. You can find more information at the help desk.

 

If you represent a nonprofit that wants to receive matching gifts from companies that require these types of affirmations, you’ll need to: 
  1. Create a free NPOconnect account to make the most of corporate workplace giving programs.
    • Expert tip – use this profile to showcase your impact to the 8 million potential donors that use the platform and sign up for ACH to receive donations faster.
  2. Connect your account to your nonprofit listing.
    • Expert tip – You will need to provide documentation to prove your relationship to the nonprofit, so have at least one of the following:
      • A letter written and signed by your employer and one other person (i.e., authorized agent) on official letterhead
      • Offer Letter – This is a letter received before employment.
      • Your Employee Badge
      • Copy of the Employee Directory with your  name listed
      • Copy of a 990 with your name listed in part VIII
      • Paycheck Stub – with any sensitive information redacted
      • Screenshot of staff list from the website
  3. There are a few quick things to confirm on the Administration page. Check them out and click agree.
  4. Renew these affirmations when required to remain eligible.

Once you’ve done that, your nonprofit will be visible to the over 8 million potential donors with access to workplace giving programs through their employers. If your nonprofit doesn’t complete these affirmations or leaves them unanswered, an employee can still donate to your cause, however, answering them ensures your community doesn’t miss out on extra support.

Ready to share your impact with 8 million potential donors? Sign up for NPOconnect today – it’s a free platform that connects nonprofits with employees with access to workplace giving programs.

Learn more about engaging key donors, tapping into workplace giving, how to get donations faster, and other free resources on our blog.

For more information, visit the NPOconnect Help Center. If you still have questions, please email YourCause at [email protected].

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