How Fundraisers Can Maximize the Strategic Power of Corporate Giving and Matching Gift Programs

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September 4, 2025 | 5 min read By:

Summary:

  • Corporate giving is a growing, powerful source of donations for nonprofits.
  • Employee giving programs offer predictable donations and new ways to engage donors.
  • Matching gift programs can double or triple an employee’s donation, significantly boosting its impact.
  • Corporate programs foster stronger relationships between companies, employees, and causes.
  • By leveraging corporate giving, fundraisers can diversify funding, attract new donors, and achieve sustained impact.

 

What if your nonprofit could increase donations and deepen community impact? Corporate giving is on the rise, providing fundraisers with incredible opportunities to tap into a growing network of passionate supporters. According to the Giving USA 2025 Report, corporations contributed more than $44 billion to nonprofits in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023 and an impressive 87% increase since 2019. These trends show no signs of slowing down.

As businesses continue to align their charitable giving with their values and workforce engagement strategies, employee giving programs are becoming increasingly relevant. When fundraisers take advantage of these corporate programs, they can diversify and expand their funding sources.

An employee giving program allows employees to donate to nonprofits, generally through automated payroll deductions. These programs make it easy for individuals to support causes they care about on a recurring basis. For nonprofits, employee giving programs deliver a more predictable stream of donations and offer valuable opportunities to engage donors in new ways.

A company matching gift program is when employers match the donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits, often dollar for dollar. These programs can double or even triple the original gift amount, significantly amplifying every contribution. Beyond a financial boost, workplace giving programs foster stronger relationships between companies, employees, and the causes they care about, giving nonprofits opportunities to further their mission.

These programs contribute to businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and have been around since the 1970s, but they’ve become more strategic and purpose-driven. Businesses have evolved their CSR efforts from one-time donations to fully integrated giving programs designed to support social causes, enhance their brand reputation, and even retain talent. For fundraisers, this evolution means more opportunities to connect because:

  • 84% of donors are more likely to give if their employer offers a match
  • The average employee generates $1,120 in matched donations per year
  • Corporate partnerships provide access to new donors and long-term supporters

 

Here are four ways fundraisers can leverage corporate giving and matching gift programs

 

1. Lay the Groundwork: Register for Matching Gift Platforms

To take full advantage of workplace giving opportunities, ensure your nonprofit has a strong presence where employees are looking for nonprofits to support. Platforms like the free NPOconnect are valuable resources that connect employees to nonprofit organizations. Once you’ve identified these resources:

 

2. Spread the Word: Communicate the Impact of Matching Gifts

Donors want to know how their contributions make a difference. Clearly communicate the direct outcomes of matched gifts on your website, in newsletters, social media, etc by:

  • Sharing specific stories and case studies that have benefited from matched contributions
  • Using infographics or visuals to show the “before and after” impact
  • Highlighting how matched donations fund specific programs or initiatives

When supporters see their gift being doubled and the profound, real-world impact it has on your cause, it helps motivate future giving and encourages corporate support.

 

3. Increase Support: Engage Employees Through Volunteer Events

In-person and virtual volunteer opportunities are an effective way to build deeper relationships with companies that offer match programs. Fundraisers can:

  • Host corporate volunteer days or skill-based service projects
  • Align events with causes that the company and employees care about (e.g., sustainability, education, health)
  • Document and share the experience online for maximum visibility

Volunteering events boost donations and position your nonprofit as a strategic partner, not just a recipient of funds.

 

4. Continue Scaling: Build Long-Term Partnerships with Companies

Don’t wait for businesses to find you, actively pursue and cultivate relationships with companies, paying specific attention to local businesses that align with your mission. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Attend corporate networking events or local chamber of commerce meetings
  • Send a partnership pitch email tailored to a company’s values
  • Use LinkedIn and social platforms to connect with CSR or HR leaders

Craft win-win partnerships that meet a company’s strategic objectives that simultaneously advance your mission. Donations, sponsorships, co-branded campaigns, and joint impact reports are just a few ideas. Show them how partnering with your organization benefits their employees, brand, and the community as a whole.

 

With corporate giving on a strong upward trend, nonprofits that strategically position themselves to participate in employee giving and matching programs can identify new funding streams. In addition to monetary support, corporate giving programs can offer powerful personal connections, shared values, and sustained impact.

Looking to expand your nonprofit’s reach through corporate giving? Get started with NPOconnect and join thousands of nonprofits growing their impact through employee and employer giving.

Learn more about attracting donors on NPOconnect, tips for attracting corporate partners, ensuring your nonprofit’s eligibility for gift matching, and other free resources on our blog.

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