Donation Matching: How to Find a Company That Will Match Your Gift
Check your employer in a nonprofit matching tool and file the request before the deadline.
To find a company that will match your gift, start with your own employer. Donate, keep the receipt, then type the employer name into the nonprofit's matching-gift search tool and follow its instructions. Donation matching means an employer adds its own money to an employee's charitable gift.
The match often doubles the gift, but only when the employer offers a program and the gift meets its rules. Many readers miss a match because they never check. A two-minute search can show eligibility, the match ratio, and how to file.
When no listing appears, a direct question to HR can settle it.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
How do you check your employer fast?
According to the World Resources Institute, donors can donate and keep the receipt, enter the employer name into the nonprofit's matching-gift search tool, then follow the tool's instructions to submit the request employer and workplace giving page. The tool usually shows whether the company participates and what steps come next. Use these steps in order:
- Give to the nonprofit and save the receipt.
- Open the nonprofit's matching-gift search tool.
- Enter the employer name exactly as HR lists it.
- Follow the instructions for amount, proof, and deadline.
What if your employer is not listed?
The National Kidney Foundation advises donors to ask HR, benefits, or corporate philanthropy directly whether the company matches charitable donations and whether the chosen nonprofit is eligible matching-gift guidance. A missing name in the database does not always mean no program exists. Ask for the current policy in writing.
Confirm eligible causes, minimum gift, maximum gift, match ratio, and filing deadline. Also confirm the nonprofit name the company has on file.
How do you file the match request?
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley explains that most employers process matches through an internal portal such as Benevity, Bright Funds or YourCause, where staff log in, select the donation or payroll gift, and file the verification for the nonprofit to confirm workplace giving page. The nonprofit then confirms receipt of the original gift. Keep logins, pay stubs, and donation receipts together until the match posts.
If payroll giving is an option, check whether it needs separate enrollment. File early so a processing delay does not push you past the deadline.
How much will the match add?
Microsoft states that donations by U.S.-based employees to eligible nonprofits are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 per year Americas Operations Center community page. That example shows the two numbers that matter most: ratio and annual cap. Limits vary widely.
The World Resources Institute notes that not every company offers matching and each sets its own minimum, maximum, ratio, eligible causes, and submission deadline. Check the policy's match ratio, minimum and maximum amounts, and deadlines before assuming a double gift.