Matching Gift Campaign Strategies

Matching gifts are one of the most effective fundraising tactics available. Donors give more when they know their gift will be doubled, and match deadlines create genuine urgency.

Securing a Match

• Board member match — Ask your board to collectively fund a matching pool
• Major donor match — A single generous donor agrees to match all gifts up to a set amount
• Corporate match sponsor — A business provides the matching funds for visibility and community goodwill

Promoting the Match

• Lead with the match — "Your $50 becomes $100" is more compelling than "Please give $50"
• Countdown clock — Show how much matching money remains and when the deadline hits
• Employer matching reminders — Remind donors to check if their employer will also match their gift

Campaign Execution

• Set a clear deadline — Matches without deadlines lose urgency
• Update progress publicly — "Only $5,000 in matching funds remain" drives last-minute giving

GiveLink's campaign thermometer and real-time tracking make matching gift campaigns easy to manage and compelling for donors.