Key takeaways
- Most corporate programs match employee gifts 1:1 up to an annual cap. Johnson & Johnson matches employee gifts 2:1.
- Microsoft has the highest cap on this list: $15,000 per employee a year.
- Deadlines vary. Bank of America wants requests by March 31 of the year after the gift.
- Some companies also pay for volunteer time, such as Microsoft's $25 an hour.
What a corporate matching gift is
A matching gift is a donation a company makes to a nonprofit after one of its employees gives. The employee gives first, then asks the employer to match, usually through an online giving portal. The company pays the match to the nonprofit directly. Most programs set a ratio, an annual cap per employee and a deadline to submit the request.
Matching gift programs at major companies
| Company | Match | Annual cap | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | 1:1 | $15,000 per employee a year, across money, products and volunteer time | Volunteer hours earn $25 an hour. | Microsoft |
| Johnson & Johnson | 2:1 for employees, 1:1 for retirees | $10,000 a year | Matches gifts to the nonprofit of the donor's choice. | Johnson & Johnson |
| Boeing | 1:1 | $10,000 per employee a year | Covers cash gifts and volunteer time. Figures are from a 2020 company feature. | Boeing |
| ExxonMobil Foundation | 2:1 for employees, 1:1 for retirees | $7,500 a year | Colleges and universities only. Figures are from a 2020 company release. | ExxonMobil |
| Bank of America | 1:1 | $5,000 per employee per calendar year | Requests are due by March 31 of the following year. Volunteer grants go up to $1,000. | Bank of America |
| State Farm Companies Foundation | Not stated | Up to $4,500 per calendar year in some cases | Open to employees, agents and retirees. A $500 Good Neighbor Grant follows 40 volunteer hours. | State Farm |
| Verizon | See program rules | Up to $6,000 combined for higher education | $25 minimum gift. | Verizon program rules |
| GE Aerospace Foundation | 1:1 | See program page | GE created the first corporate matching gift program in 1954. | GE Aerospace |
Ratios and caps are per employee unless noted. Where a company's page doesn't state a figure, we say so rather than guess.
How to raise more from matching gifts
- Ask for the employer on the gift form. You can't chase a match you don't know about. An optional employer field on online forms and pledge cards builds the list.
- Mention matches in thank-you calls and receipts. A donor who just gave is the one most likely to file the request. A short reminder with the next step helps.
- Watch the deadlines. Some programs close a few months after year-end. Bank of America's is March 31 of the following year.
- Time reminders to the calendar year. Many caps reset each January, so early-year and late-year reminders both have a reason. Our fundraising calendar lists the key dates.
- Count volunteer hours too. Volunteer grants such as Microsoft's $25 an hour or State Farm's $500 for 40 hours add up for organizations with active volunteers.
- Group donors by employer. When several supporters work at one company, a single conversation with that company's giving team can open a sponsorship or grant as well.
Matching gifts and corporate outreach
Matching gifts often start a wider relationship with a company. If your donor file shows clusters of supporters at the same employers, our corporate sponsorship outreach team can help reach those companies. For donor calls that include a matching gift reminder, see our phone fundraising guide, and check the fundraising call rules and state registration guides first.