Companies committed to corporate social responsibility can significantly impact individuals in need through various initiatives, including matching gift programs. These programs empower employees and their companies to double their charitable contributions, maximizing the positive impact on worthy causes.
Find out more about matching donations and how they work. Further, learn how you can support the goal of Four Diamonds to offer children the comprehensive care and support they need to beat a cancer diagnosis.
What Are Matching Donations?
Matching gifts allows donors to double their contributions with the support of their employers. When an employee donates to a nonprofit organization, their employer matches the donation with a contribution of their own.
This initiative differs from matching grants, where an organization offers donations based on the funds raised by a nonprofit. Matching donations encourages employees to donate, knowing their employer will match their contribution.
Matching Gift Ratios
Companies with matching gift programs offer varying matching ratios. Most companies match donations on a 1:1 basis. However, ratios can range from 0.5:1 to 5:1. Companies can also set a minimum match, which means if a donation falls below the set amount, the company will not contribute. They can further set a maximum match, which will stipulate the annual amount that a company will donate on behalf of an employee.
Eligible Nonprofits
Employees generally have the flexibility to donate to various nonprofit organizations, allowing them to contribute to a cause they personally support. Matching gift donors often support charitable organizations in the following categories:
- Health care-based organizations
- Higher education
- K-12 education
- Community-based social services
- Arts and cultural organizations
- Environmental organizations
How Do Matching Donations Work?
Matching gift programs provide companies of all sizes and their employees with a convenient and impactful way to support their communities. The donation process is typically straightforward, requiring minimal effort from an employee.
- Firstly, an employee will donate to their chosen nonprofit.
- They will then review their company's matching gift policy to determine if the nonprofit is eligible for a matching donation. They'll also review the minimum and maximum amount the company is willing to donate.
- The employee will submit a matching gift request to the employer if their donation is eligible.
- After reviewing and approving the request, the employer will process the matching donation.
Matching Gifts for Cancer Research and Support
Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital has a long-standing tradition of supporting children and families battling childhood cancer. Through the generosity of our volunteers and donors, we can offer:
- Superior care: We offer patients and families access to over 30 specialty care providers, including a nurse specialist, psychologist, social worker and clinical nutritionist.
- Comprehensive support: We cover out-of-pocket cancer care fees for Four Diamonds families at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
- Funding for research: We support over 90 scientists and research professionals in their pursuit of safer cancer treatments and cures.
Make a Donation Today
Since our founding in 1972, we have helped more than 4,800 patients and their families while also supporting innovative research locally and internationally. If you want to join our mission, donate today! Find out your company's matching gift policy and see if you can maximize your contribution to Four Diamonds by clicking here.