Matching Gifts

Term from Charity Organizations industry explained for recruiters

Matching Gifts is a common workplace giving program where companies double (or sometimes triple) their employees' charitable donations to non-profit organizations. When someone applies for a job that mentions matching gifts, it usually means they'll be working with company donation programs, either from the charity's side receiving these donations or from the corporate side managing the program. Think of it like a company saying "For every dollar our employee gives to charity, we'll give the same amount." It's similar to other corporate giving programs like volunteer grants or workplace giving campaigns.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Matching Gifts program resulting in $500,000 additional annual revenue

Increased Matching Gift submissions by 45% through improved donor communication

Created database to track Matching Gifts and Corporate Match opportunities

Typical job title: "Matching Gift Coordinators"

Also try searching for:

Development Coordinator Corporate Giving Specialist Donor Relations Manager Corporate Partnership Coordinator Fundraising Specialist Gift Processing Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to increase matching gift revenue?

Expected Answer: Should discuss comprehensive approach including donor education, corporate outreach, database management, and marketing strategies. Should mention measuring success and adapting strategies based on results.

Q: How do you handle relationships with major corporate matching gift programs?

Expected Answer: Should explain experience managing corporate partnerships, understanding different company policies, maintaining regular communication, and ensuring smooth processing of matched donations.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What systems have you used to track matching gifts?

Expected Answer: Should mention experience with donor databases, matching gift tracking tools, and processes for following up on matching gift submissions.

Q: How do you educate donors about matching gift opportunities?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various communication channels (email, mail, phone), materials development, and timing strategies for promoting matching gifts.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a matching gift program and how does it work?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic concept of employer matching donations, typical match ratios, and general process of submitting matching gift requests.

Q: How would you verify if a company has a matching gift program?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking company websites, using matching gift databases, contacting HR departments, and basic research methods.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of matching gift programs
  • Donor database entry
  • Gift processing
  • Basic donor communication

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Matching gift program management
  • Corporate relationship building
  • Donor stewardship
  • Database management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic program development
  • Corporate partnership management
  • Team leadership
  • Revenue growth planning

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with donor databases
  • Poor understanding of corporate giving programs
  • Lack of attention to detail in gift processing
  • Weak communication skills
  • No knowledge of non-profit regulations

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