Company Matching

What is a matching gift?

Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs.

Here's an example. Let's say you work for the Chicago Community Trust and donate $100 to Live Like Roo Foundation. Their matching gift policy has a minimum gift requirement of $25 and matches at a 2:1 ratio. After you submit your matching gift form, Chicago Community Trust will TRIPLE your donation by also writing a check to us for $200. Gifts from employees' spouses and retirees may also qualify for a match.

It's a quick and easy way to multiply your contribution!

How do I request a matching gift?

Requesting a matching gift is normally a simple five minute process that must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process.

There are typically 3 steps:
‍
‍Donate
and save your tax receipt. Many matching programs will allow for up to one year after you've made your donation to request a corporate match.
‍
‍Search
for your company to find out if they offer a matching gift program and review the guidelines. No results? Contact your HR department directly to ask if they offer a matching gift program.

‍Match
There are two common ways to submit the matching gift request:Click on your company's intranet link provided in the search results. Log-in and submit your request electronically.Download your company's matching gift verification form using the link provided in the search results. Print it, fill it out and send it to us.We will take care of the rest!

I made a donation a few months ago. can i still apply for a matching gift?

Yes! It's not too late to apply for a matching gift! Many companies allow employees to submit match requests for one year following the date of the donation.

What are volunteer grant programs?

Volunteer grant programs (also referred to as volunteer matching programs or Dollars for Doer's) are corporate giving programs in which companies provide monetary donations to organizations where employees volunteer regularly.

For example: If you volunteered your time helping out at our annual Canine Cancer Walk, your employer may donate cash for your volunteer time.

Each company has specific guidelines for their volunteer grant programs. The Double the Donation search link allows you to see if your company offers this benefit and provides everything you need to submit your volunteer time. You can always contact your company's HR department for more information.

If you volunteer with us in any capacity, it's an easy way to provide us with additional financial support!

i didn't find my company on the search page. now what?

It's still possible that your employer will match your donation, even if you don't find your company on our list. Check with your company's HR manager and ask if your donation can be matched.

Can my company’s matching gift be applied to a participant, team or event?

Absolutely! Matching gifts are a great opportunity to boost participants' fundraising totals.

How is this information obtained?

We partner with a company called Double the Donation. If you see anything that should be changed, please email Double the Donation's team at data@doublethedonation.com.

What if I still have questions?

For questions regarding your company's program policies, please contact your employer's HR department. Much of the necessary information is also available on your company intranet.

For questions regarding obtaining a tax receipt, submitting and verifying a matching gift request or a volunteer grant please contact us at sarah@livelikeroo.org.