Corporate matching gift programs occupy a somewhat ambivalent space in the fundraising world: many donors and nonprofits swear by them to maximize their donations, while others are completely unaware of their existence. However, when employed as a primary fundraising strategy, nonprofits can tap into the billions in unclaimed match revenue.
If you’ve never heard of matching gifts, here’s a breakdown: many companies offer to match charitable donations of certain sizes made by their employees through matching gift programs, drastically increasing the impact of their gift. While most programs match gifts at a ratio of 1:1 or 100%, some go as high as 2:1 or even 3:1.
It is important to know which major companies have matching gift programs so you can better target your fundraising strategies around their employees whenever you’re able. In this post, we’ve identified 17 top companies that stand out for the generosity and accessibility of their matching gift programs:
| Company | Match Ratio | Minimum Match | Maximum Annual Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| BP | 1:1 | $25 | $5,000 |
| Merck | 1:1 | $24 | $30,000 |
| Disney | 1:1 | $25 | $15,000 |
| Soros Fund Management | 3:1 | $25 | $100,000 |
| State Farm | 1:1 | $25 | $3,000 |
| Grainger | 3:1 | $25 | $2,500 |
| MBIA | 2:1 | $50 | $40,000 |
| Noble Energy | 2:1 | $25 | $2,500 |
| Starbucks | 1:1 | $20 | $1,500 |
| The Home Depot | 1:1 | $25 | $3,000 |
| General Electric | 1:1 | $25 | $5,000 |
| Coca-Cola | 2:1 | $25 | $20,000 |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb | 1:1 | $25 | $30,000 |
| ExxonMobil | 3:1 | $20 | $22,500 |
| Johnson & Johnson | 2:1 | $25 | $20,000 |
| Capital Group | 2:1 | $25 | $5,000 |
| American Express | 2:1 | $25 | $8,000 |
These 17 companies are the best of the best matching gift companies, and they deserve to be praised—both to encourage the use of their programs by employees and nonprofits, and to encourage other companies to step up their matching gift game.
As a next step, you can look into a matching gift program database, whether you are a nonprofit or a donor looking to start taking better advantage of matching gifts. But for now, let’s dive in:
1. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — BP
BP, or British Petroleum, is a British oil and gas giant with headquarters in London and facilities around the world. It provides petroleum and natural gas to millions of people worldwide in addition to having several renewable energy initiatives. With almost 75,000 employees, BP is one of the world’s largest energy corporations.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $5,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
BP funds the BP Foundation, which has dedicated almost $150 million to charitable causes across the United States. The BP Foundation prioritizes causes surrounding education, economic development, and environmental issues.
BP and the BP Foundation donated nearly $1.6 million and 200,000 gallons of fuel to the people of Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and continues to support victims of natural disasters each year.
The BP Foundation matched over $5 million in employee donations in 2017. It also matched gifts of time and effort, contributing almost 50,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes. BP matches gifts to organizations dedicated to STEM education, economic development, and environmental protection.
Are you an employee of BP and interested in making a matched gift? Click here.
2. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — MERCK
Merck is a global healthcare company based in New Jersey with operations all over the world. Merck’s primary focus is on pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health, with over $40 billion in revenue last year. Its core products revolve around diabetes, cancer, vaccines, and hospital acute care and they dedicate billions in research to illnesses such as HIV and Alzheimer’s.
Merck employs approximately 69,000 people across the world.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $24
- Maximum donation: $30,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Because Merck does work in the healthcare space, a large portion of their total giving comes from product donations—amounting to about $2.6 billion in 2017. It also provided skills-based volunteering, amounting to about $3.2 million in employee time, as well as cash donations in the realm of $94 million.
Merck focuses on serving underserved populations by improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare. It also supported humanitarian efforts in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean after a series of natural disasters.
Merck’s matching gift program supports health and human services agencies, educational institutions, and arts and culture organizations. Merck also provides up to 40 hours of paid time off for volunteer activities for their employees.
See more information about Merck’s employee giving here, or submit a matching gift application here.
3. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — DISNEY
Founded in 1923 and having nearly $100 billion in total assets, Disney is one of the world’s largest media and entertainment corporations. Headquartered in California, Disney’s operations have spread all over the world—and its products are even more ubiquitous. Disney employs almost 200,000 people worldwide.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $15,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Although many of its charitable initiatives revolve around serving children, Disney’s philanthropic interests are as diverse as its products. Through cash donations, in-kind giving, and other gifts, Disney gave almost $350 million in 2017. It has also donated over 60 million books to schools and children.
Disney matches gifts to many types of organization, including educational, arts, and environmental services. It also allows employees to give to multiple organizations as long as the total does not exceed the maximum of $15,000.
See Disney’s employee gift match FAQ here, and its application portal here.
4. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — SOROS FUND MANAGEMENT
Soros Fund Management, LLC is an investment management firm headquarted in New York City. Founded in 1969 by its chairman George Soros and controlling over $25 billion in assets, it is one of the world’s most profitable investment firms.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $100,000/year
- Match ratio: up to 3:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
In 2017, George Soros transferred about $18 billion to his Open Society Foundations, making it the second largest philanthropic group in the United States. The Open Society Foundations supports a variety of causes, many of them focusing on improving lives in areas with authoritarian governments.
Soros matches gifts to any charitable organization designated a public charity in the United States, for all active, full-time employees. Their match ratio is one of the best, and their maximum donation size of $100,000 qualify as a major gift for nearly any organization!
Find out more about Soros’ gift matching program here, and apply to make a donation here.
5. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — STATE FARM INSURANCE
State Farm is a large insurance provider based in Bloomington, Illinois. With approximately 18,000 agents and over $80 billion in 2017 revenue, State Farm is the 33rd largest company by revenue in the United States. Specializing in auto, disaster, and life insurance, State Farm insures people in every US state.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $3,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Many of State Farm’s philanthropic efforts revolve around auto and home safety and disaster preparedness, while others support education, economic empowerment, and community development.
Through programs such as the Community Reinvestment Act, they assist nonprofits that work toward affordable housing, community revitalization, and economic development.
State Farm matches employee donations to schools and universities in the US and Canada. Gift matching is available to all full-time, part-time, and retired employees of the company. State Farm also offers a volunteer matching gift program, with a minimum requirement of 40 hours.
Find out more about State Farm’s matching gift program or apply for a donation here.
6. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — GRAINGER
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is an industrial supply company headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois with 435 locations spread across the US and Canada. Grainger supplies both large and small businesses with a wide variety of materials, tools, and supplies.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $2,500/year
- Match ratio: 3:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Through the Grainger Foundation, Grainger supports social welfare establishments such as food banks as well as organizations involved with arts and culture, education, disaster relief, health and human services, and civic affairs.
Through the Grainger Community Grant Program, Grainger allows employees to recommend charitable donations of between $2,500 and $10,000 to local community-serving organizations.
Grainger has contributed over $2 million through their matching gift program, for which most US-based charitable organizations are eligible.
Find out more details here or register your gift here.
7. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — MBIA
MBIA, Inc. is a financial services and holding company with headquarters in Purchase, New York. Founded in 1973, the company employs about 180 people and posts yearly revenue of over $1 billion.
GIFT MATCHING DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $50
- Maximum donation: $40,000/year
- Match ratio: up to 2:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
The MBIA Foundation sponsors projects designed to improve the local communities of MBIA and its employees, and gave over $500,000 in grants and sponsorships in 2017.
MBIA matched nearly $1 million in donations in 2017, and provides and 2:1 ratio on all donations of $20,000 or less.
Find out more here or register your gift here.
8. TOP MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS — NOBLE ENERGY
Noble Energy, Inc. is a petroleum and natural gas company with headquarters in Houston, Texas, with operations both in the United States and abroad. Noble Energy employs over 2,000 people.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $2,500/year
- Match ratio: 2:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Most Noble Energy’s philanthropic endeavors come through the Noble Research Institute, which focuses on agricultural research meant to improve the sustainability of our relationship with the land through the development of new technologies and the education of farmers and other land stewards.
Noble Energy matches donations to most registered charitable organizations in the US. They also offer gift matching to full-time, part-time, and retired employees at a 2:1 ratio.
For more information and to register your gift, visit their matching gift page.
9. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — STARBUCKS
Starbucks Corporation is one of the world’s largest food service providers, with over 25,000 stores in 76 countries. Starbucks matches donations made by over 200,000 full-time, part-time, and retired employees.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $20
- Maximum donation: $1,500/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Starbucks strives to have a positive impact on the many communities that host its stores and the world at large through ethical and sustainable sourcing, minimal environmental footprint, civic engagement, volunteer work, and charitable giving. Pus, the Starbucks Foundation regularly makes more substantial nonprofit grants and forms partnerships with organizations such as (RED).
Starbucks matches gifts to nearly all nonprofit organizations. Through its Partner Match Program, it also provides grants to the organizations at which its employees volunteer.
See more details and information about Starbuck’s matching gifts program here, or register your donation here.
10. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — THE HOME DEPOT
The Home Depot is a large chain of hardware and home improvement stores across all 50 states as well as Canada, Mexico, and several US territories, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
It employs approximately 400,000 people across over 2,000 locations, making it the largest home improvement chain in the United States.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $3,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
The Home Depot makes charitable gifts through the Home Depot Foundation, which comprises the Community Impact Grants Program and the Veteran Housing Grants Program. Community Impact Grants award up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that complete community improvement projects.
Veteran Housing Grants award amounts between $100,000 and $500,000 to fund the construction and repair of veteran housing facilities.
The Home Depot matches donations from both full-time and part-time employees to most designated charities in the US and Canada — up to $1,000 per year per charity, with a maximum of $3,000 total.
Go here for more information about The Home Depot’s matching gift program, or here to register your gift.
11. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — General Electric
For over 125 years, General Electric (GE) has invested in advancing technology to help drive the world forward. Their wide girth of technological investments spans across industries like aviation, power, healthcare, and renewable energy. Their goal is to continue pioneering advancements in the new technological era.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $5,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
The GE Foundation matching gifts program was established in 1954 to support employees in their personal charitable giving. They work hard to support community needs like education and skill development, health programs, and disaster and humanitarian relief.
In 2018, the GE Foundation Matching Gift Program provided matches totaling more than $30 million. They were also named among the Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere 2007 to 2017.
GE matches donations from full-time employees, part-time employees, and retired employees. Some of the types of organizations they support include educational institutions, health and human services, arts and cultural organizations, civic organizations, and environmental organizations.
Essentially, employees can count on GE to match almost any 501(c)(3) organization to which they want to contribute.
Click here if you’re looking for more information about GE’s matching gift program. If you’re requesting a match, click here.
12. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — Coca-Cola
You’ve probably enjoyed a refreshing Coke from time to time, or at least seen the commercials for their world-renowned soda. This company is also committed to philanthropy. They give back 1 percent of their prior year’s annual operating income with company donations and the Coca-Cola Foundation.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $20,000/year
- Match ratio: 2:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
In 1894, Roberto Goizueta, the CEO at the time, established the Coca-Cola Foundation. Since then, it’s grown from a local philanthropic organization to a global phenomenon.
In addition to the gifts they match on a 2:1 basis for employees, the Coca-Cola Foundation gives back a substantial charitable donation directly to the community and world. In 2017, the foundation gave over $138 million directly to nearly 300 organizations spanning across 70 countries and territories.
Coca-Cola’s priorities lie with missions such as empowering women, protecting the environment, and enhancing the community through development and education programs.
Both current full-time employees and Coca-Cola retirees should submit their matching gift requests by February 28th of the calendar year following the year in which the gift was made.
Check out the guidelines for Coca-Cola’s matching gift program here. Or, go ahead and register your gift with the link here.
13. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a biopharmaceutical company that works to discover, develop, and deliver medicines to help patients prevail over disease. They focus on the development of products for those with serious or life-threatening ailments.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $30,000/year
- Match ratio: 1:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
In addition to serving the community’s health needs through its corporate services, Bristol-Myers Squibb is also committed to philanthropic needs of the world. Their matches can be applied to most nonprofits, including industries like educational institutions, health and human services, environmental organizations, and more.
Their community initiatives on which Bristol-Myers Squibb takes the most interest include promoting healthy lifestyles and filling the gaps in health needs, improving science education in schools and community organizations, and helping people in need.
Any active, full-time employee at Bristol-Myers Squibb who has worked there for at least 90 days is eligible to apply for as much as $30,000 to be matched by the company on an annual basis.
Not only that, but Bristol-Myers Squibb also offers a volunteer grant. This program provides a financial match for a number of hours volunteered by eligible employees.
Learn more about Bristol-Myers Squibb’s matching gift program with their guidelines. Or, you can register your gift by logging into the website.
14. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy providers and chemical manufacturers. Their goals are to fuel the world to promote human comfort, mobility, prosperity, and progress, all of which require access to sustainable energy.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $20
- Maximum donation: $22,500 to educational institutions and $2,000 to cultural organizations
- Match ratio: 3:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
ExxonMobil has two different matching gift programs to which employees can apply. These two programs are designed to support arts and cultural organizations and educational institutions.
Between their matching gift program, corporate foundation, volunteer grant program, and other giving opportunities, ExxonMobil gave $211 million in 2018. Of that, $74 million supported communities and organizations within the U.S. and $97 million supported those overseas. Employees and retirees donated almost $40 million through matching gift and employee-giving programs.
Full-time, part-time, and retired employees are all eligible to have their gifts matched at up to an incredible 3:1 ratio. Employees have until the last day of the calendar year to submit their requests.
The company matches the first $2,000 per employee at a 1:1 ratio when they give to the program focusing on art and culture. And they match contributions to higher education institutions at a 3:1 ratio for the first $7,500 donated (a maximum company contribution of $22,500).
To learn more about ExxonMobil’s matching gift program or to submit a request for a match, click here.
15. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson’s top priority lies with the health of the lives they impact. They’re proud to call themselves the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company. Johnson & Johnson is where science and technology meet to bolster healthy, vibrant lives.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $20,000/year
- Match ratio: 2:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
Johnson & Johnson’s position about philanthropy is one of responsibility. It’s our responsibility as people to look out for one another and help each other out whenever possible. They partner with global and community-based organizations to activate the necessary resources and create the biggest impact.
Their goals for their matching gift program is to advance the principles of corporate responsibility for the company, encourage employee financial and voluntary support for charitable organizations, and strengthen worthwhile nonprofit organizations important to the employees at Johnson & Johnson.
The matching gift program requests are eligible for full-time, part-time, and retired employees to complete. The company will match requests to most 501(c)(3) organizations when a request is made within 12 months of the donation date.
Full-time employees receive the 2:1 match ratio from Johnson & Johnson, while retired employees receive a 1:1 ratio. No matter employee status, the match qualifies for up to $10,000 donated (a $20,000 match for current employees).
Click here for more information about Johnson & Johnson’s matching gift program, or here to register your gift.
16. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — Capital Group
The Capital Group is a global investment manager, focusing on helping investors succeed. They recognize that a financial goal means more than just a number. It is what helps people turn that investment around to purchase a new home, start a business, or relax comfortably in retirement.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $5,000/year
- Match ratio: 2:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
The Capital Group is invested in their clients’ investments, but this company is also invested in the well-being of their immediate and extended communities. They’ll match the donations to most nonprofit organizations, including environmental organizations, civic and community groups, and health and human services.
The Capital Group matches gifts from both full-time and part-time employees. They’ll also match gifts by employees for the first two years after retiring. Their 2:1 match ratio essentially triples donations to nonprofits.
In addition, the Capital Group provides a volunteer grant program to support employees who volunteer regularly. They’ll donate $100 for every 10 hours an employee volunteers at an eligible organization. The maximum number of hours they’ll match is 50.
17. TOP MATCHING GIFT COMPANY — American Express
American Express company works to provide financial tools to customers in order to help them achieve their aspirations. They created a positive brand image by building trust with customers, valuing relationships, and promoting a positive impact in the community.
MATCHING GIFT DETAILS
- Minimum donation: $25
- Maximum donation: $8,000/year
- Match ratio: 2:1
PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES
American Express believes in investing in financial and human resources to address the social, environmental, and economic needs of communities, customers, colleagues, shareholders, and partners.
In 2017, American Express contributed $37 million to communities as a part of their matching gift program. That $37 million was in the form of over 400 grants for more than 5,000 employee-chosen organizations.
American Express matches the donations made by their full-time and part-time employees at a 1:1 ratio. However, if an employee serves on a nonprofit board or volunteers more than 50 hours in a year, the first $1,000 of their donation is matched at a 2:1 ratio.
American Express also offers volunteer grants through its Serve2Gether Grant Program, financially matching a minimum of 25 hours an employee volunteers at a nonprofit each year.
Learn more about the matching gift guidelines for American Express by clicking here.
We found that these seventeen companies represent the best of the best in gift matching when it comes to amount, ratio, and ease of use. We hope that this list will be useful for both employees hoping to increase their giving and nonprofits hoping to increase their fundraising.
Though most large companies have matching gift programs, the real issue is one of promotion—many employees are not aware of their company’s program, and many nonprofits are not aware of them or not equipped to effectively communicate to their donors about them. You can read more about matching gifts and their promotion in our complete matching gifts guide.
To continue your research and find out more about matching gifts and their promise for your organization, see these additional resources:
- Want to utilize a matching gift database to ease the process of securing matched gifts but don’t know where to start? See Fundly’s Guide to Matching Gift Databases.
- Do you operate a nonprofit and want to find out more about the benefits, logistics, and details of matching gifts? Check out The Definitive Guide to Matching Gifts for Nonprofits from DonorSeach.
- Having trouble picking a matching gift database to start boosting your fundraising revenue? For a shopping guide and recommendations, here’s Snowball’s Matching Gift Databases: What to Look For page
