May 25, 2018
Matching funds are the closest thing we fundraisers have to magic.
Match offers cut through the clutter and encourage donors to give. A match offer can turn a weak and underperforming campaign into a winner — or a strong campaign into a champion!
7 Frequently Asked Questions About Match Offers
- How often is too often for match offers?
There is no too often for match offers. Some organizations use them all the time. - Do match offers work equally well in all fundraising situations?
No. Most organizations find that a match offer doesn't work well in new donor campaigns. Here is where you can learn more about donor acquisition. - What's the difference between a "challenge grant" and a "matching grant"?
None. It's a different name for the same thing. - Can we take a large amount — say $100,000 — and break it up into smaller pieces to use as match offers more than once?
Yes! - Can I use a match with major donors?
Yes. Make sure when you do that, your total matching funds isn't so small that it looks small to these donors. If you go to a donor who gives $10,000 with a matching fund of $5,000, you could create a puzzle for your donor to solve. - Is money brought in through a match appeal restricted?
Only if the matcher stipulates it. Click here to learn more about raising unrestricted funds. - When is the best time to use a match offer?
Any time is good!
Do You Believe in (Fundraising) Magic?
A well-built match offer can raise 10 to 50 percent more revenue than a similar message without a match. But first, you have to know how to build a matching offer. In this free e-book, you’ll discover tons of helpful tips to execute a successful match campaign.