Though each program is unique, the steps for collecting matching gifts are actually quite uniform. The process consists of the following five steps:

1. An employee makes the initial donation: The first step is always that initial donation. There can be no matching gift without an initial gift to match!
2. Employee submits matching gift request: This is the most crucial step in the process. A donor must take a few minutes to request the matching gift from their employer. A nonprofit organization or educational institution can not make that request, even when they know that a donor is eligible.
3. Employer checks donation eligibility: Often companies will have someone on staff who is dedicated to matching gifts. This person (or team) will make sure that a donation is within the specified minimum and maximum amounts, check the employee’s employment status, and make sure that the organization itself is covered by the program guidelines.
4. Employer verifies donation: Once the donation is verified as match-eligible, the company will contact the nonprofit organization or educational institution to confirm the donation amount, date, and donor.
5. The organization collects the matching gift: The last stage is when the organization receives that matching gift from a company.

The process is really quite simple and quick. The most vital step of the process is number two-submit that matching gift request to your employer!