Matching Gifts

What are Matching Gifts?

• When a corporation matches an employee’s donation to an eligible nonprofit organization — often dollar for dollar.
• If your company participates, it’s an easy way to double your donations and help the PTIO go even farther in supporting SRE during the year!

How do I know if my donations to the SRE PTIO can be matched?

• Check the list above of known employers that have a matching gift program.
• Check with your company’s HR department to find out if they have a program.
• Many corporations require that the organization they are matching funds for have 501(3)(c) non-profit status. We qualify as a chapter of the Foundation for Douglas County Schools.

How do I make this happen?

• Most employers make it easy for their employees. Often, you just fill out a form or submit a request. Check with your HR department for specifics.
• Every company is different! Individual employer policies can change from time to time, so check with your company’s HR department to find out the most up-to-date details.
• We are a chapter of the Foundation for Douglas County Schools; please direct your gift to the Douglas County Educational Foundation, Tax ID/EIN: #84-1165175. If there is an opportunity to include a notation for “Saddle Ranch Elementary”, please do.
• Most companies use a 3rd party to process the matching gift program on its behalf (e.g., Benevity). The Foundation typically receives the monies 2-3 months (sometimes up to 12 months) after a donor submits the paperwork.
• After the matching gift comes in, The Foundation will transfer the money to Saddle Ranch’s account. Please let us know the name of the company sending matching gifts; that will expedite the money being routed to SRE.

How do I maximize the benefits?

• Check your corporate policies. Many companies have certain requirements for matching their employees’ gifts. For instance, some companies will only match donations that meet a certain one-time minimum dollar amount, such as $25, $50 or $100.
  • In this case, you’re better off giving an amount that meets the minimum dollar amount once instead of giving a lesser amount on several different occasions.
  • For example, donations of $15 as a general donation and $35 for the Mustang Stampede might not be matched by a company that requires a $50 minimum donation in order to match. A donor would be better off making a one-time donation of $50 at just one event.
• As always, check with your employer’s HR department to find out the details.