Quick take-aways
- 84 % of donors say they’re more likely to give when a match is offered. Double the Donation
- Mentioning matching gifts in appeals lifts response rates by 71 % and average gift size by 51 %. Double the Donation
- Mid-level upgrades create 2-3× revenue: a $5 k donor who agrees to be matched at $7.5 k can unlock $15 k in total receipts.
- Peer-to-peer + matching fuels exponential reach: CauseMatch internal benchmarks show 3–5× more raised than email-only drives.
- Bottom line: matching isn’t optional—it’s the fastest, data-backed way to grow revenue and donor count this year.
The data behind the multiplier
Independent research confirms that matching gifts dramatically improve both participation and generosity — before the match is even applied:
- Likelihood to give: 84 % of surveyed donors report they’re “more likely to donate” when their gift will be matched.
- Response rate: Fundraising appeals that mention a match see a 71 % jump in responses.
- Average gift: Those same appeals drive a 51 % increase in donation amount.
Every dollar you secure up-front is pure upside once these lifts take hold.
Why matching works
- Reciprocity + urgency — supporters feel their dollars carry extra weight now, so they act quickly.
- Social proof — seeing a corporation or major donor already committed signals legitimacy and reduces perceived risk.
- Simple storytelling — “Your $50 becomes $100” is instantly clear and emotionally compelling.
A real-world illustration
- Identify a loyal mid-level donor giving $5 k annually.
- Ask for an impact-framed upgrade to $7.5 k to “lead the charge.”
- Publicly position that $7.5 k as a 1:1 match pool.
- Mobilize ambassadors; the pool fills in 36 hours, adding another $7.5 k from new and upgraded donors.
- Result: one donor’s increase catalyzes $15 k, and average crowd gifts climb ~40 %. Repeat across three donors and $15 k becomes $45 k.
What your board wants to know—and how to answer
- “Will this cannibalize existing gifts?”
Matching consistently raises gift amounts without depressing future giving. - “Isn’t securing match money hard?”
Start with seven dependable sources: corporate CSR budgets, unrestricted grants, family foundations, major donors, capacity-ready mid-levels, your board, and values-aligned small donors. - “How do we keep it authentic?”
Frame it as a challenge (“Help unlock $50 k already pledged”) rather than a threat (“all or nothing”). Full transparency builds trust.
Implementation snapshot
- Map potential matchers—tier A/B/C list.
- Craft transformational asks that tie dollars to program impact.
- Secure commitments in writing (pledge form or email).
- Time-box the public campaign (24–72 hours works best).
- Obsess over messaging—put the ×2 graphic everywhere; spell out the math.
- Thank rapidly & repeatedly—separate personalized gratitude for matchers and for crowd donors.
Download: The Matching ROI Cheat-Sheet
Ready to run the numbers on your campaign?
Book a free 15-minute strategy call with a CauseMatch advisor and walk away with a custom revenue projection plus a match-ask email you can send tomorrow.
