What is Matched Funding?
Matched Funding, also called ‘Match Funding’ or ‘Matched Giving’, is when an employer matches your fundraising total for an event or activity.
It can be an easy, tax-efficient way to double your donation and for companies to show support for employees who fundraise for charity.
Which companies offer Matched Funding?
Unfortunately, there is no official list of companies that offer Matched Funding. However, many organisations will have a Matched Funding scheme. This includes most:
- banks and building societies
- insurance companies
- supermarkets
- utilities providers (for example, gas and electricity suppliers) and phone companies
- car manufacturers.
A Matched Funding scheme can be adopted by any company, no matter how big or small. 84% of people are more likely to give to charity if their donations are being matched, so it’s a great way to boost donations.
We have more tips on how to increase your fundraising.
How to get started
You’ll need to ask your employer if they have a Matched Funding scheme. If you’re raising funds as part a group, you can ask your group members if their employer has a scheme. It’s quick, easy and will cost them nothing except the time needed to talk to their employer.
If your employer has a Matched Funding scheme, they should provide you with a form to complete. You can ask your Human Resources (HR) team about this.
If your employer does not have a Matched Funding scheme
If your employer does not have a scheme, we encourage you to ask them if they would consider matching your fundraising. Or they could set up a Matched Funding scheme for their organisation.
We have resources you may wish to share with your employer, which include:
If your employer agrees to match donations
If your employer has agreed to match your donation and you’ve held your event, you’ll need to email [email protected] and your Fundraising Manager with the following information:
- your full name
- the name of your fundraising group (if applicable)
- your fundraising group’s reference number (beginning with the number 8)
- the name of the company providing Matched Funding
- how much Matched Funding BHF is likely to receive
- our appeal code (19BLE).
You’ll also need to make sure your employer provides your name in their payment reference to us.
Top tip: if your employer agrees to match your fundraising, see if they’re willing to help in other ways too, such as sourcing prizes for a raffle.
Spread the word at your event
It’s a good idea to let your supporters know their donations will be matched. When donations are matched, research shows that:
- 84% of people are more likely to donate
- 1 in 3 of those who donate will donate more money
- the average matched donation is 250% higher.
You can display this Matched Funding poster at your event to spread the word.
How to get support
If you have questions or need support with Matched Funding, please speak with your local Fundraising Manager. They will be able to help and advise you.
