Companies that Match Donations to High Schools
Across the United States, there are more than 26,000 public high schools and 10,000 private high schools all looking to build on their existing fundraising ideas. At Double the Donation, we work with high schools and education foundations across the country to help them increase the amount of money they receive from corporate matching gift programs.
We know it can sometimes be tricky trying to navigate the complex policies surrounding each company’s matching gift program so we’ve created a number of resources to help organizations better understand employee giving programs. These include:
- Matching gift basics
- Volunteer grant basics
- Top matching gift companies
- Top volunteer grant companies
- Ways to market matching gifts to donors
Since Double the Donation is committed to helping all segments of the mission-based sector optimize their fundraising with matching gift programs, we created this post on matching gift companies that match donations to high schools.
Matching Gifts and High Schools
After higher education, the most common matching gift category is K-12 schools.
Included in this grouping are high schools since many companies do not distinguish between elementary, middle, and high schools when it comes to match-eligible organizations. Many of these companies will also match to PTA groups, after-school organizations, and education foundations. Most matching gift companies do not distinguish between public and private high schools, though specific eligibility does vary by company.
For high schools with a large donor base, whether it’s parents, alumni, or community supporters, it’s important to market matching gifts as an easy way for donors to increase their impact.
How to Market Matching Gifts
One of the biggest obstacles for organizations, such as schools, trying to receive matching gifts is a lack of awareness of the programs. That means all you need to do to increase your matching gift revenue is simply spread the word!
Our favorite way to inform people about matching gifts is through software dedicated to doing just that. For high schools, and really any other educational institution, we recommend checking out Double the Donation.
This solution allows you to embed a searchable matching gifts database directly on your website and online donation tool. Then, when potential donors visit your website to learn more about giving in general, they can discover the wonder of matching gifts and whether they’re match-eligible.
With that, read on for a list of the top companies that match gifts made to high schools.
List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs for High Schools
To help schools navigate through the matching gift process, we created a shortlist of some of the largest companies that will match donations made to K-12 schools and educational programs. This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you don’t see a company here, don’t rule it out just yet.
IBM
IBM is known to many schools for its generosity in donating software and computers to school systems.
An employee can have their donation matched on a 2:1 ratio with IBM products, or a donation can be matched on a 1:1 basis with cash.
Read more about the IBM matching gift program.
Bank of America
As one of the leading banks, it’s no surprise that many communities have a Bank of America presence. Luckily for you, employees of Bank of America can have their donations to high schools matched up to $5,000 each year.
Volunteer grants are also available for those who volunteer with educational organizations.
Read more about the Bank of America matching gift program.
Starbucks
Starbucks Corporation will match up to $1,500 in donations made by an employee each year to high schools and many other organizations. All educational institutions are eligible for the program.
And if you have a volunteer opportunity coming up, be sure to mention it to your local barista since Starbucks also provides grants to organizations where employees volunteer.
Read more about the Starbucks matching gift program and volunteer grants.
Want to know more about corporate giving programs and how they can contribute to your high school’s fundraising efforts?
