Many companies match employees’ charitable contributions, doubling (sometimes even tripling!) the impact of a gift to ALSF.
Many companies match employees’ charitable contributions, doubling (sometimes even tripling!) the impact of a gift to ALSF. Here’s how the process works:
- You donate directly to ALSF, through payroll deductions, or through your employers’ donation program.
- You submit a “matching gift request” to your employer. Each company has a different process for submitting requests. Talk with a human resources representative at your company about how they manage matching gift requests.
- Your employer will likely reach out to ALSF to verify your donation before approving the match. Some employers don’t require verification.
- Your employer sends a matching gift!
Matching Gifts FAQ
What are matching gifts?
Matching gifts are donations made by a company to match an employee's charitable contribution, usually on a 1:1 ratio. Some companies match at higher rates (2:1 or 3:1), effectively doubling or tripling the original gift.
What types of donations qualify for matching gifts?
Monetary donations are most commonly matched. Some companies also match volunteer hours with a financial contribution (known as volunteer grants). See Volunteer Grants FAQ.
How do matching gifts work?
If you make a monetary donation directly to ALSF, through payroll deductions, or through your employer's donation program, you may be eligible to have your employer match your donation. You submit a matching gift request to your employer, and once approved, ALSF receives a gift matching your original donation!
Who can apply for a matching gift?
Employees (and sometimes retirees or spouses) of companies may be eligible. Each company has its own policy.
How do I find out if my company offers this?
- Check your company's HR portal or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform (e.g., Benevity, CyberGrants, or YourCause)
- Ask your HR department or CSR team
Are there matching gift limits?
Yes. These vary by company. Common examples include:
- Minimum match amount: $25-$50
- Maximum annual match: $1,000 to $10,000 or more
- Check your employer's matching gift policy for details.
Is there a deadline to submit a matching gift request?
Yes. Common deadlines include:
- End of calendar year
- Within 3–12 months of donation
- End of your company's fiscal year
Apply early to avoid missing the window.
How long does it take to process a match?
Processing times vary—typically a few weeks to a few months after the request is approved.
How can I help spread the word?
- Share this FAQ with coworkers
- Encourage coworkers to donate and submit a matching gift request
- Post about how you're supporting ALSF on social media and tag your company!
What if I have additional questions about a matching gift request?
We're happy to help! Just email us at [email protected] and our team can walk you through the process.
Matching Volunteer Hours
Some employers offer Volunteer Match Programs. In addition to, or sometimes instead of, matching employees’ charitable contributions, companies will make a donation in recognition of their employees’ volunteer hours through a Volunteer Grant.
Here’s how the process works:
- You volunteer for one, or more, of ALSF’s Volunteer Opportunities.
- You log your hours and submit a Volunteer Grant Request. Each company has a different process for submitting requests. Talk with a human resources representative at your company to see if your volunteer hours will be matched with a monetary donation.
- Your employer will reach out to ALSF to verify your hours. Some employers don’t require verification.
- Your employer sends a donation to ALSF!
For more information about Matching Volunteer Hours, check out ALSF’s Volunteer Grants FAQ.
For More Information
If you have any questions, or would like more information about including ALSF in your workplace giving, please, contact Marlene Lee at [email protected] or at 1-866-333-1213.
All contributions to Alex's Lemonade Stand are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is exempt from Federal income tax as described in section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The official registration and financial information of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation may be obtained from The Pennsylvania Department of State. Registration does not imply endorsement.
