Many companies offer “matched funding” schemes to support their employees’ fundraising activities. Matched funding could be invaluable in helping you to raise as much money as possible, so it is well worth asking your employer if they provide such a scheme.
Check the company procedure for the funding before you commence your fundraising as this could affect your targets, especially if a minimum sponsorship level is required.
Different employers will offer different matched funding schemes.
- Some match your fundraising £ for £ and give 100% of what you have raised.
- Others will set a limit on how far they are willing to match, for example, match up to a certain amount (say £500), but any money raised beyond that limit will not be matched.
Some employers match the amount of your fundraising that can be Gift Aid-ed as well. Check if this is the case, since it can make a still greater difference to the funds you manage to raise.
If your current employer does not offer a matched funding scheme for their staff, ask them to consider it! Matched funding offers important benefits for employers as well:
- Improves staff morale and motivation
- Positive PR opportunities
- Creates a feel-good factor among employees about the organisation they work for
- Enhances corporate image and reputation
- Encourages a growing sense of social responsibility
