Match funding can be an exciting way to raise funds for your charity. It can also help smash your fundraising goals and promote a culture of giving within your workplace. There are various ways to going about match funding that I have mentioned below. Find the right one for you and smash those goals!

Full vs partial

The most frequently-used match funding is a 1:1 donation. This means that for every pound raised it is matched by a further £1. It’s a great way to reach your goal quickly and easily and is the simplest method to understand for you and the person or company.Partial refers to a donation that can be to a ratio of 1:0.5 or whatever you both have agreed upon. It may not be as popular as the full match funding but the person or company may be sponsoring may people at the same time and want to share it equally amongst everyone.On the odd occasion, you may receive a high ratio of 1:2≥. Is this scenario you’ve hit jackpot so run with it!

Match period

Match period refers to a time frame set by the individual or organization. In this case, they may say that for 2 weeks any money that is donated towards your cause will be matched or partially matched. During this period you’ll want to maximize your efforts by promoting your activity to all your friends and family.

In-kind match funding

In-kind match funding is when an individual or organization provides a service or goods for no cost to you. This is perfect if the options mentioned have been exhausted by others. The donor could supply the ingredients need for your bake sale or a venue for your fashion or trivia night that you plan to hold. It can also be that they provide their time to help you with cooking, setting up or providing some Q&A for your night.

Asking the right questions

First off, you want to get your facts right. Know how much you want to raise, some methods you’re planning to use and what type of match funding you would like. A good idea is to try finding out what that individual or organization has done in the past and base your question around that for the best results.

Who you ask – Is it your employer? Your local gym? A business in your area? Alongside your plan, establish a list of people that you can approach that are in alignment with your plan.

When you ask – A few good times to ask is close to the end of the tax year or around major holidays. Also, make sure when you approach the potential match funder that they aren’t ve busy and are in a good mood!

What you ask – Again, once you had established your plan you can then know where you need the money or time and will make it easy for the matching funder to know exactly what you need.

Conclusion

The most important thing about match funding is to enjoy the process. If you do, your energy and excitement will show in the conversation you have with your potential match funder. When you are successful, make it be known to everyone. It has shown that people are much more willing to donate more if they know it is being match funded. Good luck!