About Donation Matching: One Gift, Double the Impact

A donation matching program multiplies the value of every gift you give, empowering you to bless more children and families living in poverty. For every eligible dollar you give, your employer contributes an equal amount (or more!) directly to the cause. The result? More love and care given to those in need through your act of generosity.

Here, we explain how donation matching works, who qualifies, and how you can submit a match request. You’ll also learn what to expect throughout the process so you can make the most of your giving.

How Donation Matching Works

Donation matching happens when your employer agrees to contribute an equal or greater amount to a nonprofit whenever you donate. The most common ratio is 1:1, meaning a gift of $25 becomes $50 for the organization. Some companies even match at 2:1 or 3:1, tripling or quadrupling the original donation.

The process typically includes three steps:

1. You donate to Compassion.

2. You submit a donation matching request through your employer.

3. Your employer verifies the donation and sends a separate donation to the nonprofit.

Most corporate match programs require donations to be made to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, which means Compassion International qualifies.

Tip: Use our simple search tool to see whether your employer offers a donation matching program. You can also learn more about your employer’s matching program qualifications, such as annual caps and deadlines.

Because of generous supporters like you, Dayana (left) from Peru has essentials like eggs and milk, helping her remain healthy despite the challenges of poverty. Photo by: Fernando Sinacay

Who Can Participate in a Donation Match Program?

Eligibility for matching donations varies by employer. Most programs are open to full-time employees, but some companies also extend matching benefits to part-time employees, retirees and board members. Some programs even match donations made by spouses of eligible employees.

Retired employees are often overlooked. If you’ve recently retired from a company that offers matching, your former employer may still honor match requests for a specific period. It’s definitely worth a quick check!

You can use our search tool to check your employer’s program qualifications. If you do not find your employer or the information you’re looking for, contact your HR department.

How to Submit a Donation Match Request

Submitting a donation match request is simple once you know where to go. Most employers use a third-party giving platform like Benevity or YourCause, where you can search for Compassion International, log your donation and submit a request all at once.

Other employers may ask you to complete a paper form through HR. Check with your employer’s HR department to see where you should submit requests.

Here are some things you’ll need to complete a request:

• Your donation receipt or confirmation email from Compassion.

• The donation date and amount.

• Compassion’s legal name and employer identification number (EIN).

  • Legal Name: Compassion International Inc.

  • EIN: 36-2423707

• Your employee ID (for employer verification).

Once you submit your request, processing time varies. Compassion will receive the payment directly and apply it according to your employer’s guidelines.

Tip: To access your donation history or to download your annual tax receipt, log into your MyCompassion account. You can also use Compassion’s online donation receipts that are emailed after every online donation.

When floodwaters tore through Sopna’s village in Bangladesh, her family’s annual harvest was destroyed. But through Compassion, the local church could provide Sopna’s family with emergency food packs and more, protecting them from hunger and helping them heal after disaster. Photo by: J. Sangma

How Does Donation Matching Work for One-Time Gifts?

One-time gifts are often the easiest to match. Most corporate programs are designed around single transactions rather than recurring giving, so the submission process is usually faster and simpler.

For example, if you make a one-time donation of $500, those funds go to work immediately for children and families in poverty. But if your employer matches 1:1, another $500 will be available once your request is approved and funds are sent, doubling your gift to $1,000.

Tip: It’s important to remember to check your employer’s annual cap. If you’ve already submitted $400 in match requests during the year and your cap is $1,000, only $600 of any new gifts will be eligible for matching — even if the gifts exceed that amount.

Have questions about what it means to give through Compassion? Check out our gift-giving FAQs.

Through the gift of a cow, brothers Gentil and Yanick from Rwanda have milk to drink and manure to boost their family’s garden yield, which is their food supply. Photo by: Doreen Umutesi

Donation Matching FAQs

Does Compassion International Accept Employer Match Payments?

Absolutely! Compassion International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts employer match payments through all major corporate giving platforms. We also accept paper checks from employers who process matches manually. If your employer needs documentation of our nonprofit status or a W-9, reach out to us at 1-800-336-7676 .

How Do I Find Out If My Employer Offers a Donation Match Program?

You can use our simple search tool or reach out to your employer’s HR department.

How Long Does It Take for a Matched Donation to Reach Compassion?

Processing time varies by employer, but it often takes 2 to 4 weeks. During peak giving periods — particularly November and December — processing can take longer.

Can I Match a Monthly Child Sponsorship Donation?

Many employers allow matching for recurring gifts, but the submission process varies. Some allow monthly installments while others match a single request covering your annual total. Check your employer’s giving platform or with their HR department to confirm the details.

Where Do Matched Donations to Compassion Go?

Your matched donations will go to our Where Most Needed Fund, delivering critical care to children facing the most urgent of needs. Whether they face homelessness, hunger or natural disasters, this flexible fund allows us to respond where the need is greatest.

What If My Employer’s Match Deadline Has Passed?

Unfortunately, most employers enforce strict submission deadlines and don’t accept late donation match requests. If you’ve missed the window for a specific donation, note the deadline for future gifts. It’s helpful to submit match requests immediately after making each donation.

Are There Donation Types That Don’t Qualify?

Accepted donation types vary by employer. Sponsorship gifts and direct donations to Compassion’s programs are generally eligible. Be sure to check your employer’s specific donation matching policies.