Thousands of private companies and corporations give generously to non-profit educational institutions each year. Some companies offer an employee Matching Gift Program as part of the employee benefit package.

A matching gift program benefits both the employer and the employee. By matching employee gifts, businesses are assured that they are supporting causes important to their employees and their community. There is also a benefit to the participating company. Matching gift programs are a strong employee incentive and an important boost to employee morale. An employee of a matching gift company can take advantage of the program and double, triple, or even quadruple gifts to the Harford Community College Foundation, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Matching Gifts?

Matching gifts are a vitally important source of funds for educational institutions and nonprofit charitable organizations. They are also an increasingly important way for companies to allow their employees to direct a portion of the monies earmarked for charitable contribution.

Over the years, companies extended their gift giving to other charitable organizations. Today museums, hospitals, public television networks, and community organizations are among the nonprofits that receive corporate matching gifts.

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Why Do Companies Establish Matching Gift Programs?

Matching gifts are a way for companies to show their appreciation for quality institutions and to ensure that a supply of educated personnel will continue to be available to them.

Companies often want to support educational institutions and nonprofit organizations where their offices and plants are located.

A matching gift program can be an employee benefit as well as a gesture of appreciation by directors. They encourage a company's employees to give, thus expanding the base of contributions to institutions.

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How Does the Matching Gift Process Work?

The employee obtains a matching gift form from his or her employer. The forms should be available from the human resources department.

The form should be filled out and sent to the institution/organization in accordance with the guidelines.

Each gift to HCCF is a potential employer match. For example, through an individual contribution of $100 to HCCF, an employer may contribute a gift ranging from 50% ($50) to 400% ($400) of the gift, depending on the employer's policy.

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What is the Advantage?

Each gift to HCC is increased, at no additional cost to the donor. In addition, the donor is credited with the total contribution; the matching gift counts toward membership in the Circles of Giving.

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How Do I Take Advantage of This Program?

Contact the human resources or personnel department to obtain and complete a matching gift form. Mail the form with your gift. Include a matching gift form each time a contribution or payment on a pledge is made. The College handles the rest.

For more information on HCC's corporate matching gift program, or to find out if your company matches gifts to the Foundation, contact us.

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