Hello!
Back in June, I asked you to weigh in on the language we use for early gifts and the start date to the campaign. While your response to the start date question has not led us to a clear decision, what was abundantly clear is that it is time for us to address the “matching grant” language.
Matching Grants are becoming Inspiration Gifts
One of the consistent issues we’ve had the last few years is around matching grants. We’ve worked hard to streamline the payment and receipt portal, and that’s working well. The terminology is the part that isn’t. “Matching grant” has become increasingly problematic for donors and new nonprofits alike, and I think the confusion comes from two places.
- We aren’t actually using them as a true match. If you collect $4,000 in matches but only raise $3,000, we still give you the full amount in your match bank. Your early donors don’t want that money back, and we don’t want to encourage them to take it back.
- Other year end platforms use the word to mean different things. Between incentive funds, matches for monthly donors, and everything else out there, donors and nonprofits have started to assume that Give has the capacity to match internally any funds you raise early. I wish that were true, but we do not have that capability. We’ve always used “matching grants” to encourage the public to support your work and help you double your early donations.
The research is clear. Early donations are an important signal. When a new donor lands on your page and sees that people have already given, it tells them your organization is trusted and supported by others. Without one, we find it’s hard to get new donors to give your organization a chance. And your performance in the campaign is usually tied to what sits in that early donation bank, because people want to help you double it.
Starting this campaign
These early donations are called Inspiration Gifts. The name reflects what the gift actually is and what it does for you.
Beyond the name, the function is staying exactly the same.
- They’re publicly listed on your landing page.
- They’re tax deductible gifts for your donors.
- You must secure at least $500 before the campaign starts.
- They show on the leaderboards in a separate color from your public donations.
I know this wasn’t a unanimous decision, and some of you feel strongly about keeping “matching grants.” Please feel free to talk to your donors with whatever language is familiar and easy to explain. If they’re used to submitting a matching grant, just let them know I changed the name on the form this year, but everything else is still the same. I’m always happy to chat with your donors directly if they have questions.
Next workshop: Give! Events and Collaboration
Monday, July 27 · 1:00 PM
East Library
This is a working session for nonprofits interested in planning collaborative events during the campaign. Come ready to brainstorm, meet other organizations, and build connections that often outlast the campaign itself.
Missed a workshop?
Recordings of all of our workshops are on our unlisted YouTube playlist, and the slide decks live in the shared Google Drive folder. Both are open to you and your organization anytime.
Watch the workshop recordings Get the slide decks
Nonprofit Profile
Your nonprofit profile first draft is due July 30. You will not be able to accept Inspiration Gifts until your profile has been submitted, so please do not leave this one for the fall. You can still make edits to your profile in October.
Opportunity: the PPCF grant portal is open
Deadline: August 8
The Pikes Peak Community Foundation grantmaking portal is open now and closes August 8.
Their grantmaking page will take you straight to the portal, along with information about other PPCF funds.
Organizations serving the Pikes Peak region, El Paso and Teller counties, are encouraged to apply.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Victoria