Fundraising Idea - Match Funding

Fundraiser Michelle Darragh has taken on many challenges as well as volunteering at events, and will be tackling both Ben Nevis and the Sahara Desert treks in support of the Charity. Michelle works for confectionery giant, Mondelez at Cadbury World and has requested match funding from them, meaning the total amount she raises can be matched by them. This is then sent to the Charity directly to go against her fundraising target. 

What is match funding?

• Match Funding, or match giving, is a service offered by many organisations as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, to help employees boost their fundraising efforts by ‘matching’ the money they raise.
• Any company, big or small, may be able to offer a match funding scheme, so be sure to check with your employer to see if one is already in place, or if they would be interested in setting one up.
• Companies that offer match funding can pledge a sum of money relating to the amount their employee has fundraised for charity.
• Every organisation is different in what they expect from employees and will pledge to charity, but many will do this on a pound-for-pound basis. 
• As a fundraiser for Help for Heroes, you are entitled to a Letter of Authorisation which confirms you have registered with the Charity. Simply give us a call on 0300 303 9888 or e-mail events@helpforheroes.org.uk and we would be happy to help. This can be used to begin your match funding process with your employer.

Michelle explains why match funding is such a fantastic way to make the most of your donations.

How did you approach your company for match funding?We have community champions at each site who can help with questions about fundraising, can advise on how to 'cash match' (some businesses use different terms) or may support if you want to volunteer with a charity. There may be a form to be counter-signed - ask your line manager or HR Department first if you aren't familiar with the process.

What is involved in the process?The process is simple; once you have notified your employer you can take the receipt or proof of the money raised to your line manager or community champion so it can be processed. I am notified when any amounts are agreed and paid direct to the Charity, but some companies may raise a cheque made payable to the Charity for the fundraiser to hand over.

How has this helped you reach your fundraising targets?It is so nice to know that even on occasions when you may raise a small amount, that amount can be doubled! It can help significantly in raising funds for the Charity and motivates you to keep going.

Did you need anything from Help for Heroes to support your match funding request? It is important to register with the Charity, so they know where and when you are fundraising. Once registered they can also provide a Letter of Authority, which proves you are a registered fundraiser and can be used by your employer to ensure their match funding goes against your challenge and fundraising activity. 

What is your advice to fundraisers who want to get started?Most companies will have someone who is responsible for workplace fundraising and volunteering, so speak to your line manager or HR department. Different companies support in different ways; whether it is for a one-off payment, a capped amount per month/year or individual amounts. It is important to keep Help for Heroes informed of any match funding donations coming through, so that they can keep a record of this.