The Canadian Charity Law Podcast

This episode provides a detailed guide for Canadian charities on how to run a successful matching end-of-year fundraising campaign.

It explains the benefits of such campaigns, including increased donor motivation and larger donations, and outlines a step-by-step process for implementation. The episode covers key elements such as setting clear goals, finding a matching partner, crafting compelling messaging, planning outreach strategies, engaging donors throughout the campaign, and reporting results.

This episode is sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B.I.G. Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

What is The Canadian Charity Law Podcast ?

Exploring the ins-and-outs of Canadian Charity Law in a way that can be understood by the layperson, including Charity Registration, Not-for-Profit Incorporation, Charity Governance, Charity Fundraising, Tax Receipting, and much more!

Sara:

Hey, everyone, and welcome back. It's that time again, you know, when all the nonprofits are, like, laser focused on year end giving.

David:

Oh, yeah. For sure.

Sara:

So we thought this would be the perfect time for a deep dive into matching campaigns.

David:

Great idea.

Sara:

We've been digging into a ton of research and case studies on this.

David:

Really interesting stuff.

Sara:

Yeah. And I gotta say, even just skimming the surface, I was blown away by how much more effective these campaigns can be.

David:

Yeah. You know, it's funny how much psychology plays into it.

Sara:

Oh, totally.

David:

We all wanna feel like our actions are making a difference. Right?

Sara:

For sure.

David:

And matching campaigns tap right into that. Mhmm. It's kinda like when you team up with someone to move a heavy couch. You know?

Sara:

Yeah. Yeah.

David:

You get that, like, shared sense of accomplishment.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

Like, you couldn't have done it alone.

Sara:

I love that analogy.

David:

It really clicks.

Sara:

And it's backed up by the data too.

David:

Oh, yeah.

Sara:

Research shows that donors are actually twice as likely to give when they know their donation will be matched.

David:

Wow. That's huge.

Sara:

So where do we even begin with setting up a successful matching campaign? What's step 1?

David:

Well, the first thing is to think of it kinda like building a house. Right? You wouldn't just start hammering away without a blueprint.

Sara:

Right.

David:

Same goes for fundraising. You need a solid plan.

Sara:

So step 1 is setting goals and objectives.

David:

Exactly. What's your specific fundraising target? What's your timeline?

Sara:

Okay.

David:

And just as important, how does this goal tie into your organization's mission?

Sara:

I see.

David:

For example, let's say a local charity is trying to raise $20,000 to fund a new after school program Strong. For kids in their community.

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

Having that concrete need makes their campaign so much more powerful.

Sara:

Right.

David:

It's not just about a number you know.

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

It's about the real impact those funds will have.

Sara:

Absolutely. It's like telling a story.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

And that story needs a hero, which brings us to step 2, finding the right matching partner.

David:

This is where things get strategic.

Sara:

Oh, yeah.

David:

You want a partner who not only has the means to match those donations

Sara:

Don't fix that.

David:

But who also genuinely believes in your cause.

Sara:

Right.

David:

Think about it. An environmental group wouldn't wanna partner with a company known for polluting right.

Sara:

Oh, definitely not.

David:

It just wouldn't be a good fit.

Sara:

Totally.

David:

Instead, imagine them teaming up with a local business that makes eco friendly products.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

Now that's a partnership that makes sense.

Sara:

It's all about shared values and a compelling story.

David:

Absolutely.

Sara:

So once you've got your partner locked in, what's next?

David:

Well, you need to craft a campaign message that really grabs people's attention and inspires them to give.

Sara:

I bet you've seen some great examples.

David:

Oh, absolutely. One that comes to mind was for a small animal shelter.

Sara:

Oh, cool.

David:

They wanted to renovate their kennels to give the animals a better environment. And they partnered with a local veterinarian who was really passionate about animal welfare.

Sara:

Perfect.

David:

Their message emphasized that every dollar donated would be doubled by the vet Nice. Helping them reach their goal faster. And they even use a really compelling tagline.

Sara:

Oh, what was it?

David:

Give a paw up. Double your impact.

Sara:

That's so clever.

David:

It was really effective.

Sara:

It's clear. It's urgent, and it highlights the impact.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

Okay. So you've got your message now. You need to get the word out.

David:

Right.

Sara:

Step 4 is all about reaching your audience.

David:

And this is where it gets really interesting. You've got so many options.

Sara:

Like what?

David:

Email, social media, your website press releases, even good old fashioned direct mail for those who aren't online.

Sara:

I like it.

David:

It's all about meeting your donors where they are.

Sara:

And keeping them engaged throughout the campaign.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

Step 5 is crucial. What are some ways to do that?

David:

Think about it like throwing a party. Okay. You wouldn't just invite people and then ignore them. Right?

Sara:

Now what?

David:

You'd make sure they're having a good time, introduce them to each other, and keep the energy up.

Sara:

Right.

David:

It's the same with the matching campaign. Right. Regular updates, celebrating milestones, sending personalized thank yous.

Sara:

I see.

David:

These are always make your donors feel valued and part of something special.

Sara:

It's about building a sense of community and excitement around the campaign. Alright. So the campaign wraps up. You've hopefully hit your goal. What's next?

David:

Step 6 is all about reporting back to your donors, demonstrating the impact of their generosity.

Sara:

Gotcha.

David:

Transparency is key here. Uh-huh. Imagine receiving a report that not only showed how the funds were used

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

But also shared a heartwarming story about a family whose life was changed thanks to your support.

Sara:

Oh, wow.

David:

That's the kind of thing that makes people wanna give again.

Sara:

Absolutely. Now before we move on, there are a couple of common questions about matching campaigns I wanted to address. Sure. First up, how does the whole matching funds thing actually work, especially in Canada?

David:

It's actually pretty straightforward. Let's say a foundation pledges to match every donation up to $10,000.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

If someone donates $50, the foundation throws in another 50.

Sara:

Got it. Boom.

David:

Double the impact.

Sara:

Makes perfect sense. And what about tax receipts? How does that work with matching campaigns?

David:

Good question. In Canada, charities can only issue receipts for the amount an individual actually donates. So even though their gift is doubled, the donor only receives a task receipt for their original contribution.

Sara:

Got it. So we've covered the basics of why matching campaigns work and the steps involved in setting 1 up.

David:

Right.

Sara:

But what about finding those matching partners? What makes a good match?

David:

Well, it's all about alignment. Like we were saying earlier with the environmental group and the eco friendly business, finding that natural connection

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

It just makes the whole campaign feel more authentic.

Sara:

Right. And that authenticity is what resonates with donors.

David:

Exactly. It's like, like, a gut feeling. You can tell when a partnership feels forced.

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

And it can actually undermine your message.

Sara:

That makes sense.

David:

But when it's a genuine fit

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

Everyone wins.

Sara:

So let's dive into some real world examples of matching campaigns that really nailed it.

David:

Okay.

Sara:

Because sometimes it's those concrete stories that bring everything to life.

David:

I completely agree. Stories are powerful. They help us connect with the human impact behind the numbers.

Sara:

For sure.

David:

And they can also reveal some really clever strategies that you might not have thought of before.

Sara:

Okay. Hit me with a good one.

David:

Alright. How about this? There was this tiny animal shelter in rural Vermont.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

I think they had maybe a dozen kennels max. Yeah. They desperately needed to renovate their space. Yeah. You know, make it more comfortable for the animals, improve ventilation, all that stuff.

Sara:

Uh-huh.

David:

But they knew they'd never raise enough money on their own.

Sara:

Right.

David:

So they reached out to this beloved local veterinarian. Everyone in town knew and trusted him

Sara:

Okay.

David:

And asked if he'd be their matching partner for a year end campaign.

Sara:

I bet the vet was on board in a heartbeat.

David:

He was thrilled. He was already a huge supporter of the shelter. Ah. And this gave him a way to really amplify his impact.

Sara:

I love that.

David:

He pledged to match all donations up to $10,000. Wow. And the shelter went all out promoting the campaign. Mhmm. Social media email blasts, even a little blurb in the local newspaper.

Sara:

Nice.

David:

They emphasized the vet's involvement, highlighting his expertise and passion for animals, and it totally worked.

Sara:

I'm guessing they hit their goal.

David:

They blew past it.

Sara:

No way.

David:

They ended up raising over $15,000, enough to not only complete the renovations

Sara:

Wow.

David:

But also add some extra enrichment features for the animals.

Sara:

That's amazing.

David:

And the best part

Sara:

What?

David:

They noticed that the average donation size was way higher than usual.

Sara:

Really?

David:

People were clearly motivated to give more knowing their contribution would have double the impact.

Sara:

That's a fantastic example.

David:

It really is.

Sara:

It really shows that even a small organization with limited resources can make matching campaigns work for them.

David:

Absolutely. Yeah. It's all about creativity, leveraging your existing connections

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

And telling a compelling story. K. Now here's another example

Sara:

Okay.

David:

But from a different sector education.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

This time, it's a small nonprofit in Chicago that focuses on providing after school tutoring and mentoring for kids

Sara:

Gotcha.

David:

For kids from low income families.

Sara:

Right.

David:

They've got this incredible track record of helping students succeed Mhmm. But they're always stretched thin financially.

Sara:

It's amazing how much these smaller nonprofits do with so little. I bet demand for their programs is huge.

David:

Oh, absolutely. And they were determined to expand their reach to serve even more kids.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

So they decided to try something a little different with their matching campaign.

Sara:

Oh, yeah.

David:

Instead of going after a big corporate sponsor, they reached out to a group of successful alumni

Sara:

Okay. Who

David:

had gone through their programs years ago.

Sara:

That's brilliant tapping into that personal connection and shared history.

David:

Right.

Sara:

I bet those alumni have some incredible stories to tell about how the program impacted their lives.

David:

Exactly. And that's precisely what they did. They invited these alumni to share their stories

Sara:

Oh, wow.

David:

How the program had given them the support and confidence they needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Sara:

That's powerful.

David:

It was incredibly moving, and it really resonated with potential donors.

Sara:

So did the alumni agree to be matching partners?

David:

They did. Several of them were so inspired by the organization's work and the impact that it had on their own lives that they collectively pledged to match all donations up to $25,000.

Sara:

Wow. That's amazing. It shows the power of storytelling and building those personal connections. Did they reach their goal?

David:

They did. The campaign was a resounding success.

Sara:

That's great.

David:

And they were able to expand their programs, hire more tutors, and reach more students who needed their support.

Sara:

These examples are so inspiring.

David:

They really are.

Sara:

They really drive home the point that matching campaigns can be adapted to fit any organization

David:

Any cause.

Sara:

Any cause, any budget.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

It's about finding the right approach and telling the right story.

David:

Absolutely.

Sara:

But I'm curious. Are there any potential pitfalls or challenges that organizations should be aware of when planning a matching campaign?

David:

Oh, for sure.

Sara:

Yeah. What are some things that could trip people up?

David:

Well, one common challenge is finding the right matching partner in the first place.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a potential match Yeah. And jump into something that isn't a good fit long term.

Sara:

Like you mentioned earlier, a mismatch in values could really backfire.

David:

Exactly. Yeah. But even beyond values, there's also the practical aspect.

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

Can the partner actually fulfill their pledge?

Sara:

Right.

David:

Do they have a history of supporting similar causes?

Sara:

I see.

David:

And are they willing to be actively involved in the campaign? Mhmm. Or are they just looking to write a check and disappear?

Sara:

Right.

David:

These are all important questions to consider upfront.

Sara:

It's like due diligence for generosity.

David:

I love that.

Sara:

It's true.

David:

And it brings up another potential pitfall, not having a clear communication strategy.

Sara:

Oh, okay.

David:

It's not enough to just announce the match and hope for the best. Right. You need to actively engage your donors.

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

Keep them updated on the campaign's progress Mhmm. And make them feel like they're part of something special.

Sara:

So it's not a one and done kind of deal. You've gotta keep that momentum going.

David:

Absolutely. And remember, different donors respond to different things.

Sara:

Oh, that's true.

David:

Someone who's been giving to your organization for years

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

Might be more motivated by impact reports and stories about how their donations are making a difference.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

While someone new to your cause might be more drawn to the excitement of a challenge grant.

Sara:

Oh, yeah.

David:

You know, where a donor pledges to match donations only if a certain threshold is met within a specific time frame.

Sara:

Oh, yeah. Those challenge grants always seem to create a buzz.

David:

They do.

Sara:

It's like a collective push to unlock that extra funding.

David:

Exactly. And it it taps into that sense of urgency and shared accomplishment we were talking about earlier.

Sara:

This all makes so much sense, but I'm realizing there's a whole art and science to this. Yeah. It's not just about finding someone with deep pockets.

David:

Yeah.

Sara:

It's about strategic planning and really understanding your donors.

David:

It is. And one thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of tailoring your message to different types of donors. K. You might have major donors who are capable of making significant contributions.

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

Mid level donors who provide consistent support

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

And smaller donors who contribute more modestly.

Sara:

And each of those groups would probably be looking for different things. Right?

David:

Absolutely. Major donors might be more interested in knowing about the long term impact of their gift Okay. And how it aligns with their philanthropic goals.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

You might even invite them to meet with your team or tour your facilities to see firsthand the work you're doing.

Sara:

It's all about that personal touch.

David:

Exactly. For mid level donors sharing stories, testimonials, and impact reports Mhmm. Can help them see the tangible difference their contributions are making.

Sara:

I see.

David:

And for smaller donors, you might emphasize the collective power of their gifts

Sara:

Okay.

David:

And how even small amounts, when combined, can have a huge impact.

Sara:

So it's about meeting donors where they are and speaking to their motivations.

David:

Precisely. And that brings us to another crucial point, transparency and accountability.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

Donors wanna know that their contributions are being used wisely and that you're a responsible steward of their generosity.

Sara:

That makes perfect sense. It builds trust and strengthens the relationship.

David:

Absolutely. Yeah. Regularly updating donors on the progress of the campaign, providing clear financial reports

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

And showcasing the impact of their support, these are all essential for building that trust and encouraging continued giving.

Sara:

So we've covered a lot of ground.

David:

We have.

Sara:

From the psychology behind matching campaigns to the practical steps involved in setting one up to some common pitfalls to avoid.

David:

Right.

Sara:

But I'm curious, what are some innovative strategies that are pushing the boundaries of matching campaigns? What's on the horizon?

David:

Well, one trend we're seeing is the use of crowdfunding platforms to host matching campaigns.

Sara:

Oh, interesting.

David:

It's a great way to reach a wider audience and leverage the power of social sharing.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

Many platforms even have built in matching features

Sara:

Oh, cool.

David:

That make it easy to manage the process.

Sara:

It's a really smart way to tap into those online communities and make giving more accessible. What else?

David:

Another interesting approach is using matching campaigns to incentivize specific types of giving.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

For example, some organizations are offering matching funds for recurring donations

Sara:

Oh, that's interesting.

David:

Which can help build a more sustainable revenue stream.

Sara:

That's a great idea. It encourages people to commit to ongoing support rather than just a one time gift.

David:

Exactly. And we're also seeing more organizations using matching campaigns to support specific programs or initiatives

Sara:

Okay.

David:

Rather than general operating expenses.

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

This can be a really effective way to attract donors who are passionate about a particular cause or area of impact.

Sara:

It's all about getting more strategic and creative with how we approach matching campaigns.

David:

I couldn't agree more. It's an evolving field, and there's always room for innovation.

Sara:

Well, I think it's safe to say that we've thoroughly explored the world of matching campaigns in this deep dive.

David:

We have covered the why, the how, and even the future of this powerful fundraising approach.

Sara:

And I hope our listeners have gained valuable insights and practical takeaways Yeah. They can apply to their own organizations.

David:

I hope so.

Sara:

So as you embark on your next fundraising endeavor, consider the power of matching campaigns.

David:

They can be incredibly effective.

Sara:

With a well crafted strategy, a compelling message, and a dedicated team, you can unlock incredible potential and achieve remarkable results.

David:

For sure.

Sara:

And be sure to check out the show notes for links to some helpful resources and templates for creating your own matching campaign.

David:

Great idea.

Sara:

We'll see you next time for another insightful exploration of the nonprofit world.

David:

Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.

Sara:

It's all about alignment, isn't it? Yeah. Like you were saying earlier with the environmental group and the eco friendly business.

David:

Right.

Sara:

Finding that natural connection just makes the whole campaign feel more authentic.

David:

Absolutely. And that authenticity is what resonates with donors.

Sara:

Mhmm.

David:

It's like a gut feeling. Yeah. You can tell when a partnership feels forced

Sara:

Right.

David:

And it can actually undermine your message.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

But when it's a genuine fit, everyone wins.

Sara:

So let's dive into some real world examples Yeah.

David:

Let's do it.

Sara:

Of matching campaigns that really nailed it.

David:

Okay.

Sara:

Because sometimes it's those concrete stories that bring everything to life.

David:

I completely agree. Yeah. Stories are powerful. Right. They help us connect with the human impact behind the numbers.

Sara:

For sure.

David:

And they can also reveal some really clever strategies that you might not have thought of before.

Sara:

Okay. Hit me with a good one.

David:

Alright. How about this? There was this tiny animal shelter in rural Vermont.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

I think they had maybe a dozen kennels max.

Sara:

Wow.

David:

They desperately needed to renovate their space.

Sara:

Uh-huh.

David:

You know, make it more comfortable for the animals, improve ventilation, all that stuff.

Sara:

Right.

David:

But they knew they'd never raise enough money on their own.

Sara:

Yeah. Tough spot.

David:

So they reached out to this beloved local veterinarian.

Sara:

K.

David:

Everyone in town knew and trusted him

Sara:

I see.

David:

And asked if he'd be their matching partner for a year end campaign.

Sara:

I bet the vet was on board in a heartbeat.

David:

He was thrilled. He was already a huge supporter of the shelter. Oh. And this gave him a way to really amplify his impact.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

He pledged to match all donations up to $10,000. Wow. And the shelter went all out promoting the campaign, social media, email blasts, even a little blurb in the local newspaper. Smart. They emphasized the vet's involvement, highlighting his expertise and passion for animals.

David:

I like it. And it totally worked.

Sara:

I'm guessing they hit their goal.

David:

They blew past it.

Sara:

Awesome.

David:

They ended up raising over $15,000 enough to not only complete the renovations

Sara:

Wow.

David:

But also add some extra enrichment features for the animals.

Sara:

That's incredible.

David:

And the best part, they noticed that the average donation size was way higher than usual. Really? People were clearly motivated to give more knowing their contribution would have double the impact.

Sara:

That's a fantastic example. It really is. It really shows that even a small organization with limited resources can make matching campaigns work for them.

David:

Absolutely. It's all about creativity, leveraging your existing connections, and telling a compelling story.

Sara:

Right.

David:

Now here's another example, but from a different sector education.

Sara:

Okay. Cool.

David:

This time, it's a small nonprofit in Chicago.

Sara:

Got it.

David:

It focuses on providing after school tutoring and mentoring Okay. For kids from low income families. They've got this incredible track record of helping students succeed. Yeah. But they're always stretched thin financially.

Sara:

It's amazing how much these smaller nonprofits do with so little.

David:

Right.

Sara:

I bet demand for their programs is huge.

David:

Oh, absolutely. And they were determined to expand their reach

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

To serve even more kids, so they decided to try something a little different

Sara:

Oh, yeah. What'd they do?

David:

With their matching campaign. Instead of going after a big corporate sponsor

Sara:

k.

David:

They reached out to a group of successful alumni

Sara:

Okay.

David:

Who had gone through their programs years ago.

Sara:

That's brilliant. Yeah. Tapping into that personal connection and shared history.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

I bet those alumni have some incredible stories to tell

David:

Right.

Sara:

About how the program impacted their lives.

David:

And that's precisely what they did. Cool. They invited these alumni to share their stories.

Sara:

Love it.

David:

How the program had given them the support and confidence they needed Yeah. To overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Sara:

That's amazing.

David:

It was incredibly moving, and it really resonated with potential donors.

Sara:

So did the alumni agree to be matching partners?

David:

They did. Several of them were so inspired by the organization's work

Sara:

Wow.

David:

And the impact that it had on their own lives that they collectively pledged to match all donations up to $25,000.

Sara:

Wow. That's amazing.

David:

Yeah.

Sara:

It shows the power of storytelling and building those personal connections. Did they reach their goal?

David:

They did. The campaign was a resounding success.

Sara:

That's so great to hear.

David:

And they were able to expand their programs, hire more tutors

Sara:

Awesome.

David:

And reach more students who needed their support.

Sara:

These examples are so inspiring.

David:

They really are.

Sara:

They really drive home the point that matching campaigns can be adapted

David:

Yeah.

Sara:

To fit any organization, any cause, any budget.

David:

It's true.

Sara:

It's about finding the right approach and telling the right story.

David:

Absolutely. Yeah. But I'm curious Yeah. Are there any potential pitfalls or challenges

Sara:

Yeah. What could go wrong?

David:

That organizations should be aware of when planning a matching campaign. Yeah. For sure. There are definitely some things to watch out for.

Sara:

Okay. What are some things that could trip people up?

David:

Well, one common challenge is finding the right matching partner in the first place. You know?

Sara:

Right. Makes sense.

David:

It's easy to get so caught up in the excitement of, like, a potential match

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

That you kinda jump into something that isn't a good fit for the long term.

Sara:

Like you were saying earlier about the values mismatch, how that could backfire.

David:

Exactly. But even beyond values, there's the practical side of things too.

Sara:

Oh, right.

David:

Like, can the partner actually follow through on their pledge?

Sara:

Okay.

David:

Do they have a good track record of supporting similar causes? Mhmm. Are they willing to really be involved in the campaign? Right. Or are they just looking to write a check and disappear?

Sara:

Yeah. Those are all really important questions to think about up front.

David:

It's like doing your due diligence.

Sara:

Oh, I like that due diligence for generosity.

David:

Yeah. Exactly. Oh, yeah. And it reminds me of another potential pitfall, not having a clear communication plan. Oh.

David:

It's not enough to just, like, announce the match and hope for the best. Right. You really gotta engage your donors. You know? Mhmm.

David:

Keep them updated on how the campaign's going Right. And really make them feel like they're a part of something bigger.

Sara:

It's all about that momentum.

David:

Yeah. It's definitely not a one and done kinda thing.

Sara:

And different donors will be looking for different things too.

David:

Oh, for sure. Yeah. Absolutely. Someone who's been a longtime supporter of your organization

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

They might be more motivated by impact reports or, you know, stories about how their money's making a difference.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

Whereas someone who's brand new to your cause might be more drawn to the excitement of a challenge grant.

Sara:

Oh, yeah.

David:

You know, where a donor says they'll match donations, but only if you hit a certain amount by a certain deadline.

Sara:

Oh, yeah. I love those challenge grants. They always get people fired up.

David:

Oh, totally. Mhmm. It's like a collective push to unlock that extra funding.

Sara:

Yeah. It's great.

David:

And it taps into that sense of urgency and, you know, shared accomplishment that we're talking about earlier.

Sara:

This has been so helpful, but I'm starting to realize that there's, like, a whole art and science to this.

David:

Yeah. There really is.

Sara:

It's not just about finding someone with deep pockets. You know?

David:

Right.

Sara:

It's about thinking strategically and really understanding your donors.

David:

And, you know, one thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of tailoring your message

Sara:

Oh, okay. How so?

David:

To different types of donors. Yeah. You might have major donors who can give large amounts.

Sara:

Right.

David:

You might have mid level donors who give consistently

Sara:

Uh-huh.

David:

And then smaller donors who give more modestly.

Sara:

And I'm guessing each of those groups would be looking for different things from the campaign.

David:

Absolutely. Major donors might be more interested in the long term impact of their giving.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

You know how it aligns with their overall philanthropic goals? Yeah. Might even invite them to, like, meet with your team or tour your facilities to see the work firsthand.

Sara:

It's all about that personal touch.

David:

Exactly. For mid level donors, you know, sharing stories, testimonials, impact reports, those can be really powerful in helping them see the tangible difference their contributions are making.

Sara:

Makes sense.

David:

And then for smaller donors, you might wanna emphasize the collective power of giving. You know? Yeah. How even small amounts, when combined, can have a huge impact.

Sara:

So it's really all about meeting people where they are.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

Speaking to their motivations.

David:

And, you know, another crucial element is transparency and accountability.

Sara:

Okay.

David:

Donors wanna know that their money's being used responsibly. Yeah. That you're being a good steward of their generosity.

Sara:

That makes a lot of sense. It really builds trust. It does. Strengthens the relationship.

David:

Right. Keeping your donors updated on how the campaign's going

Sara:

Uh-huh.

David:

Providing clear financial reports, and really showcasing the impact of their support. Yeah. These are all essential for building that trust and encouraging them to keep giving.

Sara:

So we've covered a lot in this deep dive.

David:

Weishan.

Sara:

We've gone from the psychology behind matching campaigns Yeah. To the practical steps of how to set one up, to even some potential pitfalls to avoid.

David:

Absolutely.

Sara:

But I'm wondering, you know, what's next. What are some of the new and innovative strategies

David:

Mhmm.

Sara:

That are pushing the boundaries of matching campaigns? What's on the horizon?

David:

Well, one thing we're seeing is the use of crowdfunding platforms to host matching campaigns.

Sara:

Oh, that's interesting.

David:

It's a great way to reach a bigger audience

Sara:

Yeah.

David:

And, you know, leverage the power of social sharing.

Sara:

Makes sense. A lot of those platforms have built in matching features too.

David:

They do, which makes it even easier.

Sara:

Yeah. That's a really smart way to tap into those online communities and make it even more accessible to give. What else?

David:

Another interesting trend is using matching campaigns to incentivize certain types of giving.

Sara:

Okay. Like what?

David:

Like some organizations are offering matching funds for recurring donations.

Sara:

Oh, that's smart.

David:

It's a great way to build a more sustainable revenue stream. You know?

Sara:

Yeah. It really encourages those ongoing commitments.

David:

Exactly. And we're also seeing more organizations using matching campaigns to support specific programs or initiatives.

Sara:

Instead of general operating expenses.

David:

Exactly.

Sara:

Oh, that makes sense.

David:

It could be a really effective way to attract donors who are super passionate about a particular cause or area of impact.

Sara:

It's all about being more strategic

David:

Right.

Sara:

And more creative with how we approach matching campaigns.

David:

I couldn't agree more. It's definitely a field that's constantly evolving, and there's always room to innovate.

Sara:

Well, this has been an incredible deep dive.

David:

It has.

Sara:

I think we really covered the world of matching campaigns.

David:

We've talked about the why the how even what the future holds for this really powerful fundraising tool.

Sara:

And I hope that everyone listening has gotten some really valuable insights

David:

Yeah. Me too.

Sara:

And maybe some practical takeaways that they can use in their own organizations.

David:

Absolutely.

Sara:

So as you go out there and you start planning your next fundraising campaign, think about the power of matching.

David:

It really is a game changer.

Sara:

With a solid plan, a great story to tell, and a dedicated team, you can achieve incredible results.

David:

For sure.

Sara:

And don't forget to check out our show notes for some helpful resources and templates.

David:

Yeah. Good idea. That you can use to create your very own matching campaign. We'll see you next time for another insightful exploration of the nonprofit

Sara:

world. Thanks for joining us.