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Frequently Asked Questions 
Helpful Hints 
Partial List of Companies Offering Matching Gifts

Frequently Asked Questions about Matching Gifts

1. What is a matching gift?
   A matching gift is a gift from a donor's employer that matches the donor's original gift. Most companies match dollar for dollar and some may even double or triple match a donor’s gift.
   
   
2. How do I know if my employer has a matching gifts program?
   Ask your human resources staff or visit your company's intranet.
   
   
3. Where do I get a matching gift form?
   Those are available only from your employer. If it's not clear whom to ask at your company, talk to your human resources staff. Some companies have an online matching gifts program so you don't ever have to fill out a form.
   
   
4. Please read carefully the guidelines of your employer's matching gift program.
   Many companies only match donations given to educational institutions or arts and culture organizations, etc. Also, check to see if your company only matches your individual donations. Most companies match only donations from the employee and will not match the employee's fundraising total. Many companies also have a minimum amount that you must donate before they match such as $25. Please make sure your donation is eligible before submitting a form.
   
   
5. Please include the name of the participant that the matching gift donation should be credited to on the form.
   This will enable quicker processing. Please do not date the form. Many companies have a 90-day policy on accepting forms and they go by the date filled in by the donor, not by the date filled in by the recipient organization. Many forms are turned in months after the donation has been received and by the time the form is processed it is too late to turn in to the company for a match.
   
   
6. Don't forget to sign the form!
   It is an easy step to miss. Also, please fill out the form completely with address and phone number information in case there are any questions about the form.
   
   
7. Please turn in the form at the same time the donation/pledge is turned in.
   Paperclip the donation form to your check, or include a copy of the receipt of online donations. This makes processing faster as well.  If you have applied for the matching gift through your company’s online system, please email the Chapter a copy of your confirmation. 
   
   
8. What do I do with the form when I've filled it out?
   Refer to the instructions on the matching gift form, but usually the next step is to mail or fax it to the chapter (please include the participant's name):
   
   National MS Society, National Capital Chapter
   1800 M Street, N.W.
   Suite 750 South
   Washington, D.C. 20036
   Fax: 202-296-3425
   Email: matchinggifts@MSandYOU.org
   
   If you’ve filled out the information online, don’t forget to send us an email with a copy of the confirmation that you have completed all online steps. 
   
   
9. How will I know when you have received the donation and the matching gift?
   Check the "My Progress" section of your Participant Center. We will list the donation and list the expected matching gift separately. It can take months to receive payment for matching gifts but the participant will receive credit for matching gifts for prize purposes.

Helpful Tips for Matching Gifts

• Spread the word about matching gifts:
  Encourage all of your event donors to ask their company if they participate in a matching gift program.
  
  
• Have matching gift forms when you approach your coworkers:
  If your company participates in a matching gift program, have the forms available when you approach your coworkers. When they make a contribution, you can hand them a form to complete.
  
  If your company allows matching gift requests to be made online, include a link to the online request form, with step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the information, when you send a “Thank You for Donating” email.
  
  
• The earlier the better:
  Enclosing the matching gift forms in your pledge envelope on the day of the event or even before will ensure that your matching gift will be included with your current year’s prize total. To assist us in the process, please include a copy of your pledge form for the National MS Society to reference.
  
  For matching gifts to be counted towards your fundraising prizes, we must receive your matching gift form, or notification that you applied for a matching gift online, before the prize deadline.

Partial list of companies that offer matching gifts