Employer Matching Gifts: Double the Impact of Your Donation

Many companies in the United States support charitable giving by matching donations their employees make to eligible nonprofit organizations. This is known as an employer matching gift program. When your gift is matched, your contribution can be doubled — and sometimes even tripled — at no additional cost to you.

Do you or your spouse work for Trane Technologies Plc? Your gift to the RP Campaign may be eligible to be matched automatically! Check the Trane/RP Matching policy here for details.

What is an Employer Matching Gift?

An employer matching gift is a corporate philanthropy program in which a company matches donations that its employees make to nonprofit organizations.

Example:
If you donate $100 and your employer offers a 1:1 match, the nonprofit receives $200.

Some Employers also match:

Gifts made by retirees

Volunteer hours (contributing to nonprofit organizations for each hour the employee volunteers)

Gifts made by spouses or domestic partners of employees

Your impact increases immediately

Why It Matters

You help the nonprofit reach its goals faster

You strengthen the partnership between your workplace and causes you care about

Yet billions of dollars in matching funds go unclaimed each year simply because donors are unaware of the opportunity.

How to Find out If Your Employer Matches Gifts

Checking your eligibility is usually quick and easy:

1. Ask Your HR Department

Your Human Resources team can tell you if your company has a matching gift program and provide the necessary forms or links.

2. Search Your Company's Intranet or Benefits Portal

Look for sections labeled:

“Matching Gifts”
“Corporate Philanthropy”
“Employee Giving”
“Community Engagement”

3. Use Your Company's Matching Gift Platform

Many employers use online systems (such as Benevity, YourCause, CyberGrants, or Bright Funds) where you can search for the nonprofit and submit your request.

4. Check With Your Spouse's Employer

Some companies will match charitable contributions made by employees’ spouses or retirees.

How The Matching Gift Process Works

While each company’s process is slightly different, the typical steps are:

Step 1: Make Your Donation

Give to ASHRAE as you normally would.

Step 2: Submit a Matching Gift Request

After making your gift:

Log into your employer’s matching gift portal or
Complete a short paper or online form

You’ll usually need:

ASHRAE’s name and tax ID number (58-6274320)
The date and amount of your gift
Proof of your donation (such as a receipt)

Step 3: Emplyer Verification

The company contacts the nonprofit (or uses an automated system) to confirm your gift.

Step 4: Matching Gift is Sent

Once the donation is verified, the employer sends the matching funds directly to ASHRAE.

Important Things to Know

Deadlines: Many companies require you to submit your match within a specific time frame (often within 3–12 months after your gift).
Minimum and maximum match amounts: Programs typically have an annual matching limit.
Eligibility: Part-time employees, retirees, and spouses may qualify, depending on the company.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your employer participates or need assistance with the process, we’re happy to help. Contact us at RP@ashrae.org and we can guide you through the submission process.