Despite the $2 to $3 billion donated through matching gift programs on an annual basis,
an additional $4 to $7 billion in match funds are left on the table each year
That means neither corporate contributors nor nonprofit recipients
are making the most of their matching gift potential.

The MATCHING GIFT process

Though the specific processes can vary dramatically from one business to another, the basic premise remains the same:

  1. Employees donate and request matching funds.
  2. Companies approve employees’ requests
    and make their own donations.
  3. Suncoast Storytellers receives a gift from
    both the individual and the employer

STEPS INVOLVED

  1. The Employee learns about their employer’ Matching Gift program
  2. Employee makes a donation to Suncoast Storytellers and submits a matching gift request to their company.
  3. The company reviews the matching gift submission request.
  4. The company verifies the initial donation with Suncoast Storytellers.
  5. The company approves the donation match
  6. Then disburses the funds to Suncoast Storytellers.

STEP 1 - The Employee learns about their employer’ Matching Gift program

As a donor, you might miss out on matching funds from your employer! To learn more, check your company’s onboarding materials, benefit details or internal communications. Nonprofits you donate to often have matching gift info on their website or donation forms too. Don’t hesitate to ask!

STEP 2 - Employee makes a donation to Suncoast Storytellers and submits a matching gift request to their company.

Obtain your employer’s matching gift instructions. They might provide an online portal or a downloadable form. Regardless of the format, typically you’ll need to provide:
  • Organization name, location, and tax ID number
    • Suncoast Storytellers Inc.
    • EIN 87-4716092
  • Donation receipt copy

Once submitted, you’ve completed your part!

STEP 3 - The company reviews the matching gift submission request.

Donors: Check if your donation qualifies for a match by reviewing your company’s matching gift criteria. This usually includes minimum/maximum donation amounts, eligible employee types, and qualifying nonprofits.

You can find this information on your company’s intranet or by contacting HR.

STEP 4 - The company verifies the initial donation with Suncoast Storytellers.

Companies use a process to verify employee donations to match their gifts.
Automated systems check submissions against set criteria for quick approval.
Manual review involves company screening and verification with Suncoast Storytellers to ensure conformance with program policy before disbursing funds.

STEP 5 - The company approves the donation match

Once a company verifies your donation details (amount, charity), they’ll review it against their matching program guidelines (minimums, maximums, eligible nonprofits). If it meets their criteria, they’ll approve and send the matching donation to the charity. Most companies handle this electronically now, making it a quick process.

STEP 6 - The Company disburses the funds to Suncoast Storytellers.