1. Research your company’s corporate giving policy.
The place to begin is with your company’s Human Resources Department.  If they do not administer the company’s Matching Gift Program, they can direct you to the appropriate department.

Many companies process their Matching Gifts online.  If this is the case with your company, be sure to inform your walkers where to go to utilize this tool.  Please ask members on your team to print out any confirmations or emails they receive for their match and to turn it in with their contribution to the AIDS Walk.

If your company does not have a Corporate Giving Policy or Matching Gift Program, consider Establishing a Matching Gift Program or take advantage of other Southern California Companies with Matching Gift Programs , by asking your friends and family members who work for those companies to sponsor you.
 
2. Read your company’s Matching Gift Form thoroughly.
Most Matching Gift Forms are divided into two sections.  The first section is completed by the donor/sponsor and the second section is completed by the non-profit organization receiving the gift.

Some companies require that a photocopy of the donor/sponsor’s check accompany the Matching Gift Form.  Ask your team members to have all required documentation attached to the Matching Gift Form.

3. Be prepared – Make it easy!
Have a supply of forms available so that you can distribute them to your co-team members.

Some companies allow the standard form to be photocopied.  Be sure to find out your company’s policy before copying the form.  Many companies will only accept original Matching Gift Forms – NOT photocopies!

Encourage team members to have a supply of forms with their AIDS Walk sponsorship form.  Then sponsors/donors can complete the form at the same time they make the contribution is made.

4. Tell your sponsors what they need to do.
If your company does have a Matching Gift Program, promote it.

Explain the how the match works, if they match $1:$1, $1:$2 or $1:3 or if there is a minimum contribution amount a sponsor/donor must make in order to utilize the Program.  Many times sponsors will increase their level of giving when they know that the gift will be matched with funds from the company.

Indicate to your sponsors/donors the areas they will need to complete.