If you're part of a nonprofit team trying to grow your fundraising, you've probably heard the term “matching grant” tossed around.
It sounds like free money, and in a way, it is, but it also comes with a bit of a challenge. A matching grant means that if your organization raises a certain amount of money from your community, a funder will match it. That could double your impact. Pretty great, right?
Matching grants can be game-changers for small teams with big goals. They create urgency, boost donor confidence, and often help nonprofits raise more in less time. We’ve worked with nonprofits who’ve seen real success using this strategy, and we’ve seen how a smart, well-timed match can unlock momentum when it matters most.
Looking to make matching grants a part of your fundraising toolkit? Harness can help. From strategy to execution, we’ve got the tools and support to make it simple. Let’s dive in.
Matching grants and how they work
A matching grant is a promise: “If you raise this much, we’ll match it.” It’s usually made by a foundation, corporation, or government agency that wants to support your mission, but only if your community steps up, too. The idea is simple: when donors know their gift will be doubled, they’re more likely to give.
Sometimes the match is dollar for dollar. Other times, it might be $2 for every $1 raised, or even capped at a specific amount. Some funders give you a deadline, like 30 or 60 days, to meet the goal. If you raise it in time, you get the match. If not, you might lose the opportunity altogether.
This isn’t the same as a matching gift, which usually comes from a donor’s employer after they’ve made a personal donation. A matching grant is usually tied to a fundraising campaign and is meant to inspire a group of donors to give during a specific window of time.
The bottom line: matching grants help you build trust, create urgency, and show that your cause matters to more than just your core supporters.
Types of matching grants available to nonprofits
Not all matching grants are the same. Some are straightforward. Others come with rules. Knowing the types can help you decide which one fits your nonprofit best, and how to plan your ask.
Cash matching grants are the most common. You raise a set amount of money from your donors, and the funder matches it. It’s clean, easy to explain, and super motivating for supporters. Think: “Every dollar you give today will be doubled.”
In-kind matching grants are a little different. Instead of giving you money, the match might come in the form of services, products, or space. For example, a company might donate printing, software, or event space to match the value of what you raise.
Volunteer matching grants are growing in popularity. Some funders will match the value of volunteer hours with dollars. So, if you can document a certain number of hours, you might unlock funds without raising actual cash.
Then there are challenge grants. These are more competitive. The funder might say, “We’ll give you $50,000, but only if you can raise $100,000 first.” It pushes you to stretch further but comes with big rewards if you succeed.
Some government agencies, especially those giving federal grants, also use matching structures. They often call it a “cost share,” and it’s required in the grant agreement. You’ll need strong documentation for these, but they can bring in serious funding.
The benefits of matching grants for nonprofit organizations
Matching grants do more than just bring in money, they build momentum. One of the biggest benefits? They get people excited to give. When donors hear that their gift will be doubled, they’re more likely to act, and to act fast.
This urgency can boost your donations during short campaigns or year-end pushes. It’s also great for first-time donors. They feel like their gift matters more, and that builds trust right away.
Another win: matching grants show that your nonprofit is worth investing in. If a foundation or company is willing to match gifts, it tells other donors that your work is credible. That kind of backing can help you raise funds from people who might be on the fence.
Matching grants also help you diversify your funding sources. You’re not just relying on one big check, you’re building a stronger base of support from both individual donors and institutional partners.
And finally, they’re a great way to reconnect with past supporters. Maybe someone gave last year but hasn’t donated since. A match can bring them back with a new reason to give.
How to find matching grant opportunities
Finding the right matching grant takes some digging, but it’s worth it. A good match can multiply your fundraising results, and it all starts with knowing where to look.
Start with foundations and corporations that support causes like yours. Many have matching grant programs built into their giving strategies, especially larger brands or regional funders. If they don’t advertise it publicly, it’s still worth asking during the application process.
Don’t overlook government agencies, especially if you're applying for a federal grant. Many government funders require a cost-share or match requirement, meaning you have to show you’ve raised a certain amount from other sources. The bonus? If you’ve got a match lined up, it strengthens your application.
There are also online tools that can help you find matching opportunities. Grant databases like Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation, or local community foundation listings can filter by funding type, region, and mission.
Lastly, don’t underestimate your network. Ask board members, major donors, or business partners if they know of any potential funders offering grant programs with a match component. Sometimes, the best leads come from conversations, not Google.
Strategies for raising funds to meet the match requirements
Once you’ve secured a matching grant, the real work begins, raising the funds to meet the match requirements. This is where a clear, focused plan can make all the difference.
Start by creating a sense of urgency. Most matches are tied to a specific time frame, like 30 or 60 days. Use that deadline to build momentum. Let donors know, “We need to raise $10,000 by the end of the month to unlock a full match.”
Next, lean into storytelling. Donors want to know their gifts will do more than just cover costs. Show them how this match will create real change, whether it’s funding a program, reaching a new community, or scaling your impact.
Make it easy to give. Your donation forms, emails, and campaign page should be simple, mobile-friendly, and clearly explain the matching funds opportunity. Use phrases like “every dollar counts twice” to drive the point home.
Don’t forget to engage your existing base. Individual donors, board members, and volunteers are often your best champions. Ask them to share your campaign, post on social media, or even create peer fundraising pages to help close the gap.
And always keep donors updated. Celebrate progress in real time: “We’re halfway there!” or “Just $2,000 left to unlock the full match!” People love seeing their impact in action.
How to apply for and manage matching grants
Applying for a matching grant isn’t just about filling out forms, it’s about showing that your organization can rally support and deliver results. Funders want to see that you have a plan to raise the match and that you know how to follow through.
Start by being clear about your goals. What will the grant support? How much do you need to raise, and by when? Share a realistic timeline and explain how you’ll use both the matched and raised funds to make an impact.
Be specific in your grant funding proposal. Use data if you have it, like past fundraising success or donor retention rates. Funders want to feel confident that your nonprofit can actually meet the match and manage it responsibly.
Once you’ve secured a matching grant, tracking is everything. You’ll need to keep careful records of donations, dates, and sources. Some federal grant programs have strict rules for what counts toward a match, especially when it comes to in-kind contributions.
Use tools that simplify reporting, like donor CRMs or platforms with a built-in reporting hub. These help you stay organized, automate some tasks, and make it easier to update funders when it’s time to show results.
And one more thing: stay in touch with your funder. Keep them posted on your progress, even before the reporting deadline. That ongoing communication can go a long way when you're applying for your next grant.
Real-world examples of matching grant success
Sometimes, seeing how others have done it makes all the difference. We’ve worked with nonprofits of all sizes that have used matching grants to supercharge their fundraising, and the best part is, you don’t need a massive team to pull it off.
One small animal rescue used a $5,000 matching grant during their year-end campaign. They told their supporters, “Every dollar you give will be doubled up to $5,000.” The result? They raised over $12,000 in just two weeks. Donors loved the idea that their gift would go twice as far, and the nonprofit hit their fundraising goal ahead of schedule.
Another group, a local youth mentoring program, ran a 30-day campaign using a corporate match. They added a countdown clock to their website, sent weekly updates, and had board members post on social media. The sense of urgency worked: they not only met the match but brought in dozens of new donors along the way.
We’ve also seen matching grants used as part of a larger strategy. One organization ran a campaign where individual donors could vote on how the funds were used, after the match was unlocked. It was fun, engaging, and gave donors a real sense of ownership.
Bottom line? Matching grants work best when they’re personal, timely, and easy to understand. If you can show people that their gift has more power during a match, they’ll show up for you.
Gifts that go further
Matching grants aren’t just about raising more money, they’re about building stronger connections with your community. When people see that their gift can go further, they feel more invested in your mission. And when funders see your team can meet a match, they’re more likely to trust you with future support.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, matching grants can be a smart, energizing part of your nonprofit fundraising strategy. They add urgency, unlock new donors, and help turn one-time gifts into lasting relationships.
If you’re ready to run a matching grant campaign that actually works, Harness can help. From donor engagement to smart fundraising tools, we’ll support you every step of the way.
