What to Expect
When Seeking Donations

Here’s how the DonationMatch common application for in-kind donations works.

DonationMatch is a freemium platform that connects companies with nonprofits seeking in-kind donations for events. If a company in our network directed you here, they use DonationMatch to manage their donation program — meaning your application goes through us so they can review it alongside others. Creating a free account takes just a few minutes, and once you're set up, you can apply to that company and discover other donors your organization may qualify for.

STEP BY STEP:

1) Create your organization profile

Set up your login and add your organization's basic information. We ask for proof of eligibility so donor companies know they're working with an authorized representative of an exempt organization — this protects both sides and helps your requests get reviewed faster.

  • Recipients must meet the following requirements:

    • ELIGIBLE FEDERAL EXEMPT STATUS:

    In the U.S.: Recognized as Exempt from federal income taxes under subsection 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code (including churches/religion-related) OR provide a completed and signed W-9 for a government exemption, which includes public schools and the military.

    In Canada: Recognized as a Registered Charity or other Qualified Donee by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

    • BE "IN GOOD STANDING" WITH U.S. STATE AGENCIES THAT REQUIRE IT: Be in compliance with state laws that apply to donation solicitation and charitable fundraising platforms.

    • HAVE A LIVE, UPDATED WEBSITE: A site your organization controls is required for donors to see your organization’s activities, leadership, impact, and more when making decisions. An organization that is affiliated with, yet legally separate from a school such as a foundation, PTA, or PTO, must have its own web page or website. A Facebook/social media account or listing in a third-party directory is NOT sufficient.

  • Only persons authorized to solicit in-kind donations using an organization’s EIN (or Canadian BN) should create a DonationMatch profile for the organization.

    Free email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) may take longer to verify.

    If you do not use an email address that matches the organization’s website URL or can be found there, you will be asked to provide one.

2) Add your event

Add the event you're requesting donations for. Most donors need several weeks' advance notice to review and fulfill requests, so the sooner you apply, the better. Clear event descriptions help companies quickly see whether your event is a good fit for their donation program.

3) Request eligible donations

Once your profile is approved, you'll see donations available from companies whose criteria match your organization and event — including the company that referred you, if you qualify. You can track the status of each request in real time as responses come in.

4) Receive donations and thank donors

Once donations are received, be sure to thank all donors as promised and keep your organization and event profiles updated for future requests.

  • Many donated tickets and gift certificates are fulfilled electronically, so they can be downloaded and printed upon approval or e-delivered to winners. If pickup or shipment is required, you will see this noted on the request page, and contact details will be forwarded upon donor approval.

If information cannot be verified, additional clarification and/or documentation will be requested by email. If you have not received an update within 3 business days after submitting a Nonprofit profile, please look in your email’s spam folder and/or visit your DonationMatch dashboard for status updates.

If you have any questions during the application process, feel free to contact us at nonprofitsupport@donationmatch.com or use the green “Help/?” button in the lower left corner.

Ready to get started?

Create your free account today and start connecting with donors.

Join thousands of nonprofits already using DonationMatch.

GET STARTED FOR FREE

By registering with DonationMatch, you consent to receive communications from DonationMatch and donor companies in our network. DonationMatch communications could include updates on eligibility determination, donation requests, donation offers, status changes, fulfillment instructions, surveys, and news about DonationMatch, system features, special offers, and sponsors. You are welcome to unsubscribe or request that your account be closed at any time.