Appalachian State University kicked off 2021 with the goal of expanding and refining its matching gift program.
Over half of App State’s matching gift funds go to support their annual fund, the Appalachian Fund. Each year, the generosity of App Fund supporters enables students to pursue their passions while decreasing their financial burden. Donations to the App Fund are used to award multiple scholarships, cover study abroad expenses, provide health and wellness services, and eliminate food insecurity, to name a few.
Using Affinaquest’s AffinityX2, an easy-to-use platform for fundraisers to identify, automate, and maximize matching gift opportunities, App State was able to: 1) Nearly double matching gift revenue; 2) Simplify the matching gift process, and 3) Create better interactions with donors.
1. Nearly 50% more matching gift revenue
In 2020, App State collected $186,170 in matching gift revenue. In 2021, they collected 576 matching gifts for a total of $275,780 – an increase of 48% year over year. The foundation for the increase is a combination of a streamlined matching gifts process and higher engagement with donors.
2. Simplify the matching gifts process
App State wanted to put an easy-to-follow system in place for matching gifts. Prior to using AffinityX2, they would send donors a one-sheeter with their donation receipt if they qualified for a matching gift and cross their fingers.
Now with Affinaquest’s AffinityX2 Matching Gift Solutions, App State has already seen an increase in matching gift revenue this year because of automated workflows that have been put in place. Auto Match automatically keeps their matching gift opportunities organized and notifies them of new match-eligible donations. Once a new matching gift opportunity is identified, Auto Match sends an automated, customized email to the donor with all the necessary paperwork enabling the donor to complete their match.
“As the matching gifts coordinator and the main user of AffinityX2, I can tell you firsthand how much easier it is to keep track of matching gifts that are coming in, have been confirmed, and have been paid. It also is so helpful to see a snapshot of the year and see the numbers of donors who respond and submit their matches. We are working on ways to engage those who have not yet responded to hopefully bring in more matching gift dollars for the Appalachian State University Foundation,” said Shannon Fox, Matching Gifts Coordinator at App State.
3. Create better interactions with donors
Affinaquest’s AffinityX2’s automated follow up emails have also enabled App State to enhance touchpoints with donors. In addition to emails to donors who are flagged as matching gift eligible, a reminder email can also be sent if a donor has not completed the necessary paperwork to fulfill the matching gift request.
With a clear process in place for both App State and its donors, they’re also seeing that constituents want to update their information more consistently without being prompted.
“I’ve noticed that donors are emailing us back with updates to their employment history/status. We are seeing more interaction with our donors regarding data collection,” said Sara Nicosia, Gift Processor at App State.
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If you’re interested in expanding your matching gift program with Affinaquest, schedule a demo here.
