Matching Gifts

What is a Matching Gift?

Matching gifts occur when a Company matches the charitable contribution of an employee to their alma mater. If you (or your spouse) works for a matching gift company, your gift may be doubled, or even tripled.

The history of Matching Gifts goes back to 1954, when Philip Reed, Chair of the General Electric Board Of Directors, wanted to encourage GE employees to contribute to their alma maters. Mr. Reed believed that the incentive to give was better if the company matched the employee’s gift. Hence, the GE Matching Gifts program was established. Soon after, programs were established at other companies.

The Matching gift procedure is very simple. The employee gets a matching gift form from their human resources department. After completing the form, the employee sends it along with their gift to Bradley. (You may also send in the from after you have made the gift.) Bradley certifies on the form that it has received the gift and meets the company’s guidelines for receiving a matching gift. Bradley then returns the form to the company. The company verifies eligibility of the employee and sends a check to Bradley University.

If you have questions about matching gifts, please contact our gift records office at 1-800-327-7886.

Find out if your employer has a matching gift program

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