Glossary
Grants

Matching Grant

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

A matching grant is a donation pledged on the condition that the nonprofit raises an equivalent amount from other sources.
A matching grant is a type of funding where a donor, such as a foundation or corporation, agrees to contribute a specific amount of money to a nonprofit if the organization is able to raise an equal or predetermined amount from other sources, often within a set time frame. This approach is designed to encourage broad community support, maximize fundraising efforts, and demonstrate a nonprofit’s ability to mobilize resources. Matching grants are commonly used in fundraising campaigns to incentivize donors, leveraging the promise of additional funds to boost overall contributions. Accurate tracking and reporting are essential, as nonprofits must prove they have met the matching requirements to receive the pledged funds.

Key Takeaways

  • Matching grants require nonprofits to raise funds to unlock donor contributions.
  • They encourage broader community support and increase total fundraising.
  • Accurate tracking is essential to meet grant conditions.

Why It Matters

Matching grants can double donations and motivate more supporters to give.

Real World Example

A local animal shelter receives a matching grant offer from a community foundation: for every dollar the shelter raises from the public during their spring campaign, the foundation will match up to $10,000. The shelter promotes the match, emphasizing that each donation will go twice as far. Donors are motivated to contribute, knowing their gifts will be doubled. After successfully raising $10,000, the shelter submits documentation to the foundation, receives the matching funds, and is able to expand its animal care programs thanks to the increased support.

How Aplos Helps

With Aplos, nonprofits can easily track incoming donations designated for matching grants, ensuring accurate accounting and compliance with grant requirements. Aplos reporting tools make it simple to demonstrate that matching conditions have been met, helping organizations secure critical funding from donors.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a matching grant?

A matching grant is funding pledged by a donor that will only be given if the nonprofit raises an equivalent amount from other sources.

How do matching grants benefit nonprofits?

They help motivate more donors to give, increase the total funds raised, and demonstrate community support.

How does Aplos help manage matching grants?

Aplos allows nonprofits to track donations for matching grants, ensuring accurate accounting and easy reporting for compliance with grant conditions.

Do matching grants have deadlines?

Yes, most matching grants require nonprofits to raise the matching amount within a specific timeframe to qualify for the funds.