Match funding is so powerful — especially when it quadruples donations

By Jane Cabutti, Environmental Funders Network

This month at the Environmental Funders Network we are busy working on the Green Match Fund – an annual campaign with the Big Give to raise money for environmental charities and to raise the profile of environmental philanthropy.

We are seeking match funding from philanthropists and foundations which will be used to incentivise donations from the public during the week of the campaign in April.

We are off to an excellent start: we have been offered £1 million in match funding by a private donor IF we can raise a further million in match funding from philanthropists and foundations ahead of the campaign.

This money, plus any further funding we are able to raise upfront, will be used to double donations from the public during the week of the campaign, offering a real incentive for the public to give.

Any funding that donors and foundations provide in match funding will therefore be quadrupled. 

The public campaign will run from 20 to 27 April, around World Earth Day on 22 April, and we aim to build on the amount raised last year – £2.8 million for 146 environmental charities.

Donations can go further, faster

Match funding is a fantastic opportunity for donors because it allows you to really amplify your funding without having to contribute more funds – your donations will go further and have a greater impact on the causes you care about.

By imposing a deadline and creating a sense of urgency, match funding campaigns create a sense of excitement, incentivising the public to donate even more and in a quicker fashion – and then share the campaign with others.

It is a fact that more people give, and people give more, when their donations are matched.

Who wouldn’t enjoy the thrill of seeing their donation instantly double or even quadruple?

 Who can pledge match funding?

Anyone who can commit the funds can become a match funder – whether you’re an individual donor, a foundation, a trust or a company.

The minimum match funding donation for the Big Give Green Match Fund is £10,000. You can direct your funding to the charities or issues you choose, or donate to the central fund, with projects chosen by the Big Give and EFN from those applying.

Giving to trusted sources

The Green Match Fund is an easy way for everyone – whether a major donor providing match funding or a member of the public donating during the week of the campaign – to give to trusted charities that have a big impact on the urgent climate and nature issues we are experiencing.

The Big Give has a rigorous application and due diligence procedure, and the ‘best in class’ projects that participate in the campaign are chosen by experts from the EFN and the Big Give.

Getting involved with the Big Give Green Match Fund

If you have an interest in match funding and supporting environmental causes and would like to see your donations have quadruple the impact for people and planet, then please consider pledging to the Green Match Fund.

Further details are here, or contact champions@thebiggive.org.uk.