Automated Donation Matching
The core of most giving programs is the employer match. Top-tier software should allow employees to submit matching requests with ease and provide administrators with automated workflows to approve or reject these requests based on pre-set company policies. Seamless integration with tools like Double the Donation can help employees instantly identify if their employer matches their gift.
Volunteer Management
A robust platform should do more than handle money. Look for modules that allow employees to search for local volunteering opportunities, sign up for events, and log their service hours. Features that include team-based challenges or recurring volunteer shifts help drive higher engagement rates.
Vetted Nonprofit Databases
To remain compliant with IRS regulations, companies must ensure donations go to legitimate tax-exempt organizations. Platforms like Benevity, CyberGrants, and Bright Funds maintain extensive, vetted databases of US-based nonprofits, ensuring that employees are only donating to eligible, verified charities.
Robust Reporting and Analytics
To justify CSR investment, you need data. Look for dashboards that track participation rates, total dollars donated, and total volunteer hours logged. The ability to export data for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is essential for public companies and organizations focused on transparency.