Matching Gifts

Many businesses and corporations will match contributions to Augustana. Matching gifts are credited to the same fund as the donor's gift and generally match at a ratio of one half to three times the amount. For instance, the match for a gift to The Augustana Fund would also be credited to The Augustana Fund. They vary by the match ratio, maximum annual payout, and minimum amount to be matched. Although companies with matching gift policies will match gifts given by employees, some will also match gifts given by spouses or retirees.

There are two ways to claim a matching gift. The first involves sending a gift to Augustana with your employer's matching gift form, obtained from your employer's human resources office. Augustana verifies the receipt of the gift and returns the form to the employer. The second involves a paperless route where you register your contributions electronically, when available. Regardless of the method used, the end result is the same--Augustana benefits twice from the donor's generosity!

Donors who have their gifts matched receive recognition for the value of their own gift plus the value of the matching gift. You will receive recognition credit for gift club purposes upon receipt of the matching gift form--whether paper or electronic.

Does your employer offer a matching gift program? We invite you to use our online search directory below to find out. This directory includes details of more than 17,000 employer-matching programs, and many of the matching gift forms are provided for downloading and printing right off the directory.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans launches new fraternal giving program!

While Thrivent has ended its GivingPlus matching gift program, Thrivent is launching a new Thrivent Choice Dollars program for Thrivent members to direct philanthropic fraternal dollars to Augustana College. Thrivent members will be eligible to direct Choice Dollars monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the financial products they own. We ask Thrivent members to choose Augustana College for your Thrivent Choice Dollars by contacting the Thrivent service center at 1-800-THRIVENT or online at www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/news and directing your Choice Dollars to Augustana! Your Choice Dollars will make a lasting impact on Augustana's strength and mission.

Thrivent generously awarded Augustana a one-time $13,440 phase-out grant in February, 2010 to bridge the gap between the old and new member giving programs. Please join Augustana in thanking Thrivent for this grant and for its continued strong commitment to fraternal and community investment.

We invite your questions about utilizing matching gifts in your philanthropy to Augustana College. For more information please contact:

Anne E. Bergren '90
Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship
800-798-8100 ext. 7228; 309-794-7228 
annebergren@augustana.edu