Every so often, something kind of magical happens in our donor reports.
A gift comes in, and then a second gift appears. Same donor, same amount, twice the impact.
It’s not magic, of course. It’s a matching gift, and it’s one of the most overlooked ways to multiply support for survivors of sex trafficking.
Here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a major donor to make a major difference. Many employers match gifts of $25, $50, or $100. That means a gift that already matters suddenly becomes twice as powerful.
And even if your company doesn’t offer matching gifts, you can still help unlock one through your network.
Matching gifts 101
A matching gift is when a company donates to a nonprofit based on an employee’s donation. Often they match dollar for dollar, and sometimes more. Usually, the company just needs the nonprofit name, a donation receipt, and a short online form submission.
A few true to life stories we see all the time at REST
“I had no idea my company did that.”
A donor told us they’d been giving for years and never knew their employer offered matching gifts. They found the program by accident while updating benefits info. They submitted one quick form, uploaded their donation receipt, and that was it. A few weeks later, a second gift arrived, same amount, without them spending an extra dollar.
Their words: “I can’t believe I’ve been leaving impact on the table.”
“I asked HR, and it was easier than ordering lunch.”
Another donor assumed matching gifts would be complicated. They asked HR during a busy week expecting a runaround. Instead, HR sent a link to the company portal, and the whole thing took under five minutes.
Their words: “That might be the highest return on time thing I did all month.”
“I don’t work at a match company, but my friend does.”
A donor said, “I don’t work at Microsoft, but my friend does.” They sent a quick note: “Hey, would you be willing to make a gift to REST and submit it for a company match? It would double the impact.” Their friend loved the simplicity. Small action, huge result.
That’s the ripple effect. Your impact can expand through the people you know.
How to check if your employer matches and submit in minutes
Step 1: Search your company’s giving portal
Try keywords like matching gifts, employee giving, workplace giving, corporate philanthropy, or CSR (corporate social responsibility).
Step 2: Make your gift to REST
Save your receipt. You’ll likely upload it.
Step 3: Submit the match request
Most portals will ask for REST’s details and proof of your donation.
Step 4: Watch your impact double
Some matches come through quickly. Others take a few weeks. Either way, you just multiplied support for survivors.
If you don’t have a matching gift program, you can still unlock a match
Ask a friend who works at a company with matching
Copy and paste this message:
Hey! Quick question. Does your employer offer matching gifts? I support REST. They support survivors of sex trafficking by expanding pathways to freedom, safety, and hope. If your company matches donations, would you consider making a gift and submitting it for a match? It’s an easy way to double impact.
Ask your workplace to start a giving or match program
Some companies don’t know employees want it until someone asks.
Share this blog
You never know who in your circle has access to a match program until you invite them into it.
Companies that have matched gifts to REST
We’re grateful for the many employers who help double and sometimes triple donor impact through matching gifts. Examples include but are not limited to:
Google
King County Employees
Microsoft
Nintendo
Nordstrom
Starbucks
T-Mobile
Your next step takes two minutes
Today, check one thing: does your employer match gifts?
If yes, submit your match.
If no, text one friend and ask if their employer matches.
Because of you, survivors are met with practical support, steady advocacy, and real pathways forward. And when your gift is matched, it’s a little like a March Madness Cinderella story, an underdog moment where a simple act of generosity suddenly doubles in power and wins big.
Double the gift. Double the hope.