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Matching Program Standards

ActBlue supports legitimate matching programs that help amplify grassroots donations. To ensure transparency and protect donors from misleading claims, all matching programs must comply with these standards based on our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

What is a Matching Program?

A matching program is a fundraising initiative where additional funds are contributed based on individual donations. For example, a "200% match" means that for every dollar donated, an additional two dollars are contributed to the campaign or organization.

Documentation Requirements

Organizations running matching programs must be prepared to provide documentation upon request confirming that matching funds come from permissible sources.

Acceptable Sources:

  • Contingent donations: Pledges from specific donors who have committed to match grassroots contributions up to a specified amount
  • Designated large donor funds: Funds specifically designated by major donors for the purpose of matching grassroots donations

Unacceptable Sources:

  • Recycled grassroots funds: Using previously raised small-dollar donations to "match" new small-dollar donations
  • Pre-allocated operational budgets: Using funds already budgeted for general operations, programs, or other purposes

Acceptable Practices

Major donor commitments: "A group of major donors has pledged to match all grassroots donations up to $100,000"

Contingent matching funds: "A foundation has provided $50,000 specifically to match small-dollar contributions up to $10,000 at a 500% rate"

Prohibited Practices

Unsubstantiated multipliers: Claiming 400%, 500%, or higher matches without corresponding funds from acceptable sources

Recycling donations: Using grassroots donations to "match" other grassroots donations

Budget reallocation: Claiming existing operational funds as "matching" funds

Getting Help

If you are a campaign or organization with questions about whether your matching program meets these standards, please contact your Account Manager or our support team here before launching your program. We're here to help ensure your fundraising is both effective and compliant.

If you are a donor that would like to report a possible violation of our Account Use Policy, please visit this page to learn more.

ActBlue reserves the right to request documentation verifying matching fund sources at any time.