MATCHING GIFTS, CASH & CHECKS
Matching Gifts: What are they?
Matching gifts are philanthropic donations where companies match employee donations to nonprofits. When an employee makes a donation, they'll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. This allows the employee to DOUBLE the impact of their donation.
Do matching gifts count toward my minimum fundraising commitment?
Yes, matching gifts received by the Ride will be applied toward your commitment. Pending gifts may be accepted with proof that the match is in process. Submit matching requests as early as possible, as many companies have different policies for remitting these gifts. Matching gift requests and notifications should be sent to matching-gifts@tpan.com.
How do I find out if my employer has a matching gifts program?
You can quickly check to see if your company has a matching gifts program HERE.
How do I request a matching gift?
Requesting a matching gift is normally a five-minute process which must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper match form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process. Please search our database for company specific information.
How can my donors take part in the matching gift program?
When a donor makes an online donation to TPAN to support your efforts as a rider, they should refer to the “Matching Gifts Information” section at the bottom of the donation form to indicate they will be asking their employer to match the donation.
Upon completing the matching section, a “pledge” is automatically created in your fundraising account telling us to expect a ‘match.’
Upon completing the matching section, a “pledge” is automatically created in your fundraising account telling us to expect a ‘match.’
PLEASE encourage any prospective donors to complete this section of the online donation form if they are going to submit a matching request to their employer. The donor must start this process with their company before TPAN can confirm the match. Companies often process employee matching gift requests on a quarterly basis, so it may take some time for the pledge to appear in your fundraising total.
NOTE: please remind your donors that checking this box only alerts TPAN to the potential for a match. The actual matching gift donation must be applied for by each donor, according to her company's matching gift policy. Donors should refer to TPAN, your name, and the Ride for AIDS Chicago whenever possible when completing company matching gift applications. TPAN is fortunate to receive many matching gifts and we strive to identify those associated with your fundraising efforts on behalf of TPAN.
TPAN’s IRS Tax ID#: 36-3591116
If a donor’s employer requests additional information from TPAN, please have them contact:
London Woolman
l.woolman@tpan.com
773-632-5547
Where do I send Checks?
On occasion, a donor may wish to write a check instead of making an online donation—such contributions are considered “offline” donations. In order to process these offline donations, please request that any checks be made payable to "Test Positive Aware Network" (or TPAN)—and make sure that your name or your team's name appear in the memo line of the check.
Mail any checks you receive to:
TPAN
Attn: Ride for Life Chicago
5537 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60640
IMPORTANT: In order to make sure that these offline donations are included in your fundraising total, you must enter and add any checks you receive to your fundraising page. To do this, simply complete the "Enter Pledge" information (in the ‘Enter Offline Donations’ section of your Participant Center) for each check you receive, and then hit 'Submit.’ The amount of the check will appear as a pending donation in your fundraising account, and will be added to your fundraising total when the check is received by accounting.
Someone gave me a cash donation. What do I do?
The easiest way to process cash donations is to deposit the cash into your checking account and send TPAN a check or make a self-donation on your fundraising page. If you make the donation with your credit card, you can enter the donor’s name and email address to send the donor a payment receipt. We strongly urge you to not mail cash.