Matched Giving Portal Makes Its Mark

A new online portal allows Australian donors to give to charities and have their donations matched by a company or a philanthropist of their choice.

Called Givematcher, it’s the brainchild of Sydney-based social entrepreneur and former banking executive Franck Demoiseau.

Demoiseau says the Givematcher fundraising portal was launched in mid-February and has already signed up more than 50 charities, including some of Australia's largest charities. As well, some eight corporates have signed on.

“This has been a great result as we need a reasonably large bank for charities and for corporates to choose to become engaged with,” he says.

He says the portal allows both companies and charities to be able to work together in a way they have never been able to do previously.  

“For companies with a budget of say $10,000 to give to a charity they know that their matched donation means the charity is really getting  $20,000 and that’s a great way to leverage their social impact,” he says.

Demoiseau says this form of marketing can then deliver new donors to the charities.

Givematcher says it also delivers the contact details of donors to the charities who sign up,  unlike workplace giving programs where the employees of a company usually remain anonymous.

“Givematcher uses the power of Matched Giving on a large scale to bring great new value to donors, companies and charities, triggering a tremendous win-win-win scenario,” Demoiseau says.

“Donors finally have a way of leveraging their donations, which for most Australians has not been possible as most companies do not have a workplace giving programs and donors greatly appreciate the support of the companies that match their donations.

“As well companies are able to help charities more than by donating directly, while enjoying benefits such as showcasing their social responsibility, and adding to customer and staff relations in a unique altruistic way by matching their donations, and raising their brand awareness.

“CSR is high on companies' agenda with research having shown that companies' support for social causes has become a very important deciding factor for brand selection.”

There are no sign up or annual costs for the charities or corporates. However Givematcher says it takes a fee of 7.5 per cent from individual donations.

For Demoiseau developing the portal is a giant leap of faith into the Not for Profit sector.

Just last year he was the Chief Operating Officer of a global banking group and before that he was an IT specialist in the telecommunications industry.

He says he worked closely with a charity while he was completing his technology thesis and has volunteered for many years.

“I always knew that I would transition into the Not for Profit sector and find a way to use my skills to help organisations raising money more effectively,” he says.

For more information, visit www.givematcher.com.au.