New App Makes It Easier for Companies to Run Donation-Match Programs

Bright Funds a workplace philanthropy startup that was recently featured by TechCrunch, aims to empower employees to more readily access corporate matching donation funds by eliminating the need for separately filing donation receipts with their companies in order to claim the matching contribution. Bright Funds has an approach that is somewhat unique. While other companies, like Double the Donation, focus on the receiving end of the donation, Bright Funds starts with the business that offers the matching funds. Bright Funds acts as a one-stop-shop for these companies, providing the resources to set up or manage a corporate philanthropy or volunteering system. Since the majority of matching funds programs are done through cumbersome paperwork systems, getting everything onto an expertly managed portal can be a game-changer. The potential value of such companies as Bright Funds is clear. Double the Donation reports that unused corporate matching gift funds can total up to $10 billion every year, with only an estimated nine percent of employees opting to participate. By streamlining their charitable services through Bright Funds, corporations would enable their workers to donate far more effectively than before. While improved philanthropic effectiveness for “every individual” sounds great for nonprofits, what’s in it for the companies giving the funds? It’s simple the big draw for Bright Funds-managed firms would be their ability to increase employee engagement and recruitment, which may help these competitive companies attract top talent.