Matching Gifts: Let Your Company Double or Triple Your Impact!

Did you know? Many employers sponsor matching gift programs to match charitable

contributions made by their employees. Gifts from employees' spouses and retirees may

also qualify for a match.

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Profile in Giving

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  Marc F. Rosa is a yearly donor to the PALCUS National Scholarship                                                                        Program with matching funds from his employer, Merrill Lynch. His                                                                          donation is doubled every year to fund scholarships to deserving                                                                            Portuguese-American undergraduate and graduate students.

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  Thanks to his generosity and matching funds from Merrill Lynch, PALCUS

  Scholarships are awarded each year at the Annual Leadership Awards Gala.

  The PALCUS Scholarship Fund was started by the Rosa Family in memory of 

  Marc's mother, Graciette M. Simão Rosa.

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  Ask your HR Department how you can double or triple your donation to PALCUS. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a matching gift?
Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs.

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Here's an example. Let's say you work for General Electric and donate $100 to PALCUS.  General Electric's matching gift policy has a minimum gift requirement of $25 and matches at a 1:1 ratio. After you submit your matching gift form, GE will double your donation by also writing a check for $100 to PALCUS doubling your donation!

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The top 20 gift matching companies include General Electric, BP (British Petroleum), Gap Corporation, State Street Corporation, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson and Microsoft to name a few. See list HERE.  Some companies match 1:1, 2:1 or even 3:1.

Gifts from employees' spouses and retirees may also qualify for a match.

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It's a quick and easy way to double or even triple your contribution!

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How do I request a matching gift?
Requesting a matching gift is normally a five minute process which must be initiated by you the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process.

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There are typically 3 steps:

1. Donate: Make your personal donation and save your tax receipt which PALCUS will provide.  Many matching programs will allow for up to one year after you've made your donation to request a corporate match.

2. Search: Check this list to see if your company may offer a Matching Gifts Program OR contact your HR department directly and review their guidelines as to minimum gift and how to submit a request.

3. Match: Contact us at PALCUS with your company's instructions.  We will complete any forms that verify your donation to send to your company. We will take care of the rest!

I made a donation a few months ago. Can I still apply for a matching gift?
Yes! It's not too late to apply for a matching gift! Many companies allow employees to submit match requests for 1 year following the date of the donation.

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What information do I need about PALCUS?

Name of Organization: Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS)

Address: 9255 Center St., Ste. 404, Manassas, VA 20110

Phone: 202-466-4664

Email: palcus@palcus.org

Contact: Marie R. Fraley, Managing Director

EIN: 52-1739459

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What if I still have questions?
For questions regarding your company's program policies, please contact your employer's HR department. Much of the necessary information is also available on your company intranet.

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For questions regarding obtaining a tax receipt, submitting and verifying a matching gift request,  please contact us at palcus@palcus.org or call at 202-466-4664. 

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Thanks for checking to see if your company offers these programs and thanks for your support of PALCUS!

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