Colby College | Colby Fund

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Many businesses and corporations will match alumni contributions to Colby. Matching gifts are credited to the Colby Fund and generally match at a ratio of one half to three times the amount of the donor's gift. All company matching gift policies are different. They vary by the match ratio, maximum annual payout, payment distribution time frame, and minimum amount to be matched. Although companies with matching gift policies will match gifts given by employees, some also will match gifts given by spouses of employees, retirees, or spouses of retirees. In addition, some companies will match gifts made by company directors.

There are two basic ways to claim a matching gift. The first involves the donor sending his/her gift to Colby with the employer's matching gift form, at which point Colby verifies the receipt of the gift and returns the form to the employer. The second involves a paperless route whereby donors register their contributions electronically, either by telephone or by Internet. Regardless of the method used, the end result is the same—Colby benefits twice from the donor's generosity! Unfortunately, it is the donor who must initiate the match, as Colby has no access to company matching gift forms.

Donors who have their gifts matched receive recognition for the value of their own out-of-pocket gift plus the value of the matching gift. Hence, a donor who makes a gift of $750 that is matched with $750 will receive recognition for $1,500 and will become a member of the President's Club. Donors will receive recognition credit for the matching gift upon receipt of the matching gift registration—whether paper or electronic— not when the matching gift money is received by the College.

Should you have questions regarding matching gifts, please contact the Colby Fund Office.