Matching Gifts

Great futures begin at UVM! With the help of countless alumni and friends, UVM is able to create a learning environment that continues to pursue Ira Allen’s initial vision of academic excellence. Thousands of loyal Catamounts contribute to UVM’s annual fund, in turn helping to meet the university’s financial needs.

The cost of higher education across the country is rising at an extraordinary rate. For the University of Vermont to be able to compete for the top students, they must have an extremely strong academic and student experience programs. In doing so the University has a continued need for financial support.

Along with gifts from alumni and friends, a portion of UVM’s financial contributions comes from corporate support. Many corporations encourage employees to be philanthropic by matching employee gifts. Most companies match dollar for dollar, with some having a 2:1 or 3:1 match. Many companies even match gifts of spouses and retired employees.

Matching gifts go to the same programs to which you designated your gift unless company policy requires otherwise. Matching gifts count toward your membership in gift clubs.

The employer matching gift program was the brainchild of Philip Reed, chair of the General Electric Board of Directors, who wanted to encourage GE employees to contribute to their alma maters. Reed believed the incentive to contribute was greater if the company matched the employee’s gift. The GE matching gift program was launched in 1954 and other companies soon followed suit. Since 1954, employers and their employees have contributed more than $2 billion to education thanks to corporate matching gift programs.

Last year alone, the University of Vermont received an additional $265,635 in matching gift dollars, from the support of more then 400 alumni and friends. That was the good news…now the disappointing news… There were another 1400 gifts to the university that had match potential, which would of resulted in an additional $600,000 for the university. Those dollars could have given the university a financial boost as it travels down the road to providing the best academic experience possible.

If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to our school may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses of alumni. When in question, please ask!

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Matching Gifts 
UVM’s Corporations & Foundations

If you have any questions concerning matching gifts and the matching gift process, please contact UVM’s matching gift coordinator;

Matching Gift Coordinator
University of Vermont
411 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802.656.3414
Toll Free: 888.458.8691
Fax: 802.656.4753 
matching.gifts@uvm.edu