By: Dan Youngblood, LLA Board of Director

 

If you’re passionate about keeping Lake Lanier clean, full, and safe, you already know the power of your donations. But did you know that your donation could go even further through your employer’s corporate matching gift program?  Through corporate matching, you can double or even triple the value of your donation to causes you care about, like the Lake Lanier Association (LLA).

 What Is Corporate Matching?

Corporate matching gifts are programs offered by many companies where they match the donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. This means that if you donate $250 to the Lake Lanier Association, your employer might match that gift with another $250 (or even more), effectively doubling or even tripling your donation.

 

 

Why Should You Take Advantage of Corporate Matching Gifts?

  1. Double or Triple Your Impact

The most obvious benefit of corporate matching is the chance to increase the impact of your donation without having to give more out of your own pocket.  In some cases, companies offer 1:1 or even 2:1 matches, meaning your donation could even have two or three times the impact!

 Impact statistics:

  • $2 – 3 billion in matching gifts are donated annually in the U.S.
  • 65% of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. offer matching gift programs.
  • Companies often match up to $10,000 or more per employee each year, meaning you can contribute significantly to a cause with minimal extra effort.
  • An estimated $4 – $7 billion in matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year.

These statistics show just how much of a difference corporate matching can make—helping organizations like the Lake Lanier Association raise far more funds to support programs.

  1. Support an Important Cause

By participating in corporate matching, you’re directly supporting the Lake Lanier Association’s various initiatives to protect and preserve Lake Lanier including:

  • Shore Sweep – Over 1,200 volunteers cleared 85 tons of trash from the shoreline in 2024
  • Solar Lights – Installation and maintenance to enhance nighttime navigation
  • Life Jacket Loaner Stations – 12 Stations installed, stocked, and maintained by LLA
  • Water Testing – Monthly to monitor water quality and algae levels
  • Legislative Caucus – To advocate for Lake Lanier issues and opportunities
  • Island Shoreline Protection and Project Armor – Rip Rap installed for over 2 miles of linear shoreline and counting
  • Abandoned and Derelict Dock and Boat Program – To ensure safe removal and enhance the beauty and usability of Lanier’s shoreline
  • Informational and Educational webinars and communications to keep our members informed about issues and opportunities
  1. It’s Easy and Hassle-Free

Participating in a corporate matching program is easier than you might think. Most companies make the process quick and simple, and it usually involves only a few basic steps after you make your donation.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you take advantage of corporate matching for your donation to the Lake Lanier Association:

  1. Confirm that your company offers Corporate Matching
    • Start by checking your company’s employee resources, such as your employee handbook or intranet site or contact your HR department.
  2. Make Your Donation
    • Donate to the Lake Lanier Association through their website, through your company’s giving platform, or by sending a check. Keep your receipt as proof of your contribution.
  3. Submit Your Matching Gift Request
    • Many companies allow you to submit your match request online or via a form that can be completed and sent back to them.
    • You may be asked to provide the name of the organization you donated to (the Lake Lanier Association), the donation amount, and the date of the donation. Be sure to have your donation receipt handy!
  4. Company Verification and Matching
    • Your employer will review the request and, once approved, will match your donation.
  5. Enjoy the Results
    • Your gift to the Lake Lanier Association will be doubled (or tripled), helping fund critical programs to keep Lake Lanier clean, full, and safe for generations to come.

Your Donation, Multiplied

Corporate matching is one of the easiest ways to make your donation to the Lake Lanier Association go further. It’s a win-win for both you and LLA!  Let’s work together to protect Lake Lanier—and with corporate matching, your generosity can go even further!

If you would like to make an online donation to the LLA, please click here.

You can also mail a check to the LLA office. Please find the address below. 

Lake Lanier Association is a 501c3 non-profit. | 821 Dawsonville Hwy Suite 110 Gainesville, GA 30501 | Federal Tax ID: 58-126479