Matches and challenges are similar; the key difference is that challenges are milestone-based and matches are made on either a per dollar or per donor basis (e.g., I will match up to $500 on a dollar-for-dollar basis for the next $500 that is donated).
Challenges are all or nothing! When you start a challenge you’re basically saying you will give if, and only if, a certain condition is met. For example: “I will give $50 if 50 more donors give today.”
Matches are dollar for dollar or dollar for donor. In essence, you are saying that you are willing to match for every dollar raised or for every additional donor up to a maximum gift amount. For example: “I will match up to $500 on a dollar-for-dollar basis for the next $500 that is donated from my classmates.”
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First, decide the amount you wish to give.
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Then decide if you wish to match dollar per dollar or dollar per donor.
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Consider optional criteria for your match, e.g., match a specific affiliation (alumni, parents, etc.) or a specific class year.
