You can significantly increase the impact of your charitable donations through the Caterpillar Foundation Matching Gifts Grants Application by having your contributions matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 annually.
Eligible participants, including employees, retirees, and board members, must donate at least $25 to qualifying nonprofits and submit their match requests online by January 31 of the following year. There are also special limited-time offers, like a 10:1 match, that can amplify your giving even more, making it essential to understand how to optimize your participation.
Key Takeaways
- Eligible participants include Caterpillar, Solar, and Progress Rail employees, plus U.S. retirees and board members, with a $25 minimum donation requirement.
- The year-round 1:1 matching program doubles donations up to $10,000 annually, with requests submitted by January 31 following the donation year.
- A limited-time 10:1 match opportunity runs April 21–May 2, 2025, for donations between $25–$500, significantly amplifying charitable impact.
- Donations must be tax-deductible to eligible charities, which must confirm receipt by February 15 for standard matching or June 30 for the 10:1 program.
- Employees can earn $100 per 10 volunteer hours, accumulating up to $1,000 annually through 100 hours of service to eligible nonprofits.
Who Qualifies as an Eligible Participant
If you’re a Caterpillar employee or retiree, you have access to a powerful matching gift program that can significantly increase your charitable impact—especially when supporting locally funded churches and charitable organisations serving their communities.
Eligibility includes full-time and part-time employees of Caterpillar, Solar, and Progress Rail, along with U.S.-based retirees and board members. Employees in China and Kazakhstan are currently excluded, though eligibility may expand in the future.
Through this program, eligible participants can request matching funds for tax-deductible donations made to qualifying nonprofits, including many community-based churches and charities that meet program guidelines. To ensure your gift is matched, submit your online request by January 31 of the following year.
By leveraging Caterpillar’s matching gift program, your contribution can go further—strengthening local organizations that rely on community-driven funding to deliver meaningful, on-the-ground impact.
Understanding the Year-Round 1:1 Matching Program
The Caterpillar Foundation’s year-round 1:1 Matching Gifts Program allows eligible employees, retirees, and board members to double the impact of their charitable donations by matching contributions dollar for dollar to qualifying nonprofits.
To maximize your giving, you may allocate up to $10,000 per year in matching gifts. Individual donations of $25 or more to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations qualify, provided matching requests are submitted online by January 31 following the donation year and verified by charities by February 15.
This program is especially impactful when supporting nonprofits that serve underserved populations, such as former military members and ex-felons, by strengthening organizations focused on reintegration, stability, and community support.
Using these matching gift strategies ensures your philanthropy delivers greater reach, measurable value, and lasting community benefit.
Special Limited-Time 10:1 Match Opportunity
Don’t miss your chance to multiply your generosity tenfold with the Caterpillar Foundation’s limited-time 10:1 match opportunity.
This exceptional program lets you utilize impactful philanthropy by contributing to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits and magnifying your gift beyond the regular 1:1 matching strategy.
To maximize this unique offer, remember to:
- Donate a minimum of $25 and up to $500 between April 21 and May 2, 2025.
- Submit your matching gift request by May 2, 2025, via the Caterpillar Cares portal.
- Confirm the charity verifies the gift by June 30, 2025.
This strategic approach to giving boosts your philanthropic impact significantly.
Minimum and Maximum Contribution Amounts
While you can make a difference with even a small gift, the Caterpillar Foundation sets a minimum contribution of $25 USD (or local currency equivalent) to qualify for matching, ensuring every donation has a measurable impact. Your maximum contribution eligible for matching is $10,000 USD (or local currency equivalent) per calendar year, letting you maximize your giving power.
| Minimum Contribution | Maximum Contribution |
|---|---|
| $25 USD | $10,000 USD |
| Local currency equiv | Local currency equiv |
| Tax-deductible | Tax-deductible |
| Per gift | Per year |
Types of Eligible Charities and Organizations
Because you’re contributing to causes you care about, you’ll want to know which organizations qualify for Caterpillar’s matching support.
Eligible organizations must meet specific charity qualifications to receive matching gifts. Your donations qualify for matches when directed to:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status
- Educational institutions, health services, arts, cultural, and civic community organizations
- Charities that don’t discriminate based on race, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, or national origin
You’ll find thousands of eligible charities in Caterpillar’s searchable database.
Organizations must serve your community and maintain current nonprofit registration. Verify charity eligibility before donating to confirm your contribution receives the foundation’s matching support, maximizing your philanthropic impact.
Tax-Deductible Giving Requirements
To qualify for a match through the Caterpillar Foundation Matching Gifts Program, your donation must be a tax-deductible contribution of at least $25 USD (or local currency equivalent) to an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This structure ensures you receive tax benefits while significantly increasing the impact of your support—especially for nonprofits providing essential food services and shelter assistance to individuals and families in need. To secure the match, submit your request online by January 31 of the year following your donation.
The nonprofit must then approve and verify your request by February 15, confirming its tax-deductible status. Meeting these requirements helps maximize your giving power and strengthens organizations delivering critical, life-sustaining support in their communities.
How to Search for Eligible Charities
You start searching for eligible charities by logging into the Caterpillar Foundation Matching Gifts portal at caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.
Use the charity search tool to verify donation eligibility based on the organization’s 501(c)(3) non-profit status and alignment with focus areas like education and health services.
To streamline your search:
- Enter the charity’s name or select a category relevant to your interest.
- Confirm the charity’s tax-deductible status within the portal.
- Make sure your donation meets the minimum $25 USD contribution required for matching gifts.
This organized process guarantees your match request qualifies efficiently.
Step-by-Step Donation Process
Once you’ve made a minimum donation of $25 USD to an eligible charity, you’ll need to submit your matching gift request through the Caterpillar Foundation’s online portal. Your charitable partnerships strengthen when matched funds amplify impact. The verification process guarantees accountability across fundraising strategies. Submit requests by January 31 following your donation year; the charity must confirm receipt by February 15. You’re eligible for up to $10,000 annually in matched contributions.
| Step | Timeline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Donate | Immediate | Contribute $25+ directly to charity |
| Submit | By Jan 31 | Request match online |
| Verify | By Feb 15 | Charity confirms gift amount |
This structured approach maximizes your giving’s effectiveness while supporting organizational missions significantly.
Submitting Your Matching Gift Request
After making your donation to an eligible charity, the next step is submitting your matching gift request through the Caterpillar Foundation’s online portal.
To maximize your matching gift strategies and guarantee success, follow these application tips:
- Submit your request by January 31 of the following year.
- Confirm your charity verifies your tax-deductible gift amount promptly.
- Ascertain your nonprofit approves your request by February 15 for eligibility.
Stay organized, act quickly, and use these steps to boost your impact.
The Caterpillar Foundation reviews requests quarterly, with a $10,000 annual match cap.
Charity Verification and Confirmation Timeline
Although submitting your matching gift request is a critical first step, guaranteeing the charity promptly verifies and confirms your tax-deductible donation is equally essential to secure your eligibility.
The charity must approve your match request by February 15 of the following year, per charity compliance guidelines. Upon receiving your request, they’ll follow specific verification process steps to confirm your gift.
Missing this deadline means your match won’t be processed. Stay proactive—remind your chosen charity to act quickly. Their timely confirmation guarantees your contribution is matched and helps maximize support for the causes you care about.
Foundation Review and Payment Processing
While the Caterpillar Foundation processes matching gift payments quarterly, you must submit your matching gift request online by January 31 of the year following your donation to secure it enters the review queue promptly.
The Foundation’s review ascertains your gift aligns with their funding priorities and application process. For a smooth experience:
- Confirm your nonprofit verifies your tax-deductible gift.
- Submit all details accurately.
- Track your request status online.
Timely submission and verification are key—requests not approved by the charity by February 15 won’t be processed.
Annual Deadlines and Important Dates
To secure matching funds from the Caterpillar Foundation, you need to submit your matching gift request online by the specified deadline, usually January 31 of the year following your donation, and confirm your nonprofit verifies the gift promptly—typically by February 15.
These annual reminders guarantee you don’t miss important milestones. Remember, contributions must be at least $25 to qualify, and the maximum match is $10,000 per participant per calendar year.
Volunteer grant requests require a minimum of 10 hours of service. Stay organized and meet these key dates to maximize your impact and funding opportunities.
Volunteer Service Matching Grants
Beyond financial contributions, you can amplify your charitable impact through the Caterpillar Foundation’s Volunteer Service Match Program, which recognizes and rewards your hands-on community involvement.
This volunteer engagement strategy strengthens community impact initiatives by converting your service into measurable grants:
- Earn $100 for every 10 hours volunteered to eligible charities
- Accumulate up to $1,000 annually through 100 hours of service
- Designate which eligible organization receives each grant
You’ll record hours through the company portal and submit match requests online by January 31st following your service year.
The Foundation reviews requests quarterly, ensuring your volunteer efforts directly fund worthy causes you’ve personally supported, creating meaningful community change.
United Way Campaign Matching Contributions
When you give to the United Way through Caterpillar’s annual campaign, your contribution goes twice as far because the Caterpillar Foundation matches every dollar you donate, with no cap on the match.
This long-standing partnership drives meaningful community impact, supporting programs in education, health, and financial stability.
Your participation fuels employee engagement and strengthens the communities where we live and work.
By joining the campaign, you help address local needs and create lasting change.
Every dollar you give is doubled, maximizing your support for United Way initiatives and amplifying your positive influence.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
You can reach out to [email protected] for any questions about the matching gifts program.
Visit caterpillar.com/matching-gifts to search for eligible charities and submit your match request online.
Make sure to check the portal for all the details and resources you need to complete your application.
Contact Details
For any questions about the Matching Gifts Program, you can directly email [email protected] to get prompt assistance.
When dealing with matching gift inquiries, clear email communication guarantees efficient handling.
Remember these key deadlines and actions:
- Submit your matching gift request electronically by January 31 of the following year.
- Nonprofits must approve matching gift requests by February 15 to qualify for matching funds.
- Charities can verify the match request via a dedicated Caterpillar link.
For additional program details, visit caterpillar.com/matching-gifts to stay informed and organized.
Additional Resources
Efficient access to support and clear communication channels amplify your ability to maximize the benefits of the Caterpillar Foundation’s Matching Gifts Program.
For any matching gift strategies, you can contact the Foundation directly via [email protected] to clarify submission details or deadlines.
Track your volunteer hours through the company intranet to qualify for volunteer grants, which need at least 10 hours to apply.
Eligible organizations in the Nashville metro area with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants by submitting their applications to [email protected] before January 31 for timely processing.
These resources streamline your engagement and funding success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply for a Grant From the Caterpillar Foundation?
To apply for a Caterpillar Foundation grant, confirm your grant eligibility, then download and complete the online application from their website. Submit it via email at [email protected] at least 60 days before your project. Include an organization measurement plan and remember an organization can receive funding only once per year. Focus on serving Nashville communities for consideration. A new application is needed each year.
How Does a Matching Gift Program Work?
A matching gift program boosts your impact through corporate philanthropy—donate to an eligible charity, then submit your request online and the company matches your gift, doubling your support for causes you care about.
Does Caterpillar Provide Sponsorship?
You’ll find that Caterpillar doesn’t offer traditional sponsorships. Instead, they’ve prioritized their Matching Gifts Program, which amplifies employee charitable contributions while generating significant community impact through verified sponsorship criteria and local engagement initiatives.
Does Target Donate Gift Cards to Nonprofits?
Back in the day, Target donations did include gift cards for nonprofit partnerships. You can apply online for gift cards to help fund your programs, making it easier to support your community’s needs with tangible resources.
Conclusion
You hold the power to turn every dollar into ten, to stretch your generosity further than ever before. Imagine the impact—your gift, amplified, reaching farther, changing more lives. But time is ticking. Will you seize this chance to make your giving truly count? The deadline looms, and the difference is yours to create.