<img class="alignnone" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/nonprofit/1/H/4/G/-/-/matchinggiftonwebsite.JPG" alt="Matching gift instructions at the website of the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona" />

<p>Most of us would never think of passing up our employer's matching contribution to our 401(k) or other retirement account.

<p>Yet, many people never apply that reasoning to their charitable gifts, even though many employers offer a match for our donations to our cherished causes.

<p>There are many reasons why this happens, and we may all wish that companies did a better job of publicizing their matching gift programs in house. But the fact remains that sometimes charities themselves must take an active part by identifying companies in their areas that do match and then reminding donors to take advantage of that opportunity.

<p>The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.diaperbank.org/donate/other-ways-to-donate/matching-gift-program/">Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona</a> knows how important it is to promote matching gift opportunities. See its instructions above and at its site.

<p>Adam Weinger of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.doublethedonation.com/">Double the Donation</a>, has resolved to help educate both donors and nonprofits about the money (one <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://greatnonprofits.org/nonprofitnews/corporate-matching-gift-programs-money-unused/"> estimate is that $10 billion in matching funds</a> go to waste each year) we all, donors and charities, leave on the table, untouched.

<p>Weinger's latest guest article for About.com explains just what your charity can do to remind your donors of matching gift programs. Don't miss <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/How-To-Promote-Employee-Matching-Gifts-To-Your-Donors.htm">How to Promote Employee Matching Gifts to Your Donors - 5 Strategies That Work</a>.

<p><b>Read more about matching gifts:</b>
<br /><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/ss/7-Types-Of-Corporate-Giving-Programs.htm">7 Types of Corporate Giving Programs</a>
<br /><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/Employee-Matching-Gift-Programs-What-They-Are-And-How-They-Work.htm">Employee Matching Gifts - What They Are and How They Work</a>

<p><b>About.com Nonprofit Charitable Orgs Newsletter</b>
<br />Sign up for my <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm#rs">free email newsletter</a> and keep up to date with the latest nonprofit news, trends and tips.

<img class="alignright" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/nonprofit/1/3/3/G/-/-/sophie2.jpg" alt="SOFII Cartoon" />

<p>That awkward set of letters actually stands for "The Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration." It's a British thing I think. Kinda awkward, a little bit frumpy, but James Bond sharp.

<p>If you've been into recent British dramas such as Mr. Selfridge, Call the Midwife, and The Bletchley Circle, then you'll love <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.sofii.org/">SOFII</a>.

<p>SOFII is the swipe file of all swipe files, where people who work in fundraising spill their secrets like foreign spies shot up with truth serum by MI-5.

<p>And the content isn't all British. SOFII is really global, with only one idea -- to make fundraising better, smarter and, I'll say it, more fun.

<p>What I love the most is the history. Ever wonder where the adopt-a-pet idea started, or what the great fundraising campaigns of yore looked like? SOFII is the place.

<p>Using SOFII and not promoting it enough has been nagging me forever. So here is my make up. Go check out <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.sofii.org/">SOFII</a>, sign up for the emails, and start swiping.

<p><i>Image: The cartoon above is actually part of a downloadable <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.sofii.org/promote-SOFII">bookmark</a> that SOFII uses for promotion.</i>

<p><b>Other Resources I Like:</b>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/resources/tp/toppubs.htm">Best Publications for Nonprofits</a>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitwork/tp/jobwebsites.htm">Best Nonprofit Job Search Websites</a>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/volunteers/a/volulinks.htm">Guide to Volunteer Opportunities Online</a>
</ul>

<p><b>About.com Nonprofit Charitable Orgs Newsletter</b>
<br />Sign up for my <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm#rs">free email newsletter</a> and keep up to date with the latest nonprofit news, trends and tips.

<img class="alignright" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/nonprofit/1/3/U/F/-/-/socialmediabutton.jpg" alt="Social Media Button" />
<p>I don't even think we're waiting for the verdict on this question. It's been in for a while. Facebook and other types of social media do work well for nonprofits.

<p>But smaller organizations that are pressed for time, money and know how still resist setting up a Facebook Page for their organizations. Are you being left behind?

<p>I won't say that Facebook is easy for nonprofits or for anyone setting up a brand page. But I do think that we are at the same point we were some years ago when there was still considerable doubt about setting up websites.

<p>The fact is that social media is not going away, and it's likely that the major players we see today are going to be around for a while. Plus, in a multichannel world, where people get their information from a variety of sources, playing the social media game is just as important as setting up a website, sending out press releases, and mailing out fundraising appeals.

<p>But Facebook should be your first stop if you have to choose where to start your social media journey. That's because your supporters are probably already there.

<p>If you're not already convinced, maybe <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/socialmedia/a/Why-Your-Nonprofit-Should-Be-On-Facebook.htm">7 Reasons Your Nonprofit Should Be on Facebook</a>, by guest author Julie Welles, will help tip the balance.

<p>If you do take the plunge, be prepared for a long road of hard work, learning, and experimentation. But it will be worth it and maybe even pretty exciting.

<p><i>Photo: Getty Images</i>

<p>Please join me on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.facebook.com/AboutNonprofit">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://twitter.com/joannefritz">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.linkedin.com/in/joannef">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=https://plus.google.com/103089805226950587884/posts">Google+</a>.

<img class="alignright" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/nonprofit/1/3/1/G/-/-/employeehappy.jpg" alt="A happy employee. Woman employee throwing arms in the air and smile on her face." />
<p>Every year "The NonProfitTimes" comes up with a list of the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BestPlacesToWork_20132.pdf"> Best Nonprofit Employers to Work For</a>. The list is not only a wonderful benchmark for other nonprofits, but it also provides excellent guidelines for anyone who desires a long-term career in the sector.

<p>The annual list of best nonprofits is the result of a competition by "The NonProfit Times." After being nominated for Best Nonprofit Employer, NPT gathers information about that organization's benefits and employment practices.

<p>Then a confidential survey is provided to the nominated organization's employees. That survey covers eight categories ranging from leadership and planning, to work environment, to employee engagement.

<p>Each organization is assigned a score based on the data gathered. The top 50 nonprofits are ranked, irrespective of size; and then sublists are compiled for small, medium and large employers.

<p>Check out the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BestPlacesToWork_20132.pdf">cover story about the 2013 list</a> that appeared in "The NonProfitTimes" in April. It provides a quick glance at who placed where and includes intriguing specifics about some of the top-ranked organizations.

<p>So what are the characteristics of great nonprofits? Here are three that pop out from this year's report:
<p><!--more-->
<ul>
<li><b>Caring about employees.</b> The number one nonprofit for two years running, the<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/"> Wounded Warrior Project</a>, listened to its employees about burnout. They call it "compassion fatigue," and developed a workshop to address it. People who work in nonprofits often work long hours and on heart-breaking causes. They need to be nurtured. Nonprofits are in a perfect position to both understand and do something to bolster the spirits of their employees.

<p><li><b>Offering flexible benefits.</b> The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.alz.org/">Alzheimer's Association</a> in Chicago, which ranked in the top 10 of this year's best nonprofits, was a leader in including elder care in its benefits package. More sensitive than most to this emerging need, the Association made it a hallmark of its approach to making it easier for employees to work and also care for loved ones.

<p><li><b>Living the mission.</b> People who work in nonprofit organizations usually have a vested interest in that particular cause. If they don't initially, they do eventually. That leads to longer tenures, as workers find fulfillment by combining passion and work. Great nonprofits live their missions. A good example is the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.nrdc.org/">Natural Resource Defense Council</a>. It inhabits "green" buildings, employees drive "green" cars for work, and the organization's offices recycle ardently. NRDC is among the top 20 best nonprofits to work for.

</ul>

<p><b>Read more about nonprofit jobs:</b>

<ul>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitwork/a/Why-People-Want-To-Work-For-Nonprofits.htm">Why People Want to Work for Nonprofits</a>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitwork/tp/gettingjob.htm">How to Find Your Dream Nonprofit Job</a>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitwork/tp/jobwebsites.htm">Best Nonprofit Job Search Websites</a>
</ul>

<p><i>Photo: Getty Images</i>