Employer gift matching multiplies donor impact
Employer gift matching offers CU Boulder donors a way to enhance their investment in the causes they care about. Through these often-underused programs, companies match charitable contributions made by their employees.
For two donors, tapping into their companies’ gift-matching programs offered a meaningful way to support student scholarships and expand on their desire to give back.
A family tradition of giving
Kevin Ruffcorn with his son, Nick Ruffcorn (Fin'21)
The Ruffcorn family, whose youngest child graduated from CU Boulder, has made employer gift matching a cornerstone of their family’s giving. Kevin Ruffcorn works for a Fortune 50 company with a generous matching limit. While he didn’t take full advantage of the matching opportunities early in his career, he’s intentionally maxed out the annual limit in recent years.
“It took me a few years to appreciate the impact of gift-matching, but once I learned of its multiplier effect, I leveraged it to the greatest extent possible,” said Ruffcorn.
Each year during the holidays, his family discusses their giving priorities for the coming year. Scholarships are always at the top of the list. Ruffcorn was a first-generation college student, which inspired his support for scholarships. Employer gift matching enabled his family to fully fund a scholarship endowment two to three years earlier than possible without the additional support.
“I received a scholarship that enabled me to attend the university of my choice,” he said. “So, I am well aware that scholarships can be life-changing for their recipients, as my scholarship was for me.”
Their family has fully funded an endowed scholarship at their oldest son’s university and recently started one at CU Boulder, named in honor of Ruffcorn’s in-laws.
“My wife and I have been extraordinarily fortunate, and we credit education for our good fortune,” he shared. “Gift matching enables donors, like us, to have a greater impact, and I encourage all donors to use these programs.”
Giving with gratitude and pride
Alyssa Louise Moody’s (Film’08) time in the Golden Buffalo Marching Band inspired her to give back to CU Boulder. After graduating, she followed her parents’ example by supporting scholarships for marching band students.
“As a student at CU Boulder, I was lucky enough to receive a few scholarships from the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, and it made me appreciate that someone was willing to contribute to my education,” said Moody. “It also gave me a sense of pride knowing I was successful enough in school and band to be eligible for a scholarship.”
Now working for the Walt Disney Company, Moody uses the company’s generous gift-matching program to advance her family’s legacy of support.
“Walt Disney Company encourages every cast member, the name for Disney employees, to participate in their community,” said Moody. “I appreciate their willingness to provide these gifts and make them readily available for donors passionate about a particular cause. Sometimes I even donate a larger amount because I know they will match it.”
She wants to ensure future generations of marching band students feel as appreciated as she did. Students from all majors can find a sense of belonging and purpose in the Golden Buffalo Marching Band as they create music and represent CU Boulder pride.
“Being in the marching band is like a part-time job with little recognition, but it’s rewarding,” she said. “I want future members to feel that their hard work is valued and that someone out there is cheering for them.”