BNSF News

Stretch Your Donation Dollars with a BNSF Matching Gift

2009-12-14

During these tough economic times, the need at many non-profit organizations is greater than ever, and BNSF employees have responded generously.

In many instances, employees can stretch their donation dollars with a match from the BNSF Foundation Matching Gift program. The program allows matching of personal contributions of $100 (minimum) to $20,000 (maximum) per individual employee per calendar year.

So, if you make any year-end 2009 contributions, you can apply for a matching gift. Payments for 2009 Matching Gifts will be made in 2010. Here's the link to download the form and begin the process of matching your gift.

The form is also accessible from home computers or public computers, such as those found at the library. Or, you can ask a co-worker, friend or family member to print the form out for you.

The foundation provides a 1:1 match to qualified 501(c)3 organizations, as defined, in the following categories:

• Education: Graduate and professional schools, four-year colleges and universities, seminaries and theological schools, junior and community colleges, and accredited private junior high or high schools and private elementary schools (kindergarten through eighth grade).
• Culture: Museums of art, science and history; public or private libraries; public radio and television; performing arts, including community theater and dance groups.
• Health and human service: Organizations that support programs addressing the health and well-being of children, youth, elderly and families; domestic abuse prevention; literacy; hunger; homelessness; youth development; mental health; developmental and physical disabilities; job training; substance abuse; hospice care; HIV/AIDS.
• Conservation/environmental groups: Organizations whose mission is the conservation, protection, restoration and management of our wetland resources, natural resources and land preservation. Animal welfare organizations that provide rescue, shelter and adoption and whose purpose is the prevention of cruelty to all animals.
• Private hospitals: Private tax-exempt, accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.

The foundation will not match gifts to the following organizations:

• Churches for sectarian purposes, including employee tithes or church-related commitments
• United Way and Red Cross (except in certain natural disaster circumstances)
• Athletic activities (programs, scholarships or facilities); walk-a-thons or any pledge-driven fundraisers; capital campaigns
• Any public school education programs
• Chamber of Commerce activities
• Community foundations
• Bequests
• Fraternities or sororities
• Any in-kind contribution based on cash-value of item

All employees with at least one year of service with BNSF are eligible to request a matching gift. A separate form is required for each contribution up to an annual total of $20,000. Organizations must have 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in order to be considered eligible and must also fit within one of the above-stated matching gift categories.

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For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com