Our Match Giving Fund plays a vital role in helping cardfactory colleagues support the charities that matter most to them. From local community groups to causes with deeply personal connections, the fund helps fundraising efforts go further by matching what colleagues raise.
Here, our Foundation Administrator, Lily gives an insight into her role supporting the fund – from reviewing applications to seeing first-hand the difference matched funding makes to charities and communities.
Can you tell us a little bit about your role as Foundation Administrator for the Foundation?
“I support the team in a variety of ways, from preparing board papers and coordinating meetings to maintaining records and supporting governance processes.
A big part of my role is also managing our match funding programme, which enables cardfactory colleagues to have their fundraising efforts matched up to £2,500. This involves overseeing applications, responding to queries, and ensuring the programme runs smoothly and fairly.”
What’s it like being involved in the Match Giving Fund day to day?
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is learning about the charities that are important to cardfactory colleagues. Many of them are doing incredible work, often at a very local level, and sometimes it’s the first time I’ve heard of a charity. Last year, we supported over 50 different charities including local hospices, cancer charities, mental health causes and many others.
It’s inspiring to see the effort colleagues put into fundraising and to learn about the creative and meaningful ways they support causes that really matter to them and their communities.”
Can you tell us a little about your role and what a typical day looks like?
“I work closely with our Fund Manager, Ellie, to review all Match Giving Fund applications. This includes following up with applicants, confirming the outcome of their application, and contacting charities to arrange payment of the match funding.
A big part of my day is responding to enquiries about eligibility and guiding cardfactory colleagues through the process.”
What’s been the most rewarding part of working on the fund so far?
“Seeing the incredible fundraising events cardfactory colleagues take part in has really stood out to me. Many of these causes have a strong personal connection, and I love seeing how colleagues find ways to support them, from bake sales and raffles, to running marathons and even shaving their hair off in solidarity for people undergoing chemotherapy.
We also regularly receive thank-you messages from charities, which is a great reminder of the impact the Match Giving Fund is having in local communities.”
How do you see the Match Giving Fund making a difference?
“From my perspective, the fund plays a really important role in supporting what matters most to cardfactory colleagues. By matching their fundraising, we’re helping charities do more of the vital work they deliver in communities across the UK.
Knowing that colleagues’ efforts are being amplified – and that charities genuinely feel the difference – is incredibly rewarding.”
What would you say to someone at cardfactory thinking about applying?
“I’d absolutely encourage anyone thinking about applying to do it. If you’re already raising money for a charity, why not double your efforts and your impact through the Match Giving Fund?
On a personal level, it’s great to be involved in funds that support what really matters to the colleagues in their local communities. Being part of the Foundation team and contributing to that mission is something I really enjoy and feel proud of.”
Pushpinder Gill MInstF , Head of cardfactory Foundation, adds:
“Seeing the Match Giving Fund in action reminds me exactly why the Foundation exists – it’s about people and communities, and moments that really matter.
cardfactory colleagues raise money for charities and causes close to their hearts, and because of the thought, effort and care Lily and the team put into managing the fund, these charities feel truly supported and valued. It’s incredibly inspiring to hear the stories behind each application and to know that, through this seamless teamwork, the Foundation is helping people to make a bigger difference in the places they live.”
Card Factory colleagues can find out more about the Match Giving Fund and how to apply here: https://cardfactoryfoundation.org.uk/our-funds/our-funds-the-match-giving-fund/
