FAQ - Glossary of TermsGIFT DATE - This is the date you enter your gift into the 3M Matching Gifts on-line system. The system automatically assigns the date.
CHARITABLE GIFT ACCOUNTS - The 3M Foundation will match gifts made through such accounts, or funds established at community foundations. When entering on-line, check this box under "Type of Gift."
DESIGNATION - Donors may direct their gift to a particular academic area or department at a college or university. If a donor opts to allocate their gift to more than one area, it will be necessary to enter each gift separately.
ELIGIBLE DONOR - The Matching Gift program is restricted to 3M regular full-time and part time employees who are on the payroll at the time the gift is made. Also, individuals who retired from 3M are eligible. Individuals on pre-retirement/deferred retirement leave or whose status is pending due to military, family, parental or disability may participate.
If both spouses are eligible donors, then each qualifies for a matching gift. To receive the double match, the gift must be entered into each donor's account.
EMPLOYEE NUMBER/PERSON ID -
Employees: You must enter your 8-digit employee number/Person ID. Example: 01234567 Do NOT use your 3M User ID (example, USXXXXXX). If you're not sure, go to 3M Frontier, the Global Workforce Directory. Look up your name, and refer to the Person ID.
Retirees: If you had a 4-digit 3M employee number: Enter "0100" in front. For example, "4444" becomes "01004444." If you had a 5-digit 3M employee number: Enter "010" in front. For example, "55555" becomes "01055555." If you're not sure, call 1-877-473-6394 or in the Twin Cities, call 651-575-6430. This phone number should ONLY be used to confirm your Person ID.
GIFT COUPON - This is the document that you will print after you've registered your gift. You will send one copy, with your gift, to the organization. The organization will need this information to go on-line and verify your gift.
GIFT ID NUMBER - This is the number printed on the Gift Coupon that can be traced back to an individual donor or organization.
HIGHER EDUCATION - The organization must be located in the United States or a U.S. possession and tax exempt under Section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Eligible schools include public or private degree-granting technical institutes, community colleges, colleges and universities, graduate and professional schools. The school must be accredited.
Programs affiliated with the institution are also eligible for match. For example, a public radio station or landscape arboretum affiliated with a college is eligible for a matching gift. Schools located in other countries that have established a U.S. non-profit for the purpose of fundraising are not eligible.
MATCHING GIFTS ACCOUNT - A gift account is established for each 3M donor if they have participated in the program since 1999 or the first time a gift is made. The account allows donors to make a gift, track when the gift is verified by the organization and matched by 3M. It also includes a history of contributions made since 1999.
PERSONAL GIVING HISTORY - Individuals who participate in the program will find a history of their giving since 1999. The information is updated each time a new gift is made.
PLEDGE - A promise to pay a gift over a defined period of time. The 3M Matching Gifts Program matches annual gifts made by donors; it does not match against multi-year pledges.
PUBLIC BROADCASTING - Public radio and television stations that are affiliated with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Your local community cable station most likely would not qualify for a match.
QUID PRO QUO - If you receive a good or service as a result of your donation, the value of the gift will be deducted from your contribution. The 3M Foundation matches only the tax-deductible portion of the gift.
STOCK/MARKETABLE SECURITY GIFTS - Consult with your broker and the receiving institution regarding the transfer process. The 3M Foundation will match only the amount received by the organization. The value of your gift may be adjusted within your account based on the amount verified by the organization.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE - Your gift to the organization is tax deductible on your income taxes; the 3M Foundation match is not. In some instances you may receive a good or service as a result of your contribution. The 3M Foundation matches only the tax-deductible portion of your gift. The organization will reduce the amount of your gift should it fall into this category.
