2015 AKC Matching Challenge

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), with the wonderful support of all of our donors, is helping all dogs live longer, healthier lives. Every dollar we receive to support canine health research is important, whether from a new donor, or a longtime supporter.  In 2015, the AKC will support the AKC Canine Health Foundation with a matching challenge. Here you find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how the matching challenge works.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the AKC’s 2015 AKC Matching Challenge

Q. How much did the AKC contribute to CHF for canine health research in 2014?

A. In 2014, the American Kennel Club (AKC) donated over $540,000 to CHF to be used for canine health research. Since 1995, the AKC has provided $22 million in cash and in-kind support to CHF.

Q. How much is the AKC contributing to CHF for research in 2015?

A. In 2015, the AKC will offer their support to the Foundation as a Matching Challenge. The actual amount will not be known until the end of the year when our auditors, KPMG, conduct an audit of CHF’s books to determine giving from new and lapsed donors.  Therefore, we need the help of our loyal supporters to identify as many new donors as possible. 

The AKC will provide a 1-to-1 match of any cash contribution received from a new or lapsed donor in 2015 up to $500,000. For example, if CHF receives new donor contributions totaling $385,000, then the AKC’s contribution will be $385,000. If CHF receives $500,000 or more in new donor contributions, then the AKC contribution will be the full $500,000.   

Q. Who is eligible to have their donation matched?

A. All supporters who have never given to CHF, or last gave to CHF before December 31, 2012 are eligible for the match. 

Q. Is my club match eligible?

A. This list contains the names of all clubs in our database that are eligible for the matching challenge.

Q. I gave to CHF in 2014, but my spouse has never given to CHF.  Is my spouse eligible for the match?

A. No, the AKC has stipulated that a spouse or other immediate family member of a current donor will not be treated as a new donor. 

Q. If I am eligible for the match and make more than one donation in 2015, will all of my donations be matched?

A. Yes, if you are eligible for the match your cumulative donations in 2015 will be matched.

Q. What will the AKC contribution be used for? In other words, is the AKC match restricted?

A. The AKC's 2015 contribution, the AKC's contribution is 95% restricted to support our research projects. The AKC’s contribution can be used to support any research project, so CHF will apply the funds to the projects most in need of support; and 5% will be restricted for grant administration expenses.

Q. If I restrict my donation, will my gift still be matched?

A. Yes, the AKC will match all cash contributions from eligible donors no matter the restriction on the gift.  However, the AKC’s matching portion will not receive the same restriction as your donation.  For example, a donation made to a Donor Advised Fund will be matched, but 95% of the matching portion will go directly to a canine health research project in need of support and 5% will go towards grant administration expenses. AKC’s portion will not go into the Donor Advised Fund.

Q. What if I donate stock, a vehicle or some other non-cash asset?

A. The AKC will match donations of non-cash assets from eligible donors as long as the donation can be readily converted to cash within 30 days.  If you have questions about a potential donation and our ability to liquidate the asset, please contact CHF.

Q. If my club supports research from a Donor Advised Fund will that contribution be matched?

A. No, the Donor Advised Fund holds money that has already been donated to CHF and therefore does not count as a new or lapsed donation.

Q. Who has the final say on whether a donation is eligible for matching?

A. KMPG, the auditing firm used by both CHF and the AKC will review donations made to CHF and make final determinations concerning matching eligibility.

The bottom line is this – the AKC Canine Health Foundation is grateful for each and every donation, large and small, old and new. We are excited for the potential to build our donor base, reach a greater number of dog lovers, and re-engage lapsed donors through the AKC’s 2015 Matching Challenge. Whether you’ve given recently, if it’s been awhile, or if you’ve never given before, we hope to earn your support in 2015.

The dogs are counting on us!  Thank you!