2016 AKC Matching Challenge

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), with the wonderful support 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 2016, the American Kennel Club will support the AKC Canine Health Foundation with a matching donation 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 2016 New/Lapsed Donor Matching Challenge

Q. How much did the AKC contribute to CHF for canine health research last year?

A. In 2015, the AKC donated over $525,000 to CHF 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 this year?

A. In 2016, the AKC will offer their support to the Foundation as a matching challenge up to $500,000. The actual amount will depend on 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 2016 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.   

In addition for 2016, the AKC will match ALL cash donations as well as donor advised fund disbursements for CHF's Tick-Borne Disease Initiative. 

Q. Who is eligible to have their donation matched?

A. Any supporter who has never given to CHF, or last gave to CHF on/before December 31, 2013 will be eligible for the new/lapsed donor match. Any donor will be eligible for the Tick-Borne Disease Initiative match. Contact CHF to determine if you or your club is eligible for the match.

Q. I gave to CHF in 2015, 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 2016, will all of my donations be matched?

A. Yes, if you are eligible for the match, your cumulative donations in 2016 will be matched.

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

A. The AKC's matching dollars will be used to support CHF’s canine health research projects.

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. The AKC’s matching portion will go to CHF’s canine health research, and will not receive the same restriction as your donation. 

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 with funds from an existing donor advised fund, will that contribution be matched?

A. For the new/lapsed AKC match challenge, no.If the donor advised fund support is dispersed for CHF's Tick-Borne Disease Initiative; yes, it is eligible to be matched up to $250,000.

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

A. KMPG, the auditing firm used by both CHF and the AKC reviews donations made to CHF and makes final determinations concerning match 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 donors through the AKC’s 2016 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 2016.

The dogs are counting on us!  Thank you!