For Renee Zau, the spark of entrepreneurship ignited early. When asked when she knew she was destined to be a business owner, she immediately recalls the Junior Achievement in high school. It was a program that allowed students to create and run businesses. That experience, coupled with her childhood hobby of turning comics into magnets to sell to neighbors, revealed a clear path: she was meant to build things that matter.

Today, Renee is the co-founder and CEO of DonationMatch, a platform that connects nonprofits with companies that donate products and services to charitable events.

“We uniquely sit in the charitable marketing space. It’s not just giving—it’s about creating visibility and loyalty in a way that’s efficient for everyone involved.”

By streamlining donation matchmaking, the platform enables both sides to benefit—nonprofits get the support they need, and businesses reach values-aligned audiences.

Bridging Purpose and Profit

The idea for DonationMatch came while Renee was running multiple Curves Fitness franchises.

“I saw firsthand how valuable donations could be—not just for fundraising, but for business exposure too,” 

Donating gift certificates to charity auctions brought new members through the door, many of whom were already invested in the cause. It was a win-win: more impact for nonprofits, and measurable ROI for local businesses. That experience planted the seed for DonationMatch—essentially a “dating site” for donors and seekers.

The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship

Over the last 15 years, Renee has built DonationMatch with the help of her co-founder and husband, who serves as CTO. Together, they’ve navigated the startup world and weathered its many twists. Her favorite part?

“Freedom. I could raise kids, work with who I wanted, and create something that empowered small businesses.”

But that freedom comes at a price.

“I can’t turn it off. Even on vacation, my brain doesn’t stop thinking about the business.”

Teresa noted this is often more about personality than profession—a sentiment Renee agreed with.

Building Support Systems

When asked where she turns for support, Renee points to both personal and professional relationships.

“Having my co-founder also be my spouse means we’re in it together. And Hera Hub has been incredible—there’s so much wisdom in that community. I’ve learned about everything from marketing to compliance just by listening.”

She also emphasizes the value of advisory boards and startup accelerators, crediting Founder Institute with helping her clarify DonationMatch’s value proposition and go-to-market strategy.

Her advice to others just getting started?

“Join a startup accelerator as early as possible. It took us two years to figure that out. I wish we had done it from day one.”

Giving Back More Efficiently

As the company continues to grow, Renee is focused on awareness—getting the word out to nonprofits and companies who could benefit.

“When people know what you do, they start connecting you with others. That’s how the magic happens.”

And platforms like Twine make that possible by creating trusted spaces for women to talk business, life, and everything in between.

How to Support Renee & DonationMatch

If you know a nonprofit that needs donations—or a business that wants to give back while gaining visibility—introduce them to DonationMatch.
The platform handles vetting, targeting, and tracking, making corporate philanthropy smarter and more strategic.