Winning Workplace Giving Strategies For Nonprofits

,
Winning Workplace Giving Strategies for Nonprofits

According to corporate philanthropy studies, businesses provide over $21 billion to nonprofits each year⁠—and the number continues to grow. Much of that funding comes from a smaller subcategory of corporate philanthropy known as workplace giving strategies.

As described in our previous Workplace Giving Guide for Corporate Changemakers,

The most significant differentiator between workplace giving and corporate philanthropy is that workplace giving places a company’s employees in the driver’s seat of the programming. In these scenarios, team members play an active role in their employing company’s philanthropy.

Nevertheless, there’s a lot that nonprofits can do to better position themselves to leverage this source of revenue. And it starts with building a solid foundation of knowledge regarding the kinds of workplace giving programs available to them.

That’s why, in this guide, we’ll cover the following:

Workplace giving provides value to each party involved⁠—including your organization, the companies that support your efforts, and even individual donors. It’s what we often refer to as a “win-win-win” situation.

Let’s dive in!

Top 10 Workplace Giving Campaign Types to Know

Understanding common examples of workplace giving programs can help position your team to best identify and pursue available opportunities. We’ve compiled a list of ten of the most popular campaign types here.

1. Employee Matching Gifts

Employee matching gift programs are one of the most popular examples of workplace giving⁠—both from a corporate and donor perspective. When a company offers this initiative, they essentially agree to match donations made by their employees to qualifying nonprofit groups.

An individual contributes to their favorite charitable organization, then requests a match from their employing company. The employer reviews the match submission, ensures it aligns with predetermined matching criteria, and approves the request, making a matching donation to the same cause.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: matching gifts

Currently, more than 26 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs, which includes over 65% of Fortune 500 companies and 51% of the Russell 1000. Not to mention tens of thousands of small and mid-sized businesses as well.

Workplace giving company example

Corporate Spotlight: Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company offers a generous employee matching gift program. Both full-time and retired team members qualify to have their personal donations of up to $10,000 matched by the company at a 2:1 rate⁠—resulting in up to $20,000 in corporate matches for eligible causes. Many nonprofits qualify for matching, including educational institutions (K-12 included), arts and cultural organizations, environmental organizations, and select other groups.

Check out more participating companies here!

2. Fundraising Matches

Fundraising match programs are fairly similar to employee matching gifts, and they might even be lumped together under a single workplace giving category. But there’s a key difference that makes this type of initiative stand out. Employee donation matches are made solely for donations contributed by a company’s employees. Fundraising matches, on the other hand, also include donations made by others to an employee’s peer-to-peer giving campaign.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: fundraising matches

For example, let’s say John Doe of Company A is participating in a sponsored run/walk event for a local nonprofit. He raises over $500 in pledges on behalf of the organization from friends, family, and more. If the company offers a fundraising match program, they’ll match all of those donations to the nonprofit⁠—not just ones made by John Doe himself.

Workplace giving company example

Corporate Spotlight: State Street Corporation

In addition to a traditional employee matching gift program where the company matches donations made by eligible employees (GiveMore), State Street Corporation also offers a fundraising match program (CollectMore). Through the CollectMore initiative, State Street matches team members’ fulfilled fundraising pledges at a 1:1 rate up to $10,000 per employee per year.

3. Dollars for Doers

Dollars for doers, also known as volunteer grants, are another popular type of corporate matching program. But instead of matching financial donations, participating companies provide monetary grants according to the number of hours an employee devotes to volunteering with a nonprofit cause.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: volunteer grants

In terms of scope, recent corporate giving research reports that more than 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grants. Not to mention, over 85% of the top matching gift companies also provide dollars for doers opportunities for their employees. And of those that do provide volunteer grants, 80% offer provide between $8 and $15 each hour an employee volunteers.

Workplace giving company example

Corporate Spotlight: Walt Disney Corporation

The Walt Disney Company offers a few key opportunities for Disney team members to request VoluntEAR grants on behalf of the organizations with which they volunteer. First, Disney VoluntEARS can apply for annual “EARS to You” grants of up to $2,000 to qualifying nonprofit causes. The company also recognizes standout volunteers with “VoluntEARS of the Year” grants, typically through an additional $2,500.

Check out more participating companies here!

4. Charitable Giving Stipends

Charitable giving stipends (sometimes referred to as “charitable gift cards) are a unique form of workplace giving program. This offering typically involves companies allotting a certain amount of funding to individual employees, who can contribute the dollars to the organizations of their choice.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: charitable giving stipends

This can be done in a few different ways. While some companies might provide actual gift cards that can be used to support a range of preapproved nonprofit causes, others add the funds directly to an individual’s account within the company’s employee giving portal.

Employers can also choose whether giving stipends are an automatic, yearly benefit for team members or offer them as a way to reward or incentivize employees for other activities.

Workplace giving company exampleCorporate Spotlight: Basecamp

As a key component of a well-rounded employee benefits plan, software company Basecamp offers generous employee giving stipends. Qualifying team members receive up to $1,000 per year that can be contributed to one or more nonprofit organizations of their choice!

5. Annual Giving Campaigns

Annual employee giving campaigns are another popular type of workplace giving. Occurring most often on a yearly basis, participating companies organize an internal fundraising campaign, typically in partnership with a specific nonprofit cause.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: annual giving

Employees are informed about the campaign effort and typically encouraged to get involved through some sort of strategic incentive. There may even be gamification involved, such as pitting teams, departments, or even branches against one another to see who can bring in the most funding for the organization receiving support.

Workplace giving company exampleCorporate Spotlight: GEICO

For more than 45 years, GEICO has partnered with United Way to host an annual workplace giving campaign with big results. In 2020, the company and its associates raised and donated a collective 17 million dollars, totaling over $46 million in the last six years. Not to mention, GEICO associates donated more than $50,000 to Feeding America, providing over 1.25 million meals to families in need in 2021.

6. Disaster Relief Efforts

Disaster relief campaigns are a specific type of workplace giving opportunities organized in response to emergency events. Often taking place after natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods, companies and their employees agree to raise funding dedicated to providing relief for those affected.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: disaster relief

This type of fundraising effort is generally hosted as a critical response following a significant occurrence, the urgency of which generally produces grand results for on-the-ground organizations.

Workplace giving company example

Corporate Spotlight: Facebook

As a major player in corporate philanthropy, Facebook led the way with COVID-19 disaster relief results through an impactful partnership with the CDC Foundation. Offering a major $10 million matching donation, Facebook inspired giving among employees and the general public.

See how other companies participated in COVID-19 relief here!

7. In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations are a specific type of nonprofit gift, essentially comprising anything other than a monetary contribution. This often includes goods and services, including tangible commodities like school supplies or technological equipment, and professional services like graphic design, copywriting, and more.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: in-kind donations

In terms of workplace giving initiatives, in-kind donations can be involved in a few key ways. First, a company might most an in-kind donation drive⁠—such as a canned food or clothing drive⁠—and encourage employees to participate by bringing their own donations to give.

On the other hand, an employer might provide the goods or services (e.g., a computer manufacturer offering free laptops), allowing individual team members to direct the specified gifts-in-kind to their favorite nonprofit organizations.

Workplace giving company example

Corporate Spotlight: Priority Marketing

Across its three decades of service, Priority Marketing and its employees have provided more than $4 million in in-kind donations to local organizations. By encouraging team members to offer pro bono and discounted services to nonprofit causes, the firm empowers charitable groups by producing impactful marketing, awareness, and fundraising campaigns in their own communities.

8. Paycheck Deductions

Most fundraising organizations understand the benefits of recurring donations. What some don’t know, however, is that payroll deductions can be a significant source of this type of funding.

In terms of workplace giving strategies, payroll deductions are donations that flow directly from a supporter’s paycheck. While some donors may choose to do so on a one-off basis, many opt into recurring weekly, biweekly, or monthly giving programs this way.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: payroll deductions

It’s typically a quick and easy process for a company’s employees to get involved, and the receiving organizations tend to see steady flows of donations through automatic payroll giving.

Workplace giving company example

Corporate Spotlight: L’Oréal

L’Oréal developed a simple way for employees to give to their favorite charities on a regular basis with Payroll Giving, an element of their Employee Citizen Engagement Program. Since 2018, thousands of L’Oréal employees throughout France, the US, and Japan have contributed more than $1.4 million through the initiative, going to partner organizations across the globe.

9. Volunteer Time Off

Most companies offer some type of paid time off, or PTO, for employees. Volunteer time off, or VTO, is one form of this benefit that is used specifically to encourage corporate employees to dedicate their time to nonprofit causes.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: VTO

VTO is typically provided above and beyond any existing vacation or sick time and can range from a few hours to multiple weeks per employee on a yearly basis. Employees request VTO from work, then spend that time volunteering with a charitable organization⁠—all while getting paid to do so!

Workplace giving company exampleCorporate Spotlight: General Motors Financial

With a goal to strengthen the communities in which their employees live and work, GM Financial encourages team members to support a wide range of nonprofit causes. Individuals can get involved in company-sponsored Signature Events or select their own community investment projects with eight hours of paid volunteer time off each quarter.

10. Group Volunteer Events

One final workplace giving program to note is group (more specifically, corporate) volunteer events. Many employers choose to organize volunteer opportunities in tangent with local organizations, and some are even offering virtual experiences that allow team members to get involved from afar.

Winning workplace giving strategy example: group volunteerism

These types of events can take place either during or outside of typical work hours, and common activities can include working with environmental cleanups, soup kitchens, and more.

Volunteering can be an excellent team bonding experience that can serve as an effective icebreaker activity as well. Not to mention, the nonprofit that hosts the volunteer group benefits from the additional service!

Corporate Spotlight: Clif Bar & Company

Clif Bar & Company developed a unique volunteer initiative in 2008 called “In Good Company.” Since its inception, Clif employees have been encouraged to participate with nonprofit causes, volunteering on projects such as community gardens, home-building, and more. Plus, they partner with like-minded, charitable-focused businesses in their volunteer efforts, giving back alongside other corporations to drive positive change.

How to Make the Most of Workplace Giving Opportunities

Now that you know which kinds of corporate giving programs to keep an eye out for, consider these tried-and-true practices for making the most of the opportunities.

Establish goals and create a detailed plan to get there.

Like any new project, one of the first steps you’ll want to take when diving into key workplace giving strategies is to set goals. These should be specific and measurable objectives that allow your team to pursue impact effectively.

And you’ll need a detailed plan of action to get there.

Take a look at where your team currently stands in terms of workplace giving revenue. How much funding does your nonprofit receive from matching gifts, volunteer grants, and more? Then, set tangible and ambitious goals to stretch those numbers significantly further in each channel.

Consider this sample workplace giving plan:

Workplace giving plan sample

Feel free to build off this template, knowing that you can and should adjust the strategy to best fit your organization’s needs.

Plus, keep in mind that existing donors can be some of your most valuable assets in pursuing workplace giving opportunities. Individuals who already work for companies with philanthropic programs can get involved on behalf of your organization. Meanwhile, supporters whose companies do not yet offer workplace giving initiatives can advocate for such programs to their employers.

Stay on top of top companies and program changes.

We always recommend getting familiar with top corporate giving companies. This allows organizations to identify the best opportunities for matching gifts, volunteer grants, and more. Not to mention, it ensures they can relay the information to eligible donors.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that workplace giving offerings are not set in stone. And staying on top of program changes can be a huge help as your team continues to pursue available engagements.

For example, here are a few changes that we’ve seen in the last few years:

  • LinkedIn ⁠— Raised their matching gift maximum from $10,000 to $15,000 per employee;
  • Walmart ⁠— Changed their payroll deduction campaign from Strategic Choice (13 NPOs) to Fully Open;
  • Murphy Oil Corporation ⁠— Reinstated their employee matching program with a 1:1 match ratio for most NPOs and 2:1 for educational institutions;
  • Kimray Inc. ⁠— Reinstated their employee matching program and increased their match max to $2,000 per employee.

So what does this mean? Just because a donor isn’t eligible for a corporate philanthropy program at one point doesn’t mean that it will remain their status forever.

Picture this: Business A has reported the launch of a new workplace giving initiative. You know that Donors B and C work for that company. Consider reaching out and encouraging them to get involved!

Build out impactful corporate relationships.

When it comes to corporate philanthropy and workplace giving, the relationships your organization has with companies in your network matter. And again, your supporters can be some of your greatest resources.

If you’re not already, begin making an effort to collect donor employment information using your donation forms, corporate giving software, or even employer appends.

Then, identify which donors work for which philanthropic companies⁠. Shared interest⁠s—such as overlapping donors and employees⁠—can help your team get its foot in the door to develop corporate relationships.

Check out these sample messages an organization might send to a prospective corporate partner:

“Our organization has received 620 donations and $28,000 match identified dollars from your company in the past year. We see that you are dedicated to charitable giving, and it seems that we have a lot in common already! Are you interested in partnering with our team as a corporate sponsor for our upcoming fundraising event?”

“Hi! We see that more than 35 dedicated donors to our nonprofit are employed by your company. Unfortunately, however, it looks like you don’t offer a matching gift program. Because we already have so much in common with us, we were hoping you might be interested in developing a mutually beneficial corporate sponsorship.”

Even if a company is not currently offering workplace giving programs for their employees, reaching out and pitching partnership opportunities can go a long way.

Pursue operational efficiencies with automation.

Recent studies by Nonprofits Source indicate that 80% of nonprofits report difficulty building strong corporate partnerships and workplace giving strategies. One of the most critical roadblocks has to do with limited staff and resources at their disposal.

The solution? Operational efficiencies.

More specifically, pursuing operational efficiencies by automating key processes involved in corporate fundraising. And that’s exactly what 360MatchPro by Double the Donation is designed to do.

This includes:

  • Collecting employment data via donation forms, confirmation screens, follow-ups, and email domain screening methods to identify workplace giving opportunities;
  • Triggering personalized outreach, including post-transaction follow-up emails complete with company-specific workplace giving program information;
  • Enabling auto-submission functionality for donors, removing key submission roadblocks and driving more eligible matches to completion;
  • Tracking workplace giving opportunities, analyzing aggregated matching gift metrics and other data points;
  • Integrating seamlessly with your online donation tools and CRM to produce a comprehensive technology ecosystem.

Automating Workplace Giving Strategies

Automation and overall efficiencies allow organizations to do more to seek workplace giving opportunities with less time and effort required. In the end, teams like yours will see greater impact for your cause, your donors, and the communities you serve.


Final Thoughts

With the right tips and tricks in your toolkit, your organization will be all set to maximize workplace giving opportunities for your cause. And since more than 39% of companies report planning to expand their workplace giving programs in the next two years, now is the perfect time to get started building out your plan for success.

In the end, you’ll have improved corporate relationships, elevated donor engagement, and increased funding to best serve your communities.

Keep learning! Dive deeper into key workplace giving strategies to raise more for your organization through the source. Check out these additional materials:

Elevate your organization's workplace giving strategies with Doubl the Donation.