Workplace Giving Programs in Chicago that Nonprofits Should Know

Chicago stands as a vibrant hub for corporate philanthropy, offering a wealth of workplace giving programs that nonprofits can leverage to enhance their funding and volunteer support. These programs are designed to encourage employees to engage with their communities through financial donations, volunteerism, and other forms of support, creating a powerful synergy between businesses and charitable organizations. For nonprofits operating in Chicago, understanding the landscape of workplace giving is essential to tapping into these valuable resources.

From matching gift programs to volunteer grants, volunteer time off, and payroll giving, Chicago’s corporate sector provides diverse opportunities for nonprofits to secure funding and volunteer assistance. Many local companies have established comprehensive giving initiatives that not only benefit their employees but also significantly impact the community. By knowing which companies offer these programs and how they operate, nonprofits can strategically approach corporate partners and maximize their fundraising and volunteer engagement efforts.

What to Know About Workplace Giving Programs in Chicago

Workplace giving programs come in various forms, each offering unique benefits to nonprofits and employees alike. One of the most common types is matching gifts, where companies match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. This effectively doubles or even triples the impact of an individual’s contribution, making it a highly sought-after form of corporate philanthropy.

Volunteer grants are another important facet of workplace giving. These programs provide nonprofits with grants based on the volunteer hours logged by employees. Companies recognize the value of employee volunteerism and reward nonprofits with financial support proportional to the time their employees dedicate to community service.

Volunteer time off (VTO) programs allow employees to take paid time off specifically to volunteer. This encourages active participation in community service during work hours, helping nonprofits fill critical volunteer needs, especially during weekdays or special events.

Payroll giving programs enable employees to make regular donations directly from their paychecks. This steady stream of support can be a reliable source of funding for nonprofits, often accompanied by corporate matching to further amplify the impact.

Chicago is home to a large number of companies that offer these workplace giving programs. Local nonprofits simply need to know where to look and how to engage with these companies to unlock these opportunities. The city’s diverse corporate landscape means there are many potential partners eager to support charitable causes through their employees’ generosity.

Companies in Chicago That Offer Matching Gifts

Matching gift programs remain the most popular form of workplace giving, and Chicago boasts several prominent companies that provide these opportunities. These programs can significantly increase the funding nonprofits receive by matching employee donations, often dollar for dollar or at other generous ratios. Understanding the specifics of each company’s program can help nonprofits target their outreach effectively.

ADM

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a global leader in agricultural processing headquartered in Chicago. ADM’s matching gift program supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, health and human services, and environmental causes. Eligible employees can request matches for their donations, typically at a 1:1 ratio, with minimum and maximum donation thresholds that vary annually. This program encourages ADM employees to contribute to causes they care about while amplifying their impact through corporate support.

Learn more about their program here.

Allstate

Allstate Insurance, a major player in the insurance industry, offers a robust matching gift program to its employees. The program matches donations to eligible nonprofits, including schools, arts organizations, and health-related charities. Employees can usually expect a 1:1 match, with specific limits on the minimum and maximum amounts eligible for matching. Allstate’s commitment to community engagement is reflected in its support for employee philanthropy through this program.

Learn more about their program here.

Baxter

Baxter International Inc., a healthcare company based in Chicago, provides a matching gift program that supports nonprofits focused on health, education, and community development. Eligible employees can have their donations matched, often at a 1:1 ratio, with defined minimum and maximum donation amounts. Baxter’s program is designed to encourage employee giving and strengthen the company’s ties to the communities it serves.

Learn more about their program here.

Exelon

Exelon Corporation, a leading energy provider headquartered in Chicago, offers a comprehensive matching gift program. The program matches employee donations to a broad spectrum of nonprofits, including environmental groups, educational institutions, and social services organizations. Exelon typically matches gifts at a 1:1 ratio, with specific guidelines on donation limits and eligible organizations. This program reflects Exelon’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community investment.

Learn more about their program here.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s Corporation, with its significant presence in Chicago, supports employee giving through its matching gift program. The program matches donations made by eligible employees to qualified nonprofits, including those focused on education, health, and community development. Matching ratios and donation limits are established to maximize the impact of employee contributions. McDonald’s encourages its workforce to engage in philanthropy, enhancing the company’s community involvement.

Learn more about their program here.

Companies in Chicago That Supply Volunteer Grants

Volunteer grant programs are another vital form of workplace giving offered by many Chicago-based companies. These programs provide nonprofits with financial grants based on the volunteer hours contributed by employees, creating a dual benefit of volunteer support and monetary funding. Nonprofits can leverage these grants to bolster their programs and recognize the efforts of corporate volunteers.

RSM US LLP

RSM US LLP, a leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services, offers a volunteer grant program that rewards nonprofits for employee volunteerism. Eligible employees can earn grants for their volunteer hours, which are then awarded to the nonprofits they support. The grant amounts typically correspond to the number of hours volunteered, with submission deadlines and application procedures outlined by the company. This program underscores RSM’s commitment to community engagement through employee involvement.

Learn more about their program here.

BDO USA

BDO USA, a top accounting and advisory firm, provides volunteer grants to nonprofits where employees dedicate their time. The program offers financial grants based on volunteer hours, supporting a variety of charitable causes. Employees must follow specific guidelines to qualify, and nonprofits benefit from the additional funding tied to volunteer efforts. BDO’s program highlights the firm’s dedication to fostering a culture of service among its workforce.

Learn more about their program here.

Apple

Apple Inc., a global technology leader with a presence in Chicago, supports volunteerism through its volunteer grant program. Employees who volunteer their time can enable nonprofits to receive grants proportional to the hours served. Apple’s program includes clear eligibility criteria for both employees and nonprofits, with grant amounts designed to encourage sustained volunteer engagement. This initiative reflects Apple’s broader commitment to social responsibility.

Learn more about their program here.

Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions, headquartered in Chicago, offers a volunteer grant program that rewards employees’ community service efforts. The program provides grants to nonprofits based on the number of volunteer hours logged by employees. Guidelines specify eligible organizations and employees, as well as grant amounts and submission deadlines. Motorola Solutions’ program is a key component of its corporate giving strategy, promoting active employee participation in philanthropy.

Learn more about their program here.

Cisco

Cisco Systems, a global technology company with operations in Chicago, supports volunteerism through its volunteer grant program. Employees who volunteer can help nonprofits receive financial grants tied to their service hours. The program outlines eligibility requirements and grant parameters, encouraging employees to contribute their time and skills to community organizations. Cisco’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to leveraging employee engagement for social impact.

Learn more about their program here.

SAP

SAP, a multinational software corporation with a Chicago presence, offers volunteer grants to nonprofits benefiting from employee volunteerism. The program awards grants based on volunteer hours, with clear guidelines on eligible employees and organizations. SAP’s volunteer grant program is part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts, fostering a culture of giving and community involvement among its workforce.

Learn more about their program here.

Siemens AG

Siemens AG, a global industrial manufacturing company with operations in Chicago, provides volunteer grants to nonprofits supported by employee volunteers. The program offers financial awards proportional to volunteer hours, with eligibility criteria for employees and nonprofits. Siemens’ volunteer grant program reflects its commitment to supporting communities through employee engagement and philanthropy.

Learn more about their program here.

Exelon Corporation

Exelon Corporation also extends volunteer grant opportunities to nonprofits where employees volunteer. This program complements its matching gift initiatives by providing additional financial support tied to employee volunteer hours. Eligible nonprofits and employees must adhere to program guidelines, and grant amounts are typically based on the number of hours volunteered. Exelon’s comprehensive approach to workplace giving strengthens its community impact.

Learn more about their program here.

Companies in Chicago That Provide Volunteer Time Off

Volunteer time off (VTO) programs are an increasingly popular form of workplace giving in Chicago. These programs allow employees to take paid time off specifically to volunteer, enabling nonprofits to access dedicated volunteer support during critical times. VTO programs help nonprofits fill volunteer roles that might otherwise be difficult to staff, especially during weekdays or special events.

Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz, a major food and beverage company headquartered in Chicago, offers a volunteer time off program that encourages employees to engage in community service. Eligible employees receive a set number of VTO hours annually, which they can use to volunteer with qualifying nonprofits. The program supports a wide range of causes, reflecting Kraft Heinz’s commitment to social responsibility and community involvement.

Learn more about their program here.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s Corporation provides volunteer time off to its employees, enabling them to participate in volunteer activities during paid work hours. The program outlines eligibility criteria for employees and nonprofits, and specifies the amount of VTO available each year. McDonald’s VTO program is part of its broader efforts to foster community engagement and support charitable causes.

Learn more about their program here.

Abbott

Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company based in Chicago, offers a volunteer time off program that allows employees to dedicate paid hours to volunteer work. The program supports a variety of nonprofit organizations and encourages employees to contribute their time to causes they care about. Abbott’s VTO program is designed to enhance employee engagement and community impact.

Learn more about their program here.

JLL

JLL, a professional services firm specializing in real estate, provides volunteer time off to its employees as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Employees can use VTO hours to volunteer with eligible nonprofits, supporting community development and social causes. JLL’s program helps nonprofits access skilled volunteers during critical periods.

Learn more about their program here.

Morningstar

Morningstar, a global financial services firm headquartered in Chicago, offers a volunteer time off program that encourages employees to engage in community service. The program grants a specific number of VTO hours annually, which employees can use to support nonprofits of their choice. Morningstar’s initiative reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of giving and volunteerism.

Learn more about their program here.

Allstate Insurance

Allstate Insurance also provides volunteer time off to its employees, enabling them to participate in volunteer activities during paid work hours. The program supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations and encourages employees to contribute their time to community causes. Allstate’s VTO program is a key element of its corporate giving strategy.

Learn more about their program here.

Companies in Chicago That Enable Payroll Giving

Payroll giving programs offer a convenient and consistent way for employees to support nonprofits by making regular donations directly from their paychecks. Many Chicago-based companies have embraced payroll giving as a core component of their workplace philanthropy, often pairing it with matching gift opportunities to maximize impact. These programs provide nonprofits with reliable funding streams and foster ongoing employee engagement.

Google

Google, with offices in Chicago, offers a payroll giving program that allows employees to contribute regularly to eligible nonprofits. The program often includes matching gifts for payroll donations, effectively increasing the total support nonprofits receive. Google’s payroll giving initiative is designed to simplify charitable giving and encourage sustained employee participation.

Learn more about their program here.

Apple

Apple’s payroll giving program enables employees to make automatic donations to qualified nonprofits through paycheck deductions. The company may also match these donations, amplifying the impact of employee generosity. Apple’s program includes clear guidelines on eligible nonprofits and participation requirements, fostering a culture of ongoing philanthropy.

Learn more about their program here.

Microsoft

Microsoft supports payroll giving by allowing employees to designate a portion of their paycheck to nonprofits of their choice. The company often matches these donations, providing additional funding to charitable organizations. Microsoft’s program is part of its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and employee engagement.

Learn more about their program here.

SAP

SAP’s payroll giving program offers employees the opportunity to contribute regularly to eligible nonprofits directly from their paychecks. Matching gift options may be available for these donations, further supporting nonprofit causes. SAP’s program encourages sustained giving and strengthens community ties.

Learn more about their program here.

Cisco

Cisco’s payroll giving program facilitates employee donations through paycheck deductions, often accompanied by corporate matching. Eligible nonprofits span a wide range of sectors, and employees are encouraged to participate to maximize their philanthropic impact. Cisco’s initiative reflects its dedication to social responsibility.

Learn more about their program here.

Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions offers a payroll giving program that allows employees to make regular charitable contributions via payroll deductions. The company may match these donations, increasing the total support for nonprofits. This program is part of Motorola Solutions’ comprehensive approach to workplace giving.

Learn more about their program here.

Nike

Nike’s payroll giving program enables employees to contribute to nonprofits through automatic payroll deductions. Matching gift opportunities may be available, enhancing the impact of employee donations. Nike’s program supports a wide array of charitable causes and encourages ongoing employee philanthropy.

Learn more about their program here.

Abbott

Abbott Laboratories provides a payroll giving program that allows employees to make regular donations to eligible nonprofits through paycheck deductions. Matching gifts may be offered to complement these contributions. Abbott’s program is designed to facilitate sustained charitable support and employee engagement.

Learn more about their program here.

Exelon Corporation

Exelon’s payroll giving program enables employees to contribute regularly to nonprofits via payroll deductions. The company often matches these donations, amplifying the impact of employee generosity. This program complements Exelon’s other workplace giving initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to community support.

Learn more about their program here.

JLL

JLL offers a payroll giving program that allows employees to make consistent donations to qualified nonprofits through payroll deductions. Matching gift options may be available, further supporting nonprofit organizations. JLL’s program is part of its broader strategy to encourage employee philanthropy and community involvement.

Learn more about their program here.

Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts

Chicago’s corporate landscape is rich with workplace giving programs that provide nonprofits with diverse opportunities for funding and volunteer support. From matching gifts and volunteer grants to volunteer time off and payroll giving, companies in the city offer a variety of ways for employees to engage with and support charitable causes. Nonprofits that understand these programs and how to access them can significantly boost their impact and sustainability.

These corporate giving initiatives not only enhance nonprofit resources but also foster stronger community ties and encourage a culture of philanthropy among employees. Beyond Chicago, thousands of companies nationwide offer generous sponsorship and giving programs that nonprofits can tap into. Utilizing a comprehensive corporate giving database like Double the Donation can help organizations uncover these opportunities efficiently and strategically, ensuring they do not miss out on valuable support.

Unlock More Corporate Giving Opportunities with Double the Donation

Double the Donation is proud to offer the most robust and comprehensive corporate giving database in the nonprofit sector, empowering organizations to tap into a wide range of corporate philanthropy opportunities, all in one place. This powerful database goes far beyond matching gifts. It includes detailed information on Employer Matching Gift Programs, Volunteer Grant and VTO Programs, Payroll Donation Opportunities, Corporate Sponsorship Guidelines, In-Kind Donation Policies, and much more.

By integrating Double the Donation’s corporate giving database into your fundraising operations, your organization gains access to up-to-date, actionable data on thousands of companies and their giving programs. Whether you’re trying to uncover match-eligible donors, encourage volunteers to log hours, identify payroll donors, or explore sponsorship opportunities, this centralized resource makes it simple and scalable.

Our platform works seamlessly with your existing tools, from donation forms to CRMs, ensuring your team can surface giving opportunities and engage donors at the right moments, without creating extra work. And the benefits go beyond revenue. With this database, fundraisers can deliver more personalized experiences for donors, deepen corporate partnerships, and uncover long-term opportunities for support and engagement.

Join thousands of nonprofits and schools already using Double the Donation to unlock the full spectrum of corporate giving. When you use our Corporate Giving Database, you’re not just maximizing donations; you’re building a more strategic and sustainable approach to workplace giving. Grow funding with our corporate giving database.