There are several types of workplace giving programs that your company can offer to employees. Depending on your company’s size, resources, and goals, you can customize the giving experience to match your organizational culture and employee preferences.

1. Payroll Giving (Employee Payroll Deductions)

Payroll giving is the most common form of workplace giving. Employees choose a set amount of money to be deducted from their paycheck and donated to a charity of their choice. This is a convenient, automatic process, which requires minimal effort on the part of both the employee and employer. The best part? It’s done before taxes, meaning employees get the benefit of reduced taxable income. You can offer a list of vetted organizations for employees to donate to, or, if feasible, give them the freedom to choose their preferred causes.

2. Matching Gifts

Matching gifts programs are a great way to amplify the impact of your employees’ donations. When an employee donates money to a cause, your company matches the donation, often up to a certain limit. This essentially doubles the contribution, creating greater impact for the charitable organization and showing employees that their efforts are valued. For example, if an employee donates $100 to a local food bank (or other NFPs), your company might match that with another $100 donation. Matching gifts are an easy and effective way to increase employee participation in workplace giving.

3. Volunteer Grant Programs

Another way to give back is through volunteer grant programs. If you spend time volunteering for a nonprofit, your employer might donate a certain amount of money to that organization based on how many hours you’ve volunteered. This creates a culture of volunteerism while also supporting the organizations employees care about. For instance, if an employee volunteers 10 hours at a local shelter, your company could donate $100 to that shelter. Volunteer grants help companies encourage their employees to get involved in causes and support them in their time commitments.

4. Fundraising Events

Your company can also organize fundraising events such as charity walks, auctions, or community days. Employees can participate by raising funds for a cause, and in many cases, the company can match the funds raised during these events. These events also serve as an opportunity for employees to come together outside of their normal work routine, fostering team spirit and goodwill.

How to Implement a Workplace Giving Program

Starting a workplace giving program may seem like a big task, but it’s actually easier than you might think. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Assess Employee Interest

Before launching a workplace giving program, survey your employees to understand their level of interest. What causes do they care about? Would they prefer payroll deductions or volunteer opportunities? This will help you tailor the program to meet their preferences and increase participation.

2. Choose Charities or Causes to Support

Once you know which causes are important to your employees, you can curate a list of charities or allow employees to select their own. For larger companies, partnering with nonprofit organizations or using an online giving platform (like Benevity or JustGive) can simplify the process. You could even offer to support local charities that are important to the surrounding community.

3. Set Up Payroll Deductions

Work with your HR or payroll team to set up the logistics of payroll deductions. Make sure it’s simple for employees to sign up, modify their contributions, and track their donations. If your company is offering matching gifts, set clear guidelines about donation limits and the process for matching.

4. Promote the Program Internally

Once your program is up and running, promote it internally. Hold informational sessions, send emails, or create a dedicated space on your company’s intranet to keep employees informed. Highlight the benefits, share success stories, and showcase how their contributions are making a difference.

5. Monitor and Report on Impact

It’s important to regularly track donations and volunteer hours, and share the results with employees. This not only helps keep them motivated but also reinforces the company’s commitment to social responsibility. Send out regular updates on how much has been raised, the causes being supported, and the impact of their efforts.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Your Company and the Community

Workplace giving isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a vital part of building a purpose-driven organization. By giving your employees the opportunity to support causes they care about, you not only make a meaningful difference in the world but also strengthen your company’s culture, improve employee engagement, and enhance your reputation as a socially responsible business. Starting a workplace giving program might seem like a small step, but the impact it can have—on your employees, your community, and your bottom line—can be profound. And the best part? It works for businesses of any size. Whether you’re a multinational corporation or a small local business, workplace giving can create real change. So why wait? Implement a workplace giving program today, and watch how it transforms your workplace into a force for good.

Ready to make a difference? Start your Workplace Giving program today!