Corporate generosity is a powerful yet often underutilized avenue for nonprofit fundraising. Workplace giving programs allow businesses and their employees to support mission-focused causes, creating a win-win situation for companies, employees, and nonprofits alike.
In this post, we’ll explore four creative and effective workplace giving ideas to help your nonprofit maximize support from corporate partners and their employees.
Our favorites include:
- Matching gifts
- Virtual giving events with Givent™
- Volunteer grants
- Payroll giving
Lucky for you, these programs can provide a steady stream of funding and engagement for your organization. Ready to find out how you can maximize the benefits? Read on.
1) Matching gifts
Matching gift programs are one of the easiest ways for nonprofits to boost their fundraising efforts. Many companies offer to match donations their employees make to eligible nonprofits, often doubling or even tripling the impact of each gift.
To maximize matching gift revenue, nonprofits should actively promote these programs to their supporters. After all, many donors are unaware that their employer offers a matching gift program, so education is key.
Plus, you’ll want to make it easy for donors to check their eligibility. For example, provide a searchable database or list of companies with matching gift programs on your website. Then, include matching gift reminders throughout your donor outreach. Mention employer matching in gift confirmation emails, fundraising appeals, thank-you messages, and more!
2) Virtual giving events with Givent™
Giving events are company-sponsored fundraising initiatives that engage employees in charitable giving. These may include donation drives, giving competitions, or company-wide fundraising challenges.
Giving events can create excitement and boost donations while strengthening corporate relationships. To make the most of these opportunities, organizations should:
- Collaborate with companies on event planning – Offer ideas for themed fundraising events, such as Giving Tuesday campaigns or charity walks.
- Engage employees through storytelling – Share compelling stories about your nonprofit’s impact to inspire participation.
- Offer multiple ways to give – Include options like payroll deductions, online donations, and corporate matching to maximize participation.
For example, Click & Pledge’s Givent offers a streamlined way for organizations to host online events. From there, employees, donors, or patrons are encouraged to give to support the causes they care about—i.e., yours!
All in all, giving events foster a culture of generosity in the workplace while providing nonprofits with increased visibility and support. And with the right tools, it’s easier than ever to get started!
3) Volunteer grants
Volunteer grants, which are also known as “dollars for doers” programs, reward employees who volunteer by providing a financial donation to the nonprofit where they serve. Companies often set specific guidelines, such as requiring employees to volunteer a certain number of hours before the grant is awarded.
To take full advantage of volunteer grants, nonprofits should:
- Encourage volunteers to check with their employers – Many volunteers don’t realize their efforts could translate into additional funding. Provide information on volunteer grant programs and how to apply.
- Track volunteer hours – Implement a system to record and verify volunteer hours so that supporters can easily submit grant applications.
- Strengthen corporate relationships – Recognize businesses that offer volunteer grants and cultivate deeper partnerships with those companies.
Volunteer grants not only provide extra financial support but also help strengthen ties between nonprofits and local businesses, fostering long-term engagement.
4) Payroll giving
Payroll giving allows employees to donate to a nonprofit directly from their paycheck, often pre-tax. Some employers also match payroll donations (going back to idea #1), making this an even more efficient and cost-effective way to give.
For nonprofits, payroll giving offers nonprofits a steady, reliable stream of donations. Since payroll giving is automated, it encourages long-term giving and provides predictable funding for nonprofits.
In order to maximize its potential, be sure to demonstrate the value of the opportunity to your supporters. Regularly communicate how payroll donations help your organization, using impact stories and donor recognition efforts. Plus, make sure signing up is easy! Provide clear instructions so that your donors know exactly what they should do to get started.
Workplace giving is more than just a funding source—it’s a way to build lasting relationships with corporate partners and engaged donors. By leveraging matching gifts, volunteer grants, payroll deductions, giving events, and more, your nonprofit can unlock new opportunities for sustainable support.
The key is to make participation easy, communicate the impact of corporate generosity, and nurture these valuable partnerships over time. With the right strategies, workplace giving can become a cornerstone of your fundraising efforts, helping you raise more and do more for your mission. Good luck!
