Here at Global Impact, we’re experts in workplace giving and employee engagement. With nearly 70 years of experience, we help companies and employees maximize their philanthropic impact for global causes. As companies build giving and volunteering programs, we strive to share best practices and examples that companies can replicate. Today we’re spotlighting Microsoft for their fantastic annual giving and micro-volunteering program – and sharing actionable steps you can apply to your giving campaign. 

Highlight: Microsoft’s October Giving Month  
Microsoft’s October Giving Month is their signature philanthropic initiative focused on employee engagement in charitable activities. Their annual campaign has encouraged employees to volunteer and fundraise for nonprofit organizations, supporting causes ranging from local community initiatives to global humanitarian efforts. Employees are encouraged to support causes they are passionate about, including education, global health, environmental conservation, and social justice.  

In addition to financial contributions, Microsoft encourages employees to volunteer their time. This year, they focused on micro-volunteer activities enabling groups of employees to make an impact in a short amount of time. We were privileged to collaborate with multiple groups resulting in the creation of nearly 400 personalized thank you cards supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide. Each of the card-writing sessions was customized to the team’s size and location and provided trivia and education on Global Impact’s charity members.  

Beyond the events hosted by Global Impact, our Charity Alliance members also engaged with Microsoft employees offering their own micro-volunteer activities throughout October. To further incentivize participation in volunteerism, Microsoft offers a volunteer time match of $25 per hour. 

Overall, Microsoft’s October Giving Month is a powerful example of corporate social responsibility in action demonstrating how businesses can leverage their resources and employee base to affect meaningful change. Engaging employees in philanthropic activities like Microsoft’s October Giving Month fosters a sense of community and purpose, enhancing job satisfaction and company loyalty.   

Next Steps: How Your Company Can Get Involved  
Microsoft’s October Giving Month is a great example of employee engagement, and we encourage you and your company to adopt similar initiatives. 

  • Look for micro-volunteering opportunities with nonprofit partners you already have! 
  • Consider organizing company-wide volunteer days where staff can contribute their time to local nonprofits or community projects. 
  • Plan activities during observance days or weeks which makes it easier to communicate and can drive participation. Consider Volunteer Week or GivingTuesday as examples. 
  • Implement matching gift programs where your company matches employee donations to charitable organizations. 
  • Create grant programs allowing employees to nominate and vote on causes or organizations to receive corporate donations. 

Global Impact’s comprehensive approach and extensive experience make us a valuable partner for companies and nonprofits looking to enhance their workplace giving, fundraising, and volunteering initiatives. We’re happy to help.  Reach out to us for a strategic consultation and assessment of your current programming.