In today’s evolving workplace landscape, nonprofits are constantly seeking new ways to connect with donors and secure sustainable funding. Workplace giving programs represent a significant yet often misunderstood opportunity. Many nonprofits have preconceptions about these programs that lead them to either underinvest in this channel or approach it with outdated strategies. Our recent research, in partnership with Embold Research, has uncovered findings that directly address prevalent myths that might be limiting your organization’s fundraising potential – and the truths that could transform your approach to workplace giving.
Want to see our full analysis? Download Inspiring Greater Giving in the Workplace: Key Insights on Donor Trends for Nonprofits for free today!
Myth #1: Employees know about their workplace giving program, they’re just not choosing to give to us through that channel.
Finding: 32% of employees are unsure if their employer offers a workplace giving program.
This lack of awareness presents both a challenge and an opportunity. When employees don’t realize they can give through their workplace — often with additional perks like matching gifts — it’s a missed chance to connect them to your cause. Workplace giving programs not only provide donors with a convenient and consistent way to support your mission, but they also help donors maximize their impact without additional cost to them.
Myth #2: There aren’t enough incentives in workplace giving to prompt employees to give to us.
Finding: Nearly 60% of employees are likely to donate when offered a matching gift incentive.
You may think of matching gifts as coming from your nonprofit’s board or a high-net-worth donor — but corporate matches are a hugely underutilized resource. 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer a matching gift for employees who give through their giving program, and it’s estimated that $4-7 billion in matching gift dollars go unclaimed each year.
Myth #3: We don’t raise enough money in workplace giving because employees are just choosing to give to other charities.
Finding: 43% of respondents hesitate to give when they lack awareness about nonprofit missions, goals, or programming.
A lack of understanding about nonprofit impact creates a significant barrier to workplace giving. When employees are unsure how their contributions make a difference or don’t see tangible outcomes, it’s no surprise they feel reluctant to give. Trust and clarity are essential in overcoming this hurdle. Without demonstrating your impact, you risk being overlooked in workplace campaigns, regardless of the good work your organization is doing.
These myths are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding and maximizing your workplace giving potential. Our comprehensive white paper, Inspiring Greater Giving in the Workplace: Key Insights on Donor Trends for Nonprofits, dives deeper into these insights and provides actionable strategies to help your organization:
- Build stronger awareness of workplace giving programs
- Leverage matching gift opportunities effectively
- Communicate your impact in ways that resonate with employees
Ready to unlock the full potential of workplace giving for your nonprofit? Download Inspiring Greater Giving in the Workplace: Key Insights on Donor Trends for Nonprofits to access detailed insights, case studies, and practical steps to transform your workplace giving strategy.
