Workplace giving campaigns continue to be a significant player in charitable giving, generating several billion dollars annually. A number of years ago this mainly consisted of employees pledging a gift and having the donation deducted from their paycheck over time to the designated combined campaign, usually the local United Way. Today, technological advances, generational differences, alternative combined campaigns and other significant influences, have evolved workplace giving to year-round opportunities, matching donations, volunteer opportunities, events and giving packages tailored to specific causes. In considering today’s workplace giving environment, here are some potential issues to keep in mind. 

Differing Costs

The fees charged for the administrative costs in handling campaign contributions can vary from one combined campaign to the next.  A company or employee selecting a campaign, however, may want to consider the potential value added by the campaign organizers in their efforts to connect workplaces and charities. As noted, some offices may seek variety in their charity contribution choices. 

Seeking Confirmation of Results

Increasingly, younger contributors in the workplace are seeking confirmation that their generosity is making a difference. Charities that are adept at sharing their impact stories have a better chance of getting the attention of such donors. 

Engagement

Engagement has become the buzz word for successful workplace giving. From local charity volunteer opportunities for employees to creating donation packages focused on a popular cause, such as environmental concerns, workplace giving has become, for some companies, more of a cafeteria selection of donation choices. 

Verifying Trustworthiness

Recently, BBB’s Give.org and Community Health Charities (CHC) joined forces to promote transparency and high standards of conduct among charities that participate in CHC’s workplace giving campaigns. As part of a new agreement, participants in CHC campaigns are asked to submit information to BBB’s Give.org and will work towards meeting all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. There is no charge to these charities to participate in these accountability reviews. 

For more information about workplace giving, see the Wise Giving Guide cover story on this topic. 

Video of the Week 

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Thomas G. Bognanno, President & CEO of Community Health Charities (a BBB Accredited Charity).  This organization has one of the largest workplace giving programs in the U.S. and during the past five years helped distribute more than $400 million to its nearly 2,000 member charities which focus on health issues.  

Recent Reports 

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Christian Appalachian Project
• CURE International
• United Breast Cancer Foundation 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to https://give.org/ask-us-about-a-charity1/ if you are  interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.   

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance