How To Increase Enthusiasm, Support For Workplace Charitable Giving

By Sebastian Troup


One of the most challenging aspects of managing a workplace giving campaign is getting the employees engaged. This can be particularly difficult for a campaign at a larger company where people are busy doing many different things throughout the day. Most employees would love to contribute to charitable causes, but with all the demands of the workplace, it may not always be a priority. There are some simple things you can do to build employee interest for a workplace giving program, and most of them center on taking a more strategic approach to your campaign.

Making it personal is a great way to increase enthusiasm. Often charities seem a bit too abstract, and it is difficult for employees to really relate to a cause. In these cases, it can be wise to bring in people who were helped by the charity. A presentation featuring individuals whose lives were changed for the better is a big source of inspiration. When people can put a human face on a charity, it becomes more tangible, and enthusiasm for the project is sure to build.

The most successful workplace giving programs have no political agenda. Among the causes that generate the most interest from employees are health-related causes, such as breast cancer awareness, as well as causes that protect those who cannot protect themselves, such as children or the economically disadvantaged. Studies have shown the most difficult programs to raise money for are causes that address abstract issues or are highly divisive.

Be sure to emphasize the program throughout the year. The end-of-year holidays are the biggest times for charitable giving, but charities need help throughout the year. So rather than focus on one specific time of year, it is wise to consistently remind employees about the charity or charities you are supporting. Encourage giving throughout the year by distributing information about your giving program on a consistent basis.

Social media provides you with an excellent resource to build pride in charitable giving programs. When employees take part in a charitable event or program, showcase these efforts using social media. This spreads the word about the charity as well as praising your employees for truly making a difference. This is a concrete validation of employees' efforts and will make them more inclined to contribute in the future. If an employee has shown a tremendous effort, be sure to single them out for some special praise both online and offline. For instance, if a few employees organized an event to support your company cause, be sure they are recognized for the efforts.

Workplace giving is most effective in organizations where management and employees work towards the same goal together in a noticeable and substantial way. For example, if the program deals with the homeless, consider having management and employees volunteer together in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Providing opportunities for hands-on volunteer work in addition to financial contributions is an important part of an effective charitable giving campaign. When a workplace comes together as a group to help out a cause, it builds a strong sense of community and camaraderie that makes a significant impact on everyone involved.




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