End-of-Year Strategies to Grow Payroll Giving

End-of-Year Strategies to Grow Payroll Giving

/in /by

As the year winds down, nonprofits have a golden opportunity to bolster their fundraising efforts, particularly through payroll giving. This year-end period is not only a time of reflection and gratitude, but also a crucial moment for tapping into new sources of support. Payroll giving provides a steady and reliable income stream, helping organizations plan long-term initiatives while fostering a culture of philanthropy within the workplace.

In this article, we’ll explore several strategies that nonprofits can implement to enhance payroll giving at the end of the calendar year, ensuring maximum participation and a lasting impact for their cause.

As many employees are considering their charitable contributions during the holiday season, payroll giving presents an ideal way to channel their generosity in a way that is both easy and impactful. By tapping into this heightened awareness and aligning payroll giving campaigns with the spirit of giving, nonprofits can maximize their fundraising efforts while creating a lasting relationship with supporters.

Whether your nonprofit is new to payroll giving or looking to enhance an existing program, implementing the right strategies during this critical period can lead to a sustained and growing source of support throughout the year.

Check out our other leading workplace giving strategies for end-of-year fundraising! Access the free, downloadable guide: What to Know About Workplace Giving & the Year-End Fundraising Season.

Educate Supporters About Payroll Giving

Many potential donors may not be aware of the existence of payroll giving programs or may not know how easy it is to participate. It’s essential for nonprofits to provide clear, easily accessible information to help demystify the process and guide employees through the setup.

Promote Through Multiple Channels

Leverage all available communication channels to educate potential donors. Use your website, email newsletters, social media platforms, and targeted outreach to ensure that donors are well-informed. Provide step-by-step guides, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and direct links to enrollment forms to simplify the process. You might also consider offering in-person or virtual informational sessions to walk employees through the process and answer any questions they may have.

Address Common Misconceptions

It’s also important to address any misconceptions employees may have about payroll giving. Some might think the process is cumbersome or may not understand how their small contributions make a difference. Combat these concerns with clear, transparent communication that explains how easy it is to sign up and how impactful each donation is.

Organize Dedicated Workplace Giving Campaigns

One of the most effective ways to drive payroll giving is to launch targeted workplace giving campaigns, particularly during the year-end period. And remember, timing is key: by aligning your dedicated workplace giving plan with Payroll Giving Month in February or national awareness days that coincide with your mission, you can amplify the campaign’s reach and effectiveness.

Host a Dedicated Payroll Giving Drive

Launching a dedicated payroll giving drive is one of the most effective ways to bring attention to this giving method and increase participation. Choose a time during the year-end period that aligns with corporate calendars or seasonal events, such as the holidays or annual company meetings. To create a buzz around the campaign, consider hosting an event (either virtual or in person) that educates employees about payroll giving, its impact, and how easy it is to sign up.

This event can also include testimonials from other employees who have already committed to payroll giving, making the campaign more relatable and authentic. Providing clear instructions on how to participate, along with dedicated resources such as enrollment forms or online portals, ensures that employees can easily get involved without confusion.

Set a Specific Goal

Setting a specific, measurable goal for your payroll giving campaign helps provide a clear target for employees to rally behind. Whether it’s a monetary target, such as raising $10,000, or a participation goal, such as enrolling 200 employees, having a defined objective motivates individuals to contribute and track progress. Publicly sharing updates on how close you are to reaching your goal can encourage friendly competition and a sense of collective achievement.

Additionally, setting goals allows you to evaluate the campaign’s success and assess areas for improvement, making it easier to plan future drives. Celebrate when you reach the target and acknowledge the collective efforts of the workplace community, reinforcing the impact their contributions have made on the nonprofit’s mission.

Develop Cohesive Messaging

Clear and compelling messaging is crucial to the success of any workplace giving campaign. It’s important to highlight not only the convenience of payroll giving but also the long-term benefits it offers. Craft messages that connect with employees on an emotional level, showing them the direct impact their contributions can have on the lives of others. Use storytelling to demonstrate how even small, regular donations add up over time and lead to meaningful change.

For example, instead of simply stating, “Give to support our cause,” you might say, “Your $10 per paycheck helps provide meals to 20 families each month.” This type of language underscores the tangible difference employees can make, encouraging participation.

Highlight Significant Tax Benefits

For many potential donors, the financial advantages of payroll giving may not be immediately clear. One of the most effective ways to incentivize participation is to communicate the tax benefits associated with payroll giving. When donations are deducted from an employee’s paycheck before tax, it reduces their taxable income for the year, which can result in tax savings.

Illustrate the Financial Impact

For example, if an employee contributes $10 per paycheck, they may only effectively be giving $8, depending on their tax bracket. This makes the benefits of payroll giving more tangible and easier for donors to understand. Provide examples or visual aids that illustrate the direct financial impact, enabling employees to see that their contributions extend further than they might realize. The clearer you make these benefits, the more likely employees are to participate.

Leverage Corporate Matching Gifts

Many companies offer matching gift programs, where they match employees’ donations to charitable organizations, often on a dollar-for-dollar basis or more. According to recent studies, 84% of donors report being more likely to donate when a match is offered, making corporate matching gifts a powerful tool to boost payroll giving.

Collaborate with Corporate Partners

To take full advantage of these programs, collaborate with corporate partners to ensure that employees are aware of the matching opportunities available. Work with HR departments to promote matching gift programs, and make sure employees know how to register their payroll donations for matching gifts. Additionally, provide tools like matching gift lookup platforms to help donors easily find out if their employer participates in these programs.

Highlight the Amplified Impact

Incorporate information about corporate matching into your messaging to demonstrate how a simple payroll gift can be doubled or even tripled. For instance, if an employee contributes $25 per paycheck, with a company match, their total contribution could become $50. This added value can motivate employees to give more, knowing that their employer is helping their donation go further.

Incentivize and Recognize Payroll Giving Donors

Recognizing and rewarding those who commit to payroll giving is a great way to foster long-term support and encourage others to get involved. People want to feel appreciated for their efforts, and showing gratitude can strengthen their relationship with your nonprofit.

Create a Culture of Appreciation

Start by expressing sincere thanks to payroll giving donors, acknowledging their contributions with personalized thank-you messages, public recognition, or exclusive rewards. You could create a “Payroll Giving Champion” spotlight in your newsletter, on your website, or through social media to showcase top contributors and inspire others to participate.

Offer Exclusive Incentives

Incentives can further encourage participation, such as offering exclusive thank-you gifts like branded merchandise, tickets to special events, or other small tokens of appreciation. Friendly workplace competitions, such as a departmental challenge to see which team can raise the most through payroll giving, can also drive engagement while fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalry.

Monitor, Evaluate, and Optimize Your Strategy

Regularly tracking the performance of your payroll giving program allows you to identify successful tactics and areas for improvement. By collecting qualitative feedback from donors and corporate partners, you can make data-informed adjustments to enhance engagement and participation.

Utilize Data Analytics

Consider implementing data analytics tools to track the performance of your payroll giving campaigns. By analyzing participation rates, donation amounts, and donor demographics, you can gain valuable insights into what resonates with your audience and where to focus your efforts in the future. Understanding donor behavior helps guide decisions and allows you to optimize your strategy for better results.

Collect Feedback

Don’t shy away from soliciting feedback from employees and donors about their experiences with payroll giving. This can provide useful information about barriers to participation or opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s through surveys, one-on-one conversations, or focus groups, gathering qualitative feedback helps you fine-tune your approach.

Adjust Strategies Based on Results

Based on the data and feedback you gather, be open to adjusting your strategies. For instance, if a particular incentive or messaging tactic is working well, consider expanding it. Conversely, if something isn’t resonating, pivot to more effective tactics. Flexibility is key to ensuring your payroll giving campaign remains relevant and engaging for your audience.

Conclusion & Next Steps

End-of-year payroll giving campaigns represent a unique opportunity for nonprofits to secure sustained support while strengthening relationships with their supporters. By developing targeted campaigns, educating donors about tax benefits, leveraging corporate matching gifts, and recognizing payroll giving donors, your nonprofit can increase participation and build a loyal donor base for years to come.

Moving forward, set specific, measurable goals for your payroll giving program and regularly review progress to ensure that you’re on track. Keep the lines of communication open with your donors and be ready to adapt your approach based on their feedback and preferences. By employing a strategic, proactive approach, you can unlock the full potential of payroll giving and make a lasting impact on your mission.

Explore Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving Tools

Ready to unlock the full potential of payroll giving for your nonprofit? Explore Double the Donation’s powerful payroll giving tools to easily identify eligible supporters and boost your fundraising efforts. Our platform helps you connect with the right donors, streamline the process, and raise more through workplace giving programs. Request a demo today and see the tools in action!

How to Find Companies That Match Payroll Donations

How to Find Companies That Match Payroll Donations

/in , /by

Payroll donation matching programs have become a valuable tool for employees looking to enhance their charitable contributions. With the help of these kinds of initiatives, employees can significantly amplify their financial support for causes they care about. Simultaneously, employers have the unique opportunity to foster a culture of giving within their workforce, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility.

This guide explores everything you need to know about payroll donation matching programs: how they work, the benefits they offer, and actionable steps you can take to make the most of them. We’ll walk you through how to find companies with matching gift programs, how to maximize the impact of your incoming contributions, and how you can take full advantage of your supporters’ employers’ payroll matching policies.

For nonprofits, working with businesses that match payroll donations offers a unique opportunity to boost funding, increase donor engagement, and enhance community relationships. Whether you’re looking to attract new donors or maximize the impact of existing supporters, payroll donation matching can be a game-changer for your fundraising efforts. Let’s begin with the basics.

Understanding Payroll Donations

Payroll donations refer to the automatic deduction of a portion of an employee’s salary for charitable contributions. Rather than making one-time donations from a personal bank account or writing checks, employees can set up recurring contributions directly from their paychecks. This method offers simplicity and convenience, ensuring that contributions are made regularly, without requiring employees to take additional steps each time. Payroll donations are generally modest, making them manageable for employees while providing a consistent source of funding for nonprofit organizations.

One of the standout features of payroll donations is that they are typically aligned with corporate social responsibility initiatives. As employees commit a portion of their earnings to charity, their companies may encourage this generosity by matching the donations, effectively doubling or even tripling the impact of each contribution. This can turn a small donation into a significant gift for the nonprofit organization, increasing its ability to fund projects, support its mission, and reach more individuals in need.

What Are Payroll Donation Matching Programs?

Payroll donation matching programs are initiatives implemented by employers where they match the donations made by employees to nonprofit organizations. The match typically occurs on a dollar-for-dollar basis, but some employers offer more generous matching, such as 2:1 or 3:1 ratios. In such programs, employees can choose a nonprofit organization that aligns with their values, make regular payroll contributions, and then submit a request to have their employer match their donation.

The employer’s match is typically subject to a few restrictions, including maximum match limits per employee per year. These limits can vary, with some employers matching donations up to a few thousand dollars annually, while others may have more modest ceilings. Additionally, employers may have a database of eligible charities to choose from, or they might allow employees to contribute to any recognized 501(c)(3) organization.

While employees (and their favorite nonprofits) benefit from the matching aspect, the employer also gains significant advantages from offering such programs. These benefits include enhanced employee morale, stronger engagement, and an improved public image as a socially responsible company. It’s a win-win situation that promotes both corporate philanthropy and individual employee participation.

Benefits of Matching Payroll Gifts

Participating in payroll donation matching programs offers numerous benefits for both employees and nonprofits. Understanding these advantages can motivate employees to engage in these programs actively.

For Employees

Employees who participate in payroll matching gift programs can enjoy:

  1. Increased Impact: By having their donation matched, employees can maximize their financial contribution to charitable causes. For instance, if an employee donates $50, and the company matches it, their total contribution becomes $100—doubling the impact of their giving. This can make a significant difference to the nonprofit that is receiving the donation, as even small contributions become much more substantial.

  2. Tax Benefits: Donations made to eligible nonprofit organizations may be tax-deductible, which can provide financial advantages for the employee. As a result, employees might be able to reduce their taxable income and lower their tax bill, in addition to receiving the employer’s match.

  3. Community Engagement: Contributing to causes that align with an employee’s values fosters a sense of connection to the larger community. It can create a sense of fulfillment and pride, knowing that their efforts are helping a cause they care about. This enhances overall well-being and strengthens the bond between the employee, their company, and the communities they serve.

  4. Corporate Alignment: Many employees take pride in working for a company that supports causes they believe in. Participating in matching programs can deepen their connection to their workplace and create a shared sense of purpose among coworkers. It can also help employees feel that they are making a positive difference in society, which contributes to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

For Nonprofits

Nonprofits benefit from payroll giving and matching gift programs in several ways:

  1. Increased Funding: Matching gifts directly increase the funds raised for nonprofit organizations. A matching donation program amplifies the contributions of employees, enabling organizations to stretch their budgets further and reach more people. This additional funding may allow nonprofits to expand their services, fund more research, or provide more resources to those in need.

  2. Stronger Relationships: When a nonprofit engages with a corporate partner to promote matching gifts, it can open doors for long-term partnerships. Nonprofits may gain access to more resources, including volunteer hours, event sponsorship, or increased visibility, all of which benefit their operations.

  3. Enhanced Visibility: For smaller or lesser-known nonprofits, partnering with a well-known employer can increase exposure. This exposure can attract new donors, volunteers, and partners, while also boosting the credibility and reputation of the organization.

Payroll donation matching programs provide a win-win scenario for both employees and nonprofits. Encouraging participation in payroll donation matching can be a key strategy for nonprofits looking to expand their reach and make a more meaningful difference.

How to Find Companies That Match Payroll Donations

For nonprofits, finding companies that offer payroll donation matching programs can significantly enhance fundraising efforts and provide a valuable source of support. However, identifying these companies and forming relationships with them requires a proactive approach.

Here are several strategies nonprofits can implement to connect with companies that match payroll donations and maximize their impact.

1. Look Through Your Existing Records

Start by reviewing your organization’s donor records to see if any of your current or past supporters have had their payroll donations matched. If a donor has previously had their contribution matched by their employer, it’s highly likely that other employees within the same company are also eligible for payroll donation matching.

This approach allows you to identify companies where employees are already actively engaged in charitable giving. By tracking these companies, nonprofits can proactively reach out to encourage other employees within the same organization to take advantage of matching gifts. Additionally, your nonprofit can use this information to send targeted communications, making it easy for donors to find out about matching opportunities and take action.

2. Utilize Matching Gift + Payroll Giving Databases

Matching gift and payroll giving databases are invaluable resources for nonprofits looking to identify companies that match payroll donations. Platforms like Double the Donation provide extensive databases with detailed information about thousands of companies’ matching gift and payroll giving programs. These resources also include specific guidelines about how matching gifts work, including eligibility criteria, matching gift ratios, donation limits, and links to direct portals where employees can submit their matching gift requests.

By leveraging these platforms, nonprofits can quickly identify potential corporate partners, saving time and effort in researching individual companies. Additionally, these tools often allow nonprofits to embed matching gift search tools on their websites, making it easier for donors to check their employer’s eligibility and get involved.

3. Research Corporate Giving Policies Manually

Another way to find companies that offer payroll donation matching is to directly research corporate giving policies. Many corporations outline their charitable giving programs, including payroll donation matching and matching gift options, on their websites under sections like “Corporate Social Responsibility” or “Employee Benefits.” Nonprofits should review these policies to ensure that the companies they’re targeting not only offer payroll donation matching but also have specific guidelines about eligibility and participation.

Additionally, some companies may restrict the types of nonprofits they support or have specific procedures for requesting a match. By thoroughly researching these policies, nonprofits can tailor their outreach efforts, ensuring they are contacting the right companies and have the necessary information to facilitate the matching process for their donors.

4. Look for Compiled Lists of Participating Employers

One final strategy for identifying companies that match payroll donations is to refer to pre-established lists of participating employers. For example, you may find that online sites maintain sizable lists that detail which companies offer matching gift programs, including payroll giving opportunities. Still, it’s important to recognize that these lists (such as this one from Double the Donation) are often just the tip of the iceberg.

Maximizing Your Impact

Once you’ve identified companies with matching gift programs, the next step is to ensure that your contributions are as impactful as possible. Here are a few strategies to help you maximize your donations:

1. Understand the Guidelines

Each company will have its own set of rules governing donation matches. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure that your donations qualify. These may include eligibility requirements, donation thresholds, and submission deadlines. Understanding these parameters will help you avoid missing out on potential matches.

2. Keep Records

It’s essential to keep accurate records of both your donations and your employer’s match submissions. Documenting this information will help you track the total value of your contributions, assist in claiming tax deductions, and ensure that you’re submitting everything required for the match.

3. Stay Informed

Program rules and limits can change over time, so be proactive in staying informed about any updates to your company’s matching gift policies. By regularly checking in with HR or the company’s employee benefits portal, you can be sure you’re always in the loop.

Conclusion

Finding companies that offer payroll donation matching programs requires a strategic, proactive approach from nonprofits. By leveraging donor relationships, building connections with corporate social responsibility teams, utilizing online tools, and more, nonprofits can significantly increase the number of payroll giving matching gift opportunities available to their supporters. By actively seeking out and cultivating these partnerships, nonprofits can amplify their fundraising efforts, boost engagement, and strengthen their relationships with both donors and corporate partners.

Discover Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving and Matching Gift Tools

Maximize your nonprofit’s fundraising potential with Double the Donation’s combined payroll giving and matching gift tools. Easily identify eligible supporters for both programs and increase participation across the board. Our platform streamlines the process, helping you connect with donors, amplify contributions, and raise more for your cause. Request a demo today and see the tools in action.

5 Reasons to Attend Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising Summit

5 Reasons to Attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit

/in , , /by

With the recent Giving USA report indicating corporate giving is up by 9.1%, it’s critical for your nonprofit to develop strategies for tapping into this revenue. Whether you’re looking to enhance your matching gift programs, build stronger business partnerships, or develop more effective corporate volunteering strategies, there’s one event you can’t afford to miss: Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit.

This event, featuring expert speakers with real-world experience, is designed to provide nonprofit professionals such as yourself with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to enhance workplace giving programs.

And don’t just take our word for it, either. Here’s what a few leading nonprofits have had to say about past Summits:

  • “I have absolutely LOVED this content!”
  • “I got a ton of value out of the [Corporate Relations session]!”
  • “Unbelievably helpful!”
  • “It provided great information.”
  • “Very useful sessions!”

Below are the top 5 reasons you should attend this year’s upcoming summit, taking place October 29th-30th, 2025.

Reason #1: It provides opportunities to learn from fundraising + corporate peers.

One of the most compelling reasons to attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is the chance to learn directly from the leading voices in the industry. This summit brings together a remarkable roster of speakers who are shaping the future of workplace giving and corporate partnerships. You’ll gain access to actionable insights and strategies from some of the most successful professionals in the field, providing invaluable knowledge for your own organization’s fundraising and volunteering efforts.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the experts you’ll be hearing from:

  • Karen Bergin of Microsoft will kick off the summit with an exclusive keynote session on “Workplace Giving as Seen By Microsoft.” Karen will share the company’s journey in building a strong giving culture and offer practical strategies that nonprofits can implement to maximize the impact of workplace giving.
  • Savannah Gregorchik Menendez from the Kentucky Humane Society, Jasmine White from Central Texas Food Bank, Uneka King of Martha’s Table, and Christie Simons from Atlanta Angels will provide insights on “Connecting & Collaborating with Corporate Partners.” This panel will give you tips on how to build relationships with corporate partners and secure valuable gifts from these entities.
  • Erica Tolentino of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation will delve into how organizations can build a strategic fundraising team and foster collaboration across departments to streamline processes, helping you maximize workplace fundraising potential.
  • Anna Adams and Hannah Hourmouzis from Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) will discuss “Developing a Workplace Volunteering Strategy,” offering advice on how to leverage workplace volunteering to boost both revenue and donor engagement.
  • Tracy Nilles and Franny Kavin from ALSAC/St. Jude will share strategies for increasing matching gift conversions, offering real-world advice on how to drive more revenue from special events.
  • Annemarie Dillon from the American Cancer Society and Jessica Otto Guay from the Pan-Mass Challenge will tackle the complexities of processing matching gifts effectively, providing crucial insights into tracking gifts and ensuring correct donor credit.

Reasons to attend the Workplace Fundraising Summit: To hear from these speakers!

Whether you’re looking to improve your workplace giving program, foster corporate partnerships, or streamline your volunteer engagement efforts, the summit offers a unique opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of those who have successfully navigated these challenges. By learning from your peers and corporate leaders, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies that can immediately benefit your organization’s fundraising efforts.

Reason #2: It’s FREE.

Another key reason to attend the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is simple: it’s completely free. That’s right: no registration fees, no hidden costs. In the nonprofit sector, where every dollar counts, having access to an event like this at no cost is a huge advantage.

By attending this summit, you’ll receive high-quality, valuable content without the financial burden. Plus, you’ll get to participate in engaging sessions, watch live demos, and take part in interactive discussions, all free of charge. Registrants can even access session recordings, too, to get back, watch, and share insights whenever they’d like, so they can implement best practices all year-round.

There’s no better opportunity to access expert knowledge and industry insights at no cost, making this summit an incredibly accessible resource for nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

Reason #3: It’s virtual.

The next significant benefit of the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit is that it’s entirely virtual. This means you can attend from anywhere, whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or at home, without worrying about travel expenses, time constraints, or other logistics. Virtual events allow you to enjoy all the content from the summit from the comfort of your own space, making it easier to integrate into your busy schedule.

The virtual format of the summit also means that you have access to content on demand. You can attend live sessions, or if you can’t make them, you can catch up with recorded sessions at a later time. This flexibility allows you to absorb the material at your own pace, revisit key insights, and apply them directly to your workplace fundraising initiatives.

Check out the on-demand recording sessions from the last Summit event here!

Reason #4: It empowers you to boost your organization’s workplace revenue.

If you’re looking to boost your nonprofit’s revenue through workplace fundraising, the summit is the place to be. After all, workplace giving programs are some of the most effective ways to generate significant revenue for nonprofits. This summit will provide you with proven strategies to maximize these programs and increase the funds flowing to your organization by…

  • Maximizing funding through matching gifts.
  • Boosting payroll giving participation.
  • Leveraging employee volunteer grants.

By attending the summit, you’ll gain a clear roadmap for boosting workplace revenue through strategic fundraising initiatives. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current programs, the insights you’ll gather will empower you to increase your impact and elevate your organization’s revenue streams.

Reason #5: It educates you about the latest trends in workplace giving.

Workplace giving is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for nonprofits to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and happenings in the sector. By attending the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, you’ll gain insights into the most current and emerging trends in workplace giving, fundraising, and volunteering.

Staying informed about these trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your nonprofit for success in the ever-changing landscape of workplace-based fundraising.

Wrapping Up

The upcoming summit event is the ultimate resource for nonprofits looking to enhance their workplace giving programs. Whether you’re aiming to increase workplace revenue, streamline your operations, or engage donors more effectively, this experience offers everything you need to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. With access to expert insights, valuable tools, and exclusive networking opportunities, you’ll leave equipped to drive long-term success for your nonprofit’s workplace fundraising initiatives.

You don’t want to miss out on this free, virtual event. Register today for the Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit, and start transforming your nonprofit’s workplace giving program!

About the Host:

Double the Donation is a leader in providing comprehensive workplace giving solutions, helping nonprofits streamline and enhance their fundraising efforts. With a powerful platform designed to automate key aspects of workplace giving, Double the Donation enables organizations to focus less on administrative tasks and more on what truly matters: engaging with supporters and growing their programs.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your processes, boost engagement, or track workplace donations seamlessly, Double the Donation’s comprehensive platform offers the resources and technology to take your workplace giving programs to the next level.