As nonprofits seek new and sustainable ways to grow donor support, employer-backed giving programs present a powerful opportunity. However, understanding the difference between workplace giving vs. payroll giving is key to making the most of these channels.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct models of employee giving, each with its own benefits and logistics. In this post, we’ll break down what sets workplace giving apart from payroll giving and how your organization can effectively engage with each to expand your donor base and deepen corporate partnerships.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
By understanding the nuances between these two giving models, your organization can better position itself to connect with engaged donors and align with companies that value social impact. Whether you’re just starting to explore employer-backed giving or looking to enhance your existing efforts, this guide will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to succeed.
Let’s dive in.
What is payroll giving?
Payroll giving is a form of charitable donation in which employees contribute to nonprofits directly from their paychecks, typically on a recurring, pre-tax basis. This method enables donors to contribute regular donations with minimal effort, making it one of the most convenient ways to support a cause over time.
In a payroll giving program, employees choose a nonprofit they’d like to support and specify a donation amount to be automatically deducted from their salary each pay period. These deductions are then processed by the employer or a third-party platform and then disbursed to the nonprofit.
For nonprofits, payroll giving can establish a steady and predictable revenue stream while also deepening long-term donor relationships. Although individual contributions may be modest, their consistency and potential for growth—especially when supported by employer matching programs—can add up significantly over time.
What is workplace giving?
Workplace giving, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any program or initiative that enables employees to support charitable causes through their employer. Unlike payroll giving, which focuses specifically on paycheck deductions, workplace giving encompasses a wide range of giving opportunities—both financial and non-financial—that are facilitated by the workplace.
These programs can include:
- Payroll giving/deductions
- Employer donation matching
- Volunteer grants or paid Volunteer Time Off
- Company-sponsored fundraising campaigns
- Internal charity drives or giving days
Workplace giving is a powerful tool for nonprofit revenue growth, offering a consistent and often underutilized funding stream. By making it easier for employees to support causes they care about, companies create opportunities for nonprofits to tap into recurring donations, matching gifts, and other employer-sponsored contributions.
Participating in workplace giving programs is a smart revenue growth strategy for nonprofits, offering access to new donor networks and a reliable stream of recurring donations. These programs are a gateway to broader corporate giving opportunities—while payroll and matching gifts drive direct funding, they can also open doors to deeper partnerships like event sponsorships, in-kind donations, and employee volunteer programs. By leveraging workplace giving as an entry point, nonprofits can grow both immediate revenue and long-term corporate support.
How do workplace and payroll giving relate?
Workplace giving and payroll giving are closely connected—so much so that they’re often mentioned in the same breath. That’s because payroll giving is actually one component of the broader workplace giving landscape. In other words, all payroll giving is workplace giving, but not all workplace giving is payroll giving.
While payroll giving refers specifically to donations made directly from an employee’s paycheck, workplace giving encompasses payroll giving and other forms of support, including employer donation matching, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer incentives.
For nonprofits, understanding this relationship is essential. By recognizing payroll giving as a gateway to broader workplace engagement, organizations can utilize it as a foundation for more meaningful partnerships. For example, if a donor starts with payroll deductions, your nonprofit may later be eligible for employer matching funds or featured in a company-wide giving campaign. These connections help build long-term donor loyalty while expanding your reach within supportive companies.
How do workplace and payroll giving differ?
While workplace giving and payroll giving are closely related (and each incredibly valuable for charitable organizations), the two program types differ in scope, structure, and flexibility. As a result, each offers a unique set of advantages for nonprofits and donors alike.
Here’s what you should know about the programs’ differences:
1. Scope:
Payroll giving is a specific type of workplace giving that involves regular, automatic donations taken directly from an employee’s paycheck. In contrast, workplace giving encompasses a broader umbrella that includes payroll giving, as well as programs such as donation matching, charity drives, fundraising events, volunteer grants, and more.
2. Donation Method:
Payroll giving is facilitated through payroll systems, with donations deducted pre- or post-tax (depending on the location or employer setup). Workplace giving, on the other hand, can involve various forms of giving—financial or time-based—that may not be tied to payroll, such as participating in a company-wide giving day or logging volunteer hours to earn grant dollars.
3. Donor Engagement:
Payroll giving is typically a passive, set-it-and-forget-it method. Once an employee signs up, donations occur automatically on a regular basis. Workplace giving, on the other hand, offers more active engagement opportunities, such as team fundraising challenges or company-hosted volunteer events, creating more touchpoints for deeper donor interaction.
4. Employer Involvement:
Employers typically play a larger role in broader workplace giving programs, offering powerful incentives such as donation matching or volunteer time off. Payroll giving may or may not include employer matching and often functions more independently from wider workplace culture initiatives.
Understanding these differences can help nonprofits tailor their outreach and messaging. While payroll giving provides steady, recurring revenue, broader workplace giving programs open the door to deeper engagement and additional corporate support. Both are valuable, and when used together, they can significantly amplify mission impact.
Strategies for making the most of each
To fully tap into the potential of payroll and workplace giving, nonprofits need more than just enrollment—they need a strategic approach. Here are some key ways to maximize visibility, engagement, and long-term impact through these valuable channels:
Get Listed on Workplace Giving Platforms
Many employers use third-party platforms to manage their giving programs, such as Benevity, Bright Funds, America’s Charities, YourCause, and more. Ensure your nonprofit is registered on these platforms so that employees can easily find and support you through payroll giving and other workplace initiatives.
Interested in a step-by-step breakdown of how your organization can register with leading platforms (including direct links to applications)? Check out this guide to get started.
Collect Employment Information From Supporters
One of the simplest yet most powerful steps your nonprofit can take is to ask supporters where they work. Knowing a donor’s employer opens the door to potential payroll giving, matching gift opportunities, and broader workplace giving programs alike.
You can collect this information through donation forms, newsletter sign-ups, volunteer registrations, or follow-up outreach. Even a single field that asks, “Who is your employer?” can provide valuable insight for future outreach and segmentation.
Then, to fill in the remaining gaps in your database, you could even conduct an employer append with a third-party provider!
Once you have this data, you can:
- Identify companies with active workplace giving or matching gift programs using a workplace giving database.
- Tailor communication to highlight relevant giving opportunities tied to that employer.
- Encourage donors to explore whether their workplace offers payroll giving or match options.
- Reach out to CSR or HR contacts at those companies to explore potential partnerships.
The more you know about where your donors work, the better positioned you are to unlock corporate support, grow donor engagement, and maximize giving potential through employer-backed programs.
Promote Employer Matching
Many employees are unaware that their company offers donation matching, often in addition to other programs, such as payroll giving. Your team can help bridge that gap by creating or leveraging the right resources—like a matching gift lookup tool, FAQs, or social media content—to encourage donors to check if their gift can be doubled.
For the best results, highlight this in donation forms, confirmation emails, thank-you pages, and other relevant materials.
Share Clear Impact Stories
Whether donors give through payroll deductions or other company-sponsored campaigns, they want to know their contributions matter. Use newsletters, impact reports, and social media content to demonstrate how workplace and payroll gifts make a difference.
Here’s an example of a matching gift success story shared by Lehigh University:
You can even tailor these stories for a corporate audience when possible.
Build Relationships with CSR Teams
Kick off your efforts by establishing partnerships with companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) or HR teams. Offer to create co-branded promotional materials, provide speakers, host volunteer opportunities, or collaborate on giving campaigns.
These connections can lead to deeper engagement and additional funding beyond payroll giving alone.
Empower Donors to Advocate Internally
Your existing supporters can be your strongest advocates for new and improved workplace giving programs. When relevant, encourage them to nominate your organization for inclusion in their employer’s giving campaigns or volunteer days or provide a warm introduction to their employer.
You can even provide toolkits or one-pagers that they can share with HR or CSR leaders to help make a strong case for employee-directed philanthropy.
Track and Acknowledge Payroll Donations
Payroll donations can be harder to track than direct gifts, but they’re no less meaningful, and managing them effectively is no less crucial. Therefore, collaborate with platform providers to access donor information (when available) and express gratitude to contributors on a regular basis. After all, personalized acknowledgments help retain and grow long-term support.
By combining thoughtful outreach, strong partnerships, and clear communication, your nonprofit can make payroll and workplace giving a powerful, reliable part of your overall fundraising strategy.
Wrapping up & additional workplace giving resources
When it comes to workplace giving vs. payroll giving, understanding the differences between the two strategies is essential for nonprofits seeking to cultivate sustainable donor support through employer-backed programs. While payroll giving offers a reliable stream of pre-tax donations directly from employees, workplace giving encompasses a broader range of opportunities, including corporate matching, fundraising events, and volunteer engagement.
By understanding how each of these models operates and how they appeal to both employees and companies, your organization can tailor outreach strategies more effectively, foster stronger partnerships with businesses, and ultimately unlock new funding channels to support its mission.
Ready to learn more about workplace giving and beyond? Check out these additional recommended resources:
8 Key Payroll Giving Metrics to Track at Nonprofits
/in Payroll Giving, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerIn the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising, understanding the effectiveness of payroll giving programs is crucial. These programs not only facilitate employee donations but also enhance engagement and foster a culture of giving within organizations. To maximize the impact of payroll giving, nonprofits must track specific metrics that provide insights into participation, financial contributions, and overall program success. In this article, we will explore the essential payroll giving metrics that nonprofits should monitor to ensure their programs are thriving.
1. Employee Participation Rate
The employee participation rate is a fundamental payroll giving metric that reflects the percentage of employees engaged in the payroll giving program. A higher participation rate indicates a successful program and greater employee engagement.
Understanding Participation Rates
Tracking the participation rate allows nonprofits to gauge the effectiveness of their outreach and engagement strategies. In 2024, payroll giving programs saw a significant increase in participation, highlighting the growing interest in workplace giving initiatives. By analyzing this metric, organizations can identify trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Strategies to Increase Participation
2. Average Donation Amount
The average donation amount per employee is another critical metric that helps assess the financial impact of the payroll giving program. This figure provides insights into employee generosity and the overall effectiveness of the program.
Analyzing Donation Trends
In 2024, the average annual employee donation reached $744, with an average company match of $730. Monitoring this metric allows nonprofits to identify patterns in giving and adjust their fundraising strategies accordingly. Understanding the average donation amount can also help organizations set realistic fundraising goals.
Encouraging Higher Donations
3. Total Funds Raised
Total funds raised through payroll giving programs provide a clear picture of the program’s overall success. This metric highlights the cumulative impact of employee contributions and the effectiveness of the program in generating revenue for the nonprofit.
Understanding the Financial Impact
Payroll giving programs collectively raised approximately $5 billion annually, underscoring their significance in the nonprofit sector. By tracking total funds raised, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their payroll giving initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
Strategies to Maximize Funds Raised
4. Employer Matching Rate
The employer matching rate indicates the proportion of employers offering to match employee donations. This metric is essential for understanding the corporate commitment to philanthropy and its impact on employee contributions.
Encouraging Corporate Participation
In 2024, 39% of surveyed companies indicated plans to expand their workplace giving programs, often including matching initiatives. By tracking the employer matching rate, nonprofits can identify potential partnerships and leverage corporate support to enhance their fundraising efforts.
Strategies to Increase Employer Matching
5. Donor Retention Rate
The donor retention rate measures the percentage of employees who continue their contributions over time. High retention rates indicate sustained employee engagement and program effectiveness.
Understanding Retention Challenges
Research shows that 91% of nonprofits stop acknowledging recurring gifts by the third month, which can negatively impact donor retention. By tracking this metric, organizations can identify retention challenges and implement strategies to improve donor loyalty.
Strategies to Enhance Retention
6. Program Growth Rate
The program growth rate reflects the expansion of the payroll giving program in terms of new participants and increased contributions. This metric demonstrates the program’s scalability and the organization’s ability to attract and retain donors.
Tracking Growth Trends
In 2024, 39% of surveyed companies indicated plans to expand their workplace giving programs, reflecting a growing trend in corporate philanthropy. By monitoring the program growth rate, nonprofits can assess the effectiveness of their outreach efforts and identify opportunities for expansion.
Strategies to Foster Growth
7. Impact Reporting and Transparency
Impact reporting and transparency refer to the clarity and frequency with which the nonprofit communicates the outcomes of the payroll giving program. This metric builds trust and encourages continued participation.
Importance of Transparency
Companies like PwC have successfully addressed employee participation barriers by implementing “opt-out” models for new hires and providing transparent impact reporting. By tracking this metric, nonprofits can enhance their credibility and foster a culture of giving.
Strategies for Effective Reporting
8. Administrative Efficiency
The last of our payroll giving metrics to track has to do with administrative efficiency. Administrative efficiency measures the effectiveness of the systems and processes in place to manage the payroll giving program. This metric ensures smooth operation and minimizes errors or delays in processing donations.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Modern cloud-based platforms have dramatically simplified payroll giving processes, requiring minimal intervention from internal teams. By tracking administrative efficiency, nonprofits can identify areas for improvement and streamline their operations.
Strategies to Improve Efficiency
Conclusion
Tracking payroll giving metrics is crucial for nonprofits aiming to optimize the impact of their fundraising efforts. By monitoring employee participation rates, average donation amounts, total funds raised, employer matching rates, donor retention rates, program growth rates, impact reporting, and administrative efficiency, organizations can gain valuable insights into their payroll giving programs. Implementing strategies to enhance these metrics will not only improve fundraising outcomes but also foster a culture of giving within the organization. As the landscape of corporate philanthropy continues to evolve, nonprofits must remain proactive in leveraging payroll giving to achieve their missions.
Enhance Your Payroll Giving Strategy with Double the Donation
Ready to take your nonprofit’s payroll giving program to the next level? Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving Module is your key to unlocking sustained corporate support. With our comprehensive tools, you can effortlessly identify eligible donors, guide them through the donation process, and capitalize on multiple revenue opportunities. Our user-friendly website plugin, insightful dashboards, and ready-to-use marketing materials are designed to streamline your efforts and drive recurring donations.
Don’t miss out on the potential of payroll giving. Learn how you can grow payroll giving revenue with Double the Donation. Request a personalized demo today!
Payroll Giving FAQ | What Fundraisers Want to Know
/in Payroll Giving, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerPayroll giving is a powerful tool that allows employees to contribute to nonprofit causes directly from their paychecks. This method of giving not only simplifies the donation process for employees but also provides organizations with a steady stream of funding. In this comprehensive payroll giving FAQ, we’ll explore the ins and outs of payroll giving, addressing common questions and concerns that nonprofits may have.
These include:
Payroll giving doesn’t have to be complicated. By unveiling the truths behind these common inquiries, we hope to guide your team through the process of growing your revenue with the programs. Keep in mind that with the right tips and tools, there’s a lot of potential there that you don’t want to overlook.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in with the basics.
What Is Payroll Giving?
Payroll giving, also known as automatic payroll deductions, is a type of corporate giving program that enables employees to donate a portion of their salary to charitable organizations. This system allows for seamless contributions, making it easier for employees to support causes they care about without the need for manual transactions.
How Does Payroll Giving Work?
Payroll giving essentially functions through a partnership between employers, employees, nonprofits, and a Payroll Giving system that connects them.
Let’s take a look at a step-by-step breakdown of how the process actually works:
In short, payroll giving is a hassle-free way for donors to support charitable causes with maximum impact and minimum effort—straight from their regular paycheck.
What Are the Benefits of Payroll Giving for Nonprofits?
Payroll giving offers a range of valuable advantages for nonprofits, making it a robust and sustainable fundraising tool.
Here’s how charitable organizations can reap the benefits from this type of giving:
One of the biggest advantages is consistency. Donations through payroll giving are deducted each pay cycle, meaning nonprofits receive a steady flow of funds they can count on month after month. This predictability helps with budgeting, planning, and sustaining long-term projects.
Because donations are processed through payroll giving platforms rather than typical donation pages, charities don’t need to manage individual donor transactions or paperwork. This reduces administrative costs and effort, allowing teams to focus more on their mission.
Unlike traditional donation methods, payroll giving typically incurs no transaction fees, meaning the full amount goes directly to the nonprofit.
Payroll Giving often results in higher-value donations compared to one-off gifts. Since the money is deducted automatically and regularly, donors are more likely to commit to giving more over time without feeling the financial pinch.
Payroll donors tend to be more consistent and long-term supporters. Their commitment often translates into deeper engagement, advocacy, and even involvement in other fundraising activities, too.
Many employers offer matched giving, where they match or boost employees’ donations. This doubles the impact for the nonprofit and can lead to broader philanthropic engagement. Not to mention, having multiple payroll giving donors from the same company can signal to a nonprofit a potential corporate partnership opportunity!
For nonprofits looking to build sustainable revenue streams and deepen relationships with supporters, payroll giving is a smart, efficient, and scalable solution.
How Can Nonprofits Encourage Payroll Giving?
Encouraging Payroll Giving requires a strategic blend of awareness, partnership, and ongoing engagement. While the process is simple for employees, nonprofits need to take active steps to promote the option and make it easy for supporters to get involved. Here’s how:
1. Register as an Eligible Cause
Ensure your nonprofit is listed as an eligible organization within leading payroll giving platforms. This process may involve submitting documentation such as your financial records, proof of 501(c)(3) status, a mission overview, and more.
2. Raise Awareness
Inform your audience about the benefits of payroll giving through newsletters, social media, your website, and beyond. As you begin marketing payroll giving, be sure to highlight how easy it is to participate and the impact their contributions can make.
3. Offer Incentives
Consider providing incentives for employees who participate in payroll giving. This could include recognition in newsletters, exclusive updates on the impact of their donations, or special events for payroll givers.
What Are the Tax Implications of Payroll Giving?
One of the standout features of payroll giving is its tax efficiency, making it beneficial not just for the charity but also for the donor. Here’s how the tax implications work:
Payroll giving donations are taken directly from an employee’s gross salary, before income tax is applied. This means the donor pays less tax overall, and the charity receives more of the intended donation upfront. There’s no need for the charity to reclaim tax, because it’s already accounted for in the process.
Additionally, unlike other tax-deductible donations, payroll giving doesn’t require the donor to complete a self-assessment tax return or any forms. The process is seamless, handled by the employer’s payroll department and the payroll giving platform.
What Are Some Common Challenges with Payroll Giving?
While payroll giving offers clear benefits for both donors and charities, it’s not without its challenges. Understanding these hurdles can help nonprofits and employers address them proactively and improve participation.
Here are some of the most common issues organizations may face:
Limited awareness among employees
Many employees may not be aware of their company’s payroll giving program. Nonprofits should work closely with companies to ensure that employees are informed about the opportunity to give.
Lack of promotion by nonprofits
Many nonprofits fail to actively promote payroll giving, either due to limited resources or a focus on other fundraising streams. As a result, supporters aren’t encouraged or reminded to consider giving through their payroll.
Administrative delays
The process involves multiple parties—employers, agencies, and charities—which can sometimes lead to delays in donations being processed and distributed. This may impact cash flow for nonprofits and cause confusion for donors.
Maintaining long-term engagement
Keeping payroll giving donors engaged over time can be challenging, especially since the giving process is automatic. Without regular updates and recognition, donors may feel disconnected from the impact of their support.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Payroll giving is a valuable avenue for nonprofits to secure funding and engage with donors. By understanding the mechanics of payroll giving and implementing effective strategies, nonprofits can enhance their fundraising efforts and build lasting relationships with supporters. For more information on payroll giving and how to implement it effectively, explore the additional resources and guides below:
Maximize Your Payroll Giving Potential with Double the Donation
Ready to transform your nonprofit’s approach to payroll giving? Double the Donation’s Payroll Giving Module is your key to unlocking a world of recurring support and corporate giving opportunities. With our comprehensive tools, you can effortlessly identify eligible donors, integrate a user-friendly plugin on your website, and access a wealth of resources to enhance your fundraising strategies.
Don’t miss out on the chance to drive more support and turn employment data into a goldmine of revenue opportunities. Get a demo now to learn how Double the Donation can complete your workplace giving strategy and help you capitalize on payroll giving.
Is an Employer Append Right for Your Nonprofit? How to Know
/in Employer Appends, Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerIf your donor database is missing key employment information, you might be wondering: Is an employer append right for your nonprofit?
Employer appends, or the process of enhancing donor records by filling in employment data, can unlock new opportunities for improved workplace giving efforts, better segmentation, and deepened corporate partnerships. But like any data investment, it’s important to weigh the benefits against your organization’s readiness and goals.
In this post, we’ll walk through the pros, cons, and key inquiries that can help you decide whether this strategy is a smart next step for your fundraising efforts.
Specifically, we invite you to ask yourself (or your team) the following questions:
If you answered “yes” to most (or all) of the above, an employer append might be a strategic next step. Now, let’s take a deeper dive into each key question.
Do you receive a high volume of individual gifts?
YES: One of the clearest indicators that an employer append might be a wise investment is the volume of individual donations your organization receives. If a significant portion of your fundraising comes from individual donors—especially in the form of small to mid-sized gifts—you likely have untapped potential for employer matching and corporate engagement.
Why does volume matter? Because even if just 20–30% of your individual donors are eligible for matching gifts through their employers, that could represent thousands of dollars in additional revenue you’re currently missing.
NO: By contrast, if your funding is primarily made up of grants, major gifts, or government contracts, an employer append may not deliver the same return. In those cases, employment data may be less relevant to your core fundraising strategy.
So, if you’re regularly processing hundreds or thousands of individual gifts each year, it might be worth it to consider an append. In other words, the higher your individual donor volume, the stronger the case for appending employer data.
Are you missing employment information in your database?
YES: Before you can take advantage of matching gifts or other workplace giving campaigns, you need one essential piece of data: where your supporters work. If your CRM is filled with blank employer fields, that’s a clear sign that an employer append could be beneficial.
Appending employer data helps fill these gaps efficiently, especially for organizations with a large donor base and limited staff capacity. Even if only a portion of your records can be matched, it’s often enough to uncover significant corporate giving potential and segment communications more effectively.
NO: On the other hand, perhaps you collect employer information consistently, whether through your donation forms, volunteer registrations, follow-up emails, or other supporter onboarding efforts—and don’t have many gaps in your donor base. In that case, you may already have a strong foundation in place.
In other words, if the employer field in your database is mostly complete and kept up to date, an employer append may not deliver as much added value. If so, your resources might be better spent on activating the employer data you already have through targeted matching gift outreach or broader workplace giving campaigns.
Does your organization have many volunteers?
YES: Volunteers often give more than just their time—they can also open the door to valuable funding opportunities, especially if you know where they work. If your organization relies heavily on volunteer support but lacks employment information for those individuals, you could be missing out on corporate volunteer grants and Volunteer Time Off (VTO) programs.
After all, many companies offer financial donations in recognition of their employees’ volunteer hours. Others provide paid VTO, encouraging employees to give back during work hours at approved nonprofit partners. But you can’t take advantage of these programs if you don’t know where your volunteers are employed.
An employer append can help fill in those missing details. Plus, it allows you to follow up with volunteers about corporate giving opportunities tied to their time. Even if only a portion of volunteers qualify, the combined value of grants and engagement can make a meaningful impact. If volunteers are a core part of your community, enhancing your data with employer information is a strategic next step.
NO: If your organization doesn’t rely heavily on volunteers—or volunteer engagement makes up a very small portion of your operations—then an employer append for volunteer records may not deliver significant value. In this case, your time and resources might be better spent optimizing donor data or focusing on other segments of your supporter base, such as recurring givers or event participants.
However, if volunteer involvement grows, revisiting this opportunity could unlock new sources of funding and corporate engagement in the future.
Is your team ready to prioritize workplace giving?
YES: If your team already sees workplace giving as a strategic priority, an employer append can significantly enhance your efforts. However, adding employment data to your records is only valuable if your team has the resources to act on it. That means following up on workplace giving opportunities, running targeted campaigns, and having someone focused on corporate outreach or stewardship.
When workplace giving is embraced organization-wide, you unlock greater ROI and longer-lasting corporate partnerships. If your team is aligned, resourced, and ready to collaborate around workplace giving, an employer append can serve as the catalyst for smarter outreach and greater impact.
NO: If workplace giving hasn’t yet become a focus—or your team lacks the time, tech, or clarity to act on employer data—it may be worth holding off on an employer append until you’re better prepared. Without a clear plan to integrate employment data into your campaigns, stewardship efforts, or corporate outreach, the data may go unused and offer limited returns on your investment.
Instead, consider starting small. Develop a workplace giving strategy, assign ownership of workplace giving-related tasks, and ensure your team is equipped with program knowledge. Keep in mind that prioritizing workplace giving doesn’t need to be difficult, either, especially when your team is equipped with the right tools, as many teams are already stretched thin. Once you’re aligned on prioritizing workplace giving, you’ll be in a stronger position to turn employer data into meaningful results. At that point, an employer append can be a high-impact next step.
Do you have the right tools in place to support your efforts?
YES: If your organization already has strong tech infrastructure, like a modern CRM, mobile-friendly donation forms, and a workplace giving automation platform, you’re in a great position to act on the insights gained from an employer append. These tools allow you to leverage employer data, uncover employee giving eligibility, and send targeted follow-ups based on employment data.
Beyond basic functionality, think about how your tools help connect supporters to their next steps. Is your matching gift tool connected to your giving forms and CRM to enable targeted outreach? Is your corporate volunteering solution integrated with your VMS to provide seamless information and tailored program instructions?
If your systems support those experiences, you’re well-positioned to maximize the value of appended data and drive meaningful action.
NO: If your organization is still working with outdated systems, manual spreadsheets, or donation forms that don’t support employer-related functionality, an employer append might not yield strong results—at least not yet.
Without the right tools to store, track, and act on employment data, much of that insight may go unused. In this case, focus first on upgrading your tech stack. Prioritize a donor management system that allows for custom fields and segmentation. Plus, explore integrations that support matching gifts and workplace giving platforms.
When your tools are ready to handle and act on employer data, you’ll be able to extract real value from an append, boosting engagement, unlocking corporate funding, and streamlining supporter journeys.
Wrapping up & additional employer append resources
Employer appends are a powerful tool for nonprofits looking to deepen donor insights and tap into underutilized corporate giving opportunities. But they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Evaluate your data quality, fundraising strategy, and capacity to act on new information and make a clear, informed decision about whether it’s the right fit.
If you’ve answered “yes” to many of the readiness questions shared above, your organization may be well-positioned to benefit from this next-level data enhancement.
Interested in learning more about employer appends and how your organization can benefit from them? Check out the additional recommended resources below:
How Employer Appending Completes Your Workplace Giving Donor Profiles
/in Employer Appends, Fundraising Strategy /by Adam WeingerWhen it comes to equipping your team with enhanced workplace giving donor profiles, accurate and complete donor data isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. One of the most overlooked yet powerful pieces of information in your donor database is employer data. After all, knowing where your supporters work can unlock corporate matching gifts, boost campaign targeting, and significantly increase giving potential.
But what happens when this information is missing? That’s where employer appending comes in. This process helps nonprofits fill in the blanks, matching donors with their employers to build more complete, actionable profiles.
In this post, we’ll explore how employer appending works and why it’s a game-changer for enhancing your workplace giving strategy. We’ll cover:
Accurate employer data can be the missing link between a good fundraising program and a great one. In the sections ahead, we’ll show you how employer appending strengthens workplace giving donor profiles and empowers your team to make more informed, strategic outreach decisions.
Why do donor profiles matter for workplace giving?
Workplace giving programs thrive on strong engagement, and comprehensive donor profiles are what make that engagement possible. After all, a well-crafted donor profile is more than just a name and email address. It’s a collection of key data points that help your organization understand who your supporters are, how they prefer to give, and even what engagement opportunities are available to them. This information is especially critical when it comes to unlocking the full potential of workplace giving.
Why? One of the most valuable—but often missing—data points in a donor profile is an individual’s employer. And without it, you may be leaving thousands of dollars in matching gifts or volunteer grants unclaimed. However, simply knowing where a donor works allows you to identify their eligibility for corporate giving programs, tailor outreach messages, and segment communications based on employer partnerships or matching opportunities.
In short, complete and accurate workplace giving donor profiles enable your team to:
The more you know about your donors—including their employing companies—the more strategic and successful your workplace giving campaigns will be. That’s why maintaining complete profiles isn’t just helpful; it’s mission-critical.
How does appending employer data help?
Appending employer data is a strategic way to strengthen your donor database by filling in one of its most valuable gaps: where your supporters work. This process utilizes extensive third-party data sources to match your donors with their likely employers, based on identifying details such as name, email, or postal address.
The result? Richer, more actionable workplace giving donor profiles that drive greater fundraising impact.
Here’s how employer appending specifically helps your nonprofit:
In short, employer appending transforms donor records from passive assets into strategic fundraising tools. By providing you with the employer-focused insights you need, it powers more innovative outreach, better workplace giving outcomes, and stronger donor relationships.
Getting started with employer appends for workplace giving
Employer appending can open new doors for workplace giving. Still, like any data-driven initiative, it works best with thoughtful preparation and execution. The process is relatively straightforward, but taking the proper steps up front will ensure you get the most value out of your appended data.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help your nonprofit get started the right way.
1. Assess the Quality of Your Existing Data
Before you begin the appending process, take time to review and clean your current donor database. After all, the success of an employer append depends heavily on the quality of the data you provide. If your records contain outdated contact information, misspellings, duplicate entries, or inconsistent formats, your match rate will likely suffer.
Key actions to take at this step include:
Well-organized donor information not only improves your append results but also helps downstream fundraising and communications efforts. It’s great to start the process with fresh, clean data in order to drive the best results overall.
2. Choose a Trusted Data Append Provider
As it comes to data appending, selecting the right partner for your efforts is crucial. This enables you to avoid common employer appending mistakes and maximize the accuracy, relevance, and long-term value of your workplace giving donor profiles.
For the best results, a reliable append service should use verified and frequently updated employment databases, offer transparent match methodologies, and ensure overall data accuracy and integrity.
What to look for:
When selecting the right employer appends service, keep in mind that the more actionable the information they provide, the more you’ll be able to do with it for your cause.
3. Define Your Goals and Use Cases
Before diving into the appending process, be sure to clarify why you want to append employer data. The more specific your goals, the easier it will be to measure success and apply the new data effectively.
Common use cases include:
All in all, realizing your goals will also help you prioritize which data fields matter most (company name, job title, industry, location, workplace giving eligibility, etc.), allowing you to adjust your appends process accordingly.
4. Upload and Append Your Donor Records
At this point in the process, it’s time to submit your file to your selected appends provider. Most services accept CSV or Excel files and require only a few basic fields—commonly donor name, email, mailing address, or phone number—for matching purposes.
Here are some tips for a smoother upload:
Once you upload your data file, you’ve done your part! While turnaround times can vary, most providers will return results within a few days to a week.
5. Integrate and Act on the Data
Once your results come back, don’t let the data sit unused. Look for ways to use the appended employer information alongside your workplace giving platform—like Double the Donation—to identify matching gift opportunities, trigger outreach, or prioritize volunteer grant follow-up. The goal is to make the data actionable, fueling segmentation, outreach, and campaigns tied to employer-based giving.
Examples of how to use appended data:
6. Keep It Fresh
Employment data changes frequently—people change jobs, companies merge, and positions shift. To maintain accuracy, plan to run employer appends on a regular basis (every 6 to 12 months is typical).
Check out these tips for ongoing data hygiene:
Keeping your workplace giving donor profiles up to date ensures that your campaigns remain relevant and your workplace giving outreach is as effective as possible.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a more powerful, data-enriched fundraising program. With stronger employer insights, your team can unlock new corporate giving opportunities, personalize workplace giving outreach, and ultimately raise more for your mission.
Wrapping up & additional workplace giving appends resources
A strong workplace giving program starts with strong donor data. Luckily, employer appending offers nonprofits a smart, efficient way to enrich donor profiles, uncover new workplace giving opportunities, and create increasingly personalized outreach. By simply identifying where your donors work, you can gain valuable insights that fuel deeper engagement and facilitate fundraising success.
If you’re looking to maximize your workplace giving efforts, employer appending is a strategic step you can’t afford to skip. Now is the time to take a closer look at your donor records—and fill in the missing pieces that could make all the difference.
Interested in learning more about employer appends and their impact on workplace giving? Check out the additional resources below:
5 Steps to Market Workplace Giving on Your Nonprofit Website
/in Learning Center, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing Strategies /by Adam WeingerWorkplace giving is one of the most overlooked revenue opportunities in nonprofit fundraising—but it doesn’t have to be. Every year, billions of dollars in corporate funds go unclaimed simply because eligible donors are unaware that their employers offer these programs. The good news? Your nonprofit website is one of the most effective tools you have to market workplace giving and help close that gap.
By strategically promoting workplace giving online, you can raise awareness, educate supporters, and make it easy for them to multiply the impact of their donations. Whether you’re new to workplace giving or looking to increase participation, these five steps will show you how to turn your website into a powerful driver of matched gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll giving support:
Marketing workplace giving on a nonprofit website is essential for maximizing contributions and fostering a culture of philanthropy. By effectively communicating the opportunities for workplace giving, organizations can engage supporters and encourage them to participate in these valuable programs.
Let’s get started with our first marketing tip!
Step #1: Add workplace giving to your ‘Ways to Give’ page.
The ‘Ways to Give’ page is often one of the most visited sections of a nonprofit’s website. This makes it a prime location to introduce workplace giving options. By including a dedicated section for workplace or employee giving, organizations can highlight the various ways employees can contribute through their employing companies.
In this section, it’s great to provide a brief overview of what workplace giving entails. This could include information about matching gifts, payroll deductions, and volunteer incentives. Clear and concise language will help potential donors understand how they can participate and the impact their contributions can make.
This page from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation puts those elements into action with its Ways to Give page, demonstrating the various ways employees and companies can get involved with their efforts:
Additionally, consider using engaging visuals, such as infographics or icons, to illustrate the benefits of workplace giving. This can help capture the attention of visitors and encourage them to explore further.
Step #2: Establish a comprehensive Workplace Giving page on your website.
A mention on your ‘Ways to Give’ page is great—but it’s just the start of an effective promotional strategy. Going a step further, a dedicated Workplace Giving page should serve as a central hub for all information related to workplace giving initiatives. This page will provide detailed explanations of the various programs available, including their operation and the benefits they offer to both employees and nonprofits.
Implementing a section that outlines the different ways employees can contribute—such as through payroll deductions, matching gifts, or volunteer hours—can empower them to choose the method that best suits their preferences and capabilities.
Here’s an example from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, whose Workplace Giving page references key programs such as payroll deductions, matching gifts, volunteer incentives, and more:
Here are a few other best practices to consider as you build this page:
It may also be beneficial to feature stories of the specific projects and activities that benefit from these giving programs. By showcasing missions, goals, and outcomes funded through workplace contributions, you create a deeper connection between the donors and the causes they support. This not only fosters a sense of community but also emphasizes the tangible difference that each contribution makes.
Step #3: Build dedicated pages for Matching Gifts, Volunteer Incentives, and Payroll Giving.
To effectively communicate the specifics of workplace giving, creating dedicated pages for Matching Gifts, Volunteer Incentives, and Payroll Giving is essential. Each resource should focus on one aspect of workplace giving, providing in-depth information and relevant resources, and allowing supporters to focus on the programs that are of most interest to them. Not to mention, this enables teams to market programs individually as well, leading supporters to the most relevant information on a really targeted page on their website.
Top tip: Clone your established Workplace Giving page within your CMS or website builder to create three separate duplicates and get a head start! From there, you can begin editing to adjust the language and content on your Match Page, Volunteers Page, and Payroll Giving Page accordingly.
3.1 Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs, where they match donations made by their employees. A dedicated Matching Gifts page should explain how these programs work and why they are beneficial for both the donor and the nonprofit.
Include instructions on how donors can check if their employer participates (such as using an embedded database resource or reaching out to their HR lead). Furthermore, providing links to matching gift forms or resources can streamline the process for donors, making it easier for them to take action.
Take a look at UGA’s matching gift page below, and see how the school really simplifies the process for getting involved with a step-by-step overview and ingrained matching gift plugin tool:
For the best results, you’ll want to provide your organization’s tax ID number and mailing address on this page, too, as it often assists supporters with the match request process.
3.2 Volunteer Incentives
Volunteer incentive programs encourage employees to volunteer their time by providing incentives such as volunteer grants or donations for every hour volunteered (or offering paid time off specifically for volunteering). Your Volunteer Incentives page should detail how these programs work and the benefits they offer to both volunteers and the nonprofit.
For the best results, provide information on how volunteers can apply for these grants on your behalf (such as using Double the Donation’s volunteer-specific search plugin), making it easy for individuals to understand the process.
Here’s how Pan-Mass Challenge is promoting corporate volunteer incentives on its main volunteer page, making it quick and easy for supporters to check their eligibility for volunteer grants, VTO, and more:
You might also consider adding a section that outlines the types of volunteer opportunities available. For the best results, you’ll want to include both short-term (hours-long projects) as well as longer-term commitments (such as weekly recurring initiatives) to cater to different interests and schedules. This can help potential volunteers find the right fit for their skills and availability, ultimately increasing participation rates.
3.3 Payroll Giving
Finally, your Payroll Giving page should explain how employees can set up automatic deductions from their paychecks to donate to the nonprofit. This method of giving is convenient for donors and can lead to consistent contributions over time.
Include details on how to enroll in payroll giving programs, as well as the benefits of making donations through payroll deductions. With Double the Donation’s payroll giving plugin tool, you can even provide prospective supporters with a direct access link to their company’s payroll giving platform to get signed up!
Check out how St. Jude Children’s Hospital promotes the payroll giving opportunity below, providing step-by-step instructions on how an individual can get involved, even if their company doesn’t currently offer a program!
Taking it a few steps further, consider including an FAQ section that addresses common questions about payroll giving, such as how to change donation amounts or what happens if an employee changes jobs. This can help alleviate any concerns potential donors may have and encourage them to take the first step toward making a difference through payroll giving.
Step #4: Integrate workplace giving information with your donation form.
Integrating workplace giving information directly into the donation form can significantly enhance an individual’s likelihood of participation. When donors are filling out their information to make a contribution, they should naturally be presented with options related to workplace giving.
Consider adding a simple, optional form field to collect employment data as donors give. When paired with a bit of background regarding the ask (“Enter your employer’s name to uncover workplace giving eligibility”), it’s never been easier to collect the information you need.
Here’s how 50 Mile March promotes matching gifts within the donation form itself, asking donors to search for their employer to discover eligibility for the programs:
From there, Double the Donation’s giving form integrations also make it easy to place a reminder about workplace giving opportunities on your confirmation screen, allowing donors to access a quick reminder immediately after they submit their gifts.
Check out how Blue Faery markets the opportunity from their donation confirmation screen, too, with an easily accessible company search tool available to drive next steps immediately after giving:
Step #5: Integrate workplace giving information with your volunteer sign-ups.
Just as with the donation form, integrating workplace giving information into volunteer sign-ups can enhance engagement and participation. When potential volunteers express interest in supporting the organization (such as by signing up or registering for a shift), they should also be made aware of workplace giving options—specifically corporate volunteer incentives.
Here’s how one organization collects employment information from the volunteer registration page, making it easy for supporters to provide an essential piece of the workplace giving engagement puzzle:
When you collect employment information within sign-ups, you have the ability to provide tailored email follow-ups that inform supporters of their eligibility for workplace volunteer benefits and encourage them to get involved, too.
Wrapping up & additional workplace giving resources
Workplace giving programs are a win-win for donors and nonprofits—supporters amplify their impact, and you unlock funding that’s already waiting to be claimed. By implementing the steps outlined above, your website becomes more than an information hub—it becomes a conversion tool that drives awareness, participation, and revenue.
Don’t leave money on the table. Start with a few simple website updates and grow from there. Over time, consistent visibility and messaging around workplace giving will help you educate donors, segment your audience, and build a more sustainable fundraising pipeline.
Interested in learning more about how to market workplace giving programs for your organization? Check out these additional recommended resources:
What Your Employer Appends Might Be Missing—and Why it Matters
/in About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerWhen it comes to nonprofit fundraising, data is power—especially when that data tells you where your donors work. That’s why many organizations invest in employer appends to fill in the blanks.
But what if the data you’re relying on isn’t telling the whole story? While many employer appends can identify where someone works, they often stop short of revealing the most critical insights, leaving nonprofits with partial information and missed opportunities.
In a fundraising environment where every dollar counts, understanding what’s not included in your employer appends could be just as important as what is. That’s why we’re covering what your employer appends might be missing—and why it matters—in this blog. We’ll explore:
Here’s a hint: When your employer data lacks insight into workplace giving eligibility—like matching gifts or payroll giving programs—you could be overlooking powerful opportunities to boost revenue and deepen donor engagement.
The good news? With the right data strategy, those hidden opportunities don’t have to stay hidden. Let’s take a closer look.
What are employer appends?
Employer appends are the process of enhancing your nonprofit or school’s donor database by adding missing employment information. In other words, identifying the companies where your donors work. This is typically done by matching existing donor records (such as names, emails, mailing addresses, or phone numbers) against external data sources that contain employment details.
The goal of an employer append is to fill in the blanks in your donor data . The process typically involves:
While the output may simply look like a new column in your spreadsheet, that added employer information can become a foundational piece of your donor profile. Keep in mind, though, that the accuracy, freshness, and source of the appended data can vary depending on the provider, which is why understanding the append process is key to making informed decisions about your strategy.
What your employer appends might be missing
While employer appends can tell you where a donor works, they often fall short of revealing what really matters: the invaluable opportunities tied to that employment info. If your current or prospective data append service only provides company names without any insight into workplace giving or corporate philanthropy programs or the ability to connect supporters directly to those programs with minimal operational lift from your team, you may be overlooking powerful ways to deepen engagement and increase revenue.
Let’s break down the key gaps:
Workplace giving eligibility
Most standard employer appends don’t include details about a donor’s eligibility for workplace giving programs. These are critical elements that can transform a single gift into a recurring or matched donation—but they’re often missing entirely from basic data append services.
Here are some common programs that can help boost your fundraising revenue:
Without this added layer of information, you might know where a donor works, but not how they can support your mission through their workplace. And knowledge is the first step to maximizing the programs’ impact! Not to mention, many companies offer multiple types of giving programs, meaning that without insight, you may be missing out on numerous revenue and engagement opportunities.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities
Another major blind spot with employer appends is the lack of visibility into a company’s corporate giving potential. While these appends may tell you where your donors work, they typically don’t reveal whether those employers have existing programs—like matching gifts, sponsorships, or grants—that support nonprofits their employees care about. That’s a missed opportunity, because many companies actively look to fund and partner with organizations their workforce is already supporting. Without this layer of insight, nonprofits risk leaving valuable corporate funding on the table.
Some of the opportunities that basic employer data typically misses include:
In short, many employer appends only scratch the surface. To truly unlock the potential behind donor employment data, nonprofits need more than just company names—they need actionable insights into the giving programs, incentives, and grant opportunities that come with each employer. Without it, you’re only seeing part of the picture.
Why corporate giving matters in employer appends
At first glance, employer appends may seem like just another piece of demographic data—useful for segmentation, but not much more. In reality, when enriched with corporate giving insights, employment information becomes one of the most powerful assets in your fundraising toolkit.
Here’s why corporate giving matters in the context of employer appends:
It Transforms Static Data into Actionable Insights
Knowing a donor works at “ABC Corporation” is useful. Knowing that ABC Corporation offers a 2:1 matching gift program with an annual cap of $10,000—and that your donor is eligible to participate—is a game-changer. When employment data is connected to corporate giving details, it empowers your organization to move from passive information to an active fundraising strategy.
It Reveals Untapped Revenue Opportunities
Billions of dollars in corporate giving go unclaimed each year, largely because donors and nonprofits simply don’t know these programs exist. When employer appends include corporate philanthropy details—like matching gifts, volunteer incentives, or payroll giving options—you gain a direct path to unlocking those funds.
It Enables Personalized, Impactful Donor Outreach
Imagine reaching out to a donor not just with a thank-you, but with tailored next steps: “Thanks for your gift—did you know your employer, XYZ, will double it?” or “As a volunteer and employee at [Company], you may be eligible for a grant to support the time you give.”
Personalized outreach built on meaningful employer data increases engagement, trust, and long-term value. And it’s much more impactful than a generic, catch-all version of the same message! Plus, with a solution like Double the Donation, the touchpoints can be automated with ease, connecting supporters directly to those next steps.
It Strengthens Relationships with Companies, Too
Employer data with corporate giving context can help your organization identify clusters of donors working at the same company, uncover advocates, and open the door to deeper relationships with corporate partners. Whether it’s through matching gifts, employee-nominated grants, or broader sponsorships, these insights help you build partnerships based on real data—not guesswork.
How Double the Donation fills in the gaps
Most employer appends stop at supplying a company name, but Double the Donation goes the extra mile. We help get you donor data in a way that doesn’t just tell you where your donors work; it tells you what that employer can do to support your mission and empowers you to connect supporters to those next steps.
At the heart of this enhanced approach is our industry-leading corporate giving database, which powers the employer data we can supply. When you work with Double the Donation, you gain access to a wealth of insights that most data providers simply don’t include.
Here’s how we fill in the critical gaps:
1. Workplace Giving Eligibility, Right in Your Appends
Unlike traditional appends that stop at a name match, our offering then gives you insight into:
This information isn’t general—it’s mapped directly to the employer and backed by real-time updates from our proprietary database. That means when you append donor records with Double the Donation, you get not just where someone works but can then determine whether that employer offers programs that increase giving potential—and how to take action.
2. Visibility Into Open Corporate Giving Opportunities
Our database also includes valuable insights into corporate sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donation programs—especially those with open applications or employee-directed giving components. When you combine our append services with our database insights, you can discover:
By layering this intelligence onto employer data, you can identify donors who aren’t just supporters but potential gateways to corporate funding. This opens up new opportunities to pursue business partnerships strategically and based on facts.
3. Actionable, Automated, and Integrated
All this data becomes even more powerful when paired with Double the Donation’s complete workplace giving automation platform. When you use employer data with our automation tools, you can:
It’s a streamlined, end-to-end solution designed to maximize the impact of every employer connection in your database.
In short, Double the Donation transforms employer appends from basic data enhancement into a strategic fundraising advantage. With workplace giving eligibility and corporate sponsorship insights built-in, you’ll not only know who your donors work for—you’ll know how to turn that information into action.
Wrapping up & additional employer appends resources
At first glance, your employer append data might look complete. However, if it doesn’t reveal which donors are eligible for corporate giving programs, you’re only seeing part of the picture.
Without visibility into workplace giving opportunities like matching gifts or payroll giving, you may be missing the very insights that turn one-time gifts into multiplied impact.
The good news? There’s a better way to use employment data—one that not only tells you where your donors work but what giving opportunities come with it. When your data connects directly to corporate philanthropy programs, you unlock smarter fundraising, stronger donor relationships, and more dollars raised. It’s time to expect more from your employer appends and make sure nothing valuable is left out.
Ready to learn more about employer appends and data enhancement practices? Check out these additional recommended resources:
Workplace Giving vs. Payroll Giving: What’s the Difference?
/in Payroll Giving, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerAs nonprofits seek new and sustainable ways to grow donor support, employer-backed giving programs present a powerful opportunity. However, understanding the difference between workplace giving vs. payroll giving is key to making the most of these channels.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct models of employee giving, each with its own benefits and logistics. In this post, we’ll break down what sets workplace giving apart from payroll giving and how your organization can effectively engage with each to expand your donor base and deepen corporate partnerships.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
By understanding the nuances between these two giving models, your organization can better position itself to connect with engaged donors and align with companies that value social impact. Whether you’re just starting to explore employer-backed giving or looking to enhance your existing efforts, this guide will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to succeed.
Let’s dive in.
What is payroll giving?
Payroll giving is a form of charitable donation in which employees contribute to nonprofits directly from their paychecks, typically on a recurring, pre-tax basis. This method enables donors to contribute regular donations with minimal effort, making it one of the most convenient ways to support a cause over time.
In a payroll giving program, employees choose a nonprofit they’d like to support and specify a donation amount to be automatically deducted from their salary each pay period. These deductions are then processed by the employer or a third-party platform and then disbursed to the nonprofit.
For nonprofits, payroll giving can establish a steady and predictable revenue stream while also deepening long-term donor relationships. Although individual contributions may be modest, their consistency and potential for growth—especially when supported by employer matching programs—can add up significantly over time.
What is workplace giving?
Workplace giving, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any program or initiative that enables employees to support charitable causes through their employer. Unlike payroll giving, which focuses specifically on paycheck deductions, workplace giving encompasses a wide range of giving opportunities—both financial and non-financial—that are facilitated by the workplace.
These programs can include:
Workplace giving is a powerful tool for nonprofit revenue growth, offering a consistent and often underutilized funding stream. By making it easier for employees to support causes they care about, companies create opportunities for nonprofits to tap into recurring donations, matching gifts, and other employer-sponsored contributions.
Participating in workplace giving programs is a smart revenue growth strategy for nonprofits, offering access to new donor networks and a reliable stream of recurring donations. These programs are a gateway to broader corporate giving opportunities—while payroll and matching gifts drive direct funding, they can also open doors to deeper partnerships like event sponsorships, in-kind donations, and employee volunteer programs. By leveraging workplace giving as an entry point, nonprofits can grow both immediate revenue and long-term corporate support.
How do workplace and payroll giving relate?
Workplace giving and payroll giving are closely connected—so much so that they’re often mentioned in the same breath. That’s because payroll giving is actually one component of the broader workplace giving landscape. In other words, all payroll giving is workplace giving, but not all workplace giving is payroll giving.
While payroll giving refers specifically to donations made directly from an employee’s paycheck, workplace giving encompasses payroll giving and other forms of support, including employer donation matching, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer incentives.
For nonprofits, understanding this relationship is essential. By recognizing payroll giving as a gateway to broader workplace engagement, organizations can utilize it as a foundation for more meaningful partnerships. For example, if a donor starts with payroll deductions, your nonprofit may later be eligible for employer matching funds or featured in a company-wide giving campaign. These connections help build long-term donor loyalty while expanding your reach within supportive companies.
How do workplace and payroll giving differ?
While workplace giving and payroll giving are closely related (and each incredibly valuable for charitable organizations), the two program types differ in scope, structure, and flexibility. As a result, each offers a unique set of advantages for nonprofits and donors alike.
Here’s what you should know about the programs’ differences:
1. Scope:
Payroll giving is a specific type of workplace giving that involves regular, automatic donations taken directly from an employee’s paycheck. In contrast, workplace giving encompasses a broader umbrella that includes payroll giving, as well as programs such as donation matching, charity drives, fundraising events, volunteer grants, and more.
2. Donation Method:
Payroll giving is facilitated through payroll systems, with donations deducted pre- or post-tax (depending on the location or employer setup). Workplace giving, on the other hand, can involve various forms of giving—financial or time-based—that may not be tied to payroll, such as participating in a company-wide giving day or logging volunteer hours to earn grant dollars.
3. Donor Engagement:
Payroll giving is typically a passive, set-it-and-forget-it method. Once an employee signs up, donations occur automatically on a regular basis. Workplace giving, on the other hand, offers more active engagement opportunities, such as team fundraising challenges or company-hosted volunteer events, creating more touchpoints for deeper donor interaction.
4. Employer Involvement:
Employers typically play a larger role in broader workplace giving programs, offering powerful incentives such as donation matching or volunteer time off. Payroll giving may or may not include employer matching and often functions more independently from wider workplace culture initiatives.
Understanding these differences can help nonprofits tailor their outreach and messaging. While payroll giving provides steady, recurring revenue, broader workplace giving programs open the door to deeper engagement and additional corporate support. Both are valuable, and when used together, they can significantly amplify mission impact.
Strategies for making the most of each
To fully tap into the potential of payroll and workplace giving, nonprofits need more than just enrollment—they need a strategic approach. Here are some key ways to maximize visibility, engagement, and long-term impact through these valuable channels:
Get Listed on Workplace Giving Platforms
Many employers use third-party platforms to manage their giving programs, such as Benevity, Bright Funds, America’s Charities, YourCause, and more. Ensure your nonprofit is registered on these platforms so that employees can easily find and support you through payroll giving and other workplace initiatives.
Collect Employment Information From Supporters
One of the simplest yet most powerful steps your nonprofit can take is to ask supporters where they work. Knowing a donor’s employer opens the door to potential payroll giving, matching gift opportunities, and broader workplace giving programs alike.
You can collect this information through donation forms, newsletter sign-ups, volunteer registrations, or follow-up outreach. Even a single field that asks, “Who is your employer?” can provide valuable insight for future outreach and segmentation.
Then, to fill in the remaining gaps in your database, you could even conduct an employer append with a third-party provider!
Once you have this data, you can:
The more you know about where your donors work, the better positioned you are to unlock corporate support, grow donor engagement, and maximize giving potential through employer-backed programs.
Promote Employer Matching
Many employees are unaware that their company offers donation matching, often in addition to other programs, such as payroll giving. Your team can help bridge that gap by creating or leveraging the right resources—like a matching gift lookup tool, FAQs, or social media content—to encourage donors to check if their gift can be doubled.
For the best results, highlight this in donation forms, confirmation emails, thank-you pages, and other relevant materials.
Share Clear Impact Stories
Whether donors give through payroll deductions or other company-sponsored campaigns, they want to know their contributions matter. Use newsletters, impact reports, and social media content to demonstrate how workplace and payroll gifts make a difference.
Here’s an example of a matching gift success story shared by Lehigh University:
You can even tailor these stories for a corporate audience when possible.
Build Relationships with CSR Teams
Kick off your efforts by establishing partnerships with companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) or HR teams. Offer to create co-branded promotional materials, provide speakers, host volunteer opportunities, or collaborate on giving campaigns.
These connections can lead to deeper engagement and additional funding beyond payroll giving alone.
Empower Donors to Advocate Internally
Your existing supporters can be your strongest advocates for new and improved workplace giving programs. When relevant, encourage them to nominate your organization for inclusion in their employer’s giving campaigns or volunteer days or provide a warm introduction to their employer.
You can even provide toolkits or one-pagers that they can share with HR or CSR leaders to help make a strong case for employee-directed philanthropy.
Track and Acknowledge Payroll Donations
Payroll donations can be harder to track than direct gifts, but they’re no less meaningful, and managing them effectively is no less crucial. Therefore, collaborate with platform providers to access donor information (when available) and express gratitude to contributors on a regular basis. After all, personalized acknowledgments help retain and grow long-term support.
By combining thoughtful outreach, strong partnerships, and clear communication, your nonprofit can make payroll and workplace giving a powerful, reliable part of your overall fundraising strategy.
Wrapping up & additional workplace giving resources
When it comes to workplace giving vs. payroll giving, understanding the differences between the two strategies is essential for nonprofits seeking to cultivate sustainable donor support through employer-backed programs. While payroll giving offers a reliable stream of pre-tax donations directly from employees, workplace giving encompasses a broader range of opportunities, including corporate matching, fundraising events, and volunteer engagement.
By understanding how each of these models operates and how they appeal to both employees and companies, your organization can tailor outreach strategies more effectively, foster stronger partnerships with businesses, and ultimately unlock new funding channels to support its mission.
Ready to learn more about workplace giving and beyond? Check out these additional recommended resources:
Why and How to Reach Out to Payroll Giving Donors [A Guide]
/in Payroll Giving, Donor communications, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerPayroll giving is a powerful tool that enables employees to make direct contributions to charitable organizations straight from their paychecks. This method not only simplifies the donation process but also fosters a culture of giving within the workplace. However, organizations not knowing how to reach out to payroll giving donors effectively can be a challenge.
In this guide, we’ll examine the reasons for engaging these donors and offer practical strategies for effective outreach. Specifically, we’ll cover:
By understanding the value of payroll giving and implementing thoughtful outreach strategies, your organization can build stronger relationships with donors and enhance the impact of their contributions.
Whether you’re just getting started or are looking to refine your existing approach, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to engage payroll giving donors meaningfully and sustainably.
The Importance of Engaging Payroll Giving Donors
Engaging payroll giving donors is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, these donors have already demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy by choosing to donate a portion of their earnings. Understanding their motivations and maintaining their interest can lead to sustained support for your organization.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Establishing a connection with payroll giving donors can lead to long-term relationships that benefit both the donor and the organization. When donors feel appreciated and informed about the impact of their contributions, they’re more likely to continue their support.
Regular communication can help nurture these relationships and keep donors engaged. This can include personalized thank-you messages, updates on projects funded by their donations, and invitations to exclusive events where they can meet others who share their philanthropic interests.
By creating a community around your cause, you foster a sense of belonging that can further strengthen their commitment.
Increasing Donation Amounts
Once a donor is engaged, there is potential for increasing their contribution. By sharing success stories and demonstrating the tangible impact of their donations, organizations can encourage donors to consider increasing their payroll contributions.
This not only benefits the organization but also enhances the donor’s sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Additionally, implementing tiered giving levels can motivate donors to reach for higher contributions as they see the difference their support makes. Recognizing milestones, such as anniversaries of giving or total contributions, can also provide donors with a sense of achievement and encourage them to elevate their commitment.
Encouraging Peer Influence
Engaged donors can serve as advocates for your organization within their workplaces. When they share their positive experiences with colleagues, it can inspire others to participate in payroll giving. This peer influence can significantly expand your donor base and enhance your overall fundraising efforts.
By fostering a culture of giving within workplaces, organizations can tap into a network of potential donors who may not have otherwise considered payroll giving as an option. This collaborative spirit not only enhances fundraising efforts but also fosters a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a positive difference.
Strategies for Reaching Out to Payroll Giving Donors
Reaching out to payroll giving donors can be one of the most effective ways to cultivate sustained support—but it also requires a thoughtful approach. Unlike your typical donors, payroll givers are often engaging with your cause through their employer’s giving program, which means the initial connection may feel more indirect.
To make the most of these relationships, it’s essential to start by identifying who your payroll giving donors are. This information typically comes through third-party payroll gift processing platforms (which you’ll want to register with) that facilitate the donations and share donor data with your organization. By leveraging the insights these platforms provide, your nonprofit can develop tailored strategies to connect, thank, and deepen engagement with this unique group of committed supporters.
Here are some strategies that can help organizations connect with these valuable supporters:
Personalized Communication
Personalization is key when reaching out to payroll giving donors. Tailoring your messages to reflect the donor’s interests and contributions can make them feel valued and appreciated.
Consider using their name in communications and referencing specific projects they’ve chosen to support. This level of attention can foster a deeper connection and encourage continued support. Additionally, incorporating personal anecdotes or testimonials from beneficiaries can further enhance this connection, making the donor feel like an integral part of the organization’s story and mission.
Regular Updates and Impact Reports
Donors appreciate being kept informed about how their contributions are making a difference. Regular updates, such as newsletters or impact reports, can provide insights into the organization’s work and the specific outcomes achieved through payroll giving.
Highlighting success stories and showcasing the beneficiaries of their generosity can reinforce the importance of their support.
Engagement Through Events
Hosting events, whether virtual or in-person, can be an excellent way to engage payroll giving donors. These events can range from informational webinars to appreciation gatherings. Providing donors with opportunities to meet the team, learn more about the organization, and witness the impact of their contributions firsthand can strengthen their connection to the cause.
Additionally, incorporating interactive elements such as Q&A sessions or live demonstrations can enhance the experience, allowing donors to feel more involved and invested in the organization’s mission. Offering exclusive previews of upcoming projects or initiatives during these events can also create excitement and anticipation among donors, motivating them to continue (or even increase) their support.
Broader Workplace Giving Eligibility
Once you’ve identified your payroll giving donors through third-party platforms, a key next step is to educate them about the broader range of workplace giving benefits for which they may be eligible. In fact, many donors remain unaware that their employers also offer matching gift programs, volunteer grants, or other giving options that can further amplify their impact.
Therefore, start by incorporating targeted messaging into your outreach—whether in thank-you emails, newsletters, or donor impact reports. Highlight that, as payroll donors, they may also qualify for matching gifts, where their employer will double (or even triple) their contributions. Similarly, if they volunteer with your organization, they might be able to turn their volunteer hours into financial donations through volunteer incentive programs. But they won’t know about the opportunities if you don’t inform them!
Enlisting Technology for Payroll Giving Outreach
In today’s digital age, leveraging technology can significantly enhance outreach efforts to payroll giving donors. With the rapid evolution of tech solutions, organizations have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with their supporters in meaningful ways. Here’s how:
Workplace Giving Software Integration
To maximize the effectiveness of your payroll giving program, integrating workplace giving software can be a game-changer. By gathering employment data and cross-referencing it with the leading workplace giving database, for example, organizations can quickly identify which donors are eligible for payroll giving, matching gifts, volunteer grants, or other corporate giving programs.
This insight allows nonprofits to take informed next steps, such as reaching out with personalized messaging about workplace giving opportunities or guiding donors through their employer’s specific giving process.
Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach out to donors. By segmenting your email list to target payroll giving donors specifically, organizations can send tailored messages that resonate with this group.
Regular newsletters, updates, and calls to action can keep donors informed and engaged, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty.
Social Media Engagement
In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful resource for engaging with payroll giving donors. By sharing stories, updates, and testimonials on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, organizations can cultivate a vibrant community of supporters who feel a strong connection to the cause.
Engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes looks at projects or shout-outs to donors, can encourage sharing and amplify the organization’s message. Moreover, social media provides an avenue for donors to interact with the organization, ask questions, and share their own experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and community among supporters.
Online Surveys and Feedback Forms
Gathering feedback from payroll giving donors can provide valuable insights into their motivations and preferences. Fortunately, online surveys can be an effective tool for understanding donor satisfaction and identifying areas for improvement, which can guide future outreach efforts and help tailor communications to better meet donor needs.
By actively listening to their donors, organizations can foster a culture of transparency and responsiveness that strengthens donor loyalty and commitment.
Creating a Payroll Giving Recognition Program
Recognizing payroll giving donors for their contributions can significantly enhance engagement. After all, a well-structured recognition program not only shows appreciation but also motivates donors to continue their support.
Donor Appreciation Events
Organizing donor appreciation events can be a powerful way to acknowledge payroll giving donors. These events can celebrate their contributions and provide an opportunity for donors to connect with one another and the organization. Not to mention, recognizing their efforts publicly can reinforce their commitment and encourage continued support.
Incentives and Rewards
Consider implementing a rewards program for payroll giving donors. This could include special perks, such as exclusive updates, merchandise, or invitations to special events. Providing tangible benefits can enhance the donor experience and encourage ongoing contributions.
Spotlight Features
Highlighting individual donors in newsletters or on social media can make them feel valued and appreciated. Meanwhile, sharing their stories and motivations for giving can inspire others and create a sense of community among donors. This recognition not only celebrates their contributions but also encourages others to consider joining the payroll giving program.
Measuring Success + Adjusting Your Payroll Giving Strategies
To ensure that outreach efforts to payroll giving donors are effective, it is essential to measure your success on a regular basis—and to make necessary adjustments. For optimal results, this should involve tracking engagement metrics, donation amounts, donor feedback, and other relevant data.
Setting Clear Goals
Before launching outreach initiatives, organizations should establish clear goals. Whether it’s increasing donor retention rates, boosting donation amounts, or enhancing engagement, having specific objectives can guide your efforts and provide a benchmark for measuring success.
Analyzing Data
Utilizing data analytics tools (such as those provided within your Double the Donation account) can help organizations track the effectiveness of their outreach strategies. By analyzing donor behavior, engagement levels, and feedback, organizations can identify trends and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach can inform future outreach efforts and enhance overall effectiveness.
Adapting Strategies
Outreach strategies should not be static. Instead, regularly reviewing and adapting approaches based on feedback and data analysis can help organizations stay relevant and effective in their outreach efforts. Flexibility and responsiveness to donor needs can significantly enhance engagement and support.
Wrapping Up & Additional Payroll Giving Resources
Reaching out to payroll giving donors is a crucial aspect of building lasting relationships and cultivating a culture of giving. By understanding the importance of engagement, employing effective outreach strategies, and recognizing donor contributions, organizations can enhance their fundraising efforts and create a community of dedicated supporters.
In a world where charitable giving is increasingly important, the role of payroll giving donors cannot be overstated. Ultimately, fostering these relationships can lead to greater impact and a brighter future for the communities served.
Ready to learn more about payroll giving and other corporate philanthropy programs? Check out these additional recommended resources:
How to Build Payroll Giving Partnerships with Employers
/in Payroll Giving, Fundraising Strategy, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerPayroll giving offers nonprofits a powerful way to raise steady, unrestricted funding while deepening connections with supporters. But unlocking this potential isn’t just about signing up for a platform. It’s about building meaningful payroll giving partnerships with employers who are ready to align their values with your cause.
In this post, we’ll show you how to identify, approach, and build lasting payroll giving partnerships that benefit both your mission and your corporate partners. We’ll cover:
If you’re a nonprofit looking to grow through payroll giving, the real game-changer is collaboration. By forming strategic relationships with companies, you not only gain access to entire employee networks but also amplify your impact through matched donations, awareness campaigns, and long-term support.
What is a payroll giving partnership?
Payroll giving partnerships refer to a kind of formal arrangement between a nonprofit organization and an employer that enables the employer’s staff to donate to the nonprofit directly from their wages through payroll deductions. These donations are typically processed through the employer’s payroll system on a regular basis—usually bi-weekly or monthly.
This type of partnership involves coordination between the nonprofit and the employer to set up and manage the giving mechanism. It may include technical setup through a workplace giving platform or internal payroll system, as well as agreement on how employees will be informed and how donations will be tracked and transferred.
Compared to one-time donations or event-based fundraising, payroll giving partnerships are structured, ongoing, and often supported by HR or CSR teams within the company. In essence, a payroll giving partnership is the operational framework that allows employees to contribute to a nonprofit directly from their pay—making giving an easy, integrated part of their work life.
Why payroll giving partnerships matter
Payroll giving partnerships are more than just a way to collect donations—they’re a strategic avenue for building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between nonprofits and employers.
Here’s why they matter:
Payroll Giving Partnerships Create Reliable, Predictable Funding
One of the biggest challenges for nonprofits is financial unpredictability. Payroll giving helps solve this by providing a steady stream of donations that recur with each pay cycle.
This consistency allows nonprofits to plan ahead, invest in long-term programs, and reduce reliance on one-off fundraising campaigns. Instead of starting from scratch each month, you can count on a foundation of regular support.
Payroll Giving Partnerships Increase Impact
Many employers choose to match their employees’ payroll donations, effectively doubling (or even tripling) the funds going to nonprofits. This not only increases your total fundraising but also motivates employees to give more, knowing their donation will go further.
Payroll Giving Partnerships Deepen Donor Relationships
Payroll giving turns one-time donors into long-term supporters by making giving a habitual part of their lives. This consistency builds stronger emotional connections between donors and your mission, increasing lifetime donor value and long-term commitment. It also provides a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to cultivate and communicate with a dedicated supporter base on an ongoing basis.
Payroll Giving Partnerships Expand Nonprofit Reach
Partnering with employers opens up access to entire communities of potential donors you might not otherwise reach. Employees introduced to your cause through workplace giving often become passionate advocates, spreading awareness among colleagues, family, and friends. These partnerships serve as a bridge to broader visibility, new donor acquisition, and community engagement.
5 ways to establish payroll giving partnerships with employers
Building payroll giving partnerships doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require intention, clarity, and a strategic approach. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your reach, there are proven ways to connect with the right employers and turn conversations into partnerships.
Below are five practical, high-impact strategies your nonprofit can use to establish payroll giving relationships that are built to last.
1. Register with leading payroll giving platforms.
To kickstart a payroll giving partnership, it is crucial to register with established payroll giving platforms. These platforms act as intermediaries, connecting nonprofits with employers who are interested in offering payroll giving programs to their employees. By being part of these networks, organizations can gain visibility and credibility, making it easier to attract potential donors.
Furthermore, many payroll giving platforms provide resources and tools that can help nonprofits streamline their operations. From tracking donations to managing relationships with employers, these platforms can simplify the process and allow organizations to focus on their core mission. Additionally, some platforms offer analytics and reporting features that enable nonprofits to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns, providing valuable insights that inform future strategies.
2. Focus on payroll giving’s value to employers.
When approaching potential employer partners, it’s essential to highlight the benefits of payroll giving for their bottom line. Employers are often looking for ways to enhance their corporate social responsibility and employee engagement initiatives, and payroll giving can be a key component of these efforts.
Emphasizing how payroll giving can improve employee morale, enhance company reputation, and even attract top talent can make a compelling case for partnership. Providing data and case studies that demonstrate the positive impact of payroll giving on employee engagement and retention can further strengthen the argument. Moreover, showcasing how payroll giving aligns with the company’s values and mission can resonate with decision-makers, making them more inclined to support the initiative.
3. Encourage donors to advocate for new programs.
Existing donors can be powerful advocates for expanding or establishing payroll giving partnerships within their workplaces. Encouraging them to share their positive giving experiences with colleagues can help raise awareness and generate interest in the program. This grassroots approach can be particularly effective in fostering a culture of giving within organizations.
Consider creating a toolkit for donors that includes talking points, success stories, and resources they can share with their employers. This can empower them to advocate for payroll giving programs and potentially lead to new partnerships. Additionally, hosting informational sessions or lunch-and-learn events can provide a platform for donors to encourage their peers to get involved, thereby creating a ripple effect of engagement within the workplace.
4. Supply the partner with co-branded marketing materials.
Once a partnership is established, providing co-branded marketing materials can help promote the payroll giving program effectively. These materials can include brochures, posters, and digital assets that highlight the payroll giving opportunity and the impact of employee contributions.
Why? Co-branded materials not only reinforce the partnership but also make it easier for employers to communicate the program to their employees. By providing clear and engaging information, organizations can encourage more employees to participate in payroll giving, ultimately increasing the funds raised for their causes.
5. Go beyond payroll giving.
While payroll giving is a fantastic way to generate support, it can also serve as a springboard for deeper engagement with employers. For example, matching gifts can be viewed as a simple extension of the payroll giving program. However, you may also want to consider offering opportunities for employees to volunteer, participate in fundraising events, or engage in other initiatives that align with the nonprofit’s mission as well.
By expanding the partnership beyond payroll giving, organizations can create a more holistic relationship with employers. This can lead to increased visibility, more substantial financial support, and a stronger commitment to the nonprofit’s cause from both employees and employers alike.
Wrapping up & additional payroll giving resources
Payroll giving partnerships aren’t just about donations—they’re about building a bridge between your mission and the business world.
By proactively reaching out to values-aligned employers, presenting a clear case for partnership, and nurturing those relationships over time, your nonprofit can transform payroll giving into a scalable and sustainable fundraising channel.
Looking to learn more about payroll giving for your nonprofit? Check out these additional recommended resources:
Avoid These 5 Employer Appending Mistakes Nonprofits Make
/in Learning Center, Fundraising Strategy, About Double the Donation /by Adam WeingerWhen it comes to maximizing donor intelligence, employer appending can be a game-changer for nonprofits looking to grow workplace giving revenue. By enriching your database with employment information—such as where your donors work and their eligibility for corporate giving programs—you unlock powerful insights that can drive your corporate giving success. But like any data project, success hinges on more than just good intentions. Many organizations rush into employer appends without the proper planning, only to encounter disappointing results. In this post, we’ll walk you through five common employer appending mistakes nonprofits make during the process—and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
These include:
Avoiding these pitfalls doesn’t require a massive overhaul—just a more intentional approach. By understanding what can go wrong and planning accordingly, your nonprofit can turn employer appending into a smart, strategic asset.
Let’s dive into the five key mistakes to watch out for—and how to sidestep them for better results.
1. Starting with unclean or disorganized data
One of the most common—and most costly—mistakes nonprofits make when beginning an employer append is skipping the crucial step of data hygiene. If your donor records are riddled with typos, outdated contact info, or missing key fields, even the best appending service will struggle to return accurate or useful results.
Why It Matters:
Employer append vendors match your data against external databases using identifiers like name, address, email, and phone number. If that information is incorrect, inconsistent, or incomplete, the chances of a successful match drop significantly. Worse, it can lead to mismatched records or misleading insights that hinder your fundraising instead of helping it.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Pro Tip: Cleaning up your data upfront not only boosts your match rates but also ensures you’re making decisions based on trustworthy information. By prioritizing clean, organized data from the start, your nonprofit sets the stage for a more successful—and actionable—employer append project.
2. Relying too fully on appends for data collection
Employer appending is a powerful tool—but it shouldn’t be your only strategy for collecting donor employment data. One major mistake nonprofits make is leaning too heavily on appending services to fill in all the gaps without putting systems in place to gather this information directly from supporters.
Why It Matters:
Appending services are only as good as the data they match against—and even the best providers can’t deliver 100% coverage. If your donor file lacks strong identifying information or the donor simply isn’t in the external database, you’ll be left with incomplete results. More importantly, relying solely on third-party sources limits your ability to capture current information directly from your audience and connect them to their workplace giving opportunities faster.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Pro Tip: Make it simple for the supporter to find and enter their company name! If you integrate your donation forms and volunteer management system with Double the Donation, supporters can search directly in our database, finding their employer’s information quickly and easily. That means they can be connected to any matches or grant opportunities in mere seconds!
By building employer data collection into your regular donor engagement, you create a more complete, up-to-date picture of your supporters—one that enhances append efforts and increases the accuracy of your workplace giving strategies.
3. Choosing the wrong data appending vendor
Not all employer appending vendors are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can undermine your data strategy. Some nonprofits make the mistake of selecting a vendor based solely on price or convenience without fully understanding what they’re getting in terms of data quality, match rates, compliance, and the ability to act on the information right away.
Why It Matters:
The vendor you choose determines how accurate, complete, and useful your appended employer data will be. A low-cost provider may rely on outdated or limited data sources, resulting in poor match rates or inaccurate employer information. Worse, vendors that don’t follow data privacy regulations can expose your organization to compliance risks.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Pro Tip: Ultimately, the right vendor should act as a partner—not just a data provider. By choosing carefully, you ensure that the appended data adds real value to your workplace giving outreach efforts rather than becoming a missed opportunity or an administrative burden.
4. Not using the insights to power workplace giving programs
A surprising number of nonprofits go through the process of appending employer data—only to let those valuable insights sit unused. One of the biggest missed opportunities is failing to leverage employer information to fuel workplace giving programs, such as matching gifts, payroll giving, and corporate volunteer grants.
Why It Matters:
Employer data isn’t just nice to have—with workplace giving opportunities available, it can be a direct revenue driver. Many companies offer donation matching gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll giving programs (along with other forms of charitable support) for employees, but they often go untapped simply because the nonprofit doesn’t know which donors are eligible. If your organization collects employer information but doesn’t connect it to workplace giving outreach, you’re leaving money—and engagement—on the table.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Pro Tip: Workplace giving isn’t just about revenue—it’s also a great way to deepen donor engagement. When supporters see their employer amplifying their impact, it reinforces their commitment to your cause.
5. Not using the insights to strengthen corporate partnerships
While workplace giving is a valuable use of employer data, many nonprofits miss a second, equally powerful opportunity: using employment insights to build or deepen corporate partnerships. After all, appended employer data doesn’t just tell you where your donors work—it can reveal hidden connections to companies that may be strong candidates for in-kind gifts, event sponsorships, volunteer support, or even grants.
Why It Matters:
Your donor base may already include employees—sometimes even executives—at companies that align well with your mission. But without employment data, you won’t know who these individuals are or how to activate those connections. When nonprofits overlook this insight, they miss a chance to cultivate warm leads and grow high-impact corporate relationships rooted in shared values and personal ties.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for your corporate partnerships team to initiate this process—equip fundraisers and donor relations staff with employer insights so they can help uncover connections and spark new opportunities across departments.
Wrapping Up & Additional Employer Appends Resources
Employer appending can open new doors for workplace giving, but only if it’s done thoughtfully. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll position your organization to make the most of your data investment.
The key is to treat employer appending not as a quick fix but as a strategic tool within your broader workplace and corporate giving efforts. With the right approach, the insights you gain can fuel smarter campaigns, deeper donor relationships, and, ultimately, greater impact.
Ready to learn more about employer appends for nonprofit fundraising? Check out these additional recommended resources: