What is Workplace Giving and Why it Matters for Nonprofits

July 1, 2025 | 4 min read
Summary:
- Workplace giving is a growing opportunity for nonprofits, with over 27 million Americans having access to these programs and contributing $5 billion to nonprofits.
- Programs like payroll deductions and matching gifts offer nonprofits reliable, recurring revenue while boosting the impact of every donation.
- Visibility on workplace giving platforms helps nonprofits connect with new donors and corporate partners.
- Workplace giving is a powerful donor acquisition tool, especially for reaching younger audiences and fostering long-term engagement.
What if your nonprofit had direct access to millions of potential donors? Workplace giving strategies have become an effective way for nonprofits to simultaneously secure reliable funding and build lasting donor relationships. In 2023 alone, over 27 million Americans had access to workplace giving programs, collectively contributing more than $5 billion to the nonprofits they care about most. That’s a staggering number, and there’s every indication that figure will continue to rise in the coming years.
Whether you’re a small nonprofit looking to grow your donor base or an established organization aiming to diversify your funding streams, workplace giving can help you meet your goals.
What Is Workplace Giving?
Workplace giving refers to donation programs that businesses offer their employees as a way to support nonprofits. These programs often include:
- Payroll deductions – Recurring donations deducted from employee paychecks, which allows donors to set-it-and-forget-it and is often accompanied by a corporate match.
- Corporate matching gifts – Companies match employees’ financial contributions, which can double (or in some cases triple) the donation amount.
- Volunteer grants – Corporations donate funds based on employees’ volunteer hours, maximizing the impact of volunteer events and participants’ commitment to the nonprofit.
- One-time or recurring online donations – Often facilitated through a workplace giving platform, which makes it easy for donors to make regular contributions.
Of these options, payroll deductions paired with corporate matching gifts can be especially impactful because they provide a consistent stream of funding while potentially doubling (or in some cases even tripling) each donation, making an even greater impact toward achieving your mission.
Pro tip: Encourage your supporters to check if their employer offers a donation matching program. Promote this opportunity on your donation page and in donor communications.
Why Workplace Giving Matters for Nonprofits
For nonprofits, workplace giving offers several key benefits:
- Predictable Donations: Unlike one-time gifts, recurring payroll deductions provide steady, predictable income, making it easier to budget and plan programs throughout the year.
- Increased Visibility and Credibility: Being listed on workplace giving platforms like NPOconnect increases your exposure to millions of potential donors. Taking the time to complete a profile on these accounts and showcasing the impact, key milestones, success stories, etc., signals to corporate partners and employees that your organization is credible and impactful.
- Stronger Community and Corporate Ties: Workplace giving deepens your connection to the community and builds meaningful partnerships with local and national businesses. These relationships can lead to larger grants, sponsorships, or in-kind support down the road.
How Nonprofits Can Grow Their Donor Base with Workplace Giving
Workplace giving helps attract and retain new donors by:
- Reaching new audiences: Especially younger donors who are just starting their philanthropic journey
- Lowering barriers to giving: Automated payroll deductions make donating easy and habitual
- Creating long-term engagement: Employees who start by giving through their workplace often become lifelong supporters
Pro tip: Promote your presence on workplace giving platforms on your website, email campaigns, and social media. Make it easy for donors to find and select your organization on those platforms.
By joining a workplace giving platform, nonprofits can showcase their mission, celebrate success stories, and inspire donors to take action. Workplace giving is a viable fundraising tactic and a pathway to lasting donor relationships, increased visibility, and deeper impact. For nonprofits seeking to build sustainable revenue and expand their reach, tapping into workplace giving is a must.
Ready to explore how workplace giving can elevate your fundraising efforts? Visit NPOconnect and take the next step toward fundraising success.
Learn more about attracting donors on NPOconnect, tips for attracting corporate partners, ensuring your nonprofit’s eligibility for gift matching, and other free resources on our blog.
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