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November 16, 2009
New research shows that over 75 per cent of people who join workplace giving programs increase the total amount they donate to charity, and nearly 30 per cent are thinking about further increasing the amount they give.
It is estimated that $20 million is contributed to charity each year through workplace giving programs. More than $50 million has been donated to community organisations through programs facilitated by ACF since it was established in 2003.
However, prior to this research the net benefits of workplace giving were unknown. There was some concern that the employee donations were ‘taking from Peter to pay Paul', with those giving through payroll deductions reducing their donations outside the workplace. For the first time this study shows that is not the case - indeed the reverse is true. Download the report.
Ted Kerr, CEO of the Australian Charities Fund hopes this news will encourage employers who don't currently offer workplace giving programs, to do so.
CSI's Macquarie Group Foundation Professor Peter Shergold believes workplace giving's potential will only be realised if all sectors collaborate to drastically build awareness and uptake. He believes that governments can play an active role in helping to incentivise employers to implement programs, and to encourage employees to participate. "Internationally, we have seen Government initiatives help increase the penetration of workplace giving programs. We would love to see some of these initiatives implemented in Australia, with governments actively promoting a giving culture."
The study also showed that for 60 per cent of employees, employers matching of their donations was the primary motivation for giving, making the program more compelling, and reinforcing the organisation's commitment to supporting the community.
Initiated and led by the ACF and supported by the Centre for Social Impact, ANZ, Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs JBWere and Mallesons Stephen Jaques, the study is the first of its kind in Australia. Over 4,500 employees across a range of employers and industries took part nationally.