Strategic and Sustainable Design
Kain Lawyers has built one of Australia’s most impactful workplace giving programs through its dedicated Kain Foundation, established in 2004. The program is intentionally embedded within the firm’s DNA, enshrined in its founding values and purpose, recruitment processes, and operational structures. Every employee contributes 1.25% of their gross remuneration to the Foundation, with these donations matched dollar-for-dollar by the firm’s owners. This funding, coupled with a requirement that all staff participate in volunteering each year, ensures the Foundation provides both financial and hands-on contribution to the communities it supports, in partnership with its community partners.
This strategic alignment of organisational commitment, payroll giving, volunteering, and matched funding ensures the program’s long-term sustainability. Importantly, Kain Lawyers links the scale of its community investment to business performance, meaning that as the firm grows, so too does its contribution and social impact.
Tailored to People and Purpose
The Kain Lawyers model is a critical pillar of its people and culture commitment. From the recruitment stage, new hires are introduced to the firm’s community ethos, with giving and volunteering woven into interviews and onboarding. Each employee is immediately placed into a Foundation-supported program, such as ABCN mentoring or Northern Opportunities pathways program, ensuring early and meaningful engagement.
By tailoring opportunities across mentoring, educational workshops, immersion trips to our international projects, and project support, the program allows staff to contribute in ways that align with their skills and passions. This breadth of choice fosters personal enrichment and a strong sense of shared purpose. Regular updates at weekly firm-wide lunches, annual participation in the Foundation’s AGM, and continuous communication about outcomes reinforce engagement and connection.
Outstanding Results and Impact
Kain Lawyers’ program demonstrates what best practice workplace giving can achieve. With 100% participation across staff and shareholders, over 7,291 volunteering hours and $2.5 million raised since inception, the program has delivered significant community benefit. Programs such as the Northern Opportunities pathways program have boosted students’ confidence, career readiness, and aspirations, while the Junior Landcare Project in Uganda has improved food security, education, and sustainability in 24 schools.
The benefits are equally profound within the firm. In the most recent biannual staff survey, 92% reported enhanced job satisfaction as a result of the workplace giving program, and 100% believe it makes a difference to the communities supported through the Foundation. These results underpin low attrition rates, strong recruitment appeal, and high levels of team pride.
A Benchmark for Australia
Kain Lawyers’ workplace giving program exemplifies best practice in Australia, strategically embedded, people-centred, and community-focused. Its combination of financial giving, volunteer commitment, and long-term sustainability showcases how businesses can create transformative impact when values, culture, and purpose are aligned.
