The Challenge
The Give Where You Live Foundation, a leading philanthropic organisation based in Geelong, Australia, encountered a significant decline in workplace giving donations over the past decade. Contributions dwindled from $1.1 million to approximately $550,000 annually. This sharp decrease called for a comprehensive review and reinvigoration of the Loaned Executive Program to identify key barriers and set actionable steps to drive sustainable revenue growth.
The Solution
In response to the declining donations, the Give Where You Live Foundation decided to revitalise its Loaned Executive Program. This unique workplace giving initiative recruits employees from various businesses to promote the Foundation's goals. These 'Loaned Executives' are trained to encourage payroll contributions and actively engage their peers in philanthropic activities.
Following training and preparation, the Loaned Executives set out on a 6-week journey presenting to their own organisations and other local organisations encouraging them to sign up to the Foundation's workplace giving program as well as ensuring participating businesses and close to 2,000 donors were thanked and updated on the impact of their donations.
The decision to reinvigorate the program was driven by the need to create a fairer and more equitable community, as well as to develop strong relationships with local businesses.
The Results
The renewed focus on the Loaned Executive Program significantly supported the Foundation’s Workplace Giving program. Over the past 15 years, the Loaned Executive program has successfully engaged 103 businesses. This year, the Loaned Executive program targeted individuals from key businesses already engaged with Workplace Giving, as well as those new businesses who have high potential growth in Workplace Giving. This targeted approach resulted in a 100% participation rate of Loaned Executives in the program. The initiative led to an increase in Workplace giving donors, the acknowledgement of current donors and contributed towards the Foundation investing over $2.6 million annually into the Geelong community. This investment significantly impacted areas such as food security, homelessness assistance, and inclusive employment. The program also enhanced community connections and increased the program’s alumni to almost 2,000 individuals in the community, many of whom are ongoing ambassadors for the Foundation actively supporting and participating in various appeals, events and our Community Grant Review Panels.
