With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make a lasting impact for our planet.
One easy and meaningful way to do this? Tap into your company’s workplace giving programs to fuel climate action and support sustainability initiatives that are driving real change.
Many companies offer programs like matching donations, payroll deductions, and volunteer opportunities that can boost your contributions to causes focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and community impact. For example, if your company matches donations to organizations focused on combating climate change or promoting sustainability, your $50 contribution can instantly become $100 or more. It’s a simple way to double or even triple the impact of your support. This not only boosts funding for essential climate action projects but also demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing climate challenges.
Unfortunately, many workplace giving programs fly under the radar or get overlooked as employees navigate their busy day-to-day tasks. But taking a few minutes to find out what’s available could make a significant difference for causes that matter to you.
What are workplace giving programs and how do they relate to climate action?
A workplace giving program is an employer-sponsored initiative designed to encourage employees to contribute to charitable causes. These programs are incredibly important for supporting charities and nonprofits working on sustainability and climate action, giving employees a simple, structured way to make a difference.
Why does this matter? A report from the Clean Economy Fund points out that only 0.9% of total philanthropy in Canada goes toward climate-related causes. That’s a small piece of the pie, despite the fact that 72% of Canadians are concerned about climate change.
As Lauren Castelino, Founder of the Green Career Centre, emphasized in the recently released Climate Philanthropy Synopsis Report, systemic barriers in the funding process hinder progress, particularly for youth-led and grassroots organizations. The report provides actionable recommendations for activists, governments, funders, businesses, and communities, underscoring the urgent need for increased climate philanthropy.
Encouragingly, recent developments, like the $405 million commitment from some of Canada’s wealthiest families, show a growing recognition of the urgency to invest in climate action. Workplace giving programs can help sustain and amplify this progress, offering employees a practical, impactful way to join the movement and contribute to climate action.
Types of workplace giving programs:
These programs come in different forms, all designed to make it easier for you to support causes you care about. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Donation matching: Your $100 donation to a climate charity could turn into $200 (or more) when your company matches it. This means your contribution goes twice as far in supporting vital initiatives.
- Volunteer time: Use your company’s volunteer hours to roll up your sleeves and make a difference without sacrificing your paycheck. Many companies encourage employee engagement through volunteer programs that allow you to contribute to sustainability projects.
- Employee giving grants: Find out if you’re leaving money on the table. Some employers offer grants to support employee-chosen causes, allowing you to amplify your impact by requesting additional funding for your favourite climate charity or project.
- Payroll deductions: Talk to HR to see if you can set up automatic deductions from your paycheck to support climate action projects. This convenient option lets you give consistently over time without any hassle, making it easier to contribute to causes that matter to you.
How to get started:
Check your company’s giving programs
Not sure if your company has a workplace giving program? Reach out to your HR or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) department to learn more. Large companies and government organizations often have well-established giving programs. Examples include platforms like Benevity, which help employees donate to vetted organizations and match contributions (hint, hint: the Academy for Sustainable Innovation is listed on Benevity).
Explore causes aligned with climate action
If you want your contributions to support climate action, start by researching climate charities, or environmental groups that resonate with you. Many organizations are working on diverse aspects of the climate crisis, from decarbonization to social justice to climate leadership.
Spread the word
Encourage your colleagues to participate! The more people who use workplace giving programs to support climate action, the greater the collective impact.
The Academy for Sustainable Innovation needs your support
If your company has a workplace giving program—or if you’re thinking of making a personal donation—we’d love your support! By donating, you’ll help ASI deliver two vital educational programs in 2025 (details on them below) that will shape the future of climate leadership. And as a bonus, if you donate before December 31, 2024, you’ll be entered to win a $100 MEC gift card!
Youth Environmental Leaders Learning Lab (YELL Lab)
YELL Lab, a 5-week program, empowers young adults (18-30) to connect with peers across Canada and explore key climate action topics like systems-thinking, collaboration, storytelling, and conflict management. Participants will discover how to align their skills with meaningful climate career opportunities.
Young climate action leaders face financial barriers and age-based discrimination when pushing for climate action. Your donation will ensure this program remains free for participants and will help young people overcome these challenges and reach their full potential as climate action leaders.
Climate Action for Nonprofit Leaders
Nonprofits play a crucial role in supporting our communities by providing services like housing, food security, senior care, and more. However, they are chronically underfunded and now face growing challenges from the climate crisis, which threatens their ability to plan, deliver, and adapt their services to an increasingly uncertain climate.
This 5-week program guides nonprofit leaders through a process of integrating climate action into their strategies and daily operations. Your donation helps make this program affordable, enabling nonprofits to focus on their community impact while also advancing climate action.
