As a household name, the Salvos need no introduction. They support tens of thousands of people in Australia each and every day and make a huge impact in our community. From collection tins in our local shopping centres to larger grants from philanthropists, workplace giving and corporate donations are just one of the many fundraising streams supporting their work and importantly opening the charity up to new audiences. Rhonda Yanitsas writes.

On the International Day of Charity, I explored the opportunities of workplace giving with The Salvation Army. I remember as a child, door knocking with family around the local neighbourhood during The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. People opened their doors, hearts and wallets to the charity which was a household name even back then.

They are heartfelt memories and I often reflect on the importance of that face to face introduction for a new charity supporter or acknowledgement of the charity someone has supported for so long, through a knock on the door.

The Salvos receive much needed donations during their annual Red Shield appeal but they also meet a new audience; an audience that is receptive to the human connection it brings.

Tapping into new audiences through workplace giving

As a relatively new fundraising mechanism for charities, workplace giving continues to steadily increase throughout Australia. It’s been a little like a tortoise; slow and steady wins the race (but the race hasn’t been won yet).

Around 162,000 Australian employees currently donate through a workplace giving program so for charities – even those who are household names – it’s another opportunity to reach new people in our community who they haven’t already had exposure to.

As the numbers of workplace givers gradually increases, so too does the support to Australian charities.

“Having a presence on Good2Give has opened us up to a wide range of corporates and employees that we may have not necessarily reached. Essentially it’s done the hard work for us!” says Jill Summers, Business Development Manager at The Salvation Army.

“Workplace giving is low cost to both us, the corporate and employee and it’s such a simple and hassle-free way to give. It’s a donation you barely notice month to month but eventually it all adds up to a significant donation that consistently enables us to provide long-term positive impact in the community.”

In the last financial year the Salvos received nearly $132,000 in workplace giving and grants through the Good2Give platform and over $3 million in corporate partnerships support overall.

The steady and “efficient” income from workplace giving provides them with funds they can direct to the greatest need.

“Workplace giving funds go towards supporting all of The Salvation Army’s programs and services where there is need,” says Jill.

“These include providing crisis accommodation for the homeless, support for women and families fleeing domestic violence, assistance to farmers in rural or regional Australia and help to families struggling to make ends meet.”

The Salvos offer four key project options to workplace givers on the Good2Give platform: ongoing emergency disaster work, rural relief, the Red Shield Appeal and the Oasis Youth Support Network. Donors choose which project they want to support and often their employers match their donations or provide other non financial support, which plays an equally important role.

“Whether it’s through workplace giving or other support, the backing of corporates is invaluable. Not only because it means we have financial security to reach out to those in need, but it also gives us access to a pool of talented, skilled people, enthusiastic volunteers and engaged supporters who are willing to help out,” says Jill.

“Nowadays consumers expect businesses to support the community that supports it. And it’s really important that employees have a say in what this support looks like. It’s a mutual understanding that we all have a part to play in making the world a better place.”

Thank god for the Salvos

With more than 50,000 young people in foster care, over 44,000 homeless people in Australia and youth unemployment rates at 12.2% (double the national population average), Oasis is The Salvation Army’s response to addressing some of these issues in Sydney’s inner city.

Oasis, based in Surry Hills, provides access to 20 programs and services for young people between 16 and 25 years of age with the aim of providing early intervention and support. Through the Oasis network young people have access to role models and mentors, ongoing support to pursue school and work, and case management to help them overcome trauma, mental health or any barriers to education, employment and stable, long-term accommodation.

“Often these young people fall through the cracks: many of them are couch-surfing – a hidden form of homelessness – staying with friends, relatives and even strangers until they burn bridges and have nowhere else to go. Oasis is there to provide support,” explains Jill.

If your company has Good2Give’s workplace giving program in place, you can donate to The Salvation Army while you work. If not, visit the charity’s website to support their life changing programs, services and innovations.