On Philanthropy - Resist the List! Give Them a Gift that Gives

Donate to charity in your loved one’s name and double the impact through a workplace match

Contributed by AFPSEWI
Milwaukee Business Journal
December 14, 2018 issue

Dear Dad:  I received your annual Christmas Wish List yesterday.  After an online search for the meaning of “auger,”  “tip up,” and “floating livewell,” I have to let you know that you will not be receiving any ice fishing supplies this year. Not just because I have no idea what those things are, but also because “wish lists” are not what Christmas is about. Instead you will receive confirmation of an honorary donation to the Endangered Resource Fund of the Department of Natural Resources. 

Why, you ask? Because it’s the season of giving -- and because this gift will be matched by my company.

Each year, nearly $5 billion is donated to America’s charities through workplace giving.  General Electric, Pfizer and Bank of America are among the many companies that match employee donations dollar for dollar. Matching gifts, payroll deductions and workplace campaigns are just a few ways that employees can meet their own philanthropic goals while leveraging extra impact via their employer.  

If you have a family member that gave you a list this year, cheerfully remind them what this season is all about.  Make a charitable contribution in their name, and while you’re at it, have your company double your generosity.

Dad, you will not find a shiny new auger under the tree on Christmas morning (nervous fish in area lakes are already breathing a sigh of relief).  Instead, you’ll get to always remember the year we teamed up to save the trout together:  You, me and my generous company.

On Philanthropy appears monthly in the Milwaukee Business Journal and is contributed by Ellen Wilkinson for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter.