Leveraging Employee Giving Programs to Cultivate a Culture of Caring

Work with Established Charity Organizations 
Some widely recognized organizations, such as the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen, have established global networks of partners, distribution, and logistics. While their reputations make donating to their organizations simple, it may be difficult to directly engage with employees and make them feel like they are part of the contribution. To make employees feel more engaged, companies can consider setting up a self-managed corporate giving/matching program. I have observed companies setting up panels to review requests prior to providing the funds to collaborating organizations to ensure goods and services are utilized in the most efficient and effective manner.  

Global Giving and Assistance Policy – Direct Employee Assistance 
I tend to favor the concept and practice of using an independent third party to manage global giving and support programs. Companies such as Emergency Assistance Foundation (www.emergencyassistancefdn.org) have an established programs in numerous languages and are currently serving many of our member companies. This approach allows a company and its employees to contribute on an ongoing basis to fund current and future events that may impact employees and their families. In this model, the company will seed the fund, set the guidelines for qualifying distribution, and run a campaign allowing employees to contribute on an ongoing basis if they desire. The funds are then placed in return-seeking assets that tend to grow organically over time. The aid is distributed directly to the employee with consideration given to IRS, GDPR, CCPA and LGPD restrictions and requirements. I encourage you to consider making this a part of your overall employee assistance program.