Workplace Giving

More than 70 businesses and government agencies now partner with EarthShare Washington (ESW) to offer employees an environmental choice in their annual workplace giving campaign.

ESW allows donors the unique option of making one gift (to be shared among all member groups) or designating a pledge to one or more ESW member organizations of their choice. Employees can check with their payroll offices or with ESW to determine if they have the option to contribute to EarthShare Washington. A list of our participating corporate and public workplaces is found here. If the workplace already has a partnership with ESW, it's as simple as filling out a pledge form. ESW will also work with your company/organization to provide speakers, interactive events, and other employee engagement opportunities.

What is workplace giving?

Workplace giving is a means by which employees donate to charitable organizations of their choice, primarily through payroll pledges. See our page on "Workplace Giving: How To" to learn more.

Why donate via payroll deduction?

Donations through workplace giving enable EarthShare Washington (ESW) member organizations to spend less time fundraising and

more time working toward a healthier environment. Gifts to ESW are shared among our member groups with the majority of funds staying in Washington State.

• Efficiency: Raising funds through payroll deduction in workplace giving campaigns is many times cheaper than direct mail (the most common way environmental groups gain new members). With lower fundraising costs, more money can go directly to programs and services.
• Convenience: Once a year donors decide which issues are most important to them. A portion of each paycheck then goes to their favorite charity. They decide who their donation goes to and how it is divided.
• Consistency: Funds raised through payroll deduction help our groups plan into the future. After workplaces have concluded their giving campaigns, they send ESW the results. ESW then reports to its members the amount of the donations they will receive, allowing them to budget with confidence.
• Accountability: ESW member groups are screened each year and held to strict accountability standards. This gives our donors peace of mind, knowing their money is being managed well. All ESW financial reports are available to the public at any time.

Risa Morgan, a donor from the University of Washington, is one person to enjoy the benefits:

I simply think it's important that all of us take responsibility for the environment and I like the efficiency and ease of giving through payroll deduction.