Downturn in corporate giving presents new opportunities for employee volunteering

A recent survey undertaken by the Social Investment Company (SIC) has shown that around 50% of companies expect to reduce their corporate giving to charities and community causes by up to one third. However this same survey shows that in line with reduced financial aid companies do expect to increase other types of support with 80% indicating a likely increase in employee volunteering.

Fabia Bates, Red Foundation's Director of Corporate Community Involvement, said "Although the downturn in cash giving is a concern, this does offer new potential for charities and TSOs to harness employee time and skills. There is evidence to show that many employees with time off to volunteer don't know where to start and may not use their time at all. Organisations can maximise this support by creating opportunities that enable employees to donate their professional skills and experience in an easy and direct way."

Red Foundation has recently completed a training programme to help third sector organisations develop their employee volunteering initiatives. This work is being followed up with more tailored one to one consultancy support. Our work to date has shown that many volunteering organisations are keen to involve employee volunteers but are not sure how to go about it. Fabia adds, "We have found that often organisations just need practical advice, and in some cases hand holding, to help them create meaningful opportunities that go beyond the typical team challenge - this is where we can help.".

For more information contact Fabia Bates on 0845 299 7162 Ext 3 or email her here.

Click here to view the results of the SIC survey.


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