State and Local Workplace Giving: An Opportunity Nonprofits Shouldn’t Overlook

Workplace giving, also known as “employee” or “payroll” giving, is a program offered by public and private sector employers that allows employees to make regular donations, often through payroll deduction, to nonprofit organizations as part of an organized workplace campaign. Participating nonprofits are typically vetted and approved by the campaign. Workplace giving generates approximately $5 billion in donations to U.S. charities each year, much of it in unrestricted funding.

For decades, the largest public-sector workplace giving campaign was the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which has generated $9 billion for nonprofits since its inception in 1961. While the future of the CFC is uncertain, public sector workplace giving continues to be an important source of charitable funding. 

And the opportunity extends beyond the federal government. State and Local workplace giving continues to connect state and local municipality employees with nonprofits that have been approved to participate. For nonprofits, these campaigns can provide access to new donors and a source of recurring, unrestricted contributions.

What does it take to participate?

Accessing these campaigns does require work. Nonprofits should be prepared to address four key areas:

Campaign Regulations and Requirements

• Campaign Regulations and Requirements — Every campaign has its own regulations and participation requirements, some of which are established by state law. Charities should understand the requirements for each campaign they want to access and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.

• Applications — Most applications for campaigns are completed online, but the process varies considerably. Some may require only basic organizational information, while others may request financial documents, signatures, certifications, and other supporting materials.

• State Registration — Nearly all campaigns require documentation of current state registration. Some campaigns require multiple registrations in order to participate.

• Marketing — Campaigns provide an opportunity to introduce your organization to employees who may not be familiar with your work.  Having campaign-ready materials such as photos, videos, success stories, and concise descriptions of your work will make it easier for employees to understand your impact and choose to support your organization.

Is it worth  the effort?

Yes!

State and local workplace giving campaigns can generate meaningful revenue for participating nonprofits.  Several campaigns in which America’s Charities charity partners have recently participated demonstrate the potential: 

• Washington State Combined Fund Drive raised $4.2 million for participating charities in 2025.
• Texas State Employee Charitable Campaign raised $4.3 million for participating charities in 2024.
• King County Employee Giving Campaign raised $2.3 million for participating charities in 2025.

For nonprofits, these campaigns represent more than another fundraising channel.  They provide an opportunity to build relationships with employees, reach new donors, and generate unrestricted donations that can be used where they are needed the most. 

Ready to Get Started?

Participating in state and local workplace giving campaigns can help your nonprofit reach new donors, build lasting relationships, and generate valuable unrestricted funding. America’s Charities helps nonprofits navigate campaign requirements, applications, state registrations, and other steps needed to participate successfully.

Contact America’s Charities today to learn how your organization can participate in state and local workplace giving campaigns, or learn more at www.charities.org/become-member/.

Don’t leave donors and unrestricted donations on the table. Make workplace giving part of your fundraising strategy.