A Small Company Making a Huge Impact

From the judges: “Very clear communications, showing impact as well as personal storytelling.”

The Myer Family Company (MFCo) Staff Foundation was refreshed in 2016 to allow the 120 staff to continue the legacy of giving long established by the Myer family. The multi-family office specialises in wealth, financial services and philanthropy. The Staff Foundation is highly valued within the company’s culture and provides a central point where all can come together with a sense of purpose. However, it was recognised that its structure was cumbersome and did not allow for matching of staff donations.

MFCo embarked upon an extensive consultation process with staff, the executive leadership team and the board of directors to identify an improved approach. The agreed model was a combination of matched giving and volunteering time.

The Foundation was re-launched in mid-2016, with much fanfare and enthusiasm. A robust communication strategy using email, intranet, posters, events and on-boarding packs for new staff built excitement about the plan. The roll-out was led by ‘champion’ staff members in each state office. The objectives of the program were distilled into four pillars – Give, Fundraise, Get Into It and Inspire – which were visually represented across the marketing collateral.

Following the success of the re-launch, 58% of staff engaged with the Foundation this year. They have participated in fundraising initiatives including bake sales for Cancer Council, and triathlons for The Smith Family. The extensive commitment to the program is demonstrated by the fact that 22% of staff across all levels of seniority and experience are now part of the Staff Foundation Committee (pictured above) or Investment Sub-Committee. The team believe this employee-led approach has been a key contributor to the success of the re-launch.

The company enables community support in many different ways which resulted in a combined total of $187,908 being donated to charities from the MFCo Staff Foundation in the last year. An incredible result for a workforce of this size. Staff personally raised and contributed $77,540, which the Foundation matched with $13,968. Staff members volunteered 48 times, which the Staff Foundation recognised with an additional $8,800 to those deserving charities. The Staff Foundation also granted $64,100 through their staff committee led granting process.