King & Wood Mallesons: The Right Platform Makes Workplace Giving Simple

Law firm, King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) donate to an impressive 40 charities Australia-wide, including a number of regional charities through Workplace Giving. In October 2015, the firm celebrated reaching $10 million in donations with a range of ‘All Ribbons All Causes’ themed events.

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“Our staff know that the main way they are asked to contribute is through Workplace Giving and the firm matches their donations.  We’re not going to ask staff to give gold coins at other times – it’s a relatively simple decision, but one that hopefully sends a message which says – giving through payroll is important,” says Jane Farnsworth, the Firm’s Pro Bono and Community Programs Manager. “We still have fun events and morning teas but we raise significant funds through Workplace Giving.”

The Right Technology Solution

KWM’s technology platform integrated seamlessly with its intranet and has seen staff participation rates reach 40 per cent across a workforce of 1800 partners and staff.

Designed by Sydney-based social enterprise startup, Catalyser, the platform enables staff to give in one or all of three ways: through regular payroll payments; on a one-off basis e.g. donating to a timely cause or appeal such as the 2016 fires in Western Australia; and by sponsoring a child through regular donations. The platform has made the process of giving simple – as well as worthwhile.

“Workplace Giving is one of the most efficient ways of giving and one of the most effective.”

Jane Farnsworth, Special Counsel Pro Bono and Community, King & Wood Mallesons

“Workplace Giving is one of the most efficient ways of giving and one of the most effective,” says Jane. “It allows a large number of people to give a small amount of money that when combined has a significant collective impact.”