An increasing number of British businesses are going the extra mile to encourage their staff to donate to charity directly from their salary.
This year, noticeably more employers have achieved higher-level Quality Mark Awards from the Association of Payroll Giving Organisations (APGO).
In 2024 APGO members awarded Quality Mark Awards to 3470 businesses, an increase of 20% compared to 2023, with more companies reaching the higher Diamond, Platinum and Gold level awards.
The government-backed accreditation recognises the incredible efforts of businesses which operate Payroll Giving Schemes – the simple, tax-efficient way for employees to donate to good causes.
This year, as well as scoring for levels of participation, APGO members looked at how employers incentivised their staff – from holding events to digital promotions to digging into their pockets to match donations.
But it’s a mixed picture.
Take-up remains low, even though Payroll Giving schemes are an all-round winner – charities get a tax top-up, donors get immediate tax relief, and businesses boost their social responsibility goals.
Around 4,000 employers currently run a Payroll Giving Scheme, which means there are still 1.4 million who don’t. (1)
Detailed research from– an APGO member – points to a problem with awareness among potential donors and their employers (2), while the Cost-of-Living Crisis has also squeezed donations in recent years.
APGO Chair Panikos Efthimiou said, “Our award-winners should be very proud of their efforts and their generous staff in making such a massive difference to good causes across the UK. The British workplace continues to be a community of hard-working, generous people.
“It’s so important for charities to have a regular income stream – helping them plan for the future with life-changing projects. That’s why tax-effective Payroll Giving works – for charities, donors and their employers.”
An Opt-Out Answer?
The British public donated nearly £14 billion to charities in 2023 (3) yet just 2% of donors paid through Payroll Giving.
With unclaimed Gift Aid seeing charities miss out on £560 million, securing government support for an ‘opt-out’ system for employers could bring in millions of pounds for charity, reduce the burden on public services, and give charities a regular income lifeline to plan projects and direct help where it’s most needed.
Payroll Giving schemes are free to set up and easy to operate. There’s also free assistance to promote schemes to employees through APGO’s professional fundraising organisation members.
This year’s APGO Quality Mark Awards again demonstrate power (and millions of pounds) that can be unleashed for British charities to do more of their invaluable work.