# Components of Workforce Campaigns By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-12-31 Charitable organizations have historically conducted workforce campaigns to achieve their fundraising goals. Whereas there is obviously going to be fluctuation in the results, historically, this approach has worked well enough to maintain its position as a dominant approach to fundraising. It is important to examine the components of workplace campaigns to understand why they have worked well in the past and predict their future efficacy. Here are a handful of components that one might consider when it comes to understanding the influences of workplace campaign efficacy: - Organization size: If workforce participation in fundraising campaigns is percentage-based (e.g., 40% of the workforce will participate), larger organizations will generate more funds than smaller organizations. The average size of American organizations has declined in response to globalization, technological advancements, and the transition from manufacturing to service industries. This element suggests that workforce fundraising campaigns will be less effective as the size of organizations continues to decline. - Wage Growth: If workforce participation in fundraising campaigns is linked to an individual’s assessment of their economic well-being, real growth in wages would increase participation. Since the 1950s, workers wages have largely stagnated. This element would suggest that workforce fundraising campaigns will be less effective as real wages of the workforce fail to keep pace with inflation. - Education Level: Higher education levels are generally associated with a greater likelihood of making charitable donations. As education levels continue to rise, one would expect increased participation in workforce fundraising campaigns. - Religious Affiliation: Individuals with a religious affiliation are significantly more likely to donate to charity. The percentage of Americans without religious affiliation has increased from less than 5% in the 1970s to 22% in 2023. As more workers hold no religious affiliation, one would expect a general decline in the efficacy of workforce participation in campaign fundraising. Based on these elements, shrinking organizational size, with workers with stagnated wages and lower religious affiliation, would reduce the efficacy of workforce fundraising campaigns. Given these significant unfavorable shifts, one might wonder why one would think traditional workforce campaigns would remain an effective approach for fundraising. Increasing education levels of the workforce would generally improve contribution rates. However, this effect could be mitigated by increasing student loan debt. Those interested in increasing funding to charitable organizations might need to explore new strategies, such as leveraging digital platforms, enhancing engagement through personalized campaigns, or targeting specific demographics more effectively. #### Related Items