When Erika Stratmann gives to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, it’s with the power of her whole organization behind her. Erika’s employer offers an annual employee gift matching program, and each year she gives, she feels like she’s making more of an impact.
“Knowing there’s a match, it’s an extra incentive to give more,” says Erika, who works in Washington, D.C. for a membership organization.
Her most significant incentive, of course, is where the donations go. Erika’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a little over a decade ago, and since then, she’s been closely following the latest research discoveries and promising treatments, doing everything she can to support progress.
“Working in D.C., I’m familiar with government processes, and the great thing about The Michael J. Fox Foundation is its way of cutting through bureaucracy and accelerating the research and development process,” she says.
Not sure if your company has an employee matching program? Ask your Human Resources department – many have a list of non-profit organizations the company has connected with in the past. If there isn’t a program already, encourage your employer to start one. Besides being benevolent, it’s a great way for a company to extend its brand in a positive way and bolster employee morale by connecting with organizations they care about.
“Regardless of what industry you’re in, charitable giving is an opportunity for the employee to exemplify the finest qualities of their company in a positive, personally relevant way," says Erika.