The National Workplace Giving Awards has launched and entries are open in order to celebrate Australian employee’s generosity.

Categories include Best Overall Program, Best Program Launch or Refresh (small employers), Best Program Launch or Refresh (large employers), Best Public Sector Program and Most Innovative Employer/Charity Partnership.

“We are calling on all employers who offer workplace giving to enter the awards and recognise the generosity of their teams. The power of workplace giving lies in its collective impact and we encourage organisations with successful and new programs to enter the awards,” said Jenny Geddes, CEO, The Australian Charities Fund (ACF).

New figures released by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) reveal that 162,500 Australians together donated $42.5 million to charity through workplace giving in 2015. ACF research shows that when employees donate through the workplace it is typically in addition to what they already give, so this figure represents new funding for the community.

The awards judging panel will be chaired by Dr. Andrew Young, CEO, Centre for Social Impact (CSI).

“Workplace Giving is a great way for working Australians to help create a stronger society by providing regular, reliable funding that charities so vitally need,” Young said.

“Workplace Giving is perhaps the most efficient and tax-effective way to donate, and enables charities to focus on what they do best – delivering services.

“I’m looking forward to learning how employers across Australia are harnessing the power of Workplace Giving to deliver great outcomes.”

The awards are part of the One Million Donors campaign to see a million working Australians donating to charity through their pay by 2020. Spearheaded by ACF and launched by Malcolm Turnbull in 2014, the campaign is now in its third year and supported by employers, charities and community organisations.

“Many leading employers put workplace giving at the heart of their internal engagement programs, which has proven to have a great impact on their people and culture, and ultimately their business.  It’s a highly effective way to unify a workforce around a common goal and a powerful tool for bringing organisational values to life,” said Geddes.

“We look forward to celebrating Workplace Giving success stories, and inspiring more employers and their staff to get involved in this wonderful form of giving.”

All employers with a Workplace Giving program can enter the awards. Entries are open until 30 September, Finalists will be announced in October and the awards will take place on the 16th of November.

For more information, visit www.1MDonors.org.au