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FROM THE JUDGES:

Great results in a short time and momentum still going from launch. Culture of workplace giving seems strong and results attest to this and drive it.

KEY RESULTS + FEATURES

• EnergyAustralia has achieved a participation rate of 68% in less than two years
• The program was launched as an ‘opt out’ model and has grown 3% in the past year
• Average employee donation of $158 and dollar for dollar matching
• The program is deeply embedded in the strategy as evidenced by recent changes to the program seeking long term contractors to participate in EnergyAustralia’s workplace giving (wpg) program. This requirement has been built into the tender for future contractor providers
• The program has created 1,000 volunteering opportunities and $300,000 in bushfire financial relief

OVERVIEW + HIGHLIGHTS

• EnergyAustralia provides gas and electricity to more than 2.4 million residential and business customer’s accounts in VIC, NSW, ACT, SA and QLD.
• Their wpg program ‘Power for Good’ is integral to the organisation’s social investment strategy.
• The launch of the program featuring ‘opt out’ and a pre-pledge donation commitment from EnergyAustralia helped achieve participation rates that take other employers years to achieve.
• Almost 1000 volunteering opportunities with nominated charity partners such as Foodbank, Sacred Heart Mission, and Berry Street. Whilst COVID posed challenges for traditional in-person volunteering, it has helped EnergyAustralia establish pro bono volunteering.
• Examples of support including donations of sunscreen and water to local fire brigades, water tanks to a wildlife reserve for fighting fires, and iPads donated to local aged care nursing homes, reflect the deep connections of EnergyAustralia staff with local communities.
• Over the year EnergyAustralia has held numerous events to raise awareness of wpg partners and ensure employees remain connected to the program. Their strategy was to build understanding, resulting in long term support rather than fundraising.
• EnergyAustralia recognises communication as being fundamental to program success. Part of the program design was to allocate a dedicated period of one month per charity to profile the organisation, build awareness with employees and relevant ‘day’ to focus on the chosen charity through posters, Yammer posts and Intranet articles. In the process, employees gained a deeper understanding of the charity’s work and therefore
  increased their donations.
• Watch the video