Can't find the answer? Contact help@charities.org or www.charities.org/support for additional support.

Campaign Basics

1. What is the FRONTSTEPS Gives Program?

We have teamed-up with America’s Charities to provide employees the opportunity to support key charities that align with the FRONTSTEPS vision by means of payroll deduction or credit or debit card through a simple platform. Employee contributions to the charity of their choice will be matched at a rate of $.50 for every $1 donated up to $10,000.

2. Who is America’s Charities?

America’s Charities, a nonprofit that inspires employees and organizations to support causes they care about, is our employee giving partner, acting as the funds management agent, as well as providing general campaign support and distributing employee contributions to the charities.

Campaign Participation

3. When is FRONTSTEPS Gives being held?

FRONTSTEPS Gives will be available to employees year-round. You can enroll in recurring payroll deductions on a biannual basis, with enrollment periods occurring in January and July. You can do a one-time credit card donation to the charity of your choice any time throughout the year.

4. Are employees required to participate?

No. As a company, we support and are providing this platform for our employees to give back to the community. We encourage you to give back if you so choose.

5. Who can participate?

Regular part-time and full-time employees can participate.

6. Is the site open all year?

Yes! Our FRONTSTEPS Gives site will remain open for credit card donations throughout the year. Enrollment periods will occur biannually in January and July and remain open for approximately two weeks. Only during these periods can you renew or change your recurring payroll donation.

Ways to Give

7. How do I find charities to support?

Click "Give." You will see a list of our eligible charities featured. We have partnered with specific charities that align with our mission, vision and values, but you are welcome to choose whichever charity you find meaningful. All charities have been vetted and are in good standing as 501(c)3 organizations with the IRS.

Check out our partner charities here.

If your charity of choice is not listed in the charity directory, you will have the option to write-in your favorite charity. Be sure to provide your charity's name and additional information on the write-in form found in the charity directory.

All write-in charities are screened by America's Charities, the fiscal agent for the Campaign, who will verify the charity prior to funds distribution. Only IRS 501(c)3 charitable organizations can receive designated funds. Approved charities will be available for your contribution within 7-10 business days.

If the charity you write-in cannot be verified, you will be contacted by America's Charities for more informaton regarding the select charity. Upon 4 failed attempts to vet the charity, you will be asked to redirect your donation to a vetted charity or make your donation directly to that charity.

8. What payment methods are accepted?

Recurring Payroll Contribution: Your gift will be deducted from your paycheck each pay period for six months (until the next open enrollment period). If you would like to change your contribution, you may do so at the next open enrollment period. These periods will be held in January and July.
One-time Payroll Contribution: Your gift will be deducted from your first paycheck following the end of the enrollment period.
One-time Credit Card Donation: Your gift will be charged to your credit card and processed immediately (1-2 business days by your credit card provider). To cancel a pledge made via credit card, please contact help@charities.org.

9. How do I cancel a donation?

To cancel pledges made by payroll deduction during the open enrollment period, select the “Give” tab and click on the “Modify Gift” option. A list of your payroll deduction pledges that are eligible for editing will display. Select the gift you would like to cancel. Select the “Cancel and start over” button on the right side of the screen. This will delete your gift.
If you need to cancel a recurring payroll deduction gift after the enrollment period has ended or if you would like to cancel a one-time payroll deduction gift at any time, please contact your FRONTSTEPS HR representative.
Juli Royster; jroyster@frontsteps.com

10. Can I volunteer?

At this time the FRONTSTEPS Corporate Social Responsibility program does not include opportunities to volunteer.

Payroll Deduction Benefits

11. Why should I give through payroll deduction when I can send a check directly to the nonprofit(s) of my choice?

If you send a check, it won’t be matched by FRONTSTEPS! Donations eligible for matching must be made through our FRONSTEPS Gives site via payroll deduction or credit card.

Additionally, when you donate via payroll deduction your donation can be spread across multiple paychecks, which can be easier to budget. For as little as $10/paycheck you can donate $165 (with corporate match) to a partner charity by the time the next enrollment period starts!

Giving through FRONTSTEPS Gives also eases the administrative burden on the nonprofit, making the donation go further. When you give through the platform, charities receive an aggregated donation rather than numerous individual donations. Our funds management partner, America’s Charities, helps streamline this processing.

12. Are my contributions tax deductible?

Yes, your recurring payroll contributions are 100 percent deductible for the 2021 tax year. Your one-time credit card donations are 100 percent deductible for the 2021 tax year. Please consult your tax professional for tax deduction advice.

13. How much of my contribution will be donated to the charity(ies) I choose?

FRONTSTEPS funds the administrative costs for recurring payroll deductions and therefore 100% of your contribution goes to the charity. There is fee of 3.5% for credit card donations for which you, the donor, are responsible.

Affordability

14. What if I can’t afford to give enough to make a difference?

Thousands of employees across the country feel the same, but the majority of giving in the U.S. (approximately 72%) is a result of generous individuals like you. If 1,000 employees across the country each donate $2 per pay period ($52 total), that equates to as much as $52,000 in nonprofit support that your gift helps make possible.
No gift is too small. Each gift goes a long way to help many organizations and the community. A small amount adds up, along with others from your co-workers and the broader community.

Matching Gifts

15. Does FRONTSTEPS Provide a Matching Contribution to Charities?

Yes! Every $1.00 donated by employees receives a $0.50 match from the company. Only donations made through the FRONTSTEPS Gives site will be included in the match.