Series - Editorial Fellowship: Transforming Funding Models

Benevity cuts 14% of workforce: A ‘canary in the coal mine’ for corporate charitable giving?

Author Gabe Oatley
“A lot of executives, even if they may believe in it strongly — when they get ruthless about their budget, it’s easily one of the first things to go,” says Clarke Foster, a former Benevity employee.

Why It Matters

Benevity offers one of the country’s most-used giving platforms among large companies. Experts say the cuts could signal a forthcoming decline in corporate donations from some industries; and some worry the company’s layoffs could worsen customer service for charities and non-profits who receive donations through Benevity’s platform.

This independent journalism ​​is made possible by the Future of Good editorial fellowship covering the social impact world’s rapidly changing funding models, supported by Future of Good, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada. See our editorial ethics and standards here.

Last week, over 125 staff at one of Calgary’s tech darlings got the axe. 

At an online all-staff meeting on January 18, Kelly Schmitt, CEO of corporate donation technology company, Benevity Inc., announced that 14 per cent of employees would be let go. 

The explanation for the cuts was straight-forward. While the company has grown significantly over the last decade buoyed by corporate demand for community impact opportunities, the market has now slowed. 

“Over the las

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