The impact of The Social Handshake

Who are you and what is your role at the organization?

I am Sandra, and I am the founder of The Social Handshake.

What service or product do you offer?

The Social Handshake helps organizations that want to contribute more to a better world. We do this by making doing good easy and more impactful. Many people want to do good but don't know how. And where do you start? How can you truly make an impact? Where do you find the time? That's why we offer organizations and their employees various easy impact options:

• LoonGift: the possibility to support charities directly from your salary, with tax benefits, and (*optional) employer matching. 100% of donations go to charities. This way, 1 euro from an employee can be worth as much as 3 euros for the charity!
• ImpactGift: a digital or physical charity Giftcard, with a budget that the recipient can allocate to charities.
• KerstGift: a charity gift card with a Christmas theme, perfect for the Christmas gift package.
• BonusGift: donate a portion of your bonus to charities, etc.

Who is it designed for and who is it not designed for?

We assist organizations aiming to generate more impact, in the sense of contributing to a better world. From small entities to major financial institutions. From Certified B Corporations that already engage in significant good, to organizations embarking on their initial steps. Our ideal client base comprises larger organizations with a workforce that is (partially) highly skilled.

What distinguishes you from competitors?

With us, 100% of contributions are allocated to charitable causes. We are an impact-centric organization. Our entire focus is on maximizing impact and fostering a positive approach. We applaud increased organizational commitment to a better world. Moreover, we fully relieve organizations and employees of any burden. Convenience that we are accustomed to, for a better world.

What is your view on a sustainable and healthy labor market?

A labor market where employees enjoy going to work, and where making an impact is a natural extension of your work. LoonGift has existed abroad for a long time, under the name Payroll Giving. How wonderful is it if you work not only for yourself and your company but also contribute a little to charity!

In what way is sustainability reflected in your internal business operations?

In all aspects. We are an impact-first organization and are working towards B Corp certification. So we incorporate sustainability into many aspects, from offering LoonGift to providing vegetarian lunches to sustainable procurement, etc.

How can customers use your products to make a positive impact?

LoonGift is a green employee benefit. Research shows that employees are happy with it and have a more positive view of their employer. All our products also generate donations for charities. The charities are carefully selected based on transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Can you give an example with concrete impact?

Via LoonGift, a self-chosen portion of your salary goes to one or more self-chosen effective charities.

Do you have plans on the roadmap that contribute to a sustainable labor market?

American research shows that people who participate in LoonGift stay with their employer longer. In addition, research from Harvard shows that donating to charities regularly is good for your health.

Finally, what else would you like to share that hasn't been discussed?

Would you like to include impact in your Christmas gift package this year? You can with KerstGift! A budget to distribute among charities of your choice in the Christmas spirit.

'This is a typical win-win-win solution that many more organizations should implement. Sandra's team has built the technology that makes payroll giving virtually frictionless. There is really no excuse not to try this with your employees. You also ensure that the net amounts going to the charities are higher. I am also charmed by the way The Social Handshake takes action for Emergency gifts. For example, they recently set up a campaign for the victims of the earthquake in Morocco. These kinds of actions enable you as an employer to express your social conscience with all your employees.