Introduction

Wipfli LLP, a firm with a 90-year history of charitable giving, has always emphasized the importance of community involvement and giving back - principles central to the firm’s ethos known as the “Wipfli Way.” This culture of philanthropy, instilled from an employee’s first day, reflects Wipfli’s commitment to creating

a lasting impact in the communities it serves. This commitment comes not just from its history, but also because there is buy-in and support from the firm’s leadership.

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The Challenge

Wipfli faced a significant challenge: extending its charitable giving program to its international workforce, specifically to its 700 associates in India. The complexities of cross-border philanthropy, including tax compliance and unfamiliarity with the charity landscape in India, had previously hindered Wipfli’s efforts to include its India-based associates in its giving program. The firm needed a solution that could navigate these challenges and align with its commitment to inclusivity and community impact.

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Partnering with Groundswell

Building on the successful roll-out to its nearly 3,500 US-based associates earlier in the year, Wipfli partnered with Groundswell, leveraging its Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) structure to facilitate an inclusive giving program for its global workforce. Groundswell’s infrastructure, along with its collaboration with Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), provided the necessary tools to ensure compliance with international tax laws and vetting of charities.

The rollout of the giving program was announced at an All Hands meeting on November 3, 2023, receiving an enthusiastic response. Groundswell’s mobile app and web platform offered seamless enrollment for associates. Within the first month alone, nearly 40% of India-based associates enrolled, surpassing the initial adoption rate in the U.S.
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Thanks to our partnership with Groundswell, we can ensure that all of our associates, regardless of their location, have equal access to Wipfli’s giving program and can make an impact on causes that matter to them in their community.
— Durward Ferland, Partner, Wipfli LLP

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Six months after the initial launch, the enrollment rate for Wipfli’s India-based associates reached an impressive 96%.The high adoption rate among Indian associates underscores the strong culture of giving in the country and their alignment with the Wipfli Way. Durward Ferland, President of the Wipfli Foundation, remarked, “Thanks to our partnership with Groundswell, we can ensure that all of our associates, regardless of their location, have equal access to Wipfli’s giving program and can make an impact on causes that matter to them in their community.” That impact is already being made; in addition to high enrollment rates, 91% of all enrolled associates have already made a donation to a charity that is important to them and their community.

Ferland, who was present in India for the launch said, “The strong adoption rate by our India associates is a sign of the culture of giving in India, as well as theconnection back to the Wipfli Way – a deep commitment to give back. The roll-out has been smooth and user-friendly, with associates able to use either the mobile app or web platform to enroll and donate.”

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Wipfli in India, the firm is expanding its commitment to including the India-based associates in the company’s giving program by providing additional funds into the Groundswell accounts of all enrolled India associates.

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Conclusion

philanthropy. This initiative not only overcame the logistical and regulatory challenges of cross-border giving but also reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to its core values and the well-being of all communities it serves. The case of Wipfli and Groundswell demonstrates the power of partnerships in expanding corporate social responsibility across borders, making a profound and inclusive impact.