It’s been a while since I shared anything. The truth is, I’ve been working on something that kept tapping me on the shoulder, an idea that just wouldn’t go away. The question that started it all was simple: Why don’t more businesses use Payroll Giving? It’s one of the easiest, most impactful ways to support charities in the UK, yet so few companies even know about it, let alone use it.

That question led to Machto CIC, short for Making Changes Together.

Bringing Two Worlds Together

Machto was born out of a belief that real change happens when the corporate world and the charitable sector pull in the same direction.

On one side, we’ve got brilliant charities doing life-changing work, but struggling with limited and restricted funding. On the other, we’ve got businesses that want to make a difference, but often don’t know where to start or how to make their impact last.

Payroll Giving is the bridge between those worlds. It allows employees to donate straight from their pay, before tax, a small change that adds up to something huge.

The Numbers That Stuck With Me

Here’s what really got me thinking:

• The average monthly Payroll Giving donation in the UK was £33.62 in early 2023.
  
• If just 1% of PAYE employees gave that amount each month, it would raise £121 million a year for the UK charity sector.
  
• Over the lifetime of a typical scheme (around 7 years), that’s more than £800 million, unrestricted funding that charities can use where it’s needed most.

That’s not a dream number, it’s there for the taking.

Why It Matters

Unrestricted funding doesn’t just pay bills. It gives charities breathing space. It lets them hire, plan, and grow without waiting for the next grant. It turns good projects into lasting legacies.

And for companies, Payroll Giving isn’t just a “nice thing to do”. It builds culture, improves retention, and shows employees they’re part of something bigger. It’s proof that doing good can also be good for business.

The Road Ahead

Machto’s goal is bold but simple:
Raise over £1 billion for UK charities in the next five years.

We’re doing it through collaboration, education, and community, helping companies of all sizes set up Payroll Giving and hosting MAD Days (Make A Difference Days) that bring teams together around a shared purpose.

If just 1% of eligible UK companies joined in, we’d get there. And I believe we can.

Creating Opportunities for Young People

Alongside our mission to raise funds for the charitable sector, we’re also proud to be working with the YESS Foundation, supporting young people through a 16-week development course I’ll be facilitating from 1st December.

It’s a hands-on programme that helps young people build skills, confidence, and direction while contributing to community projects that matter.
For me, it’s another side of “making changes together”, helping the next generation see how purpose, business, and community can work hand in hand.

If you’d like to find out more or get involved, you can learn about it here: YESS Foundation

Making Changes Together

I’ve always believed that people want to do the right thing, they just need the right way to do it.

Machto is that way.
It’s not about perfection or big gestures.
It’s about making small, steady changes together that add up to something truly life-changing.

If you’re a business owner, HR lead, or charity looking to get involved, I’d love to chat.
Let’s make changes together.

Mark O’Brien