Microhive (formerly Pennies from Heaven)

There is huge potential to do some great things through Microhive donations. Though each individual contribution is small (the most you can ever donate is 99p every time you are paid), the collective power of these ‘micro-donations’ is substantial. As of May 2024, NHS staff across 120 organisations have collectively contributed £1.6 million through the scheme, with much of this funding supporting NHS charities. 

To highlight the potential positive impact for Mersey Care, if every staff member across the Trust signed up to Microhive, we could raise an impressive £72,000 per year!  Every penny donated will go directly towards funding staff wellbeing initiatives, making a real difference to our colleagues. 

Signing up really easy and takes just a couple of minutes. Simply fill in the details on the Microhive website. You will need your employee number to complete registration.  

Q: What is Microhive? 

A: Microhive (formerly Pennies from Heaven) is a workplace giving scheme that allows you to donate the spare change from your monthly pay—never more than 99p—to Mersey Cares, our Mersey Care NHS Charity. These small, regular donations might seem modest, but together, they can make a significant impact, enabling us to fund initiatives that benefit our staff and volunteers.  

Q: What are the benefits of micro-donations? 

A: Though each individual contribution is small, the collective power of micro-donations is substantial. As of May 2024, NHS staff across 120 organisations have collectively contributed £1.6 million through Pennies from Heaven/Microhive, with much of this funding supporting NHS charities. 

Q: How does Microhive work? 

A: Microhive rounds down the pennies in your monthly wage and automatically donates this ‘spare change’. For example, if your pay is £850.34, you would keep £850, and 34p would be donated to our NHS charity, Mersey Cares. 

Q: What will your donations fund? 

A: Every penny raised through Microhive will directly support workforce wellbeing projects and initiatives within Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Your contributions could help fund more projects like the recent ‘Wellbeing on Wheels’, ‘Wellbeing Through Wildlife’, and our award-nominated ‘Pause for Thought’ menopause campaign. These initiatives, delivered by our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service, represent exactly the kind of project we aim to sustain and expand, allowing even more staff to benefit, through our own independent funding. 

Q: Do I need to sign up every month? 

A: Once you’ve joined, the pennies will automatically be donated from your net pay each month. There’s no need to sign up again. 

Q: Why the name change? 

A: Kate Frost, CEO of Microhive said of the rebrand: “We want to expand micro-giving across the UK, and as part of our commitment to innovation and growth, we’ve rebranded as Microhive. The new name reflects the power of micro donations and the collaborative, growth-oriented nature of a hive,”  

Q: Can I donate more than the pennies from my pay? 

A: No, the maximum donation is 99p. 

Q: Can I give to an alternative charity?  

A: No, not via Microhive. The partnership has been set up with the Trust and Mircrohive, to benefit our NHS charity, Mersey Cares. You can of course set up a regular payment with any charity by contacting them. 

Q: Can I stop donating? What happens if I leave the Trust? 

A: Microhive is completely flexible. You can stop donating at any time, and deductions will cease after your last payday if you leave the Trust. 

Q: I am bank staff; can I join? 

A: Not yet, but Microhive is working on making this possible in the future. 

Q: Are my donations eligible for Gift Aid? 

A: Yes, your donations qualify for Gift Aid, which allows charities to claim an additional 25% on top of your donation at no extra cost to you.