A Guide to Your Marketing Development Funds

As a Paycor partner, our focus is you. 
We have a partner-centric infrastructure designed to promote success and business development. One way we support our partnership is through our loyalty program, which includes Marketing Development Funds (MDF) for eligible partners. MDF can be used in a variety of ways that promote your business and Paycor, with the goal of building our client base, driving revenue, and advancing our partnership.
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Partnering with Paycor has been incredible for our organization. Over the past 18 months we’ve co-hosted several events, leading to sales and stronger client relationships.

-Jennifer J., producer

How you earn MDF

  • You are eligible for 2 credits* when your firm achieves Gold status, and 4 credits* once your firm achieves Platinum status.
  • Credits are available in two allotments to ensure market presence throughout the calendar year.
  • Please note, if you achieve a higher status before 8/31 of the same year, you will be eligible for bonus MDF credit(s) based on your new status.

*Each credit is valued at $2,500

As an agency owner, to have funds that ear earmarked strictly for growth helps you manage your overall marketing budget a little better. It's nice that Paycor is footing this part of the bill. 

-JJ.W., agency owner

MDF Credit Allocation Schedule

First MDF Credit Allocation Second MDF Credit Allocation
Partner Status Level MDF Allotment Date Available Request Deadline First MDF Credit Allocation: Activity Completion Date MDF Allotment Date Available Request Deadline Second MDF Credit Allocation: Activity Completion Date
Gold 1 Credit 1-Jan 31-Mar 30-June 1 Credit 1-Jul 30-Sept 31-Dec
Platinum 2 Credits 1-Jan 31-Mar 30-June 2 Credits 1-Jul 30-Sept 31-Dec
First MDF Credit Allocation
Gold Status Platinum Status
MDF Allotment MDF Allotment
1 Credit 2 Credits
Date Available Date Available
1-Jan 1-Jan
Requested Deadline Requested Deadline
31-Mar 31-Mar
First MDF Credit Allocation: Activity Completion Date First MDF Credit Allocation: Activity Completion Date
30-June 30-June
Second MDF Credit Allocation
Gold Status Platinum Status
MDF Allotment MDF Allotment
1 Credit 2 Credits
Date Available Date Available
1-Jul 1-Jul
Requested Deadline Requested Deadline
30-Sept 30-Sept
First MDF Credit Allocation: Activity Completion Date First MDF Credit Allocation: Activity Completion Date
31-Dec 31-Dec

How to Request MDF

  • Prior to submitting the request, ensure you've worked with your Paycor representative to determine the list of who you're targeting—remember the goal of MDF is to drive mutual prospecting for you and Paycor.
  • Be sure to submit your request in advance to allow time for review and approval. Requests must be submitted before the deadline or credit(s) will expire.
  • Login to the Partner Portal and go to the "MDF Requests" tab, then click "New Request". Complete the form to submit a request for approval. Make sure you're working with your Paycor seller to devebop the strategy for this activity. If this is your first time accessing the Partner Portal, please complete this form.
  • Once you've submitted the request, Paycor Marketing will review and respond within 5-7 business days.
  • Once approved, you will receive the next steps via email. Please reach out to your rep or [email protected] if you have any questions or need help with the process.
  • Next, you'll complete the activity! Please note, some activities may require additional steps upon approval.

Specific Requirements

  • At least 25% of the demand generation materials (including collateral) must be devoted to Paycor product portfolio. Campaign must be geared toward lead generation or increased market awareness.
  • Paycor must approve demand generation activities in advance, including a detailed description of costs, publications, frequency, design, and copy at least 30 days prior to the material due date.
  • For events/tradeshows/seminars, at least 25% of the booth space must be devoted to Paycor.
  • For sales programs and promotions, a proposal including specific metrics is required prior to approval.
  • Sales SPIFs must have parameters that limit budget exposure. MDF cannot be used to impact pricing (e.g. discounts) or true-up incentives to cover tax liability. MDF cannot be used to fund financing offers or extended terms. Paycor reserves the right to deny or cancel a sales program at any time.
  • For reimbursed activities, your firm will receive the funding via direct deposit within 30 days from receipt of invoice. In order to set up reimbursement, we will need your firm's W9, a completed Paycor ACH form, and an invoice. You can find templates of these required documents on the Partner Portal. Please note that we cannot reimburse individuals. 
  • For promotional items, design and content require Paycor pre-approval through your Paycor representative.

Approved MDF Activities

MDF can be used for one of Paycor's full-service program offerings or for a pre-approved strategy developed by the partner and Paycor sales representative.

Full-Service Activities

Paycor is committed to investing in our relationship and helping you meet your business goals. Our marketing development funds are offered to help enhance your go-to-market strategy.

Our offering of full-service MDF activities are designed to let Paycor take the planning and execution burden off of you. Each MDF credit is valued up to S2,500. Unless otherwise noted, each activity represents 1 MDF credit.

If none of the full-service options best support your needs, that's OK. Just submit a new MDF request through Partner Portal outlining how you'd like to use your credits and we will be in touch.

MDF Full-Service Activities

Co-Branded Drinkware

Choose from the following gift options:

• 16oz Insulated Travel Mug
• 20oz Insulated Tumbler
• 30oz Insulated Tumbler
• 16oz Insulated Water Bottle
• 6 Can Cooler

(example: 1 MDF credit = 24 can coolers, 48 20oz tumblers, and 24 16oz insulated water bottles)

Co-Branded Gifts from Joycoast

Choose from several eco-friendly gift set packages which include:

• Sunglasses
• Watches
• Box branded with your logo

See Joycoast catalog for complete list of gift set options.

Note: Can use up to 2 MDF credits

Host a gathering at Topgolf

• Includes fajita fiesta buffet and 8 drink tickets
• Golf pro instruction & live leaderboards
• Pre-event planning support
• Co-branded email invitations
• Registration page
• Post-event survey results
• Up to 20 guests

Organize a virtual happy hour

• Live instructions provided by a mixologist
• Optional add-ons include trivia & upgraded bar tools
• Pre-event planning support & hosting best practices
• Co-branded email invitations

Reimbursement Activities

​Some pre-approved MDF activities that you can be reimbursed for include the following. But if you don't see anything to your liking, you're encouraged to submit your own idea! If you have a creative idea to help your firm and Paycor drive prospecting, work with your Paycor representative to determine your own unique activity.

Headshots and Happy Hour 
Invite your clients and prospects to update their headshots with a professional photographer and enjoy some beverages and snacks while you're together.

Lunch and Learn with SHRM
Select from a list of Paycor's thought leadership presentations or create your own. Invite clients/prospects to earn continuing education credits with SHRM while enjoying a delicious lunch. 

Co-branded Gifting 
Curate your own ideas to gift to your top customers or prospects.

We thought people would appreciate an event like this [headshots and happy hour] because many likely have outdated headshots from before COVID if not longer! This way the prospects and clients who attend are walking away with something of value for them individually – a professional headshot.

-Chelsea F., Principal Major Market Sales Executive, Paycor

Reimbursement Activities

Holiday Pie Delivery
Find a local bake shop and drop off some delicious pies or baked goods to your prospects with a holiday note.

Wine-tasting Kit
Pull together a variety of mini bottles of wine, a pair of wine glasses and wine opener to create a personalized wine- tasting kit.

Tailgating Supplies
Fill a cooler with chips, tumblers, and your favorite hometown team's items to drop to clients and prospects so they're prepared for an upcoming game.

Year-end Survival Kit
Who wouldn't like a basket full of items that help you relax during year end? Gather together items like candles, drinks, a cozy blanket, chocolate — whatever you think could help alleviate some of the stress of year end.

Tours (brewery, winery, art gallery, sunset cruise, etc.)
Think outside the box and book a unique venue or activity that will be hard to forget! Reserve a space to host a fun night out with your top clients and prospects. 

Sporting Events 
Everyone loves a great game! Host a suite or a few seats for your top clients and prospects to attend a game of their favorite team.

MDF Cannot Be Used For

  • Reimbursement for activities that already happened but were not approved.
  • Non-prospect driving activities, such as:
    • Golf outings
    • Golf sponsorships
    • Happy hours with the firm
    • Gifts for the firm
    • Philanthropic sponsorships
  • Gifts/drops that are not co-branded
  • Gifts/drops without a purpose/plan and an approved targeted list

Please work with your Paycor representative to develop a plan for your credits.

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