Helpful Campaign Tools
To help you run a great United Way Campaign, we have provided samples of letters, e-mail, pledge cards and more. We want to make your work as a United Way Employee Campaign Manager as easy as possible!
You are encouraged to work with your UWGCR Staff contact to determine what pieces will work best for your campaign. To access the tools in the menu below, click on any link, and it will bring you directly to the appropriate text. Or you may scroll down the page to view all the tools and templates. Links to document and images will open in a new window.
CEO/ Company Communications Tools
Documents in PDF format for downloading and printing
2011 Pledge Card
For employee contributions via payroll deduction. Download PDF. |
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Corporate Pledge Card
For corporate contributions. Download PDF. |
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10 Steps to a Successful Campaign
For sharing with campaign solicitors, as a ready reference. Download PDF. |
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Campaign Timeline and Checklist
To help you track progress and ensure the success of your campaign. Download PDF. |
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Volunteer Opportunities with United Way of the Greater Capital Region
Offers a menu of volunteer options to help solicitors educate audience members and engage them in the volunteer aspect of United Way's GIVE | ADVOCATE | VOLUNTEER call-to-action. Download PDF. |
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Leadership Giving Information Sheet
Describes the value and benefits of Leadership Giving. Download PDF. |
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Talking Points for Campaign Solicitors
Offers short, easy-to-remember facts and distinctions about United Way of the Greater Capital Region to help with employee presentations. Download PDF. |
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2011 Community Investments - Funded Programs List. Download PDF.
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2011 Campaign Brochure for general audiences.
Copies of the professionally printed and folded brochure are available from your United Way staff contact. Download PDF. |
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2011 Campaign Brochure for labor audiences.
Copies of the professionally printed and folded brochure are available from your United Way staff contact. Download PDF. |
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2010 Community Impact Annual Report.
Copies of the printed document are available from you United Way staff contact. Download PDF. |
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| "Top Ten Reasons to Support United Way" handout. Download PDF. |
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| 2011 CA$H Coalition Results sheet. Download PDF. |
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| FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card brochure. Download PDF. |
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Six Weeks Before Kickoff
- Meet with your CEO and/or senior manager to enlist his/her help in championing the United Way campaign.
- Attend the virtual ECM orientation.
- Recruit your campaign committee members.
- Review strategy and results from last year's campaign with United Way staff.
Four Weeks Before Kickoff
- Meet with your campaign committee to develop a plan and discuss campaign tactics and timing (include an incentive program)
- Segment employee lists to identify likely leadership donors
- Plan and schedule a leadership event
- Talk with human resources to establish a method to solicit retirees
Two Weeks Before Kickoff
- Recruit and confirm campaign representatives.
- Determine agenda and training for campaign representatives.
- Personalize pledge cards… consider including previous year’s pledge. United Way staff can help!
- Check/order campaign supplies and promotional materials from United Way staff.
- Arrange for speaker(s) with United Way staff.
- Send solicitation letters to retirees. United Way staff can supply sample letters.
One Week Before Kickoff
- Launch campaign communications and promotional materials.
- Train and solicit campaign representatives.
- Send CEO communication to all employees (letter or email samples supplied by United Way staff ).
- Launch leadership campaign event(s).
Week of Campaign Kickoff
- Hold an organization-wide kickoff event to build enthusiasm for the campaign.
- Publicize results of the leadership campaign.
- Conduct employee solicitation and encourage 100% participation.
- Hold giveaways and drawings for those who have returned the pledge form.
- Confirm that campaign representatives have talked to all employees.
- Follow up with past contributors who have not yet responded.
- Report progress to all employees regularly.
Week of Campaign Close
- Determine final results and meet with CEO.
- Announce total amount raised to employees.
- Conduct final meeting with campaign committee and representatives.
- Thank/recognize all contributors.
- Submit final results to United Way.
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CEO/ Company Communication Materials
Dear Fellow Employee:
Last year, {insert company name} employees came together to make a lasting impact on our community. Thanks to you, we raised more than $x for our neighbors in need through United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Our contributions were strategically invested in local programs that achieve results that matter. Thank you!
By choosing to partner with United Way, we become an integral part of addressing what matters most in our community. We can accomplish more together than we ever could alone.
{insert company name} 2011 United Way Campaign will be kicking off in just a few weeks. You will receive details about the campaign events soon.
I hope you will support these efforts by making a decision to increase your contribution this year or participate for the first time. Remember, you’re not simply giving a gift, you are strategically investing to improve the most lives in our community.
I look forward to your participation in our United Way campaign this year. Thank you for investing in the greater Capital Region.
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"Just a reminder that our 2011 United Way Campaign will be starting in just a few weeks! We’ll officially be kicking things off on {insert date}. {insert company name} partners with United Way in providing solutions to our community’s most important human care needs. Please look for upcoming announcements about the activities planned around the campaign and help us focus on what matters most in our community."
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Subject: An ordinary word with extraordinary power.
Body: Community.
Thanks to you, last year we raised more than $x for our community through United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Our contributions were strategically invested in hundreds of local programs, achieving results that matter for our neighbors in need.
Every year, we partner with United Way in giving hope to people throughout community and every year, we accomplish far more together than we ever could alone. Our 2011 United Way Campaign will be kicking off in just a few weeks. You will receive details about the campaign events soon.
I hope you will consider increasing your contribution, or contribute for the first time, in improving lives this year. Together, we can touch the lives of thousands of Capital Region residents.
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Dear Fellow Employee:
When we unite, we become a powerful force working to make our community stronger, safer and healthier for our families and neighbors. By deciding to invest in United Way of the Greater Capital Region, you become a partner in improving lives and help support hundreds of health and human service programs - touching the lives of literally thousands of Capital Region residents.
I encourage you to support these efforts. Please join me in making our community a better place to live by making a contribution through our United Way Campaign.
Thank you in advance for investing in improving lives and delivering results that matter.
Sincerely,
Today marks the beginning of our 2011 United Way Campaign. {insert company name} partners with United Way of the Greater Capital Region to provide solutions to the Capital Region’s most critical human care needs. We appreciate your participation. Help us reach our goal of {insert company goal}! Every single dollar is an investment in improving lives. Thank you!
Subject: Help us advance the common good.
Body: You make decisions about money every day. You balance the money you will spend between what you need and what you want; and you balance the time you will invest at work and with family and friends. This year, we hope you make one of the most important financial decisions of all: the decision to invest in our community.
When you give to United Way of the Greater Capital Region, you give empowerment and support to your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers in need through 100 local human care programs. Your contribution gives hope and changes lives for the better right here in the Capital Region.
{insert company name} is proud to partner with United Way to provide solutions to our community’s most important issues. Through the United Way Community Care Fund, we become an integral part of solving the most critical human care needs in our community. Please consider attending one of the workplace campaign meetings that we have scheduled. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision on how to best invest in our community. Please consider giving to United Way Community Care Fund through payroll deduction – it’s the best way to do the most good in our community!
- In 2010-2011, United Way of the Greater Capital Region supported 124 programs at 78 local nonprofit organizations through its Community Care Fund. The Community Care Fund consists of undesignated dollars that are invested in a strategic portfolio of local programs that are reviewed by panels of community volunteers for effectiveness, efficiency and success at meeting our community’s unique needs. In 2010-2011, more than $2.1 million was awarded to local nonprofits through the Community Care Fund. With your help, we can increase this investment.
- On October 22, 2010, nearly 70 United Way volunteers, and Albany County Department of Health and City of Albany employees joined to clean up a neglected section of Albany’s Arbor Hill neighborhood in preparation for building a park next spring and summer. The North Swan Street Park will feature a climbing wall, picnic area, fountain, stage and basketball court. United Way knows that a healthy neighborhood produces healthy children with hope and a future, and strong families that are financially stable and enjoy a high quality of life. Your donations and support make this possible. View photos and a YNN news story from the North Swan Street cleanup on our Facebook page by clicking here.
- United Way of the Greater Capital Region is the lead partner for the 2-1-1 Northeast Region information and referral service. 2-1-1 is a free number individuals can call for referrals to agencies which can help meet critical needs, like home heating assistance, food pantry locations, and even volunteering opportunities. Since launching 2-1-1 in spring 2009, nearly 20,000 callers have received free, confidential help through 2-1-1. The goal is to create a healthier community by preventing short-term personal setbacks from becoming chronic conditions. Your contribution helps keep this vital service operating.
- United Way of the Greater Capital Region is the lead partner for the CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Coalition. The CA$H Coalition organizes free workshops and events focused on helping people understand and improve their personal finances. One of CA$H’s hallmark programs is the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)/AARP Program, which provides free individual and family tax preparation services for income-eligible families. In 2011, more than $18 million in tax credits was returned to hardworking Greater Capital Region people and families through the VITA/AARP Program.
- United Way of the Greater Capital Region focuses on funding programs that support Education, Income and Health, which are the building blocks for a strong community and good quality of life. In addition to supporting programs that help clients with immediate needs, United Way brings together volunteers, private businesses, government partners and funding to combat root causes of long-term problems, like homelessness, childhood literacy and chronic disease. Your investment makes this possible.
10 Steps to a Successful Campaign
- Involve your CEO or senior manager
The success of your campaign can be significantly improved based on the commitment and visible support of your CEO. Get his/her support up front! - Recruit and train your campaign committee.
Your campaign committee will help you manage your organization’s campaign and communicate with employees about United Way. Ask your CEO and/or union leadership to help recruit representatives from all levels of your organization. - Promote leadership giving.
Peer-to-peer solicitation is key in leadership giving. Ask your CEO to appoint an executive who will solicit members of the management team for leadership gifts of $1,000 and above. - Recruit campaign representatives.
One-on-one contact and personal follow-up are proven to be the most effective ways to raise funds. Recruit some co-workers as campaign representatives to help you personally answer colleague’s questions about United Way. - Promote and publicize your campaign.
Establishing a financial goal for your campaign is a great way to get people motivated. Education is critical in reaching your organization’s campaign goal. Your United Way staff can provide you with materials that both get the word out and inform employees about how their contributions can help the community. - Hold a kickoff event and employee group meetings.
Build enthusiasm for the campaign by asking your CEO to attend a kickoff event and to publicly endorse the campaign. Work with United Way staff to invite an inspirational guest speaker that has been impacted by the United Way to speak at your staff meetings. - Follow-up with employees.
Most people do not give because they are not asked. Collect all pledge forms whether or not an individual contributes, so you know that everyone has had an opportunity to pledge. The campaign is complete once all forms have been returned. - Keep them giving.
Mid-way through the campaign you should compare last year’s donor list with current contributors to determine who has not yet returned a pledge form. Personally thank these donors for their past gifts and develop a follow-up strategy for non-respondents. - Thank everyone! Celebrate success!
Thank everyone who worked on the campaign and contributed to United Way, and tell everyone how much the campaign raised and what percentage of employees participated. The value of generously thanking everyone cannot be overestimated. - Get a jump on planning for next year’s campaign.
Critique the campaign with your CEO, campaign committee and United Way staff. Listening to what people liked, what worked and what did not will help your organization’s plan for next year’s campaign.
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Dear Fellow Employee:
We are halfway through our 2011 United Way Campaign. If you have already made your pledge, thank you. Your contribution gives hope to tens of thousands of people. If you have not made your pledge yet, you have X days left. We are {insert dollar amount or percentage} away from our goal of X amount and we need your help.
{insert company name} partners with United Way of the Greater Capital Region to provide hope in our community. Your contributions help fund more than one hundred health and human service programs in our community. These contributions help children enter school ready to succeed, individuals gain and maintain employment and helps to move people in crisis toward stability. By investing in the United Way Community Care Fund, you help and empower all of these individuals with one gift.
I hope you will consider making a generous pledge to United Way. The easiest and most beneficial way to donate is through payroll deduction. Please fill out your pledge form today. Thank you for investing in our community through the United Way!
Sincerely,
CEO
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We are halfway through our 2011 United Way Campaign and have already raised {insert dollar amount here}. We are counting on everyone’s support to reach our goal of {insert amount here}. {insert company name} is proud to partner with United Way of the Greater Capital Region in providing solutions to the Capital Region’s most critical human care needs. Please help us focus on results that matter and make your contribution today.
Date
Dear (Employee’s name):
Thank you for supporting our community through the United Way campaign!
Our 2011 United Way campaign has been a great success! Thanks to your effort, our neighbors in need will be given hope and empowerment through more than 100 results-driven United Way-funded programs and initiatives.
On behalf of your co-workers, our community and I, thank you for your generosity. Your contribution helps provide solutions to the most critical needs in our community and improves lives every day.
On behalf of the thousands of people who turn to United Way each year, thank you once again for generous support.
Sincerely,
CEO
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We made it! We reached our goal for our 2011 United Way of the Greater Capital Region Campaign. Together, we raised {insert dollar amount} for local human care programs in our community. Thank you for your support. You’ve personally delivered results that matter to our community.
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Thank You and Final Results Email
Thanks to you… {insert company name}is making our community stronger.
{insert company name}’s 2011 United Way Campaign was a huge success. Together, we raised more than {insert dollar amount} for local education, financial stability, health and basic needs programs throughout the Capital Region. Your gift helps United Way continue to provide quality solutions to the most critical human care needs in our community. On behalf of the thousands of people helped by United Way, thank you!
For year-round information on how your gift to United Way is making an impact, visit www.unitedwaygcr.org.
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This sample meeting agenda can be revised and adjusted to best meet the needs of your company.
1. Opening Remarks Company Executive/ ECM/Team Leader
• Explain purpose of meeting
• Discuss results from previous year
• Highlight why YOU support United Way
2. Understanding United Way United Way Staff
• The value of giving to UWGCR
• Explain Impact of the Community Care Fund
3. Volunteer Speaker
• Q&A
4. Campaign Video and/or PowerPoint United Way Staff
5. Pledge Card Review ECM/Team Leader
6. The “Ask” ECM/Team Leader
• Discuss Incentive Program
• Encourage Payroll Deduction
• Ask for a pledge
7. Collect Pledge Cards ECM/Team Leader
• Collect ALL pledge cards to ensure 100% contact, and to aid tracking
• If a person chooses not to complete the pledge card at the meeting, set a time to collect it
8. Closing Comments Company Executive/ECM/ Team Leader/United Way Staff
• Thank everyone for their attention and attendance
9. Follow-up in person with those who missed the meeting ECM/Team Leader
• Double check that anyone on vacation was asked to give
• Send e-mail or voice-mail reminder to those that have not turned in pledge cards.
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Sample Solicitor Training Agenda
1. Opening Remarks ECM/Team Leader
2. Understanding United Way United Way Staff
• The value of giving to United Way
• Highlight Results of the Community Care Fund
• Q&A
3. Show Campaign Video/PowerPoint United Way Staff
4. Pledge Card Review United Way Staff
5. The “Ask” ECM/United Way Staff
• Importance of Contributing before Asking
• Teach Team Leaders how to make the “Ask”
• Discuss Incentive Program
• Encourage Payroll Deduction
6. Closing Comments ECM
• Q&A
• Collect Pledge Cards
• Thank Participants
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LEADERSHIP IN GIVING AWARD
Recognizes organizations that contribute more than $1 million in total giving
EXCELLENCE IN GIVING AWARD
Recognizes organizations that contribute between $500,000 to $1 million in total giving
PARTNER IN GIVING AWARD
Recognizes organizations that contribute between $50,000 to $500,000 in total giving
LABOR APPRECIATION AWARD
Recognizes a labor partner for outstanding community support through the United Way
GOLD AWARD
Recognizes organizations that achieve an employee giving per capita (EPC) of $100 or more. (EPC = an organization’s employee pledge total divided by their number of employees)
COMMUNITY CARE IMPACT AWARD
Recognizes an organization for its success in promoting the United Way Community Care Fund as the most effective way to have the greatest positive impact in our community
NEW BUSINESS PARTNER AWARD
Recognizes a new workplace campaign contributor and partner for outstanding performance
CAMPAIGN MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recognizes an individual for their incredible creativity, and inspirational leadership
CAMPAIGN OF DISTINCTION AWARD
Recognizes an organization for its overwhelming dedication in overcoming obstacles to employ creative techniques to engage employees for outstanding support and participation in the United Way campaign
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