d e t i n U ver
E n a h t e r o M CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT DOCUMENTS
UWAY.ORG @UWMidlands
TABLE OF CONTENTS FAQs: pg. 3-4
Glossary: pg. 5
Community Impact Partners: pg. 6 Campaign Checklist: pg. 7
Fun Campaign Ideas: pg. 8-9 Making the Ask: pg. 10-11 Affinity Groups: pg. 12
Engaging Retirees pg. 13-15 Award Opportunities pg. 16
What Is Your Dollar Worth? pg. 17
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What is United Way?
United Way of the Midlands is a nonprofit that partners with other local nonprofits, businesses, donors, social service agencies to address our community’s most pressing needs. United Way provides direct services as well as oversees funding for other community initiatives.
Why is there a United Way?
For more than 90 years, United Way has been the community solutions provider. Donors have the confidence that their human service dollars go the furthest to do the most good, supporting many programs through one effort. Local volunteers use their knowledge of community problems to distribute funds where the needs are greatest. To make the best use of donor dollars, United Way holds agencies accountable for the programs they run, only funding programs with good results.
What is Community Impact?
At United Way of the Midlands, Community Impact is more than just a department—it’s why we’re here. Community Impact directs resources to programs that meet the needs of individuals and families. Everyone deserves opportunities to have a good life: a quality EDUCATION that leads to a stable job, enough INCOME to support a family through retirement, and good HEALTH. Community Impact is a costeffective way to invest in a broad range of services with a single contribution. Ultimately, Community Impact represents community results. United Way annually evaluates Community Impact funded programs to gauge and improve their effectiveness.
Why let United Way invest my donation?
By allowing United Way to invest your donation, you are ensuring that your gifts, combined with those of others, are going to address the most critical needs in the community. Only unrestricted gifts are available to put in United Way’s competitive grants. Through that process, local volunteers and experts who are knowledgeable about community problems determine the way to address priority needs, investing in proven programs with measurable results.
How much should I give?
Only you can decide how much you can give. United Way offers several giving and recognition opportunities. Many people elect to give 1% of their annual salary. Payroll deduction makes giving easier.
How much of the money raised through United Way goes to provide services?
The percentage of total revenues generated by the organization that is being returned to the community through competitive grants, initiatives and donor directed funding is 85%.
I don’t use any of the agencies’ programs, so why should I give through United Way?
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. While you may not have school-age children, we all win when a child succeeds in school, when at-risk families become selfsufficient and when all our neighbors have good health. For example, when United Way expanded free dental
services and serve more people, those individuals are less likely to seek treatment in emergency rooms reducing crowded lines and costs for everyone.
Why a minimum of $50 for each agency?
Designations cost more money to process than contributions directly to the Community Impact Fund. Staff must take the time to verify that the organization meets non-profit, legal and ‘Patriot Act’ requirements. This must be performed each time the designation is paid. This $50 minimum helps us avoid spending your donation on processing costs.
How do agencies receive their designations?
Designations to agencies are provided separately from any Community Impact awards distributed through agency programs. Designations are sent throughout the year after the campaign is closed and designation reports are completed.
Doesn’t the government take care of these health and human service problems?
Human service delivery is a shared responsibility of both the public and nonprofit sectors. An excellent example of this partnership was the new Volunteer Income Tax Assistance project, which engaged United Way volunteers helping low-income, working families prepare income taxes for free and also apply for tax credits for which they were eligible but may not have been aware. Recent public sector budget cuts and increasing costs for fuel and food are resulting in even more people needing assistance. As
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
a result, your gift through United Way is increasingly important because it stays in the community to address local needs.
Why should I give to United Way when I already give to my favorite charity?
Many of us have a favorite charity where we volunteer and that we support financially. A gift through United Way recognizes problems experienced by individuals, families and neighborhoods are rarely one-dimensional. Complex problems require complex solutions which frequently involve multiple partners providing program support to create lasting change. When you give through United Way, you are supporting multiple partners and comprehensive solutions.
Who pays for United Way’s special events? Events held to thank and inspire volunteers and donors are paid for primarily by ticket sales and sponsorships.
What is United Way of the Midlands relationship with United Way Worldwide? United Way of the Midlands is a separate, local organization governed by a local, volunteer Board of Directors. United Way Worldwide is a service association to which local United Ways may belong.
What is United Way’s policy against pressuring employees to give?
United Way of the Midlands has a policy against coercion, and under no circumstances should an employee be
threatened or coerced into contributing. Giving is a personal matter and a personal decision; whether people give and how much they choose to give is up to each individual. The purpose of United Way is to offer people an opportunity to care so that others can receive the help they need. We hope you will give because you are able to and because you feel good about it. Anyone who feels that they have been coerced into making a contribution, please contact our office at 803.733.5400 for a confidential refund.
If I stop working, what happens to my pledge?
Should you stop working, your payroll deduction pledge stops, too. Your pledge through United Way is made in good faith based upon your employment. When you start a new job, ask to sign up for payroll deduction again or call United Way for further details. If you are retiring, please contact United Way to continue your contributions and volunteer your time. You may even find you have more time to volunteer.
How do I find information about services when I need help?
Just dial 2-1-1 — United Way’s information and referral line. This 24-hour service provides information and referral to hundreds of programs available in the Midlands area.
Why does United Way want to know my birth date and e-mail address?
United Way of the Midlands is taking steps to thank and inform people about the results of their contributions. Using your preferred e-mail address helps us to reduce postage and printing costs.
We ask for your birth date to verify eligibility in our Young Leaders Society affinity group. In order to track our progress in attracting donors in this age group, we are now requesting birth dates from all donors. All of your information is kept confidential. United Way of the Midlands does not sell or give away any personal information to outside organizations.
What counties are served by United Way of the Midlands? United Way of the Midlands currently serves six counties: Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
Please visit us online at uway.org/ volunteer or contact our Volunteer Center by phone at 803.758.6987. Opportunities include community-wide volunteer days, ongoing and one-time activities for groups or individuals.
UNITED WAY GLOSSARY
We know we use a lot of unfamiliar terms and that can be confusing! Here’s a breakdown of some terminology you may hear often.
Average Gift – Total employee contributions divided by total number of donors in an organization. Community Impact Fund – United Way’s Community Impact Fund is comprised of all unrestricted
United Way gifts. Uses of these funds are determined by United Way’s Education, Financial Stability and Health Councils. These groups are comprised of community volunteers who are professionals and experts in their fields, respectively. These individuals work with United Way Staff to determine the most critical community needs and the most efficient way to meet them. Community Impact Funds are granted out by the councils through a competitive application process.
Designations/Restricted Giving – Donations that a supporter directs to a specific United Way Partner Agency rather than to United Way’s Community Impact Fund.
Leadership Givers – Donors who give $1,000 or more annually. These donors are eligible for recognition levels and affinity group participation.
Leadership Campaigns – Think of a Leadership Campaign as a campaign within a campaign. This
is a special push to recruit $1,000 and up donors and often includes highlights of United Way’s Recognition Levels and Affinity Groups and the perks of giving at this level. Target audiences for Leadership Campaigns often include members of management, senior level employees, or individuals who show a high level of support for United Way.
Payroll Deduction – Often abbreviated PRD, the amount withheld by an employer from an employee’s earnings as determined by the employee’s United Way pledge. Per Capita Giving – Total employee contributions divided by total number of employees. Unrestricted Giving – When a donor does not designate their gift to any one specific nonprofit.
Unrestricted gifts go to the Community Impact Fund, which United Way grants out to Partner Agencies that are responding to the most critical needs of the community.
2020 Community Impact Partners Current as of June 2020
Agency Name
Agency Code
Homeless No More
9903
James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation
9505
Lexington County First Steps
10351
LRADAC
9270
Able South Carolina
10144
Acercamiento Hispano de Carolina del Sur/ South Carolina Hispanic Outreach
9131
Alston Wilkes Society
9204
Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas
9673
American Cancer Society Inc.
9227
Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.
9242
American Heart Association, Inc. MidAtlantic Affiliate
9309
Midlands Fatherhood Coalition
10181
Babcock Center, Inc.
9288
Midlands Housing Trust Fund
1334
Boy Scouts of America, Indian Waters Council
Mission Lexington (LICS)
9670
9216
Newberry County Council on Aging
9228
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
9218
One80 Place
9865
Boys Farm
9636
Orangeburg Area Boys and Girls Club
9104
Brookland Foundation
9923
Orangeburg County Council on Aging
9609
Calhoun County First Steps to School Readiness Partnership
9065
Orangeburg County First Steps
10145
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity
9633
Orangeburg-Calhoun Free Medical Clinic
10182
Chapin We Care Center
9336
Palmetto AccessHealth
9000
City Year Inc.
9758
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services of South Carolina, Inc
9594
Columbia Urban League, Inc.
9224
Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services
9263
Communities In Schools of the Midlands, Inc.
9647
Project Life: Positeen
9109
Dickerson Children's Advocacy Center
9856
Reach Out and Read - Carolinas
10349
Edisto Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
9015
Richland County First Steps to School Readiness Partnership
9575
EdVenture, Inc.
9962
Richland Library
9297
Fact Forward
9544
Senator Isadore E. Lourie Center, Inc
9841
Fairfield Behavioral Health Services
9703
Senior Resources, Inc.
9292
Fairfield County First Steps
9566
9371
Family Connection of South Carolina, Inc.
9623
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands (STSM)
Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County, Inc.
10178
Sistercare, Inc.
9274
Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina
9770
South Carolina Autism Society, Inc.
9276
Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands, Inc.
The Cooperative Ministry, Inc.
9687
9246
The Free Medical Clinic, Inc.
9221
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, Inc.
9483
The Good Samaritan Clinic
10176
Growing Home Southeast, Inc.
9047
The Salvation Army, A Georgia Corporation
9272
Harvest Hope Food Bank, Inc.
9249
Transitions (Midlands Housing Alliance)
10180
Healthy Learners
9295
Vital Connections of the Midlands, Inc.
9862
Home Works of America, Inc.
9494
Wings for Kids
654468
CAMPAIGN CHECKLIST
1. Recruit a Team
Attend United Way Campaign Director (CD) training Meet with United Way campaign staff to review prior year’s giving (United Way campaign staff will provide this for you) and develop a campaign strategy Meet with your CEO to confirm commitment and buy-in to engage employees Recruit a committee to help with specific campaign tasks Schedule an internal training for your team Schedule a United Way meeting with your staff contact Attend United Way Community Kickoff
2. Set a Goal
Establish your campaign goals - total dollars raised, percent participation, special events, etc.
3. Determine Your Timeline
Establish your campaign timeline, including a kickoff date, special events and finale or thank you event
4. Plan Campaign Activities
Draft a letter to be sent from the CEO to thank employees - see our examples online for help Kick off your campaign with a celebration Schedule employee meetings and invite United Way staff Personalize your campaign Determine the type of ask that best fits your organization’s culture
5. Inform and Ask
Publicize and continuously promote your campaign and your goals to all employees Conduct a leadership giving campaign Follow up with employees who are unable to attend meetings Issue progress reports to United Way and your fellow employees
6. Thank Everyone
Announce your results Thank your committee, volunteers and employees for their participation Have a celebratory Thank You or Finale event
7. Report Results
Add up your results and submit report envelope and required forms to United Way Evaluate your company’s campaign strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for next year’s campaign
8. Stay in Touch
Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Attend the United Way Campaign Finale and be recognized for your hard work
FUN CAMPAIGN
IDEAS
Tricycle Races
Staff or members of management race tricycles outdoors or through the building.
Putt Putt Tournament
Set up a miniature golf course throughout the office. Have various departments design each hole, using United Way information and materials. Give a monetary gift to the winning department’s United Way agency. Employee teams also compete for prizes.
Game Show
Have a host and use United Way trivia questions. Have participants use bicycle horns when the answer is known. Give United Way promotional items as prizes.
Oh, Baby!
Post baby pictures of managers and have employees identify the babies. The employee with the most correct matches wins a prize. Consider collecting diapers, baby food and other baby related items for a United Way agency as part of this contest.
Balloon Pop
Employees donate prizes for this event (a variation of traditional raffle). Before filling a balloon with helium, put a note inside with the name of a prize. Employees pay $1 to buy a balloon and pop it to find out what prize they’ve won.
Let’s Make a Deal
Go around the office and ask random United Way related questions (“Name two agencies that help the elderly, children, etc.” or “Which United Way agency is closest to our office?”) Each time someone gets the answer
right, give them a prize on the spot. Ask your CEO to go with you and hand out prizes.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
How about a Halloween theme for your campaign this year? Have a pumpkin carving contest. Charge a nominal fee to enter and vote. Award prizes in categories including best traditional pumpkin, most creative, best effort by group or individual and best entry involving multiple pumpkins.
Silent Auctions
There are several varieties of auctions. Silent auctions have been the most effective, fun and easy. Have staff auction off services, such as washing someone’s car in the parking lot, cooking a three-course meal or any crafts/items your talented staff can donate. Or, have executives auction off their parking spaces, etc. In addition, solicit businesses and vendors for prizes.
Casual for a Cause
Allow employees to pay a fee to dress down for a day (i.e. Friday jeans day).
Chili Cook-Off
Employees cook their favorite chili recipe to be judged by co-workers. Create a cook book containing all of the secret chili recipes and give a copy to each investor. Make sure to feed the entire staff after the judging is completed.
Build Your Own Sundae Create a sundae bar with an assortment of ice creams and a wide variety of toppings. This can also serve as a thank you event.
Staggered Lunch
Perfect for businesses that take lunch hours at specific times. Organize three time slots when three different groups come in for lunch and listen to a United Way speaker. Make it fun and enthusiastic with prizes awarded and a free gift for all.
Cookie Exchange
Have each employee bring a plate of their favorite cookies to work and swap them with another employee.
Candy/Balloon Grams
Sell candy-grams and/or balloongrams for employees to send to other staff members.
Auction
Ask vendors and employees to donate items or services to be auctioned. The auction can be done either as a silent auction or an on-line auction. Variation: Have employees create baskets of items to be auctioned. The baskets can revolve around a theme (i.e. Spa, Hair Care, Kitchen, etc.).
Car Wash
Track which employees invested in United Way, then draw for employees to get their car washed by the CEO or a member of management. Variation: Allow employees to pay to have management wash their cars.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
In the middle of your campaign, treat investors who have already turned in a pledge form. Place a balloon on their desk with a note of thanks. This encourages employees to turn in their pledge forms early, while recognizing individuals who are eager to give.
FUN CAMPAIGN
IDEAS
Employee Cookbook
Employees donate their favorite recipes to be collected and published into a bound book. Employees’ children can illustrate the cookbook. A variation of this is to sell a “hint” book (i.e. hints on food, gardening, camping, golf, decorating, etc.).
Jail-N-Bail
Hold in correlation with an employee picnic or festival. Have a booth where employees pay to have co-workers, supervisors, managers or executives incarcerated for short periods during the event.
Penny Wars
Divide into teams, obtain large jars (ask area water cooler companies for a donation of jars that are no longer watertight), and have the teams decorate them. Put pennies into your jar to increase the score and sabotage others by adding silver coins and dollar bills, which decrease the score.
Special Incentives
Vacation days, extended lunch hours and donated items from places with which you conduct business are great ways to offer incentives without spending a lot of money. • Sleep in late awards • Flee @ 3:00 coupon • Prime parking spaces • Paid time-off • Open soda & candy machines • Free oil changes • Gift certificates • Big screen television • Casual Fridays • Free dinner catering • Tickets to sporting games • Airline tickets • Call in “well” day • Free hotel stay
• Computers—new or gently-used • Lottery tickets • Movie tickets • Theater or museum passes
Saying “Thanks”
After a successful campaign, it is very important to say “thanks” to all the employees who helped make your campaign a success. People want to feel appreciated when they have done something positive, and helping the community by giving to United Way is no exception. There are many different ways to say thank you to all of your coworkers who helped make it possible.
Thank You Sack Lunch Order sack lunches for every contributor. Include a thank you note from your CEO or, include thank you drawings or letters from children served by a United Way agency.
Prize Patrol
Have management or the campaign committee wheel the prizes around the office on a cart until they reach the winner for public recognition. If you do this once a day during your campaign, it serves as a reminder to others to turn in their pledge card.
Waffle/Pancake Breakfast
Have management serve up breakfast for everyone who contributed.
Milk and Cookies
Design a special cookie wrapper with a thank you message. Place the wrapper around a package of cookies. Homemade cookies would be a special treat.
Balloons or Flowers
Surprise each contributor the last day
of the campaign. Place a balloon or flower at their desks to thank them for their thoughtfulness.
Candy Gram
Show your employees a little appreciation with a treat for their sweet tooth! Distribute candy bars with a thank you message attached to all participants who contributed to the United Way campaign.
Scooping Up Success
An ice cream social to help celebrate the campaign is a great way to say thank you. Have the management team scoop up the ice cream and personally thank each employee.
“I Contributed” Cookout
Offer a cookout to all who contributed. Have the cooks wear aprons with the United Way logo.
Jeans Stickers
This is an oldie but a goodie. Sell stickers for jeans days. Some companies will sell stickers that are good for the entire year!
Name that Tune
Employees pay $5 to play. Contestants then go up against each other to test their song skills.
Amazing Race
Host a scavenger hunt competition and include United Way of the Midlands’ Community Impact Partner Agencies as part of the hunt.
Basketball Bracket
Turn March Madness brackets into a fundraiser for United Way. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to the bracket winners and 50% toward your campaign goal.
MAKING THE ASK
GROUP DONATION ASKS • • • • •
Send letter to all employees stating purpose of meeting days before event. Distribute pledge cards at the opening of the meeting or online giving link. Campaign coordinator presents opening remarks. Agency department head/management addresses the group. Introduce the storyteller or co-worker who has benefited from the services of a United Way of the Midlands program or certified partner agency. • Show a campaign film. • Campaign director asks for payroll deduction pledge. • Volunteers collect pledges at the end of the meeting. Follow-up on absentees.
ONE-TO-ONE DONATION ASKS • • • • • • •
Choose solicitors wisely. Train the solicitors with the help of United Way of the Midlands staff. Send agency department heads/management endorsement letter to all employees. Make volunteer assignments. Distribute pledge forms or onling giving link. Direct solicitors to make calls. Follow-up on absentees and part-time employees.
United Way of the Midlands is donors, partners and volunteers discovering and responding to the crucial needs of our community—then finding resources to address those needs and following up to make sure the work gets done. 1818 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201 803-733-5400
THE SIMPLE 6 Make your introduction and opening comments
Within step one you should: • Make a positive, friendly introduction • Develop rapport • Check awareness of United Way of the Midlands process and impact • Explain why you support the drive
Explain giving options and affinity groups
Everyone’s gift is important. First discuss giving options: 1) payroll deduction 2) check or cash 3) credit card 4) bill direct 5) PayPal You can recommend that they contribute at the guideline level of one percent of their income. However, some may strongly feel that this is too much for them to donate. Second, promote payroll deduction. It’s easy and your contribution works throughout the year. Third, discuss Affinity Groups and Leadership Giving.
Ask for the contribution
You have made a good introduction, you have identified United Way’s impact on local community problems and how they can give. You are now ready to go on to step three and ask the person to contribute or make a pledge. If the person agrees to complete the pledge form, you can go directly to step six and thank them. However, in most cases the people you call on won’t be ready to pledge immediately. Prior to making a final decision, they may have some questions.
Answer questions and other opportunities to help
Knowing the response to most frequently asked questions is an important part of your job as a Campaign Director. Answering questions gives you the opportunity to tell your fellow employees more about United Way of the Midlands. People will be more generous when the questions they have are answered by you and when they understand the need behind your request for their pledge.
Ask for the pledge
Once you have answered the person’s questions, you are ready to ask for their pledge. When the person has completed the pledge form and signed it or set up their online campaign pledging, you have one more step.
Say thank you
Thank the person for his/her time and donation. Assure them that their contribution will be used to help people in need. Remind them that the United Way of the Midlands is also here for them should the need arise.
AFFINITY GROUPS
Always United
Always United is an action-oriented group of diverse, experienced United Way supporters who are committed to bringing together the people, resources and expertise needed to solve problems in the Midlands. There is no age restriction, but most members of Always United are late-career professionals or have retired. Many members have been contributing to United Way for years, even decades, and continue to donate, but donations are not required for membership. Always United provides year-round opportunities for members, including interactive events, personal development, volunteering and socializing. Learn more at AlwaysUnited.org.
Legacy Society
Legacy
Legacy Society members have included United Way in their wills or other estate plans. These donors have made deferred gifts to United Way totaling more than $3 million since 2014.
United Way of the Midlands
SOCIETY
Palmetto Society
The Palmetto Society recognizes donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to United Way initiatives. This group of close to 2,000 philanthropists represents more than a third of total campaign giving. Last year, Palmetto Society donors collectively invested $2.5 million in United Way programs.
Tocqueville Society
Tocqueville Society members demonstrate exceptional generosity and leadership by investing $10,000 or more annually in United Way initiatives. This group of donors is comprised of the Midlands’ leading philanthropists. Last year, Tocqueville Society members collectively invested $1.86 million in United Way programs. Tocqueville Society
Young Leaders Society (YLS)
This compassionate group of like-minded young professionals, ages 21-40, creates a positive impact in the Midlands by supporting the mission of United Way. YLS donors annually invest nearly a half-million dollars into United Way initiatives focused on education, financial stability and health. YLS donors are also actively engaged with monthly volunteer activities as well as frequent networking and professional development opportunities. Learn more at YLSMidlands.com.
Giving Levels AGE
MONTHLY
ANNUALLY
21-29
$42
$500
30-40
$83
$1,000
Women in Philanthropy (WIP)
This unique and diverse group of investors creates positive, measurable change in Giving Levels our community through leadership, mentoring, networking and advocacy. Since 2002, MONTHLY Women in Philanthropy has invested more than $1.5 million into initiatives focused on AGE helping women and children in the Midlands. 21+ $42 Learn more at WomeninPhilanthropy.com.
ANNUALLY
$500
ENGAGING RETIREES IN WORKPLACE CAMPAIGNS
More Baby Boomers are leaving their workplaces each year. Many of these retirees have supported United Way for decades and stop giving simply because no one asks them! We can provide the support you need to reengage your company’s former employees and create a thriving retiree campaign through our affinity group Always United.
HOW YOUR COMPANY WINS: • • • • • •
Boosts your campaign results by including retiree giving Shows your company’s dedication to improving the Midlands Capitalizes on United Way’s Always United affinity group as a resource to keep retirees engaged Empowers retirees to remain active in the community and stay connected with other retirees Creates a positive influence for the new generation of employees to support United Way’s mission for long-term community change Benefits the local community through supporting initiatives that provide the building blocks for a quality life and stronger community
RETIREE GIVING HELPS YOUR COMPANY CAMPAIGN
WHY IT MATTERS TO RETIREES: Retirees want to stay connected to their communities and feel valued. These individuals have many skills and abilities that can truly make a difference in our community. Benefits to your retirees include:
RETIREES STAY ACTIVE & FEEL VALUED
• • • • •
Membership in Always United to stay connected Volunteer opportunities as a way to stay active and feel valued Updated Information about how United Way’s Community Impact initiatives influence their friends, family and community Continued ability to support community initiatives they personally value An option to easily give one time or recurring donations by mail, online at www. uway.org, through a company campaign, a retirement plan or stock gift
HOW TO RUN A RETIREE CAMPAIGN: 2 EASY OPTIONS United Way can provide the support you need to connect with your retirees with two easy options,
OPTION 1:
OPTION 2:
Run a retiree campaign as part of your company campaign by using a step-by-step plan from Always United Let us run it for you!
Option 1: Best practices for running a retiree campaign
A great way to hold a successful campaign is to involve your retirees in the process. Begin by pulling together an Alumni Leadership Team of former employers who contact fellow retirees throughout the campaign. This is how it works: 1. Make sure to have administrative support and buy-in from the CEO. 2. Build your Alumni Leadership Team. Engage your CEO and management team to make recommendations and help build this team of volunteer retirees. 3. Plan the campaign. This includes identifying the target audience with an emphasis on the most recent retirees (from the last 5 years and any former United Way Campaign leaders). Gather contact information for each (name, address, email and phone number) so the Alumni Leadership Team can reach them throughout the campaign. You may consider coordinating the retiree campaign with the company’s annual campaign. 4. Prepare volunteer training materials and plan a kickoff event. Break down responsibilities for volunteers so that each team member will make about the same amount of calls or contacts. 5. Host a team training event. Rally your volunteers and get them excited about the campaign. Include an Always United member to encourage the group to support United Way’s mission and answer any questions. Help your volunteers understand their responsibilities and how the campaign will unfold. 6. Host a retiree kickoff event. Make this more about connecting your retirees than asking for money. You can provide updates on your business, allow time for networking with former colleagues and even honor a retiree who has been volunteering in the community. Invite an Always United speaker to share why they stay involved with United Way. Include a no-pressure mention of the campaign and let them know they’ll be receiving more information by mail or email. 7. Send mailing #1. Include a letter from the CEO and a retiree pledge card. 8. Send mailing #2. Send a simple reminder card about the campaign and how they can participate. You also may choose to reach out via email if you have current addresses. This can be a convenient way for giving online. 9. Make follow-up calls. Have team members make personal phone calls to retirees. During this time, the campaign leader should provide updates to volunteers on the status of the campaign. 10. Host a final event. Invite success! Report results and ask for input to improve next year’s campaign.
Option 2: Let us reach out for you
Sometimes it’s more convenient for United Way staff to reach out on your behalf. Here’s how this option works: 1. Compare donor and retiree information to ensure United Way has current contact information, which may include home addresses, email and phone numbers. United Way promises to keep this information confidential and will never share with outside sources. 2. Determine company assistance available for matching funds, pension deductions or event funding. 3. United Way staff will enlist Always United members who are company alumni to assist in conducting a campaign and engage other key Always United members to lead a campaign for your group. 4. United Way reports progress and all retiree donations to company.
Either option can be completed as a virtual campaign, in-person event or a combination of these methods.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS: Secure matching gifts. Matches are a strong incentive for people to give. Continue matching retiree giving if that is a tradition in your company. Secure matching gifts from your company and its vendors. Stress community impact. This is the most important of all! Anyone who gives to United Way needs to understand the significant impact they can make and feel a connection to the critical work they are supporting in the community. United Way can provide materials and speakers to help you tell the story. Encourage membership in Always United. This affinity group is for retirees and late-career employees. There are many ways members can participate — committee involvement, interactive events, personal development and volunteering.
WHY JOIN ALWAYS UNITED?
Always Informed: Always United offers many opportunities to be informed and engaged through activities such as Mentor Match, Community Impact - Behind the Scenes, Tuesday Talks and workshops to build skills. Stay in contact with former coworkers and other Always United members through organization and social functions. Participation may be in-person or through virtual activities. Always Active: Your flexibility and unique experiences allows you to improve the quality of life in the Midlands. Always United provides you opportunities to volunteer your time and talents in a meaningful way. Whether participating on a committee, volunteering with an agency or program you personally value, you will easily find individual and group activities to stay engaged in the community.
LEARN MORE about Always United by visiting AlwaysUnited.org.
AWARD
OPPORTUNITIES After all of your hard work has paid off, we want to thank you for it! United Way annually recognizes companies that go above and beyond to create opportunities for a better life in the Midlands. From giving levels to employee participation, there are several ways to receive a United Way Award.
Early Campaigns
Overall Campaigns
Pacesetter Award - Awarded to organizations that complete United Way campaigns by September 2020. These companies “set the pace” for the upcoming campaign, ensuring that at least 40% of the campaign total is secured by our annual United Way Day. To qualify, organizations must commit to at least a 10% increase in participation or employee giving and at least one volunteer activity.
Community Champion Awards - Awarded to two organizations that raise more than $100,000 in the following categories:
New Campaigns Premier Award - Awarded to organizations with a new workplace giving campaign raising more than $1,000.
Per Capita Giving & Participation Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards - Awarded to organizations based on employee per capita giving at four levels: Bronze: $50-$99 per capita Silver: $100-$149 per capita Gold: $150-$399 per capita Platinum: $400 or more per capita Trailblazer Award - Awarded to organizations whose workplace giving or participation increased by 10% (at least $500) compared to the previous year. Corporate Award - Awarded to organizations with the highest corporate per capita gift in three categories: 500+ employees 100-499 employees 20-99 employees Best in Class - Award is based on three criteria— percent participation, employee per capita gift and increase in total giving. This award is given to one organization in each of the following categories: Private Sector | Fewer than 100 employees Private Sector | 100 or more employees Public Sector | Fewer than 100 employees Public Sector | 100 or more employees
Most Dollars Raised - The highest total giving including employee, corporate, special events and other contributions. Best Overall Campaign - Exemplary performance overall based on percent participation, employee per capita, increase in total giving and percentage of unrestricted giving.
Other Recognitions Special Event Award - Awarded to the organization raising the most money in special events. Division Chairman Award - Selected by United Way Division Chairs for having made the most impact on their division’s outcome. Division chairs are individuals who volunteer with United Way’s Campaign Committee, each representing an industry or sector. CD of the Year - Awarded by the Campaign Director training team, this award is given to the CD who uses all resources and best practices available to conduct a successful campaign.
Self-nomination Awards Spirit of the Midlands Award for Corporate Leadership This award is presented to a corporate partner that embodies an overall spirit of giving through contributions of time, leadership and resources in support of United Way’s work in education, financial stability and health in the Midlands. Contenders in this category are self-nominated, and the form should be completed by a representative of the company or organization. The award is presented at the annual Major Firms Breakfast each spring.
LEADERSHIP GIFTS IN ACTION
A GIFT OF... $500 Provides shelter and case management to 30 homeless adults 50 school supply packages for 50 Midlands Reading Consortium students
$1,000 Helps to provide 100 days of affordable elementary childcare Supports case management and community services for a student at risk of dropping out of school.
$2,500
65 comprehensive eye exams and glasses for uninsured or under-insured patients at WellPartners Adult Eye Clinic Provides the community match for 250 days of quality early childhood education
$5,000 166 visits and cleanings at WellPartners Children’s Dental Clinic
SOCIAL DISTANCING FORCES US APART.
BUT COMPASSION DEFIES DISTANCE. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW UNITED WAY IS HELPING THE MIDLANDS DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME AT
UWAY.ORG