United Way Workplace Campaign
Getting Started
Basic Information
At United Way, we believe that each campaign should be targeted to fit your workplace. The following elements are found in all successful campaigns and will help to ensure you are having fun at the same time.
Learn About United Way and Build Your Team
- Research, review United Way.
- Find out how United Way can help you run an effective campaign. Supplies are available for your use (banners, balloons, Employee Gift Forms, brochures, posters, etc.)
- Secure support from management.
- Recruit additional employees from different departments to help you.
Analyze and Develop a Workplace Campaign Plan
- Gather information about your workplace’s past campaigns. (Ask United Way, they will have information as to dollar amounts raised and the number of employees participating).
- Develop a plan that includes goals (challenging yet achievable participation and financial), strategies, and a timetable. A two-week time frame may be ideal for your workplace. You want to keep up the momentum, ensure that employees don’t get tired of hearing about United Way.
Kick off, Educate and Organize
- Mark the beginning of your workplace campaign with a kick off. It may be as simple as setting a specific start date and/or holding a special event (ex: $3 pancake breakfast or pizza lunch). The key is to make sure all employees are aware that the campaign is taking place.
- United Way Campaign Chairman and Funded Member Agency representatives will do brief presentations at kick offs or at another time if requested. (This may not work at all workplaces). Information can also be made available electronically or in hard copy. Keeping workplace employees informed of what United Way does in the community and why it is important to give will help to ensure a successful campaign.
- Canvass employees for donations. The most important part of the campaign. The number one reason that people don’t contribute to United Way is because they were never asked. Every little bit helps and adds up…$10, $5, $2, $1 per pay period.
- Monitor progress and remit returns. (the donor, payroll department and local United Way receives a copy of gift form as indicated on forms)
Run Special Events and Wrap Up
- You may want to arrange and promote special events. If interested, a list of events held at some workplaces is available for you to review.
- Participate in your local United Way events.
- Signal the end of your campaign with a wrap up celebration.
Recognize and Evaluate
- Thank and recognize all donors and volunteers.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. What would you do differently next year?
Contact your United Way at any time for additional suggestions and information.
Have fun…because
What matters is…the lives we change…the community we shape.
Thank you for being an Employee Campaign Coordinator.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
lethbridgeunitedway@telus.net; 403-327-1700
