EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGN

Transcription

1 United Way of Northwest Michigan EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGN Coordinator Guide

2 Dear Friend, As a struggling young person, I could have fallen through the cracks and been lost. United Way, and supported initiatives, were there for me in Massachusetts and again in Kansas City. I see people with similar struggles and some much worse in our community and now, more than ever, I believe in the work of United Way. When I first arrived in Traverse City, Fran Gingras was the outgoing Board Chair of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Fran said something that I have often heard: If you re going to take your living out of a community, you have to give something back. This prevailing attitude in our region sets it apart and helps lead people, just like me, on a course that inevitably arrives at our United Way. Working for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, I feel pretty connected to the community and where needs seem to be the greatest. I m sure many people feel the same. Whether that connection comes through their chosen service organization, church, school, or otherwise; I have learned just how mistaken we are when we feel that way and that is why my wife and I both are committed to giving to and advocating for United Way of Northwest Michigan. Finally, and most importantly, my faith includes a belief in a God whose foundation is love. Although United Way is not religiously affiliated, I know the people that work there, and I know their Board of Directors; I see love in those people. That s the bottom line for me love one another. Our United Way does more than dole out money; it loves the people in our communities and is dedicated to helping them. Thank you for sowing the seeds of love, for instilling hope, and for enabling recovery for those of us in need. Sincerely, Doug Luciani TraverseCONNECT Reminder: We ve moved! Visit us at our new location in the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Building at 202 E. Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI! Gain Benefits While Helping Others As an Employee Campaign Coordinator, you are a champion in United Way s movement to improve the community. You ll be helping others, but you ll also gain valuable benefits: Develop and showcase your leadership and project management skills Network with colleagues at various levels of your organization and in other industries Help your company shine as a good corporate citizen Become a leader in the community

3 Keys to Success A strong campaign team Clear & measurable goals Leadership support Corporate Sponsorship A communications plan Opportunities to galvanize your team Thank-you to employee donors A meaningful, fun campaign Staying Engaged Participate in Day of Caring or Days of Action Contact Michelle Krumm to find out more about an employee volunteer project that fits your organizations mission Organize a United Way event at your workplace Have a giving challenge at your workplace Michelle Krumm, michellek@unitedwaynwmi.org or x 204

4 Employee Campaign Coordinator s Checklist Use this list to stay organized and on track for running an exceptional campaign. Plan Gear Up Run Close Call Leisa or Ranae at to begin planning a campaign Attend United Way s ECC Kick-off event(s) Go to unitedwaynwmi.org/for-companies/toolkit Establish campaign goals like dollar amount and participation average Recruit and train your campaign team Establish a timeline for campaign activities Begin campaign promotion with posters, , and materials Send a letter from management or leadership to employees Prepare your campaign materials Handout pledge forms and/or info about giving to employees Send follow-up s every few days to keep up enthusiasm Hold meetings and/or fundraisers (casual day, bake sales, raffles) Give employees the opportunity to learn more about United Way by coordinating a speaker or volunteer activities. Send a reminder to employees that the campaign is closing soon Collect pledge forms Submit pledge forms and pledge info to payroll team and forward to Leisa Thank employees with an , letter, event, etc. Gather feedback and notes for next year Choose an ECC, pick next years kick-off date, and provide info to your United Way representative Ongoing Stay connected to United Way of Northwest Michigan throughout the year! Find us at or enroll in our e-communications on our website at for info about volunteer opportunities, events, and more!

5 10 great ideas to get people involved 1 Host a campaign kick-off party to show the work you re supporting 2 Create teams to encourage friendly competition and boost morale 3 Invite co-workers to join United Way s leadership group 4 Encourage in-house clubs and groups to spread the campaign message to their members 5 Run a contest relating to a focus area 6 Host a volunteer activity for employees 7 Host a food-related event. Breaking bread is always a good way to bring people together and keep them engaged! 8 Invite a senior executive to host an event 9 Ask colleagues to consider stepping-up their gift from 5-10% 10 Offer rewards for reaching goals

6 United Way of Northwest Michigan s Impact Areas Education: High School Graduation and Post-Secondary Preparedness. We re focused on making sure that kids in our region are graduating on time, prepared for post-secondary success. Income: Support and provide access to food, housing, and utilities. We believe that everyone should have the building blocks for a good life: Food, utilities and housing. Health: Reduce substance abuse and obesity rates across our region. A healthier community starts with healthier families. We re fighting substance abuse and encouraging active play and healthy lifestyles. If you need campaign materials or assistance getting your campaign off the ground, call Leisa Eckerle-Hankins at (231) x 211.