United Way Campaign Coordinator: Building Blocks for Campaign Success Heart of Illinois United Way

Initial Planning & Preparation Setting & Achieving Campaign Goals Key Steps for United Way Workplace Giving Campaign Initial Planning & Preparation Setting & Achieving Campaign Goals Promoting & Publicizing Campaign Education & Engagement Evaluating & Reporting Campaign Results Thank You & Recognition

Step 1: Initial Planning & Preparation Set A Timeline 1-2 week campaign is usually sufficient choose a time when fellow employees will be most engaged, keeping in mind holidays and seasonal organization considerations Recruit A Campaign Committee even if just one other person - makes it easier involve all departments of organization Get Support From Top Management ask CEO or manager to endorse campaign send letter, email, or note to all employees and attend any kickoff events

Step 2: Setting & Achieving Campaign Goals Set A Goal consider both participation and total dollars raised make goals challenging, but also realistic Make Giving Easy ensure payroll deduction is available, as it is most convenient way to give. If not, talk with your CEO or manager about implementation. prepare individual contributor forms or consider online-giving option through HOIUW. Provide specific date when all forms must be returned. utilize “Did You Know Facts” on how just a few dollars per paycheck can impact the community.

Step 3: Promoting & Publicizing – Tips for Getting the Word Out Send out endorsement letter from CEO 1-week prior to campaign start Plan a kickoff event, such as breakfast or potluck lunch and invite United Way rep to speak Utilize United Way supplies (posters, pens, table tents, banners, etc) to promote campaign week Keep employees aware of progress towards participation and dollar goals during campaign Remember communication to employees who work remotely off-site or are retirees

Step 4: Education & Engagement Your United Way staff or ambassador can help you determine the best ways to educate and engage your employees regarding United Way statistics and community outcomes. Each workplace culture is unique, and the approach to United Way campaign should align with the organizational DNA. Please reach out to your assigned staff person to discuss and coordinate engagement strategies that would be most effective for your organization.

Step 4: Education & Engagement (cont.) Below are just a few options/best practices for consideration regarding your campaign: Align a campaign theme that resonates with your employees Plan a special event or two (cookoffs, talent shows, casual days, etc.) Volunteer as group/team during campaign week(s) Participate in United Way hosted poverty simulation Offer prizes or incentives for those who pledge Ensure every employee is given the opportunity to participate.

Step 5: Evaluating & Reporting Campaign Results Produce Final Report Summary ( key reminders) Ensure all contributor forms are accounted and special event money is totaled Use campaign workbook (excel sheet or report form) from UW to tabulate results, and include top copy of all contributor forms during pickup/drop off. Please submit employee checks ASAP so they can be deposited by UW. Report back to your internal planning team and coworkers key metrics of campaign, participation, total dollars raised. Start planning for next year!

Step 6: Thank You & Recognition Coworkers made it happen… give them credit for a successful United Way Campaign! Write special notes to your committee Consider a special Thank You message from CEO or manager – maybe a Thank You Video! Create a “prize patrol” to deliver thank you messages or goodies to coworkers Hold celebration cookout or event to wrap up the campaign including any raffle drawings. As an employee coordinator, YOU have our greatest APPRECIATION and GRATITUDE! Your collective work impacts thousands of people’s lives in central Illinois each year! Thank YOU!

Final Key Reminders and Perspective as ECC: Your efforts are instrumental in the success of your organization’s campaign, and ultimately the collective, annual community campaign... Again, Thank YOU! Engage and educate your team members! Promote the campaign throughout your company! Lean on United Way staff and ambassadors to help you. You are not in this alone! Have Fun! Most importantly, remember your time and energy directly impacts people right here at HOME: 1 out of 3 people in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties each year!