WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT
Have any questions along the way? Feel free to reach out to our team anytime.
Colleen Walts | Marketing & Engagement Director | Pronouns: She/Her/Hers | (440) 277-6530 | colleen.walts@uwloraincounty.org
Welcome, Campaign Champions!
Your role in coordinating a giving campaign for United Way of Greater Lorain County allows us to connect people in need to the services that help while improving lives throughout our community.
Not sure where to get started?
This Tool Kit was designed with YOU in mind. All of the resources were built to assist you in engaging your workplace in the annual United Way campaign – just toggle the tabs to access the resources!
- Email Templates – Use email script templates to let your team know about this opportunity to give back.
- Events & Incentive Ideas – Access in-person and virtual special event plans and incentive ideas.
- FAQs – Find answers for commonly asked questions about United Way and the work this campaign supports.
- Messaging & Promotion – Use our messaging, promotional materials, and videos to spread the word.
- Giving Options – Determine the style of giving campaign that works best for your organization!
- Volunteering – Engage your employees during the campaign and year-round through community service.
- Your Impact – Share links to learn more about our community impact.
Have any questions along the way or want to share a great idea? Feel free to reach out to our team anytime.
Colleen Walts
Marketing & Engagement Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
(440) 277-6530
colleen.walts@uwloraincounty.org
Heather Ferguson
Donor Engagement Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
(440) 277-6530
heather.ferguson@uwloraincounty.org
Norma Sanchez
Volunteer Engagement Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
(440) 277-6530
norma.sanchez@uwloraincounty.org
EMAIL TEMPLATES
The email templates below will keep your employees informed about your campaign.
Simply copy and paste the email, update the bolded sections, and customize however you’d like!
Dear employees,
Together, we are working together to improve lives in Lorain County. We are proud partners of United Way of Greater Lorain County and believe in their mission.
Working together on the little things adds up to a big impact, and every donation counts.
Join me in supporting United Way by donating today.
[INSERT DONATION OPTIONS]
Our giving campaign begins on [start date] and ends on [end date]. If you have any questions please contact [your company Campaign Champion], or United Way at (440) 277-6530.
Thank you for your time and generosity,
Dear employees,
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far this year. You can still make a gift online through [End Date].
Every dollar raised through our campaign stays right here in Lorain County and helps local families keep their homes.
Giving is easy and can be done online at epledge.uwloraincounty.org. Instructions on how to log in and make your gift attached to this email.
We can be game-changers in Lorain County. Join me in supporting this year’s United Way Campaign because together we can accomplish more than any of us can alone.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me or contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
Thank you for your support,
.
Dear employees,
Thank you to everyone who has donated to our United Way Campaign so far. You can still make a gift through [End Date].
Every dollar raised through our campaign stays right here in Lorain County and helps local families keep their homes.
Pledge forms can be picked up at (Pick-Up Location) and dropped off at (drop-off location).
We can be game-changers in Lorain County. Join me in supporting this year’s United Way Campaign because together we can accomplish more than any of us can alone.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me or contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
Thank you for your support!
Dear employees,
Thank you everyone for your generosity during the [company name] United Way giving campaign.
We were able to raise $____ to improve lives in Lorain County. Together, we are changing the system to better help families like Anaeli’s to easily access needed services. [link to video]
On behalf of United Way of Greater Lorain County, I thank you once again for your support this campaign season. I encourage you to please visit their website at uwloraincounty.org, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram @uwloraincounty, or call their office at (440) 277-6530 to learn how to stay involved and see your dollars at work.
Thank you for your generosity,
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IDEAS
Make your United Way campaign a team building opportunity – virtually or in person.
Get the latest impact update through a United Way presentation from our team. Learn about our work in Lorain County and how it is evolving to address the greatest needs the community is facing.
Virtual Option – Schedule a conference call or share a prerecorded presentation from your United Way representative with your organization!
Reach out to your United Way contact or call (440) 277-6530 for more details.
Take a deeper dive into the work of one of your local community collaboratives. We will coordinate a tour of the community collaboratives closest to your organization to hear directly from our collaborative leaders about what they do every day!
Check out this schedule we used for a Bus Tour a few years ago.
Virtual Option – Take a tour with United Way staff and collaborative partners using Zoom. Reach out to our team if you are interested in this option.
Reach out to your United Way contact or call (440) 277-6530 for more details.
2-1-1 First Call for Help is a 24-hour referral service powered by United Way that connects people to services throughout the county. Invite our team to come to your organization and share how to access 2-1-1 on the phone or the web to get the help people may need.
Virtual Option – Our team will join your organization on a zoom call to share how to use 2-1-1 and get connected to help.
Reach out to your United Way contact or call (440) 277-6530 for more details.
Is there a word or phrase that is said often at your workplace?
For a unique fundraiser challenge your employees to donate a certain amount every time they say the chosen phrase or word.
Consider this 2020 Twist: Coronavirus Swear Jar – Each time an employee mentions the Coronavirus they make a donation! Encourage employees working from home to have their own jar at home to play along.
SUPPLIES NEEDED: – A clear jar or some type of container that can be placed in a central area of your business.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place the jar in an open area and decide how much people should put in each time they say the “buzzword”
2. Send out an email explaining ground rules to fellow employees.
3. Keep the swear jar out for the duration of the workplace campaign and share total dollars collected at the end of the campaign.
Suggested entry fee: $1-$2 each time the phrase or word is mentioned (outside of a necessary mention)
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS: This challenge should be optional and care should be taken to address negative comments or micro-aggressions. If chosen buzzword is related to the Coronavirus pandemic, take into consideration employees who have been personally affected.
ACCESS: For companies working virtually, another tallying system should be considered.
MOBILITY ISSUES: Jar for collection should be placed in an area that is easily accessible to accommodate any mobility issues employees may have (lower to the ground, easy to add change too, etc.).
ABILITY ISSUES: None
Questions? Interested in having a United Way staff help host this special event with you? Contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
Virtual Option: Ask employees to submit their favorite recipe and ask your team to vote on the one they’d most like to try!
Recruit the best chef’s in your workplace and ask them to showcase their BEST recipe at your special event. Accept donations at the entrance of the event and encourage your other employees to attend and vote on their favorite recipe.
Potential Challenge Ideas:
- Chili Cook-Off
- Bruch Off
- Best Barbeque
- International Food Festival
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- Location for a special event
- Ability to keep food warm or cold during the event
- Proper sanitation materials and utensils (plates, silverware, gloves, napkins, disinfectant, etc.)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Recruit and hold a sign-up for the best chefs in your workplace and set a date.
2. Promote the fundraiser and communicate the donation entry fee.
3. Determine judging system – either attendee voting on their favorite dish, or pick a few people in your workplace with expert palate’s to pick the best dish!
Suggested entry fee/donation: $5-$10 donation per person, or pledge to donate during the campaign!
SUGGESTED PRIZES:
- Company branded swag!
- Gift Cards to a local store or restaurant
- Tickets to a local sports game
- Bragging rights and a certificate of “The Best Chef at [Your Company’s Name]”
EQUITY ISSUES: This challenge should be optional and care should be taken to address negative comments or microaggressions regarding different types of food.
ACCESS: Will need access to an event space, employees will need access to a location either in your offices or at their homes to prepare their featured dishes. Care should be taken when serving food, all potential allergens in food should be posted clearly during the event. Consider asking employees to register for the event and indicate their dietary restrictions so you can label all dishes appropriately.
MOBILITY ISSUES: The event should be hosted in a location that is accessible to everyone regardless of mobility issues.
ABILITY ISSUES: None
Questions? Interested in having a United Way staff member help host this special event with you? Contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
Modeled after Hollywood Game Night this game is perfect for an in-person, or virtual game night! Visit the Hollywood Game Night website for more information on their Smash the Buzzer Game. Players will be read a series of and they must figure out which terms do not belong!
Virtual Option – This game can easily be adapted to a virtual platform for a fun game night via zoom! Just assign a host and send category lists via a private message.
Instructions:
1. Determine if hosting game in person or virtually and choose a date!
2. Pick your own categories and phrases or use ours below.
3. The host reads the theme of the category followed by a series of terms/phrases that may or may not fit within that category.
4. The player’s job is to figure out which terms/phrases are fake before the other players. They must “buzz” in when they hear a correct term.
5. The player with the highest points at the end of the game, wins!
Point system:
+1 point for each correct guess AND the player “buzzes in”
-1 point for each correct guess WITHOUT a “buzz in”
-1 point for each incorrect guess.
Equity Considerations: All campaign activities should be optional and care should be taken to address negative comments or microaggressions prior to, during, and after gameplay.
Access: Ability to access the internet, and Zoom (or chosen video conference software) if
hosting virtually.
Mobility Issues: This game may be challenging for people with mobility issues that limit their ability to hit a buzzer quickly in response to a question.
Ability Issues: This game may be challenging to use for employees with hearing impairments. Consider building in ways to play the game that will make it more accessible to those with ability concerns. An example of this game would be typing the phrases in each category as you
say them. Create your own categories, or use United Way’s below!
Questions? Interested in having a United Way staff help host this special event with you? Contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
Practice Round: Words that start with “S”
Psychiatrist (does not belong)
Circus (does not belong)
Chartreuse (does not belong)
Serendipity
Sociologist
Tsunami (does not belong)
Science
Snake
Category: It’s a Character on Sesame Street
Average Bird (does not belong)
Cookie Mobster (does not belong)
Flirt & Gurney (does not belong)
Oscar the Couch (does not belong)
Count Von Count
Abby Cadabby
Justin South Africa (does not belong)
Kermit the Fracking Advocate (does not
belong)
Elmo
Category: Shades of Red Crayola Crayons
Cheap Merlot (does not belong)
Poison Apple (does not belong)
Ron Weasley’s Hair (does not belong)
Will you accept this rose? (does not belong)
Big Dip O’Ruby
Scarlett O’Hara (does not belong)
Jazzberry Jam
Rock Lobster (does not belong)
Red
Category: Real sequels to major motion pictures
Home Alone 5: Still Home, Still Alone (does not belong)
A Wrinkle in Time 2: All Ironed Out (does not belong)
Snakes on a Plan: This time they mean business Class (does not belong)
I Can’t Remember what you Did Last Summer (does not belong)
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
Jaws: The Revenge
A Streetcar named Apathy (does not belong)
The Godfather Part II
22 Jump Street
Category: Actual Dating Sites
Mulletpassions.com
Glutenfreesingles.com
Dateagolfer.com
Womenbehindbars.com
Clowndating.com
Zombiepassions.com
Stachepassions.com
Christianmingle.com
Farmersonly.com
Category: Words that appear in the
Constitution of the United States
Yolo (does not belong)
Whiskey (does not belong)
Democracy (does not belong)
Original
Defense
God (does not belong)
Party
Liberty
Category: Real Items on the Taco Bell Menu
Sour Creamers (does not belong)
Flan of the Dead (does not belong)
Guac Pockets (does not belong)
Conan the Barbacoian (does not belong)
Beefy Fajita-Rito (does not belong)
The Great Cornholio (does not belong)
Cheesy Potato Griller
Nachos Supreme
Cheesy Gordita Crunch
Category: Real United Way names
The One True United Way (does not belong)
The Great North United Way (does not
belong)
United Way of Greater Cheese County (does
not belong)
United Way of the Universe (does not
belong)
Heart of Florida United Way
United Way of That Place (does not belong)
Mile High United Way
Corn Husker United Way
United Way of Wine Country
Aloha United Way
Consider offering incentives for employees who donate as a way to grow your campaign and further engage your employees.
1. Jeans Day – Consider allowing employees to wear jeans during the campaign as an incentive for pledging.
2. Reserved Parking Spot – Encourage employees to participate in the campaign by raffling off a parking space of their choice!
3. Lunch with CEO – Raffle off a one-on-one lunch with your top executive to any employee who participates in the campaign.
4. Flee at 3/Late Start – Give employees a chance to leave early or start late for a day during the campaign day if they increase their gift by a certain percentage.
5. Vacation Day – Award any employee that increases their gift for the year, or gives for the first time, a free vacation day!
6. Pick a Campaign Theme – Pick a campaign theme and plan your activities around that theme!
7. United Way Spirit Week – Encourage employees to get into the spirit of the campaign with a week long spirit week where each day has a different theme!
Check out United Way of Greater Lorain County’s internal staff campaign Spirit Week plans themed to The Office TV Show!
All money raised in Lorain County stays in Lorain County, funding agencies to work together in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. United Ways are independent and local. We pay a small fee to United Way Worldwide to be able to use the United Way branding, and have access to resources that allow us to better serve our own community.
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
100% of your gift stays in Lorain County unless you choose to designate it to an organization outside of Lorain County.
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Simply put, we bring people together to solve community wide issues that we can’t solve alone through community collaboratives.
Community collaboratives are made up of 150+ organizations, community members, and field experts throughout Lorain County. They are funded by United Way of Greater Lorain County, and align their resources so that they are always addressing the largest needs in our community.
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
We encourage all donors who give via the workplace to update their pledge form and e-Pledge giving status every year. This ensures that, if you designate your gift, we can properly forward your donation to an agency of your choice and that any contact information we have on file is correct. Also, by updating your information we can properly thank you for your contribution!
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Please visit our Volunteer Engagement Page on our website for opportunities! www.uwloraincounty.org/volunteer
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Campaign Champions are volunteer leaders who advocate for community change at the workplace. You help us fundraise so that we can spend more time making it happen!
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Yes! A corporate gift shows your employees that you believe in United Way’s mission and that your company wants to support systems change in Lorain County. A matching campaign is a great opportunity to incentivize giving by matching dollar for dollar what your employees give with a corporate donation.
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Absolutely, it is our job to make hosting a United Way workplace campaign as easy as possible for you. If you are interested in bringing in United Way staff to present and talk with your employees get in touch with your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530. (We will even talk to your employees about resources available to them through 2-1-1 and other direct services)
An ePledge campaign is a way to host your workplace campaign completely paperless. Not only is it a great environmentally friendly way giving, it is quicker, easier, and simpler for your payroll offices to access real time campaign data. If you are interested in hosting an e-Pledge campaign, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Every United Way is local, with its own independent Board of Directors. The problems we are trying to solve are specific to Lorain County, and the money we raise in here, stays in Lorain County. We are connected to United Way Worldwide and pay a small membership fee so that we can use the branding and have access to a world wide network other United Ways that are leading the non-profit sector in systems change.
If you have any questions, please contact your United Way representative at (440) 277-6530.
Messaging & Promotion
Share the work of United Way during your campaign. Here you will find valuable marketing materials like United Way logos, campaign videos, and data on the most challenging needs in Lorain County.
Make an impression on your team by sharing one of our videos.
Use the link below or visit our YouTube Channel @uwlorcty
(Unable to access YouTube? Reach out to United Way to arrange a way for you to use one of the videos below.)
FEATURED STORY
Monica’s Story
As a mom in Lorain and Director of the 231 Go! Community Collaborative in South Lorain, Monica Snipes knows how important it is for us to make sure every kid knows how important they are.
Theresa’s story is shared during our virtual campaign presentations.
OTHER VIDEOS
The Families we have Helped
This video shares the stories of families that we have given an extra boost to get back on their feed. We all need a little help sometimes. Watch as families and individuals who have found resources through United Way share THEIR stories.
What exactly is United Way of Greater Lorain County?
This video explains how United Way of Greater Lorain County works to change lives in the community through collaboration. Explaining what United Way does can be complicated, but this video makes it a bit easier.
Vonda’s Story
Grandmother to two little girls, Vonda never thought she would be in a position raising children again, outside of spoiling her grandkids. Watch how OberlinKids provided support to Vonda as she enrolled her granddaughters in pre-school and so much more!
Jerry’s Story
In this video, pre-school age Jerry and his mom find the support they need through the Ready Set Go to Kindergarten Community Collaborative. Ready Set Go helps advocate for Jerry and his family in school when he discovers is on the autism spectrum.
To download logos, right-click and save.
If you need a logo that you do not see here, please contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
2-1-1 First Call for Help is a 24-hour referral service powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County that connects people to services throughout the community.
Not only is it a direct service United Way provides the county, but it is the gateway to everything we do. It acts as the access point to all our Community Collaboratives and collects live data on the greatest needs our community is facing.
Watch this tutorial to learn how to access the 2-1-1 Data dashboard.
5 Ways to use 2-1-1 Data in Your Giving Campaign:
1.Look at the highest needs in your community and share them using one of our email templates included in this toolkit.
2. Search for the zip code your workplace is located and share the highest needs in your area with your employees.
3. Share data on social media and what your company is doing to help positively impact our community.
4. Have your top executive speak about the needs our community is facing in a staff meeting, citing live 2-1-1 data.
5. Ask your United Way representative for ways to embed 2-1-1 data into your campaign!
PLEDGING OPTIONS
We can work with you to determine whether a paper, digital, or online campaign is best for your team.
Hosting a giving campaign is a great way to encourage your employees to be involved in the community and give to the causes they are passionate about through your workplace!
Hosting a giving campaign is easy, especially if you use this guide!
Follow these steps to get started:
1. Let us know that you are interested in hosting a giving campaign and we will set up a meeting to plan dates, special events, and answer your questions.
2. If you are hosting a digital campaign, we will build a custom giving site for your team. If you are hosting a paper campaign, we will work with you to drop off any necessary materials.
3. Kick off your campaign and we will be right by your side! You can call us anytime with questions about giving or United Way.
If you have any questions about how to use this pdf form please contact United Way at (440) 277-6530.
VOLUNTEERING
Whether you are looking for short or long-term opportunities during your campaign, or individual opportunities for yourself to volunteer, we can find a meaningful way for you to give back and learn more about our community.
YOUR IMPACT
Thank you for your volunteerism as a United Way Campaign Champion! Your dedication and support allow us to continue helping people across Lorain County giving everyone the chance to thrive.
Because of dedicated campaign champions like YOU we were able to collect over $1,500,000+ to support our Community Collaboratives and Impact Initiatives.
Learn more about how workplace campaigns allow us to help people by visiting our Community Collaborative page.