Campaign Planning

So, you’re running a United Way Campaign?

Welcome to your guide to running a seamless United Way campaign!

As a Campaign Ambassador, your commitment to hosting a workplace campaign strengthens our community. Whether your campaign is virtual or in person, these tips and resources will help you from start to finish.

5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN

  • Multiple hands holding and assembling LEGO minifigures

    1. Energize

    Recruit a strong team to lead your United Way Campaign.

  • Sunset over mountain range with colorful sky, layered mountains in shades of pink, purple, and orange, and a hiker with a backpack standing on a ridge.

    2. Inspire

    Share the United Way story with all employees and how their contributions make a difference.

  • Colorful embroidery floss skeins arranged in a circle on a light purple surface.

    3. Engage

    Connect employees with volunteer opportunities to learn more about the work they support.

  • A white paper cutout of a hand against a rainbow-colored background created with colored pencils.

    4. Ask

    Make sure everyone knows that every dollar matters and ask them to contribute.

  • Person holding colorful emoji and food-themed balloons in front of a vibrant rainbow-colored mural wall.

    5. Celebrate

    Be proud of the work you’ve done and share the impact with your team. Don’t forget to thank your donors so everyone feels appreciated.

Campaign Quick Tips

The links below will provide quick resources to guide you through your campaign.

Ambassador Guide
Sample Campaign Schedule
Prizes and Incentatives
Campaign Prep Worksheet
Fundraising Activities

Running a Campaign

Use this step-by-step guide to access materials, checklists, and resources to guide you through your campaign.

    • Attend United Way ambassador training.

    • Secure CEO/senior management support.

    • Determine your participation goal, monetary goal, and incentives.

    • Recruit a team to help with the campaign; assign tasks.

    • Review the previous campaign’s performance, opportunities, and challenges.

    • Meet with your United Way campaign coordinator to discuss campaign strategies and develop a calendar of events.

    • Determine your campaign plan and time frame.

    • Schedule your kickoff, United Way speaker, and any special events.

    • Promote the campaign and distribute your calendar of events.

    • Send a campaign kickoff letter from your CEO/senior management endorsing the campaign.

    • Invite retirees to your kickoff event.

    • Hold kickoff event with campaign coordinator and agency speaker.

    • Ensure all employees have access to campaign materials and giving platforms.

    • Hold a leadership giving or loyal contributor (10+ year donors) event.

    • Keep the campaign alive by sharing success stories, community facts, and photos via your intranet.

    • Conduct special events, lunch and learn sessions, and other activities.

    • Monitor your progress toward your goal.

    • Remind individuals who have not pledged to consider making a gift.

    • Send reminders about campaign events, incentives, and deadlines.

    • Ensure all pledges are received.

    • Follow up on any corporate contribution or employee match.

    • Calculate the results, review results with your committee members, and prepare your final report envelope for your United Way Contact.

    • Announce results to all employees.

    • Post campaign photos on your organization’s social media networks.

    • Evaluate the challenges and successes of your campaign. Keep the notes handy for next year.

    • Thank all donors with a celebration event, letter, or email from your CEO and a presentation from a United Way representative.

    • Talk to your campaign coordinator about how United Way can continue to improve its service.

    • Keep employees updated on United Way activities.

    • Educate new hires about United Way, give them an opportunity to give, and invite them to sign up for emails to learn more about how their work makes a difference.

    • Offer lunch and learn sessions about the United Way.

    • Share success stories.

    • Promote volunteer opportunities like our Annual Day of Action.

    • Attend United Way events (Campaign Finale Celebration, Champions Luncheon, etc.).

    • Host a drive for back-to-school supplies, diapers, food, etc.

    • Ask employees to sign up at svuw.org/StayInformed to learn how their gift makes a difference.

 2025 Campaign Materials

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Close-up of a microphone on a stand, with a blurred background showing an audience and stage lights.

Request a Speaker

Schedule a speaker to kick off your campaign or speak at a company-wide meeting and share our latest work — virtually or in person.