The top companies achieve on average a 50% + participation rate and $150 + per capita giving by implementing the practices listed below.

1. CEO Commitment – Strong leadership and commitment to the community from the CEO and senior management filters throughout the organization. This commitment sets a tone of excitement for the annual campaign and is a proven technique for higher participation rates. A letter endorsing the campaign from the CEO is standard practice with all of our top companies.
2. Year-round Communication – Organizations commit to providing on-going involvement in volunteer programs and communications on the many community needs.
3. Timing – Successful organizations start their campaigns early with assignments of key internal volunteers, Campaign Chairs and Leadership Chairs. These assignments are senior personnel who lead the internal campaign.
4. Training – Training starts early within the departments with assignments of campaign volunteers. Group meetings are scheduled with United Way senior staff and agency speakers who provide information regarding key messages and community needs.
5. Recognition – Internal recognition programs for donors at leadership levels provides an additional value to employees. The recognition can be in printed materials or leadership events to thank your leadership donors. (See below for an example of a recognition program)
6. Special Events – Special events provide an opportunity for all employees to join in the campaign. There are many examples of successful special events. Your United Way staff person can assist you in planning your event.
7. Leadership – Top companies recognize the importance of senior-level management setting an example for employees and stresses the importance of leadership giving. A senior manager should be assigned the task of soliciting other senior managers for leadership level gifts. This one-on-one solicitation is one of the best practices for increasing dollars. (See below for additional information on leadership programs)
8. Technology – E pledge opportunities provide an easy process to donate and coordinate at the company level. Also, daily e-mails can be used to endorse the campaign and educate employees about United Way.
9. Incentives – Incentives provide employees extra motivation to submit their pledges early and to increase their pledges.
10. Awareness – A number of companies kick off their campaign with a rally of sorts. One company invites employees to a barbecue celebration which features a United Way booth where information is disbursed and questions are answered. Employees are encouraged to complete their pledge that day.
11. Goals – Most top organizations set a campaign goal. They encourage participation by requiring every employee turn in a pledge form, whether they pledge or refuse.
12. Retiree Campaign – Several of our top companies conduct formal retiree campaigns. Each retiree receives a letter asking for a UW contribution. (In 2003, one company raised more than $113,000 dollars from this group.
13. Union Support – A letter is sent to union members from the president of the union endorsing the campaign, asking the member to consider making a pledge to United Way.
14. New hires program – Implementing a new hires program by making a United Way ask part of the formal orientation package. By asking each employee from the beginning of their employment to consider United Way, it emphasizes the company’s commitment to the community and United Way.