Giving
Campaign

​​​​​CAMPAIGN BEST PRACTICES

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Use Our Available Templates
You don't have to invent a wheel! Contact us to find existing promotional and campaign materials like emails, posters, social media posts, and more.  If you need additional assistance, we will be happy to create something for your needs.​​​

 

Recruit a Team
Don’t run your campaign alone. Recruit a committee of enthusiastic, resourceful and committed colleagues to help you plan the best possible campaign. Things to consider…

-Involve representatives from various departments in your organization. Diversity is important, so invite individuals from groups such as marketing, human resources, accounting, and more.
-Set up regular committee meetings and delegate responsibilities. You can ensure campaign success by creating roles such as department liaison and payroll contact, and areas of focus such as marketing/events and campaign communications, for committee members.
 

Lock Down the Logistics
It’s all about timing—take it from us.

The most effective campaigns have proven to be short and sweet, so design yours with that in mind. Kick it off and wrap it up within 2 weeks.
-Plan ahead. It’s important to launch the campaign with a clear kickoff and wrap it up ceremoniously. These are key elements to take into consideration when establishing timing up front.
-Set goals. United Way will help you determine the numbers. Once they are set, make sure your colleagues know what they’re working toward.
 

Rally the Troops
Bring people together to not only Give, but to Advocate and Volunteer as well. It’s all part of Living United.

-Host a kickoff event. Educational meetings and events throughout your campaign get people together— plus, they offer an element of fun and help drive engagement. It’s an opportunity to learn more about community needs and find out how to get involved. Ensure events offer a variety of ways to learn and understand what their contribution to Mid-Plains United Way will help accomplish.
-Promote volunteer projects. Mid-Plains United Way offers a variety of group volunteer opportunities promoting team building. Reach out to Haven Smith at 308-532-8870 for details you can share within your organization.
-Facilitate a leadership meeting. Set a meeting designed to educate a unique segment of past contributors— those who have donated at a specific level (for example, $100 or more)—and challenge each other to increase support. 
 

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Campaigns with great visibility encourage everyone to get involved. Here are a few ways to mix your communications up and get them the visibility they deserve.

-Employ regular, consistent communication. Launch your campaign with creative kickoff communications— then, communicate along the way to maintain excitement and engagement.
-Use a mixed media approach. Email, your intranet, personalized letters, pay stub inserts and the Mid-Plains United Way website are all valuable elements you can use to promote your campaign. Hang posters and fliers in prominent places like lobbies, kitchens/lounges and elevators to announce campaign dates and important information.
 

Wrap Things Up
Clearly signify that the campaign is officially a wrap and, while you’re at it, make sure your colleagues receive proper thanks.

-Finalize your campaign. Publicize your campaign’s end date and ensure all pledge forms are turned in by the deadline (remind donors to keep their copy of the pledge form for tax purposes)—then place the donations in an envelope provided by Mid-Plains United Way in preparation for delivery or pickup:
Include a copy of pledge forms and all cash and checks from one-time gifts and special events.
Sign the envelope verifying the amount of cash and/or checks enclosed.
Submit all final results to Mid-Plains United Way within two weeks of your campaign’s close, allowing United Way to process donations and thank your donors in a timely manner.
-Don’t forget to say thanks! Ensuring your donors have a positive experience is critical to reinforcing your appreciation and creating consistent donors. And, be timely with your thank-you efforts. Thank donors, employees and your campaign team in well-timed fashion at the end of the campaign.
-Recognize specific contributions. Thank contributors for participating in the campaign with incentives such as prize drawings, a thank-you luncheon or personal letters.
-Stay in touch with United Way. We are available year-round. Arrange quarterly face-to-face meetings to keep up to date on what’s going on at your company/organization and to learn how your organization’s support of Mid-Plains United Way has impacted your community.