The Basics of United Way Campaigns

Our official Kickoff to the 2010 Campaign will take place in September, with the 2010 Campaign formally running from September 1 through November 15, 2010. If your company wishes to participate in our Pacesetters program or if your company would like to initiate a United Way campaign, please contact Dana Given by email or by calling 615-826-2977.

Join the LIVE UNITED movement! Be a part of the change!

WORKPLACE CAMPAIGNS:

• These are the most common and most popular format for United Way fundraising.  A workplace campaign typically consists of a scheduled meeting between a United Way representative and employees of the host business, that is facilitated by an employee campaign volunteer ("Campaign Coordinator").  During the meeting, information about United Way and its work in the community is provided, from addressing emergency needs to taking a long term approach to eliminating or reducing challenges in the community.  Employees may also learn how that work is accomplished by United Way partner agencies and in some cases, how an individual client of an agency benefitted from services made possible by United Way funding.  At the end of the meeting, employees are invited to make a one-time donation or contribute regularly through payroll deduction.  Workplace campaigns may be managed by a local United Way or nationally, by United Way of America with local United Way support. 

INDIVIDUAL DONORS:

• Another critical component to United Way's Annual Campaign are its individual donors.  These United Way supporters may not have a workplace campaign in which they can contribute, they may be a small business owner or entrepreneur, or they may be an individual who is retired or does not work outside the home. Regardless, United Way's annual campaign does rely upon the very important contributions of these advocates. Similar to workplace contributors, an individual donor has the option to make a one-time contribution or can be billed regularly by United Way, dividing up their annual contribution.

LEADERSHIP GIVERS:

• United Way of Sumner County recognizes its Leadership Givers as anyone who contributes $500 or more in an Annual Campaign.  Donors may be individuals or participants in a workplace campaign.  There are several levels of Leadership Giving: $500-999 (Leadership Club); $1,000-$1,499 (Director's Club); $1,500-$1,999 (President's Club); $2,000-$4,999 (Chairman's Club); and $5,000-$9,999 (Sumner Club).  Unless requested by the individual, United Way publicly recognizes these donors for their outstanding dedication to United Way's mission.  Donors who make an annual gift of $10,000 or more are recognized by United Way of Sumner County, as well as the United Way of America as Alexis de Toqueville members.  These significant contributors, unless they wish to remain anonymous, are recognized publicly by both the local United Way and United Way of America.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

• Occasionally, United Way of Sumner County will host a special fundraiser, outside of the Annual Campaign.  Past examples include: 5K Runs and Golf Tournaments.  Funds raised go to address a specific cause or need and are typically raised through admission or participation fees.