United Way of the Laurel Highlands 2015 Campaign

Workplace Coordinator’s Guide

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If you give, LIVES WILL BE CHANGED.

United Way of the Laurel Highlands Serving Cambria & Somerset County www.uwlaurel.org

August 1, 2015 Dear United Way Volunteer, THANK YOU! Of all the volunteers who help our organization throughout the year, you may have the most challenging and rewarding job! You will be volunteering your time to organize and implement your company’s campaign, and championing the LIVE UNITED message. As you conduct your workplace campaign, you will likely become more connected with co-workers, utilize your leadership skills, network with community leaders through United Way activities, and have some fun...all while helping our communities. Seventy percent of our annual revenue comes from United Way workplace campaigns, so your work is valuable to us! There is exciting progress taking place with the United Way as we work together to create positive social change. You will learn more as you review this guide and connect with our staff and other volunteers about the impact the United Way funded programs are making in our area. Please use this guide for information, inspiration, and helpful ideas during the planning and execution of your United Way Campaign. Share it with members of your in-house Campaign Team. Extra copies are available upon request, or by going to our website at www.uwlaurel.org and click on the Campaign tab. We appreciate your efforts and are here to help you in ANY way that we can. Simply ask! Good luck and THANK YOU again! Sincerely, Craig Saylor Greg Winger Chief Executive Officer Sr. Vice President Somerset Hospital First National Bank of PA 2015 Campaign Chairman 2015 Campaign Co-Chair

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Workplace Coordinators Role

Workplace Coordinators are asked to publicize the United Way campaign where you work, schedule presentations, distribute and collect pledge forms, and coordinate any other fundraisers that can bring staff together for fundraising and team-building exercises. The time commitment varies based on the size of the workplace, but the typical campaign period is usually just two weeks. At the end, you will be asked to complete the simple Company Report Sheet and submit it along with any cash/checks collected, as well as copies of employee pledge forms, to the United Way of the Laurel Highlands.

To help you organize your Campaign:

Become Informed– Know the United Way………………………………….4

Know our 25 Partner agencies ………..………………………………………...5,6,7

Coordinate a team to help you…………………………………………………..8

Use UW Materials and Supplies………………………………………………….9

Ask! Learn why and how……………………………………………………………10

Learn how to organize your ask………………………………………………….11,12

Learn from others– Best Practices……………………………………………..13

Set a Goal, Be Prepared...…………………………………………………………..14

Help us to say Thank You!..............................................................15

In-House Fundraising ideas………………………………………………………..16, 17

Questions…………………………………………………………………………………..18

Learn about Get Connected………………………………………………………..19

Staff Directory and Information………………………………………………….20

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BECOME AN INFORMED VOLUNTEER

KNOW YOUR UNITED WAY

United Way of the Laurel Highlands is an independent, autonomous organization serving Cambria and Somerset Counties.

UWLH is governed by a local volunteer board of directors who, along with our Community Impact Volunteers, make the program funding decisions for our community. These decisions are based on an assessment, by the community, of the needs in our community .

United Way of the Laurel Highlands mission is : “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community”

Our main focus is on Education, Income, and Health with five priorities:

1. Helping Children & Youth Succeed 2. Strengthening & Supporting Family 3. Promoting Self-Sufficiency 4. Supporting Vulnerable & Aging Populations 5. Promoting Health & Wellness

HOW THE MONEY IS ALLOCATED The United Way of the Laurel Highlands surveys the community through our Community Needs Assessment, to identify our priorities and needs. The UWLH uses this information to target problem areas and “root causes” of community problems. This year we are utilizing our 25 partner agencies to deliver quality programs and services to address these issues. Additionally, we search out agencies who provide other identified programs in our priority areas, and help fund programs to meet those needs. These programs and services are monitored and measured to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Agencies must track their results and show measureable outcomes. Programs must fall into one of UWLH’s 5 Community priority areas listed above. February: The Community Impact Committee (CIC) is formed with local volunteers from both

Cambria and Somerset County. Each member is trained on the set guidelines. March: The CIC is divided into panels to review completed grant applications, conduct program

site visits and interviews, and score the programs as outlined in set guidelines. The panels then make a final investment recommendation for each program to the full CIC, who in turn determine final recommendations for approval by the Board of Directors.

April: UWLH Board of Directors review and approve final program allocation awards. May: At the Annual Meeting agencies are notified of their allocation. Additionally, they are notified

in writing of their approved allocation along with any recommendations by the CIC, and/or Board of Directors.

July through June of following year: Agency allocations are paid monthly. Agencies who receive funding are required to submit quarterly outcome reports to the UWLH for review.

You can’t champion a cause you don’t know anything about. The more you know about United Way of the Laurel Highlands, the more impassioned you will become and the more credible you will be with co-workers.

Giving to United Way of the Laurel Highlands through workplace cam-paigns has been a tradition since 1931.

Money raised here stays here to work in Cambria and Somerset Counties.

In 2014 United Way funded programs touched the lives of 40,226 individu-als in Somerset and Cambria Counties.

Through Federal and State grants, UWLH also provides funding to emer-gency food pantries, utility and rent/mortgage assistance programs in Cam-bria County.

UWLH overhead for administration and fundraising is 19.4%

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2015-2016 Funded Programs

United Way of the Laurel Highlands – Partner Agencies

Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council 201 W. High St., Ste. 1, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (814) 471-1090 www.lhc-bsa.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Cub Scout Pack #1201: Providing the scouting experience to underserved areas. Pack #1201 is located in Solomon Public Housing Unit and allows boys the benefit of scouting who otherwise may not be able to attend meetings outside of their neighborhood.

Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County 357 W. Fairview St., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 445-1802 www.bgcsomersetcounty.org Serving Somerset County Power Hour: Homework help and tutoring program which offers support, resources and guidance necessary for Club Members to complete their homework and start the school day with a sense of confidence and ability.

Catholic Charities 321 Main St., Ste. 5G, Johnstown, PA 15901 (814-535-6538) Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Emergency Financial Assistance: Alleviate the immediate financial crisis to ensure that basic human needs are met. Homeless Shelter: Safely provide shelter to Cambria County Residents. Develop individual service plans with a goal of obtaining permanent housing.

Coal Country Youth Center 1102 Maple Ave., Northern Cambria, PA 15714 (814)948-8493 Serving Cambria County Teen Center: Expansion of Youth Center in Northern Cam-bria County which promotes healthy behaviors and provides a safe place for teens to socialize. Pre-School Scholarships: Provides scholarships to a high-quality Pre-School.

Alternative Community Resource Program (ACRP) 131 Market St., Johnstown, PA 15901 1-888-308-6783 www.acrpkids.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties CHORE Program: Serves the vulnerable and aging population by completing a home safety assessment and re-pairs.

American Red Cross PA Mountains Chapter 250 Jari Dr., Johnstown, PA 15904 (814) 262-3179 www.keystone-redcross.org Serving Cambria & Somerset

Counties

Emergency Services Program: Responds to natural or man-made disasters in our communities to provide assistance to the victims.

Beginnings, Inc. 111 Market St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814)539-1919 www.beginningsinc.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties

Parents as Teachers: Evidence based program focusing on parent-child interaction, development centered parenting and family well-being through home visits and group settings.

Behavioral Health Services of Somerset and Bedford Counties, Inc. 245 West Race St., Somerset, PA 15501 (814)443-4891 www.bhssbc.us Serving Somerset County Mental Illness Education & Support Groups: Education & Support groups are held in Somerset County for both individuals with MI and their family members or loved ones. Drop-In Center Peer-operated community based recovery program for adults who experience serious mental illness.

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Easter Seals Western and Central PA 232 Walnut St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 535-5508 166 E. Union St., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 445-4834 Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Speech & Hearing Program: Provides services to individuals with communication, speech, and/or hearing disabilities.

Family Center 192 Smith Ave., Salisbury, PA 15558 (814)662-2721 www.capfsc.org Serving Somerset County Parents as Teachers: Evidence based program which focuses on parent-child interaction, development centered parenting and family well-being through home visits and group settings.

Girl Scouts Western, PA 612 Locust St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 536-5371 www.gswpa.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Dedicated solely to girls where in an accepting, nurturing environment, girls build character, confidence and skills for success in the real world.

Goodwill Industries of the Conemaugh Valley, Inc.

540-542 Central Ave., Johnstown, PA 15902 (814) 536-3536 www.gicv.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Empowering individuals and families with employment barriers to achieve their fullest potential in the community through work services.

Home Nursing Agency 118 Ebony Rd., Ste. 200, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (814) 472-4752 Toll Free 1-800-445-6262 www.homenursingagency.com Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Nurse Family Partnership: Parenting skills & education taught first time, low income moms by a nurse, beginning with pregnancy continuing until the child is age two.

2014-2015 Funded Programs

United Way of the Laurel Highlands – Partner Agencies

Johnstown Free Medical Clinic, Inc. 340 Main St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 534-6242 Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Free Medical Clinic: Provides free medical care to uninsured individuals. Individuals must meet income guidelines and be medically denied from the PA Department of Human Services.

The Learning Lamp 2025 Bedford St., Johnstown, PA 15904 (814) 262-0732 www.thelearninglamp.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties After School Outreach Program: Provides high-poverty neighborhoods with high risk indicators a free community based drop-in afterschool program. Pre-School Program: Provides scholarships to high-quality Pre-Schools.

Mom’s House 1325 Franklin St., Johnstown, PA 15905 (814) 535-4848 www.momshouse.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties

Mom’s House Childcare: Provides safe, secure and free childcare and quality pre-school to single parents wishing to continue their education.

Next Step Center 406 Stoystown Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 444-8588 www.capfsc.org Serving Somerset County Homeless Shelter: Safely provide shelter to Somerset County residents. Develop individual service plans with a goal of obtaining permanent housing.

Peer Empowerment Network (PEN) 514 Somerset St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 539-2724) Serving Cambria County Drop-In Center: Peer-operated community based recovery program for adults who experience serious mental illness. Mental Illness Education & Support Groups: Education & Support groups are held in Cambria County for both individuals with MI and their family members or loved ones.

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Salvation Army Johnstown 576 Vine St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 539-3110 Serving Cambria County Feeding Program: Provides meals and food to financially struggling individuals and families. Evening meals are provided 5 days a week. Dental Center: Provides affordable access to dental care to the uninsured and underinsured. Center offers a sliding scale fee based on income and household size.

United Way of the Laurel Highlands – Partner Agencies 2014-2015 Funded Programs

Salvation Army Somerset 140 East Fairview St., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 445-9232 Serving Somerset County Heating Program: Heating Assistance to Somerset County residents.

Somerset County Blind Center 1590 N. Center Ave., Somerset, PA 15501(814) 445-1310 www.sabvi.org Serving Somerset County Blind Center: Somerset County residents who are visually impaired have access to information and instruction to remain as independent as possible.

Twin Lakes Center 224 Twin Lakes Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 443-3639 www.twinlakescenter.org Serving Cambria & Somerset County Drug &Alcohol Prevention Program: Delivers Botvin’s evidence based Drug & Alcohol prevention program to Somerset County students in grades 6, 7 & 8.

United Way of the Laurel Highlands 422 Main St., Ste. 203, Johnstown, PA 15901 (814)535-2563 120 W. High St., Ebensburg, PA 15931 (814) 472-6784 166 E. Union St., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 445-6927 www.uwlaurel.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Food Pantry Services: Provides administrative work and support for Emergency Food & Shelter program along with the Dept. of Agricultural grant for 19 food pantries across Cambria County.

United Way of the Laurel Highlands Community Outreach Services: Provides information and referral, advocates for those in need, funds workforce development, supports dislocated workers, mobilizes volunteers and convenes services to collectively address community issues.

Victim Services, Inc.

638 Ferndale Ave., Johnstown, PA 15905 (814) 288-4961 427 Westridge Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 443-1555 24 Hour Hotline 1-800-755-1983 www.victimservicesinc.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Direct Services to Victims: 24 hour hotline for immediate crisis intervention, accompaniment to crime related medical, police and criminal justice proceedings, victim notification, court orientation and preparation, crisis counseling and support.

Women’s Help Center, Inc. 809 Napoleon St., Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 536-5361 124 N. Center Ave., Scull Bldg., Room 214, Somerset, PA 15501 (814) 443-2824 www.womenshelpcenter.org Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Women’s Help Center: Domestic violence center and emergency shelter serving Cambria and Somerset County. Services include a 24 hour hotline, information and referral, counseling, advocacy, parenting sessions, violence prevention, transportation and emergency shelter.

Greater Johnstown YMCA 100 Haynes Street, Johnstown, PA 15901 (814) 535-8381 Serving Cambria & Somerset Counties Middle School Youth Initiative: Curriculum and activity based approach to building assets needed by our youth. Provides opportunities to learn about, participate in recognize and respect real life responsibility to real life situations that will have a lasting impact on their future and the decisions they make as they grow into adults.

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ASK Others to Help—build a team!

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Management Participation of management is essential for a successful campaign. We already have their support, or we wouldn't be conducting a campaign. So let’s leverage that support in ways that can boost the credibility and im-portance of our effort. Ask them to endorse the campaign with a

personal letter or e-mail to associates. During your United Way presentations,

have them address associates with the reason why your company participates or why they personally give.

Keep them updated regularly on progress.

Union Leadership, If Applicable Ask them to endorse the campaign with a

personal letter or e-mail to associates. During your United Way presentations,

have them address associates with the reason why their union participates or why they personally give.

GET HELP Don’t feel like you have to “go it alone.” In fact, the larger your workplace, the more im-portant it is to recruit help. The more people you have helping on your campaign the more chances we have to increase our ability to make a larger community impact.

If your workplace has multiple departments or locations spread around town (like a school district), consider recruiting others from each department to serve on a committee.

Ask the United Way for help! We have a

committee of volunteers dedicated to the campaign ready to step in and assist you in making your workplace campaign a huge success!

People like to be asked for their help! It

makes them feel like they belong, and helping to organize and run your cam-paign will help them to sharpen their skills.

Form a committee at your workplace and make it a team effort!

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IT’S ALL MATERIAL—ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

THE VIDEO. Show it. At presentations. On your internal displays. Send the link via e-mail. It shows local volunteers in action!

POSTERS. Don’t be shy. Take extras and plaster the walls of your workplace. We can even customize posters showing co-workers. Call us for details.

STICKERS. Perfect for employee ID badges.

THERMOMETER. Track your campaign’s progress.

DON’T SEE IT HERE? Log on to www.unitedwaystore.com for more United Way-specific items and ideas that you can use for your campaign.

2015 CAMPAIGN VIDEO Show it at presentations and in your internal displays. Send a link to our website www.uwlaurel.org . The video is availa-ble on our homepage. It shows how lives have been changed for some of the recipients of United Way Funded programs. Our video is produced and donated each year by:

Wix Pix Productions 487 Griffith Ave., Mineral Point, PA 15942

www.wixpix.com

Thank You WIX PIX!!!

POSTERS. Use them to remind your co-workers about the campaign. Place them in the halls, restrooms, elevators, lunch room or anywhere your employees gather. Put your contact information right on the poster! THERMOMETER POSTER: A great way to set a goal for your organization and let your employees know how close your are to reaching that goal. Watching that thermometer rise is a great way to motivated your staff!

Materials Available BROCHURES. It’s important to make sure that everyone in the workplace is given a campaign brochure and pledge form so that they can make an educated decision about giving. PLEDGE FORMS. The most powerful way to invest in your community is Community Impact Fund. Funds designated to agencies (other than UWLH Partner Agencies) will be assessed an administrative fee based on actual costs incurred by the United Way of the Laurel Highlands. Send a copy of pledge forms to your Payroll Department and the original pledge form to United Way of the Laurel Highlands. Please encour-age donors to include their email address on the pledge form so we may keep them up to date on campaign progress. Per-sonalize forms before handing out for a higher rate of return UNITED WAY AT A GLANCE. A one piece informational sheet that gives a quick overview of the UW and lists all the current-ly funded programs on the back. THE UNITED WAY DIFFERENCE. This one piece informational sheet provides an overview of our important Community impact work and priorities. We highlight the work that is be-ing done in the community by the UW to get at the root caus-es of issues that negatively affect our communities. And, we show HOW the United Way is making a difference. LOGOS. You are welcome to personalize any of your own materials that you might want to publish. To add the United Way logo, go to our web site and click on the Campaign button.

All items are available online… including this guide www.uwlaurel.org

And click the CAMPAIGN button!

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HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE “THE ASK?”

Find the time to schedule a 15 to 20 minute United Way presentation. This could occur during already-scheduled

staff or safety meetings. United Way is willing to do the presentation multiple times to cover your various shifts and

departments.

Do you know the #1 reason why people say

they DON’T give to the United Way?

No one ASKED them! Your job as a Workplace Coordinator is to ensure that EVERY person in your organization has been formally asked to give. So how can we plan to ask each individual associate, and do it effectively?

Think first about how effective your “point-of contact” moment is going to be. That moment when they first receive their pledge form. In most cases, a person will make the decision to give, or not, within 10 seconds of receiving the pledge form. How inspired will they be to give at that exact moment? Personalize pledge forms before handing out for a better return rate.

People give to people. The most effective

“asks” include an educational piece along with the human element, the personal touch of a face-to-face plea. At the very least, include a story, an e-mail, or a letter explaining why their gift is needed.

Will they simply find a pledge form on

their desk one day? Will it be left in their mailbox? These methods are not nearly as effective.

Ask for a completed pledge form from eve-

ry associate. Whether they give or not, if they fill out and return the form, we know they’ve been presented with the infor-mation and have made a conscious decision on how to participate. Asking for a complet-ed pledge form from every associate is not pressuring anyone to give. It is simply en-suring that you did your job of making the opportunity available to everyone.

Advantages of Donating through

the United Way

Our Partner agencies are freed from extra fundraising enabling them to concentrate efforts on their core business...delivery of services.

More money is raised at less expense –

economies of scale help minimise over-heads.

It takes the guesswork out of giving - one

donation addresses a multiplicity of genu-ine community needs.

The Workplace Giving Program provides

employees with a convenient, painless, TAX DEDUCTIBLE method of contrib-uting on a regular basis through the Unit-ed Way.

Every Gift makes a difference! And,

when it is combined with thousands of other donor gifts, your donation will make

a powerful impact in the community!

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Please use this sample as a guide to organize your presentations.

Introductions: By Workplace Coordinator / Manager / CEO

Start with a few words of endorsement by CEO, Manager, or Workplace Coordinator as to why the company is involved with United Way and why this workplace campaign is important.

Explain that the United Way campaign is now underway and that all employees will be given the opportunity to participate and make their own, personal impact in our community.

Introduce United Way representative (s) if they are part of your presentation United Way Part I: By United Way Staff, Loaned Executive or Lead Volunteer

Thank the audience for their time and their past support. Share what the company raised for the community during its campaign last year, and how they rank (if they rank high) among other workplaces.

We are here to share with them who we are, what we do, and how THEY can help. This can be easily done by reviewing the UW At a Glance document with them. (be sure they each have one to follow along)

Be sure to highlight the following information on the UNITED WAY AT A GLANCE

Mission Statement: To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community United Way priority areas listed on UW At a Glance We are local. Money raised here, stays here. NOT a chapter of a national organization. Local volunteers guide the organization to reflect the values and meet the needs of our counties. Explain the Community Needs Assessment and Community Impact process. **This is where you will want to stress the quality programs that the UW “seeks” to target the root causes of problems that negatively effect our communities. We are seeking social change and funding programs that will net results. Talk about our fiscal responsibility and the Guide Star Gold Star award Point out information about GET CONNECTED When appropriate, mention that the UW receives donations through wills and endowments and while

planning retirement or estate planning, the UW can help you with information and guidance. United Way Part II: By United Way Staff, Loaned Executive or Lead Volunteer

1. Highlight any program / Impact Area that you feel will be of special value to your audience especially NEW programs or TOP FUNDED programs. Do your research. Know your audience.

2. State the financial information. 80.6 cents of every dollar goes directly to a program or service. This exceeds the Better Business Bureau’s standard of 65 cents/dollar and the state campaign

guidelines at 75 cents/dollar.

How we LIVE UNITED: United Way Staff / Lead Volunteer Introduce and show the United Way Campaign Video (8 minutes in length)

SAMPLE Guide for Presentations

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Distribution of Brochure / Pledge Forms: United Way Staff / Lead Volunteer

United Way Staff / Lead Volunteer explains the process of filling out the pledge forms, including details on:

Incentives – car/TV and other prizes— $15 a month ($180 or more a year) to enter. The car and other prizes are donated to the UW. Donors listed on brochure and pledge form.

Designations Briefly explain that donors could designate their gift if they so choose, but the most powerful way to invest in our own community is through the general fund.

Designations to agencies other than United Way of the Laurel Highlands or their Partner Agency will be charged a 12% administration fee

Workplace Coordinator explains any additional details pertaining to the company’s specific campaign, including:

Goals Deadlines Internal incentives or give -away items Upcoming internal “fun-raisers

Question and Answer: United Way Staff / Workplace Champion

Open the floor to questions. Refer to FAQ sheet for answers to most common questions. If you don’t know the answer...tell them you will get the answer and get back to them. Be sure that you do! **UW Representatives: Remind participants that if they heard something during the presentation about a

program that you, a family member, or a friend might need to take advantage of, encourage them to make the call or to speak to you afterward.

Collection of Pledge Forms: Workplace Coordinator

Workplace Campaign Coordinator explains details for how/when employees should turn in their forms.

Please try to complete your campaign by October 30th. Provide the United Way the completed Company Report Sheet, any cash/checks collected, and copies of employees pledge forms for payroll deductions, billing or other forms of payment that were chosen. Note the special tips on this report for your Payroll Department.

**You will also be provided with a New Employee Packet for your Human Resources Dept. that is to be used

to include any new employee who joins your team during the upcoming year.

SAMPLE Guide for Presentations..pg 2

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BEST PRACTICES

Consider these ideas to enhance your company’s campaign...

A formal United Way presentation. Workplaces that scheduled one last year raised 28% more than the previous campaign.

Food always draws a crowd! Provide refresh-

ments at your United Way meetings. Coffee, doughnuts, or fruit for morning events; pizza at lunch; cookies, brownies, or ice cream.

Have a “funraiser” to supplement your payroll

deduction pledges. This will raise awareness and build camaraderie. (ideas on pages 15,& 16)

Provide incentives for giving. Perhaps a casual

dress day coupon, a day off, or a gift certificate. Establish friendly inter-department competi-

tions, such as an office pizza party for the de-partment that raises the most or has highest par-ticipation.

Incorporate United Way materials into your

new employee orientation packet. Allow new hires to complete a pledge form as they sign on.

Ask your retirees. If you have regular

communication with them, send them a pledge card and brochure and make them feel like part of the team. Plus it will boost your company to-tal!

Conduct an email blitz throughout your cam-

paign highlighting the impact their United Way gifts make.

Post United Way announcements and stories on

bulletin boards, in employee publications Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, all the social me-dia…..use it all...it works!

It only takes a pledge of

$15 a month ($180 a year)

to receive an entry into our drawing to Win a NEW CAR!

Be sure you let your co-workers know how easy it is to enter!

WIN A NEW CAR!!!!!

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SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS

BE PREPARED….Set Goals!

Be Prepared, that’s the motto of the Boy Scouts (a United Way Member Agency, by the way). Develop a plan of action that ensures all associates are educated about what United Way does and are asked to give. The plan should include obtainable goals for your workplace to achieve and to measure the success of our efforts.

1. Along with your United Way Loaned Exec. or staff, research your campaign’s untapped potential.

2. Set a participation goal. Set a dollar amount goal by

reviewing last year’s average gift and set a realistic monetary goal. Increasing employee participation will help you reach the monetary goal.

3. Set a goal of 100% ASK. Make sure that everyone

receives a pledge form. The most effective way is through distribution of pledge forms and brochures during United Way presentations at staff meetings.

4. Set a goal of 100% pledge form collection. This en-

sures that everyone has at least considered a gift to United Way and made a decision.

5. Set a deadline for forms to be returned and ensure

that all pledge forms, even if not filled out, are col-lected.

6. Establish your campaign dates and develop a realistic

plan to achieve your goals. While the period of direct solicitation within your workplace should typically take no more than 2 weeks, the campaign doesn’t just “happen.” Choose which of the best practices and fundraisers you will employ and prepare for them! Schedule United Way presentations in ad-vance and plan the publicity efforts that will surround your campaign.

Goals for you and your Team!

Set an overall campaign goal Timeline.. 2 weeks is man-

ageable and easy for every-one!

A 100% ASK goal! A 100% pledge form collec-

tion (even if they didn’t give) Date to return forms to UW Date to complete all Thank

You notes The most important goal: To be part of making a difference in the community where you work and live!

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Print half-sheet thank you notes on colored

paper with the United Way logo and your thank you message. Post them on the cubicles of those who pledged, recognizing them for their generosity.

Late afternoon reception with snacks for all those who gave.

Send an e-mail or thank you from your CEO. Announce the total your organization raised

on posters, in e-mail, in your company news-letter.

DON’T FORGET TO SAY THANKS !

THANK YOU IDEAS

COMMUNICATING RESULTS

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Everybody loves a winner and jumps on a bandwagon when things are

going well. Track your campaign’s progress and publicly report results to

your co-workers as you move along. * Please try to complete your

campaign by October 30th, and provide to United Way the completed

Company Report sheet, any cash collected and copies of employees

pledge forms.

RECOGNIZE AND REWARD

Mom always taught us to say “Please” and “Thank You.” And saying “Thank You” may be the most im-portant element in maintaining the long-term support you’ve worked so hard to achieve. That’s why United Way has developed a number of ways to thank and recognize generous donors and the hard-working volunteers within workplace campaigns.

United Way will send thank you notes and the proper IRS documentation to donors.

Membership in United Way’s Leadership

Club is a benefit for all who give $600 or more. Members are recognized in an annual publication (unless they wish to remain anonymous)

Will you help us thank donors internally ?

Just a small token of appreciation is often enough to convey the message. You can use some of our extra campaign items (pens, thank you stickers, etc.). Perhaps a staff luncheon or pizza party can be coordinated. Even a simple postcard-sized letter of thanks goes a long way toward making a donor feel appreciated.

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BAKE-OFF CONTEST OR SALE. Who makes the best apple pie in your office? Who’s got the best chocolate chip cookie recipe? Find out by having a bake-off and charge a “donation” for others to sample the entries and judge the winners.

BABY PICTURE CONTEST. See who can match the most staff members with their baby pictures.

BENEFIT DANCE. Organize an outing with co-workers and spouses to enjoy music, dancing, and fun. Ask for a cover charge.

BOOK/DVD SALES. Have co-workers bring in their used books and videos and sell them to raise money for United Way.

BOWLING FOR DOLLARS. Recruit some teams and have a group bowling night, raising money via entry fees or per pin donations.

CASUAL DRESS DAYS. Allow employees to dress down as incentives to make a pledge. If your business already has a casual or jeans day each week, try something different, such as Stupid Hat Day, Outrageous Socks Day, or Favorite Sports Team Day.

CHAIR MASSAGE. Bring in a massage therapist for a day and allow all those who submit a pledge form to sit down to a relaxing chair massage.

CHILI COOKOFF CONTEST. Employees cook their favorite recipe and enter it into the contest. Participants pay to sample all of the entries.

COIN WAR. Have departments compete to see who can collect the most loose change for United Way. Collect it in large water jug. Winning department gets a pizza party and bragging rights!

COMEDY HOUR/AMERICAN IDOL CONTEST. Employees and their family members perform during this amateur hour!

COOKBOOK. Collect recipes and helpful household hints from employees and publish them with pictures from staff members’ children. Sell them to benefit United Way.

SPICE UP YOUR UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES!

EASY INCENTIVES & PRIZES Sometimes, the best incentives or prizes don’t cost much. Here are some low-cost/no-cost raffle items you can use if you’re working on a shoestring budget. Get them from your vendors, your own company, or local businesses. Casual dress days Extra paid vacation day Use of an employees vacation home T-shirts, sweatshirts, company gear Basket of goodies and gifts Special parking spot Babysitting and restaurant gift certificates Sports/Show/Movie tickets Free oil changes Lottery tickets Prepaid phone card Unused corporate frequent flier miles or

hotel stays Open/FREE vending machines Gym membership

“FUN-RAISERS” IN THE WORKPLACE

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT. Charge an entry fee and set up brackets like the NCAA Tournament.

CRAFT SALE. This allows employees a chance to share their hobbies and creative talents.

DIET FOR UNITED WAY. Hold a contest to see who can lose the most weight over a month-long period. Each person pays a set amount for every pound lost or gained.

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FASHION SHOW. Work with a local designer or

store to showcase the new seasonal or children’s fashion line. Sell tickets to co-workers to watch other co-workers model the clothing.

FORMAL DRESS DAYS. Tired of casual Fridays? Dress to the nines instead with prizes for the fanciest dresses and snazziest tuxedos!

FRISBEE GOLF TOURNAMENT. New, free courses have been installed in Marysville and Plain City. Have a group outing and raise money just like a real golf outing.

GARAGE SALE. Have employees clean out their closets and set up a company-wide garage sale to benefit United Way.

GUESS THE NUMBER. Fill a jar with x-number pieces of candy, or some other item. For a donation, co-workers can guess the correct number to win the item.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL.. Perfect gathering idea for a potential United Way campaign presentation.

INTRAOFFICE MINI-GOLF. Set up a mini-golf course at the workplace, using slinkies, ramps, “water hazards,” sand traps. Enter teams and have a mini-golf outing just like one on a real course!

KEY TO THE TREASURE. All who submit a pledge form at a certain level get a key to unlock at treasure chest of prizes. Only one key opens the chest.

PET PHOTO CONTEST. Employees post a picture of their pet(s) and co-workers pay an amount to vote for the cutest, ugliest, most unusual, and funniest.

PING PONG TOURNAMENT. Charge an entry fee and set up brackets like the NCAA Tournament.

Check out our website for more ideas!

www.uwlaurel.org Click the Campaign button

5. BEST PRACTICES, CONTINUED 6.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST. Plan a Halloween theme and hold a pumpkin carving contest. Have different categories so that you can have multiple winners. Departments could carve their own and enter them.

RAFFLES. Have someone donate a prize (OSU football tickets, a weekend getaway at Hocking Hills, a car wash, pies) or raffle a paid day off. To enter the raffle, you must turn in a pledge form with a minimum pledge.

SCAVENGER HUNT. Employees have to find unusual items around the office or the neighborhood.

SCRABBLE TOURNAMENT. Have a Scrabble tournament and the number of points you score equals your pledge to United Way!

SNACK CART. Go from workspace to workspace with baked goods or candies.

TAILGATE PARTY. Before the big Steelers, Pitt or PSU game, hold a Friday tailgate party at lunch, complete with hot dogs, chips, music, etc.

TRICYCLE RACES. Set up a relay course in the parking lot and have contestants race through while being timed. Observers can wage money on their favorites.

VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT. Set up three or four game systems in a small conference room. Employees pay-to-play with prizes going to the top scorer in each game.

VOLUNTEER. Organize a group from your workplace to participate in United Way’s annual Day of Caring or Day of Action. Check company policy regarding volunteer hours. Some will make corporate donations for hours. volunteered by associates.

FUN-RAISERS IN THE WORKPLACE “FUN-RAISERS” IN THE WORKPLACE

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY MONEY WHEN I GIVE TO UNITED WAY? Money raised here stays in Cambria and Somerset County. When you give to United Way, we leverage your dollars locally to address the most critical needs in our community. Funding recommendations are made by our volunteers who participate on the Community Impact Committee. These volunteers review the funding requests of our Partner Agencies, and conduct site visits. Then, balancing the overall needs of the community with the agency’s program funding request and amount of money available to allocate, they recommend a funding amount for the next year. United Way’s full Board of Directors approves funding. WHAT IS UNITED WAY of the Laurel Highland’s OVERHEAD? 19.4%. That means 80.6cents of every dollar goes directly to programming, far exceeding the Better Business Bureau’s standard of 65 cents or more and the PA State campaign guidelines of 75 cents. We received the Guide Star Gold Star this past year for excellence in fiscal management and community impact. CAN I DESIGNATE MY GIFT? Yes Designations must be to a 501 C (3) health and human service non-profit organization. Gifts to non-profits other than UWLH or its Partner Agencies will be assessed an administrative fee. CAN I DESIGNATE TO MORE THAN ONE AGENCY? Yes be sure to indicate how pledge should be split. CAN I DESIGNATE ANOTHER UNITED WAY? Yes be sure to include address WHEN IS THE CAR DRAWING, AND DO I HAVE TO BE PRESENT? During a Johnstown Tomahawk's game, February, 2016 Winner does not have to be present. Winners will be contacted by UWLH staff. CAN SPOUSES COMBIND PLEDGES IN ORDER TO REACH THE LEADERSHIP CLUB LEVEL? Yes Be sure to fill out the spouse information on the pledge form including their employer. HOW DO I GET HELP AND ACCESS THE FUNDED UWLH PROGRAMS? Contact UWLH Partner or Affiliated Agencies directly. Contact info for all agencies is listed in our campaign brochure. Or, if you are not sure who to contact, call the United Way office for guidance. HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER? Call or email the United Way office at (814)535-2563 or admin@uwlaurel.org . Or to volunteer around the community, log onto www.uwlaurel.org and click Get Connected. You can browse and choose hundreds of options in over 100 organizations and churches.

Now there’s one website you can use to

learn all of the ways you can be active

in the community!

In an effort to increase the collaboration, connections, and relation-ships among local non-profits and community members, United Way of the Laurel Highlands and Lift Johnstown

are pleased to provide the online volunteer and donor opportunity website called “Get Connected.”

Get Connected is an easy-to-use web-based platform that matches

the right volunteers with the right opportunities in our neighborhoods.

Use Get Connected to volunteer your time in ways that make a real difference, or advocate for causes that require your passionate voice

To access the system, go to www.uwlaurel.org

and click the Get Connected button!

To participate in the annual United Way Week of Action 6/21/15-6/27/15 or the Day of Caring, September 23rd, just click on the

appropriate button and you will see the details.

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United Way of the Laurel Highlands Staff and Information

STAFF

Bill McKinney, President and CEO

Bill@uwlaurel.org

Paula Gojmerac, Community Impact Manager & Office Manager

Paula@uwlaurel.org

Jamie Randolph, Accountant

Jamie@uwlaurel.org

Sue Stevens, Community Relationship Manager, Ebensburg and

Northern Cambria area

Sue@uwlaurel.org

Lladel Lichty, Community Relationship Manager, Somerset County

Lladel@uwlaurel.org

Office Locations

422 Main St., Suite 203 166 E. Union St. 120 High St., Suite 2

Johnstown, Pa. 15901 Somerset, Pa. 15501 Ebensburg, Pa. 15931

814-535-2563 814-445-6927 814-472-6784

*Office Space donated: *Office Space donated:

Somerset Trust Co. Wessel and Company

Website: www.uwlaurel.org this guide and all other campaign materials are avail-

able on line under the “Campaign” tab.

Twitter: @UnitedWayLaurel

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/uwofthelaurelhighlands

Get Connected: www.uwlaurel and click onto the Get Connected button