The following is a compilation of tips for running a successful campaign. As always, if you have any questions or need any help, please contact your Campaign Representative.

Strive for total involvement: Everyone needs to be included in your campaign. Involve every level of your organization, from management to labor to support staff. (No one likes to feel left out!)

Look at last year's campaign: Ask last year's campaign coordinator, your United Way campaign representative or loaned executive to help you plan and strategize. Find out:

• How much was raised
• Number of Leadership Givers (gifts of $1,000 and above)
• How many employees were in your organization
• How many employees (management and non-management) participated
• Which departments had low levels of participation
• What was the average employee gift
• How many contributors used payroll deduction
• Identify contributors close to Leadership Giving level - $42 gift every two weeks

Establish a Leadership Giving Program: One of the best ways to raise new dollars is to promote the Leadership Giving program. Click here for more information.

Enlist the support of your CEO/managing partner/chief administrator: Gain support for group solicitation meetings, agency exhibits and tours, incentives and special events. Ask for letters of endorsement from your chief executive, your key managers, and (when applicable) representatives from organized labor. Request that these endorsements be featured in employee publications.

Form a campaign committee: Assemble a committee and include representatives from as many departments as possible.

Set your campaign goal: Meet with your chief executive and campaign committee to establish a challenging goal.

Develop a campaign plan and timeline: Use the Campaign Checklist (see Appendix A) to create a schedule and plan that is realistic and covers all the important points.

Publicize the campaign in as many ways as possible: Let everyone know about the campaign through employee publications; special displays in the workplace; United Way videos, posters, printed materials, speakers, and agency tours; and special events and activities. Use every communication tool you have – these include e-mail, voice mail, and bulletin boards.

Recruit and train campaigners: Recruit and train one volunteer for every 10–15 employees. These volunteers should take part in United Way's Campaign Expo and in an agency tour. Also, show them the United Way training video. Don’t forget to recruit retirees, part-time staff, new hires and contract employees.

Hold a kickoff rally: Use this event to generate enthusiasm and support for the campaign. Pick a theme for the kickoff and the entire campaign. At the rally, by showing the United Way video, inviting United Way speakers and service recipients to speak and having management and labor representatives endorse the campaign, educate your peers about United Way. Let everyone know the campaign goal.

Ask EVERYONE to contribute: Research shows that the main reason people don't contribute is because they're not asked.

Report results promptly: Provide interim results to your account manager, lead volunteer or United Way staff representative, and mail or turn in report envelopes to them.

Don't forget to say "thanks" to every volunteer and contributor!