Together, we are changing lives and transforming communities

2014-2015
Campaign
Chair
Toolkit
TOGETHER
WE CHANGE LIVES AND
TRANFORM COMMUNITIES
Dear Mile High United Way Campaign Chair,
Thank you so much for your willingness to serve as a Campaign Chair for Mile
High United Way. We are truly grateful. Your role as a Campaign Chair is
critical; because of you, we raise more than $34 million dollars annually that
we are able to invest in critical programs and services in our community. Every
bit of your energy and inspiration makes an enormous difference in building
pathways to a better future for so many in Metro Denver.
You are a part of a large group of campaign leaders all working to engage your companies in
meaningful ways so people are inspired to GIVE, ADVOCATE, and VOLUNTEER. The magnitude of
your indivudal work multiplies when you realize we are all working together.
Mile High United Way staff is here to help you and is available to support you during every step of
your campaign. I hope you will refer to this Campaign Chairs Handbook often. It contains helpful
best practices, new strategies, sample tools, and much more. Also be sure to visit
unitedwaydenver.org for additional information.
Every effort you make this year is combined with the efforts of hundreds of others who are working
on their campaigns. Together we can all Live United!
Thank you for all you do to create a successful campaign for Mile High United Way!
Sincerely,
Christine Benero
President and CEO, Mile High United Way
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Table of Contents
Campaign Overview…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………..……….3-11
Why Mile High United Way……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5-6
Initiative Key Messages…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6-7
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8-9
How to Run a Great Campaign…………….………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………10-11
6 Steps to a Successful Campaign…………………………………………………………………………………….……..11-29
Employee Giving Campaign Checklist!……………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………..12-13
Step 1: Develop a Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…13-17
Step 2: Develop Goals and Measurable Objectives…………………………………….……………………………………………………………..…………….…18-19
Step 3: Educate & Engage……….……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………..………………….………..19-23
Step 4: Create the Right ASK for Your Company…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………...24-25
Step 5: Say Thank You and Say it Often…………………………….……………………………………………………………………………..………………….….26-27
Step 6: Remit: Wrap-Up your Campaign……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…27-28
Corporate Volunteerism………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………..…….…..28-31
Messages, Events, & More……………………………………………………..………………………………………………32-43
Sample Solicitations…………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..33-35
Key Messaging………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..….35-36
Your Gift at Work……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..….36-37
Campaign Events Ideas.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……38-41
Donor Relations Staff Directory………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…42-43
Campaign Collateral……………………………………….…….……………………………………………………..………44-71
Affinity Groups & Giving Communities ………………………………………....………………..………………………………………………………………………45-50
Mile High United Way Program Fact Sheets……………………………….……………………………..…………………………………………….……………….50-59
Technical Assistance…………………..………………..………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………..59-71
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Campaign Overview
Today, thanks to Mile High United Way’s partnership and support of Mountain Resource Center and Adrianne,
Jared reads at second grade level at the top of his class- well on his way to reading at or above grade level by
the end of third grade. His little sister, Janette, is in a reading group in her kindergarten.
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Why Mile High United Way?
Mile High United Way pushes relentlessly toward our goal to change lives and transform communities.
Our focus is driven and constant with purpose and passion. We focus on three initiatives to support
people throughout the continuum of their lives, annually partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofit
agencies across the state. We believe:
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All children should be ready for school and reading at grade level or beyond by the end of
third grade.
All young people should succeed in school and graduate from high school ready for college or
work.
All individuals and families should be afforded the opportunity to move toward economic selfsufficiency.
Mile High United Way creates social change to advance the common good by addressing our
communities most pressing needs. We achieve change by investing in programs in three initiative
areas: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self-Sufficiency.
School Readiness: 16,000 Colorado third graders are not reading at grade level.*
• Last year, we supported 45 childhood education nonprofit partners serving 100,000 children
and have partnered with 10 statewide programs through the Social Innovation Fund to serve
24,000 additional children 0 to 8 years old.
Youth Success: In Metro Denver, 31% of high school seniors did not graduate last year; in Denver County that
number jumps to 48%.**
• Last year, more than 9,000 kids had access to quality and safe after-school programs where
they received mentoring, academic support, and access to sports, technology, leadership
and arts activities. More than 11,000 high-risk, middle and high school students stayed in
school, instead of dropping out.
Adult Self-Sufficiency: More than 280,000 children, women and men in the Denver Metro area still live in
poverty.***
• Last year, more than 43,000 nights of shelter were made available for homeless men,
women and children. We provided information and support to over 150,000 Coloradans who
called our 2-1-1 Call Center for help.
• 389 adults, who earlier in life dropped out of school, went back and earned a GED or High
School Diploma.
*2011 CSAP – Colorado Dept. of Education 20102011
**2010 Colorado Children’s Campaign Kid’s Count5
***American Community Survey 2006-2010
Did you know?
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Commonly Asked Questions – Get the Facts about United Way!
Q: I have a tight budget, does a small gift even make a difference?
A: Absolutely! Every gift big or small makes a significant difference in the community. For example,

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When you GIVE $1 per week – the cost of downloading a song – you can provide five nutritious meals
for a family of four.
When you GIVE $3 per week – the cost of a quart of milk – you can provide free tax assistance for give
working families, resulting in over $2,000 in tax refunds returned to each family to help them with
basic needs like food and shelter.
When you GIVE $15 per week – the cost of a paperback– you can provide one month of high-quality
childcare for a child, ensuring kindergarten readiness.
Q: What does Mile High United Way’s annual operating budget look like?
A: Take a look at www.unitedwaydenver.org!. Operating costs sit at 16% of our overall operating budget. We are
incredibly proud that we continue to maintain operating costs well below the Better Business Bureau
requirement for nonprofit organizations (35% maximum). Learn more about the BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Standards for Charity Accountability here: http://www.bbb.org/us/standards-for-charity-accountability/.
Q: How much of my gift makes it to the nonprofit I select? How do the funds get paid out?
A: If you make a contribution directly to Mile High United Way, for our use in our community, 100% of your
contribution goes to community programs. If you designate your contribution to your agency of choice, a
minimum of 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to that agency. Mile High United Way keeps a maximum of
15%, capped at $450, per contribution in order to cover processing costs. The processing costs associated
with your gift depend on how you give, how many designations you have, and how we are set up to pay the
nonprofit you have selected. Mile High United Way pays out funds at the end of every month or, if the amount
to be paid to a nonprofit is less than $250 (collectively, from all donors), the payout will occur at the end of
June or December, whichever comes first.
Q: What’s so special about Mile High United Way?
A: Mile High United Way changes lives and transforms communities in three key areas: School Readiness,
ensuring all children are reading at grade level or beyond by the end of third grade; Youth Success, ensuring all
young people succeed in school and graduate from high school ready for college or work; and Adult SelfSufficiency, ensuring that all individuals and families are afforded the opportunity to be economically selfsufficient. We form the collaborative intersection of the public, philanthropic, nonprofit, and private sectors
enabling us to move the needle in the key areas of School Readiness, Youth Success, and Adult SelfSufficiency and we could not do it without you!
Q: Fun Fact – Which popular family board game holds the history of Mile High United Way?
A: Have you ever landed on the Community Chest space on the Monopoly game board? Mile High United Way,
right here in Denver, Colorado, is proud to be the first United Way in the world founded on October 16, 1887.
Prior to the name, “United Way,” the organization went through various name changes, one of which was “The
Community Chest.” United Way is the history behind the Community Chest space on the Monopoly board; it is
fitting then, that when you land on this space, you receive much needed help!
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Mile High United Way Glossary
Name
Donor Relations Representative
Abbreviation
DRR
Ambassador
Affinity Group
Emerging Leaders Council
ELC
Women United
WU
Tocqueville Ambassador
Tocque/Toc
Women of Tocqueville
WoT
Campaign Chair
Campaign Chairs Council
CCC
Legacy Giving
Mile High United Way Led
Program
Individual Development
Account
IDA
Bridging the Gap
BTG
Social Innocation Fund
SIF
211 call center
211
Child Care Contribution Credit
CCCC
Description
Staff contact for your company within Mile High
United Way
High level fundraising volunteer involved with an
affinity group
Group of high-level fundrasing volunteers
Mile High United Way’s young professionals
network
Mile High United Way’s Giving Community for
women that contribte $1,000 or more annually
Individual who contributes $10,000 or more
annually and serves as an advocate for the
Tocqueville Society.
Mile High United Way’s Giving Community for
women whose family contributes $10,000 or
more annually.
Individual who leads the workplace giving
campaign at their company.
Volunteer group of Campaign Chairs that exists
to better serve the needs of corporate and
employee campaign leaders.
The opportunity to make a gift to Mile High
United Way through a planned gift (ie: bequest,
will, estate plan, life insurance, etc.)
A program which is operated by Mile High United
Way staff, rather than a non-profit partner.
A 4:1 matching program in which individuals can
start a savings account to save for a business,
education, or a home. This is a Mile High United
Way Led program.
A Mile High United Way led program that
supports youth transitioning from the Fostercare
System to adulthood.
Mile High United Way received a two-year award
(likely five years of possible funding) totaling
$1.8
million each year to invest in organizations
improving literacy rates.
A resource line that connects individuals in need
with more than 11,000 agencies in the
community. A Mile High United Way led
program.
A 50% tax credit donors are eligible to receive on
their state income taxes when they invest in
early-childhood education. See Donor Relations
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Denver Enterprise Zone Tax
Credit
DEZ
Impact Investment Partners
Campaign Committee
Campaign Advocates
Year Round Engagement
Colorado Combined Campaign
CCC
Denver Employees Combined
Campaign
DECC
Giving Communities
lead for specific tax credit details
A 25% tax credit donors are eligible to receive on
their state income tax by contributing to the
economic self-sufficiency of individuals. See
Donor Relations lead for specific tax credit
details
117 non-profit partners that applied and
received funding from Mile High United Way
through the Request for proposals process.
Receive funding on a 3-year cycle.
Volunteer committee within a workplace giving
campaign to help support campaign activities
and the Campaign Chair.
Individuals from within different departments of
a company that will help to promote the
workplace giving campaign.
Opportunities for employees to stay engaged
with Mile High United Way outside of the
workplace giving campaign. Ideas include
volunteerism, informational reports, etc.
State employees giving campaign. Mile High
United Way has the contract to manage the
campaign.
City employees giving campaign. Mile High
United Way has the contract to manage the
campaign.
Communities for people that give at a particular
level. Include networking , professional
development, and volunteer opportunities.
Principal - Donors giving $100,000+ annually
Champion - Donors giving $25,000 - $99,999
annually
Summit - Donors giving $15,000 - $24,999
annually
Tocqueville - Donors giving $10,000-$14,999
annually
Leadership - Donors giving $1,000-$9,999
annually
Household - Donors giving $1-$999 annually
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How to Run a Great Campaign
This handbook includes a lot of information on how to run a great campaign and
what are best practices taken from fellow Campaign Coordinators and exeprts
on our United Way team. Follow the simple steps in the handbook to ensure:
1 You’ll enjoy your role as Campaign Chair.
You not only can successful raise money to get kids reading, help youth
graduate, and ensure all adults are afforded the opportunity to be economically
self-sufficient, but you’ll have fun doing it and stand out as a leader.
2 Your employees will understand how they can make a difference by
participating.
People like to get involved in helping the community, and with your Workplace
Campaign, they can have fun at the same time.
3 Your corporation will get the most out of its partnership with United Way.
Whether you have an official corporate social responsibilkity policy or not, your
company will shine in giving back to the community.
And remember…Mile High United Way Staff is here to Help You!
Remember, you are not alone in running your campaign. Mile High United Way staff is available to
help you if you have questions, need information, or need help with your campaign. Who at Mile
High United Way can help you run a successful campaign?
 Donor Relations Representative – This will be your main point of contact for the campaign.
They can help you plan, set goals, execute, and wrap-up your campaign. If you do not know
who your Donor Relations Representative is please contact Liz Toohey at
liz.toohey@unitedwaydenver.org.
 Campaign Representatives – Seasonal support staff that assist with all campaign needs,
including pick-up and drop-offs, presentations, campaign events, and much more.
 Leadership Coordinator – Staff that work directly with leadership donors (ie: individuals who
donate $1,000 or more annually) to steward those relationships. They can assist with
implementing a leadership giving strategy for your campaign and integrating donors into
already existing leadership donor events and opportunities.
 Tocqueville Manager – Staff that work directly with Tocqueville donors (ie: individuals who
donate $10,000 or more annualy) in an effort to steward those relationships. They can help
you implement a Tocqueville giving strategy for your campaign.
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6 Steps to a
Successful Campaign
"I've had a lot of people in my corner." - De’Ron Davis
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Employee Campaign - Campaign Chair Check-List
PLAN
Due Date
☐ Meet with your United Way Donor Relations Representative and begin planning your campaign
__/__/__
☐ Attend Mile High United Way Campaign Chair Training
__/__/__
☐ Go to www.unitedwaydenver.org for ideas and sample materials
__/__/__
☐ Secure CEO and senior management support
__/__/__
☐ Establish campaign goals like dollar amount and participation percentage
__/__/__
GEAR UP
Due Date
☐ Recruit and train your campaign team
__/__/__
☐ Work with your DRL to establish timeline for campaign activities
__/__/__
☐ Begin campaign promotion with a thank you/recap from previous year
__/__/__
☐ Send letter from management to all employees (ask DRL for sample)
__/__/__
☐ Order campaign supplies and prepare any customized materials your company wants
__/__/__
☐ If applicable, update your online pledge site and/or intranet – add UW program info
__/__/__
RUN
Due Date
☒ Conduct a pacesetter campaign for current or potential leadership donors
__/__/__
☐ Host a campaign kick-off event with UW Staff and Agency Speaker
__/__/__
☐ Host an off-site volunteer event to engage employees and teams
__/__/__
☐ Hand out pledge forms and send email information about online giving tool
__/__/__
☐ Hold meetings and fundraising events with all departments. See ideas in appendix.
__/__/__
☐ Give employees opportunities to learn more with volunteer events and agency speakers
__/__/__
CLOSE
Due Date
☐ Send a reminder email that your campaign is concluding and pledge forms need to be turned in
__/__/__
☐ Collect pledge forms
__/__/__
☐ Submit contribution forms and final reports to your payroll department
__/__/__
☐ Announce campaign results to all employees
__/__/__
☐ Thank employees & the campaign committee with a celebration event, letter, email, etc.
__/__/__
☐ Gather feedback and notes for next year and schedule debrief with Donor Relations Lead
__/__/__
☐ Choose a Campaign Coordinator, set next year’s kick-off, and develop year-round engagement
calendar
__/__/__
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Pick What Works for Your Company
Below you will find 6 steps to a successful campaign. It is important to remember to pick activities and
develop a campaign plan that will work for your company’s culture and employee interests. Here is a quick list
of options of ideas and activities to implement during your campaign.
Employee Education
☐ Lunch n’ Learn about Key Community Issues
Sponsorship
☐ Agency Tour
☐ Women United Luncheon
☐ Agency Speaker
☐ 41st Annual Turkey Trot
☐ Emerging Leaders Council
Volunteerism
Targeted
Audience
Engagement
☐ Program
Sponsorship
☐ Day of Service
☐ Female Employees
☐ On-Site Volunteerism
☐ Young Professionals
☐ One-time volunteer events
☐ New Employees
☐ Recurring volunteer opportunities
☐ Top-Level Executives
☐ Supply or toy drives
☐ Retirees
☐ School-based volunteering
Step 1: Develop a Plan
Start planning three months before the start date of your campaign. Here are
three easy steps to help
you create a solid plan:
1. Engage your CEO and Senior Executives
When your CEO and senior management support the
campaign and take part in activities, employee participation
increases, setting the stage for increased contributions at
every level.
Tips:

Ask your CEO to approve the campaign timeframe
Bill Sullivan & Michael Burns, Colorado
and authorize use of organizational funds and
State Bank & Trust
work time for campaign activities and committee meetings.
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
Define expectations for management and encourage them to visibly support the
campaign by:
o Attending events
o Speaking at meetings
o Endorsing the campaign through personal messages via email, letter,
voicemail or intranet message.
o Be one of the first individuals to invest through the campaign
2. Recruit a Campaign Committee
Don’t try to run your campaign by yourself! Make sure to recruit other enthusiastic and
resourceful employees to help with the campaign.
Tips:
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Work with management for suggestions of employees who would be a good fit for
your campaign committee.
Personally ask the volunteers and provide clear expectations, including a job
description and time commitment.
Stick to a 1:20 ratio of campaign committee members to employees.
Make sure all areas of your organization are represented by enlisting members
from your key departments.
Who Should I Recruit?
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Leadership Giving Chair: educates employees about giving at the leaderhip level
($100+)
Executive Sponsor: senior staff membber or CEO who will endorse the campaign
Campaign Chair: leader of your campaign, works side-by-side with your UW Staff
Vice Chair: assists the campaign chair, ideally next year’s chair
Communications Lead: coordinates all campaign-related communications
Volunteer Lead: coordinates and promotes all volunteer-related activities
Events Lead: provides support to execute campaign events
3. Develop a Timeline, Checklist, and Theme
Timelines and checklists are meant to encourage ambassadors and committee members to
try new practices and create greater efficiencies for your campaign. The following example
illustrates a basic and general overview of a communications timeline
Time
Three months (prior to campaign)
Topic
Schedule meeting with Donor Relations
Representative
Two months
Two months
Attend the Campaign Chairs Training
Thank you and previous year’s results
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Seven weeks
Six weeks
Four Weeks
Two weeks
One week
Campaign planning meeting with DRL
Profiles of campaign leaders and
volunteer opportunties
Stories featuring School Readiness,
Youth Success and Adult SelfSufficiency on website
CEO Message including campaign
participation goals and events
Pledge instructions and donor files.
Options for Processing Your Campaign
There are a number of ways to run your campaign and allow employees to make a payroll
deduction gift.
eWay – Mile High United Way is able to offer eWay, a complimentary online tool to allow
employees to make a payroll deduction or one-time gift during the campaign. eWay
campaigns are encouraged for companies with 35 or more employees. Work with your Donor
Relations Representative to follow the below steps in order to set-up an eWay site:
4-6 weeks before kick-off
3 weeks before kick-off
2 weeks before kick-off
1 week before kick-off
Campaign Start Date
Website Review, Changes submitted
Donor File to Mile High United Way
Final review of website with demo donor
Final changes to welcome page Final
changes to kick-off email text
Final sign off on website
Test kick-off email sent
New hire file to MHUW
Kick-off email automatically sent to all
employees
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Paper Pledge forms – If your company does not want to utilize the online tool, we would be
happy to provide you with paper pledge forms for your employee. Contact your Donor
Relations Lead to request pledge forms. All forms will be picked-up by the Donor Relations
Lead at the close of your campaign.
4. Promote Leadership Giving
More than 4,000 individuals make up Mile High United Way’s Leadership Giving Community.
Promoting Leadership Giving ($1,000+ donated annually) is a proven strategy for increasing
revenue within workplace campaigns. This group forms the foundation of Mile High United
Way’s workplace campaign.
Tips:

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Recruit someone from leadership to serve as the Leadership Giving chair.
Send specific campaign communications to donors that gave at the Leadership level
in previous years.
Host an event specifically for people who have given or might be able to give at the
Leadership level.
Why give at Leadership level?

Mile High United Way Leadership Giving offers the most effective and efficient way for
leaders to deepen their community engagement by providing:
o Year-round opportunities for your leaders to engage more deeply in the community
while building leadership skills, specifically through newsletters/updates, invitations
to participate in events and webinars.
o Knowledge that your investment in the community is effective.
o Increased involvement in the community through committee work and volunteerism
– building skills and the reputation as a community leader.
o Company and community recognition as a leader in giving and helping our
community.
For an example of a Leadership Giving Solicitation Letter, see pages 33-35.
5. Promote Mile High United Way Giving Communities & Afinity Groups
As a current or up-and-coming Leadership Giver or above, your staff is invited to join a Giving
Community. Mile High United Way Giving Communities provide year-round opportunities to
help build a stronger community, while reaching members’ personal and professional goals.
Your Donor Relations Representative can help you set goals and strategies to promote the
Giving Communities.
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Tips:




Appoint a separate Leadership Giving chair to establish and implement a
Leadership Giving strategy that not only helps your campaign, but helps you
reach your corporate responsibility and talent management goals.
Appoint Giving Community “advocates” that will help promote, educate, and
follow-up on Giving Community promotions.
Add Affinity Group and Giving Community information and enrollment cards into
your presentations and materials.
Host Affinity Group and Giving Community targeted events within your
organization.
Promote Giving Communities Year-Round
Mile High United Way Giving Communities have an array of events throughout the
year that range from monthly volunteer events to networking, education, and
fundraising events. Make sure to check out our calendar of events at
www.unitedwaydenver.org.
For more tips on how to promote Giving Communities in your organization, see pages
45-50.
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Step 2: Develop Goals and Measurable Objectives
Bold and specific goal and objective setting can help increase your campaign results. The more specific you are,
the more results you will get as you will know exactly how to focus your energy and measure whether your efforts
are working or not.
Tips:
 Work with your Donor Relations Representative to gather the necessary reports
from your previous year campaign to benchmark against.

Review your campaign results from last year to determine what worked and what
could be strengthened.

Run a campaign goal scenario. Discuss with your Donor Relations Representative
what Mile High United Way has projected for your campaign. Together you can
discuss strategies for promoting that goal and how to achieve it.
Setting Goals and Measurable Objectives (Example)
Setting goals for your campaign and sharing those with leadership and the campaign committee is
critical to keeping everyone accountable. Here are some examples of goals you could set for this
year’s campaign.
MEASUREABLE OBJECTIVES
GOALS
Grow the overall number
of donors who join an
Affinity Group.



Deliver targeted
communications to
donors
Grown overall number of
Leadership Giving
donors
Increase number of
Engagement
Opportunities for
employees
Increase the number of new Affinity Group Members
(i.e.: Women United or ELC) who did not make a gift
last year.
Increase the number of new members who increase
their gift to be a part of Women United or ELC.
Increase the overall number of Affinity Group
members by ____%.

Increase the number of targeted communications to
donor segments (i.e.: leadership giving donors, young
professionals, retirees).

Increase number of targeted events for different
donor groups (i.e.: Tocqueville Society)

Increase Leadership Giving donors as a percent of
overall donors.

Increase the number of donors that move up to
$1,000 from $500-$999 giving level.

Increase percent in net Leadership Giving donors.

Increase number of net Leadership Giving donors.

Invite employees to participate in 1 volunteer project
during the campaign.

Offer opportunities to visit 3 Mile High United Way
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partner Agencies

Offer 2 lunch n’ learn panel discussions for specific
employee groups.
Setting Goals and Measurable Objectives Worksheet
Work with your Donor Relations Lead and use this sheet to set your goals for your campaign:
GOALS
MEASUREABLE OBJECTIVES
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Step 3: Educate & Engage
Choose the right balance of fun and education for a successful campaign.
While planning an event, keep Mile High United Way’s messages in mind. Make sure the events and engagement
opportunities you plan for your staff are a fun way to bring employees together, while still offering ample ways to
learn how their Mile High United Way gift makes an impact in our community.
There are three main types of events. Why not try them all?
1. Impact Events
Include information about how Mile High United Way is addressing our communities most
pressing needs as it is important people are informed when making their giving decisions.
Tips:



Host a lunch n’ learn with a panel discussion on a community issue Mile High United
Way is addressing.
Schedule an agency speaker from one of Mile High United Way’s Community Impact
Partners for a kick-off or staff meeting.
Schedule a Mile High United Way agency tour during your campaign to help enlighten
your co-workers about community needs.
2. Volunteer Events
Group volunteer activities are a great way to educate your
employees about community issues while engageing them
in a fun and worthwhile activitiy. Did you know volunteers
give an average of 10 times more money to charity than
people who do not volunteer?
Mile High United Way’s volunteerism team is pleased to
offer a number of services to corporations to help them
with their corporate volunteerism.
To learn more about the numerous opportunities for your employees to engage in a one-time
volunteer opportuntiy or something more ongoing, please visit pages 28-31.
Tip:

Think about whether an on-site or off-site project would work better for your
employees, time and budget – or do both!
3. ‘Fun’draising Events
20
Running a campaign is a great way to build team morale – so have some fun while you are at
it. The more creative, the better, but always remember to share the mission of Mile High
United Way whenever possible.
Tips:
 Make sure to get management’s approval
 Take into account your company’s culture and what would appeal to co-workers
For a list of fundraising event ideas and suggestions please visit pages 38-41.
4. Keep Employees Engaged Yearround
There are a number of ways to keep your employees engaged with Mile High United Way throughout the
year. The most successful campaigns work to show their employees after the campaign, HOW their
dollars are being put to work in the community.
Tips:
o
Ask next year’s Campaign Chair to be a part of your campaign committee during this year’s campaign.
o
Schedule a volunteer opportunities outside of campaign season to keep your co-workers involved in the
community year-round and to show them how their dollars are being put to work.
o
Ask employees to sign up for Notes on Impact, Mile High United Way’s quarterly e-newsletter, so they can
track how their gift is making a difference in our community. Sign up at www.UnitedWayDenver.org.
o
Make Mile High United Way Giving Communities and Affinity Groups available to your employees so they
can take part in educational and professional development opportunities throughout the year.
o
Add Mile High United Way facts and results to your intranet and internal communications throughout the
year to keep employees engaged and informed.
o
Join the Campaign Chairs Council. The Mile High United Way Campaign Chairs Council exists to better
serve the needs of corporate and employee campaign leaders to increase inspirational workplace giving.
Employee Volunteerism or Site Visits
Your Donor Relations Representative would be happy to help coordinate a volunteer activity
or site visit to one of Mile High United Way’s 117 partner agencies for your entire staff or an
individual department. The activity can be customized to best meet the needs and interests
of those attending. Examples of volunteer opportunities are available in the next section.
Additionally, the Mile High United Way 2-1-1 Call Center is available if employees would like
to listen to the powerful calls our agentes receive.
Share Mission Moments & Success Stories with Employees
Your Donor Relations Representative can share with you specific success stories and
information about how your employee contributions are being put to work to be shared in
21
newsletters and employee resources.
Mile High United Way Events
United Way has a number of events throughout the year that employees may be interested in
participating in. Some events are targeted for a specific Giving Community while others are
open to the general public. To see upcoming events visit www.unitedwaydenver.org.
Collaborate with Other Events
Do you already host a school supply drive, a toy drive, can food drive, etc. outside of the
campaign? If so, consider donating the supplies to one of Mile High United Way’s 117
partner agencies and share with employees the relationship between Mile High United Way
and the organization. This will help to reinfornce the message throughout the year.
Ten Great Ideas
To Get & Keep People Involved
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Host a campaign kick-off at one of Mile High United Way’s program sites to showcase the
work you are supporting.
Create office teams to encourage friendly competition and boost morale.
Invite coworkers to join Mile High United Way’s leadership groups: Tocquville Society,
Leadership Giving Society, Women United, and Emerging Leaders Council.
Encourage your in-house clubs or employee resource groups to help spread the campaign
message and incorporate the campaign into their already existing activities.
Host a group volunteer activity for employees to gain perspective on how their gift will be put
to work in the community.
Host food-themed events and contests. Breaking bread is always a good way to get people
engaged and feeling like they are part of a team.
Host a campaign kick-off at one of Mile High United Way’s program sites to showcase the
work you are supporting.
Invite a senior executive to host a recognition event for Leadership and Tocqueville givers.
Ask collegagues to consider increasing their gift by 10% - ask those who gave $500 or more
to consider a Leadership Gift ($1,000 or more).
Offer small rewards for reaching goals based on office geography, department & individual.
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5. Promote Mile High United Way and your Campaign through Social Media
Facebook
Share your campaign with us and others on facebook. Post your campaign photos on Mile High
United Way’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/milehighunitedway. We will choose one event
per month to promote in our Friday Flash. Be sure to “like us” and encourage others to do the same.
Twitter
Show your support of Mile High United Way on Twitter (@unitedwaydenver)
Remember to use your companies’ social media platforms to promote your support of Mile High
United Way through an employee giving campaign.
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Step 4: Create the Right ASK for your Company
The number one reason people make charitable donations is because they are asked, which makes your role as a
solicitor very important. This can be difficult, esspecially for first-time volunteers, but we have four easy
techniques to help.
1. Group Solictation
Assemble employees as a group to hear about the work of Mile High United Way and ask
them to make a contribution. In just 20 minutes, you can hae a succesful ask. Make sure to
follow-up with individuals that could not attend.
2. Personal Solictation
Personally asking employees is very effective and gives you
a chance to educate your co-workers and answer any
questions. Remember, peer-to-peer is best!
Follow these four steps:
o Explain why you personally support Mile High United
Way.
o Ask current donors to increase their gift
o Give each person the information on how to make a
gift
o Say thank you!
The 20-Minute Group Ask
2 minutes: Welcome
3 minutes: Management Endorsement
7 minutes: Educate Audience on the
Needs (i.e.: agency speaker, MHUW
speaker)
5 minutes: Campaign video or game
3 minutes: Ask/answer questions &
3. Electronic Solicitation
thank
Online giving makes it easy for your colleagues to contribute.
eWay is a secure online tool that is customizable for your company. Contact your Donor
Relations Lead for additional information.
4. Mailbox Solicitation Campaign
Solicitation by mail can be an effective way to inform employees who are hard to reach or
cannot attend group meetings. To make this approach as effective as possible:
o Personalize contact information.
o Include a specific request for a donation.
o Follow-up with additional communication after the initial ask.
5. Target Specific Audiences
Your staff is bombarded with messaging from many sources every day. The more you can
target your staff, specifically speaking to their needs, the better. You can segment your
campaign to increase results, and Mile High United Way Donor Relations Leads can help you
tailor messaging, events and other engagements specific to your audience’s needs. Sample
letters and PowerPoints are available. It may feel uncomfortable to set dollar amounts, but
people want guidelines—these are helpful tools for your donors as it makes it easier for them
24
to know what level to give. Peer-to-peer communications are extremely effective. Here are
some ideas on how to segment your campaign:
o
o
o
o
o
Engage your young professionals with Emerging Leaders events and promotions. Did
you know by the year 2015, Millennials will outnumber Boomers in the workplace?
Mile High United Way's Emerging Leaders Council is a group of like-minded
individuals ages 21- 45 who are making a positive impact on the community through
the work of Mile High United Way. They make an impact through volunteerism,
advocacy, philanthropy and the development of community leaders. A current
Emerging Leaders Council member can participate in a lunch ‘n learn or company
event to promote philanthropy amongst your younger employees.
Engage your retirees with Mile High United Way’s Retirees Program. Throughout the
year, Mile High United Way has a variety of opportunities for retirees to stay engaged
with their previous employer as well as the work Mile High United Way is doing in our
community.
Target audiences based on their titles or salary grade with specific leadership-type
events and messaging. Events can include a Leadership Breakfast or Tocqueville
Society cocktail reception at an Executive’s home. At the events, specifically
encourage individuals to give at the Leadership or Tocqueville level.
Promote women’s giving through Women United. Leverage an already existing
women’s group or your femal employees to offer a specific women’s giving initiative
during the campaign. See page 55 for more information about Affinty Groups.
Target individuals who have donated in the past, but did not donate or reduced their
donation in the past year.
6. Gift Matching
Many Mile High United Way company partners have generously offered matches to help
incent your staff to donate. People are 42 percent more likely to give when their dollars are
matched. Whether you offer a 1:1 match or a 50% match, the program is an amazing way to
inspire giving
For samples of asks and solicitation letters, see pages 33-35.
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Step 5: Say Thank You and Say it Often
Thanking staff for donating is one of your most important steps. Once Mile High United Way has processed a
campaign (we receive results anywhere from one week after
the campaign to 8 months), we will send a personal thank
you note. That being said, if you have access to immediate
results, it is important to acknowledge employees giving.
Thank you best practices:
The following best practices have been adopted from Donoro
Is personally addressed with a
Centered Fundraising by Penelope Burk.
personal salutation (not “Dear
Friend”).
Thank you timing:
o
Has a live signature.
Thank you is mailed within 24-48 hours of gift receipt.
o
Grabs the reader’s attention in
Thank you cites the amount of the gift and the date it
the opening sentence.
was received.
o
Speaks directly to the donor.
Other thanks and recognition tips:
o
Does not ask for another gift or
Incorporate a thank you at a staff meeting or at
continue to sell.
common venues throughout your
o
Has a warm, positive tone.
company.
o
Is from the “C” level or above -Share results with employees, including total amount
CEO, Board Chair, Campaign
raised, participation percentages and volunteer hours
Chair, Vice President, Director,
to recognize everyone who participated.
etc.
o
Makes reference to the
Give a special thank you to your committee members
intended use of funds as
as well as any volunteers who helped make your
specifically as possible.
campaign a success. Also, recognize and celebrate
o
Addresses a trend or issue that
your loyal contributors; employees who have given to
demonstrates the need for Mile
United Way for 10 years or more.
High United Way’s work.
o
Indicates approximately when
the donor will receive an update
on programs being funded.
o
Includes the name and phone
number of a staff person whom
the donor can contact.
o
Does not ask the donor to do
anything (like a survey or sign
up for an enewsletter).
o
Is concise—no more than two
short paragraphs.
o
Has been proofread for
branding, editing, and spelling.
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Step 6: Remit: Wrap-up your Campaign
Remit early and often! Final campaign results should be submitted to Mile High United Way within two weeks of
campaign close to allow us adequate time to process pledges and thank your employees.
Steps to the eWay remittance process:
1. Instruct your Donor Relations Representative to close the site.
2. Turn-in any fundraising money or cash/checks you may have so they can be added to the
site.
3. Get Donor Report from Mile High United Way to submit to payroll office.
4. Confirm totals are correct.
5. Submit file to payroll department.
Eight steps to the paper remittance process:
1. Include pledge forms in remittance envelopes (maximum of 50 pledge forms per
envelope).
2. Keep copies of the pledge forms for your payroll department.
3. Include designation information.
4. Fill out remittance information completely.
5. Confirm totals are correct.
6. Complete the C5 form and include in the envelope (this can be acquired from your DRL)
7. Copy the envelope face for your records.
8. Call your Donor Relations Lead to schedule a pick-up.
Key Dates (to qualify for a 2014 tax deduction):
o November 21, 2014 – remit pledge forms from donors requesting a bill in December
2014.
o December 26, 2014 – remit all credit card payments to allow Mile High United Way
adequate time to process them before December 31, 2014. Donors may pledge until
midnight on December 31 at www.UnitedWayDenver.org.
o December 31, 2014 – checks must be in the Mile High United Way office, or
envelope must be postmarked by this date.
Partnership Agreement
In an effort to clearly define roles and responsibilities for your workplace giving campaign,
please work with your Donor Relations Representative to review and sign the partnership
agreement on pages 65-68.
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Corporate Volunteering – Join Us!
When people give their time, their efforts make this a better community for all of us and they are more likely to
give. Did you know Americans who volunteer their time and skills to nonprofit organizations donate an average of
10 times more money to charity than people who don't volunteer?
Volunteering is also a great activity to promote during the campaign to increase participation. Mile High United
Way’s Corporate Volunteerism Program makes it easy!
360 Consultation
One of Mile High United Way’s signature offerings for our Corporate Partners is a 360 Consultation.
Our staff will work with your team to develop annual service plans, focus and solidify service
objectives, provide community best practices, help develop recruitment campaigns, and answer all
volunteer related questions. Through a 360 Consultation, your company can move beyond individual
day-of service projects and create a volunteer program that has a long-term impact in the
community. Please notify your Donor Relations Representative to conduct at 360 Consultation
today!
School Partners
Denver Public Schools Foundation, Mile High United
Way, corporations (big and small) and community
organizations have teamed up to contribute to the
success of every DPS student. Join our movement to
create great futures for our kids.
It is a community-wide partnership to help kids in Denver Public Schools succeed in school and
beyond. The program creates tailor-made partnerships between schools, businesses and community
organizations. School Partners provides opportunities to volunteer in schools, or support schools and
students with in-kind and financial resources
Mile High United Way’s Corporate Volunteerism opportunties include:
Power Lunch with Mile High United Way
Mile High United Way, Denver Public Schools, and corporations are teaming
up to help our early readers become strong readers by third grade. Join with
workmates to adopt a classroom and read to students once a week. Power
Lunch not only benefits the students, but also improves employee morale,
enhances teamwork and fosters corporate presence in the community.
Take a Youth to Work Day/Job Shadowing
Held in conjunction with the national Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day,
the experience gives foster youth the chance to shadow professionals and
get inspired about their future careers. Additionally, during the year the youth
in Bridging the Gap are interested in shadowing working professionals to view
“day in the life of…”
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Project Homeless Connect
This November at the Colorado Convention Center, Mile High United Way
partners with Denver’s Road Home to host Project Homeless Connect. This
one-day, one-stop shop of programs and service offers help to those
experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless.
Annually, the event serves more than 1,500 individuals and depends on the
service of more than 1,000 volunteers.
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
Every Thanksgiving morning, more than 20,000 people make the Mile High
United Way Turkey Trot an annual tradition with their families and friends.
Proceeds from the four-mile run/walk benefit Mile High United Way. The Turkey
Trot is only possible with the help of more than 300 volunteers.
Mile High United Way Children’s Holiday Party
This annual event brings together volunteers and families to help celebrate the
holiday season through service and community. Volunteer opportunities
include, face painting, gift wrapping, cookie decorating, gift shop attendant,
and a number of other activities. In addition, your company can host a Toy
Drive to raise toys for this annual event.
Mile High United Way Assistance in Disaster
When a disaster strikes, Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 plays a critical role in
connecting thousands of people with the resources they need including shelter,
food, clean water, evaluation information, family reunification and much more.
Assistance in Disaster (AID) us a 2-1-1 preparedness program that recruits
corporate volunteers and trains them to serve as on-call volunteer 2-1-1 disaster
response specialist.
Examples of Mile High United Way Day of Service Projects Include:
Please Note: These are examples of some potential volunteer projects but cannot be guaranteed and are not
inclusive to all opportunities.
1. Mount Saint Vincent Home
o Mile High United Way Initiative: School Readiness
o Website: www.msvhome.org
o Volunteer Opportunities: Corporate employee work days (grounds upkeep and
maintenance projects), children’s parties and events, school activity assistance for
grades K-8th.
o Time, Number of Volunteers, Ages: Weekday and weekend options. Accommodate 5-20
volunteers. Great for team building. Minimum age, 18 years.
2. Urban Peak Denver
o Mile High United Way Initiative: Youth Success
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o
o
o
Website: www.urbanpeak.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Preparing and serving meals, life skills counseling, and large
scale projects (painting, organizing, and maintenance).
Time, Number of Volunteers, Ages: Accommodate 6-15 volunteers. Other factors vary
depending on project; ability to customize.
3. Food Bank of the Rockies
o Mile High United Way Initiative: Adult Self-Sufficiency
o Website: www.foodbankrockies.org
o Volunteer Opportunities: Reclamation (inspect, clean, sort and box items), Distribution
(pull and build orders), Community Kitchen (prep food, cook, clean), Nutrition Network (fill
snack orders and load for delivery), and USDA (assembly line filling boxes).
o Time, Number of Volunteers, Ages: Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-4:30PM and one Saturday per
month. Shifts from 9AM-Noon and from 12:30PM to 3:30PM. Accommodate 10-50
volunteers. Great for team building. Minimum age, 14 years except Community Kitchen
where minimum age is 18 years.
4. Girls Inc.
o Mile High United Way Initiative: Youth Success
o Website: www.girlsincdenver.org
o Volunteer Opportunities: Summer Day Camp program assistants, Afterschool Program
tutors, or event design and implementation (science fair, art workshop, etc.).
o Time, Number of Volunteers, Ages: Summer Day Camps, June-August, Mon-Thurs,
requires 3-hour shift commitments. Afterschool Program, September-May. Estimate 1-20
volunteers. Event requirements can be customized. *All volunteers must attend Girls Inc.
volunteer training.
Examples of Mile High United Way Supply Drives Include:
School Readiness
 School Supply Drive – Gather all the supplies children need for early success in school.
 Baby Shower – Purchase baby shower gifts (ie: blankets, onesies, baby books, etc.) and
baskets. Put together baskets for new mothers at one or more of our partner agencies. This
supply drive requires employee time for assembly.
 Books & Bears – Purchase books and teddy bears. When given to an agency, a child
receives a sweet combination of a new book and a bear to go along with it.
 Garden Kits – Collect seeds and small garden pots. Assemble a garden kit by putting a
small amount of dirt and seeds in a Ziploc baggie for a child to assemble and watch their
plant grow. This project is best for employees who also want to volunteer time, assembling
kits at the conclusion of the drive. This project may have a small cost associated to
purchase dirt and Ziploc bags.
Youth Success
 Foster Youth Move-In Kit – Youth who are transitioning out of foster care into adulthood
often move into their first apartment with little to nothing. Create move-in kits that include
kitchen supplies, bedding, etc. and help make this often difficult transition a bit easier.
 Baby/Toddler Kit – Provide a Baby/Toddler kit for a Bridging the Gap young person to
encourage him/her as a new parent or as a parent living on their own for the first time. This
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
drive must be coordinated with our Bridging the Gap program to determine what is needed.
School Supply Drive – Gather all the supplies youth need for success in school. Mile High
United Way or a small group of employees can deliver the items to a partner agency.
Adult Self Sufficiency
 Sock Drive – Gather socks for homeless shelters throughout the Denver metro area. Mile
High United Way or a small group of employees can deliver the items to a partner agency.
 Hygiene Kits – Gather basic hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. to
assist Denver metro area shelters serve the homeless.
 Clothing Drive – Collect clothing and handbags for shelters and/or job training agencies to
provide to their clients.
 Coat Drive – Collect coats, both small and large (can include all three initiatives) for our
community in need.
 Canned Food Drive –The most successful and beneficial food drives are those with a focus
such as beans, grains, cereals, etc.
.
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Messaging, Events and
More
"I'm kind of living the dream” - Yvonne Sandoval, IDA Participant
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Campaign Event Invitation Sample – Leadership Giving
Purpose: Hosting a leaderhip giving event is a great way to drive participation at the leadership level.
It is an opportunity to thank people that have previously given at the leadership level and encourage
others to join them.
Audience: Leadership donors and prospects (often people at particular level within the company)
Target Date: Intended to be sent 1-2 weeks before your campaign. Event to be held in first week of
campaign. Should be sent from an Executive, Leadership Giving Chair, Executive Campaign Sponsor
or the Campaign Chair.
Dear John,
When you support Mile High United Way at the Leadership Giving level, you join an exclusive
group of leaders in our company—and the community. Mile High United Way knows that busy
leaders like you want to make a difference in our community, so they make it easy for you to
get involved at a level that is right for you.
Join us at the Mile High United Way Leadership Giving event on XX to learn more.
As a Leadership Giving member, you will have the opportunity to build connections with other
executives in our workplace and with leaders throughout the business community.
Leadership Giving Member Benefits include:



Regular updates about community needs and how your dollars are being invested to
address those needs
Invitations to special events and hands-on volunteer projects
Opportunities to join a Giving Community and/or volunteer if you wish to get more
fully involved in a community issue
What’s more? Mile High United Way provides measurable results of their work and enlists the
support of powerful key influencers to create strategic solutions to our community’s biggest
challenges. Together we’ll help improve hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
Stand out in our community and our company. Join us at the Leadership Giving event on XX
and learn more about building your leadership in the community through Mile High United
Way.
Sincerely,
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Leadership or Tocqueville Giving Solicitation Sample – Letter
Audience: Leadership and Tocqueville donors and prospects
Target Date: Intended to be sent 1-2 weeks before your campaign.
Purpose: To solicit a gift from donors and prospects.
Key Message Opportunity: Reinforce your organizational values of giving back, and why Mile High
United Way is important to you!
Dear XX,
As a fellow leader at (company name), I’d like to invite you to take the lead in our annual Mile
High United Way campaign by making a (Tocqueville or Leadership) gift. When you support
Mile High United Way at the (Tocqueville or Leadership) Giving level, you join an exclusive
group of leaders in our company—and in the community.
Here’s why I believe giving to Mile High United Way is the most effective way to help the
whole community:





Mile High United Way is local. Their work supports over 1400 programs across the
five-county metro area, helping our region’s most vulnerable people.
Mile High United Way is comprehensive. Their panoramic view of the community
helps identify gaps and invests your dollars where they are needed most.
Mile High United Way is accountable. Their programs are fiscally responsible and get
measurable results.
Mile High United Way is connected. Their unique ability to tackle complex problems
like poverty and early-childhood literacy with hundreds of community partners is
unmatched.
Mile High United Way is powerful. Their programs help people in crisis get back on
their feet, help prevent future problems and build a stronger community for all of us.
When your Mile High United Way gift is combined with the gifts of others, you help improve
hundreds of thousands of lives each year. That’s the power of Living United.
As a (Tocqueville or Leadership) Giving member, you’ll build connections with other
executives in our workplace and with leaders throughout the business community.
(Tocqueville or Leadership) Giving benefits include:



Regular updates about community needs and how your dollars are being invested to
address those needs.
Invitations to special events and hands-on volunteer projects.
Opportunities to join a Giving Community and/or volunteer if you wish to get more
fully involved in a community issue.
34
With nearly 400,000 people in the metro area living in or on the edge of poverty, the need is
great. Please consider making a (Leadership or Tocqueville) level gift of ($1,000 or $10,000)
or above to Mile High United Way today. To make a gift (include giving instructions here).
Thank you.
Leadership Giving Chair
Customization Opportunities:




This is positioned as coming from a leader at your company during or directly before campaign
Make sure to include step-by-step instructions on how to pledge (either online via eWay or hard copy
pledge form)
Include any company specific giving incentives
Include any relevant personal stories about why you support Mile High United Way
35
2014 Key Message Overview
Key Message
Giving to and partnering with Mile High United Way is the most effective way to have the greatest
impact in our community.
30 Second
Mile High United Way is the one organization that is positioned to bring the resources and expertise
to bear against the big challenges in our community. Directly put, Mile High United Way drives
meaningful change across the whole community, not just one niche. We provide the building blocks
for a good life in three critical areas: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self-Sufficiency.
Two-Minute
Mile High United Way is the one organization that is positioned to bring the resources and expertise
to bear against the big challenges in our community. Directly put, Mile High United Way drives
meaningful change across the whole community, not just one niche. We provide the building blocks
for a good life in three critical areas: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self-Sufficiency.
Mile High United Way is uniquely positioned to bring together the people, ideas, and resources
necessary to advance the common good. We give people the skills to be bettered prepared and
more productive members of society – today and into the future.
It is why we can make the statement that we make meaningful changes across the community. We
support organizations and deliver programs, such as 2-1-1 and Bridging the Gap in these three
interconnected areas to improve the entire community.
Last year, Mile High United Way’s School Readiness Initiative worked with nearly 100 earlyorganizations that strengthened 108,529 children’s preparedness for school. Last year Mile High
United Way’s Youth Success Initiative, in partnership with more than 50 organizations serving youth,
allowed more than 40,226 young people to receive mentoring, tutoring, after-school enrichment
opportunities, advice, guidance, and many other support points needed to thrive. And last year,
through Mile High United Way’s Adult Self-Sufficiency Initiative 413,418 nights of shelter were
provided to homeless men, women and children.
Our goal is to create lasting change for those most in need, because when someone gets a job so
they can pay for their basic needs and when all children succeed in school, we all benefit.
Individually we can do many things – but together we can do anything. That is the power of Living
United.
36
Your Monthly Gift at Work

When you GIVE $12 per month or $150 per year, you can keep a senior housed.

When you GIVE $24 per month or $288 per year, you provide a move-in kit for a youth in the
Bridging the Gap program that includes basic household items for their first apartment.

When you GIVE $72 per month or $864 per year, a preschooler has access to one month of
quality early childhood education where they can learn words, colors, shapes, numbers or
even begin to read.

When you GIVE $84 per month or $1,000 per year, you provide one month of rental
assistance for a family that otherwise could end up on the streets.

When you GIVE $167 per month or $2,000 per year, you will be ensuring that a student
receives the mentoring and support needed to prepare them for college or a job after
graduating high school.
Your Weekly Gift at Work

When you GIVE $1 per week – the cost of downloading a song – you can provide five
nutritious meals for a family of four.

When you GIVE $3 per week – the cost of a quart of milk – you provide free tax assistance
for give working families, resulting in over $2,000 in tax refunds returned to each family.

When you GIVE $15 per week – the cost of a paperback– you can provide one month of highquality childcare for a child, ensuring kindergarten readiness.

When you GIVE $20 per week – the cost of lunch for two– you can provide two students with
one new book of their own each week throughout the school year to take home.

When you GIVE $30 per week – the cost of a manicure – you can provide bedding for 30
families coping with domestic violence and moving into safe, stable housing.

When you GIVE $75 per week – the cost of a monthly data plan – you can provide more than
75 bags of healthy and nutritious groceries from a food shelter.

When you GIVE $100 per week – the cost of a pair of running shoes – you can provide four
job training program participants with short-term training, placement and retention support.
37
‘Fun’draising Ideas for Workplace Giving Campaign
The fundraising and event ideas for your workplace giving campaign are seemingly endless. Make sure to tailor
your events to fit the interests of your employee-base. The most engaging theme for employees is often one that
ties to Mile High United Way’s three initiatives: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self
Sufficiency. Consider having three different activities, events, or drives that relate to the three initiatives
throughout the year. Or focus on one initiative each campaign year.
No or Low Cost Fundraising Events

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









Silent Auction – Secure items from vendors, co-workers, and the leadership team. Allow
employees to pay for their items via payroll deduction.
Wall of Wine – Have leadership donate bottles of wine, including a couple of high-value
bottles. Bag the wines and display them on a table. Employees purchase tickets for $10
and get to select one of the bottles of wine.
Cubicle Makeover – Have employees’ makeover their cubicles. Theme the cubes to Mile
High United Way initiative areas or partner agencies.
CEO Embarrassment & Change for Change – Whether it is a pie in the face, dunk tank, or
any number of other activities, embarrassing the senior leadership is always a popular
activity. Conduct a change for change drive. As a part of the drive, give all of the Leadership
Team a bucket with their picture next to it. Any coins add to the total amount and dollar bills
take away from total. Leadership that raises the least gets embarrassed.
Jeans Stickers – This is an oldie but a goodie. Sell stickers for jeans days. Some companies
will sell stickers that are good for the entire year! Mile High United Way can provide the
stickers free of charge.
Raffle for Executive Parking Spot
Bike-a-thon – Charge and entry fee. Participants collect pledges for the number of miles they
ride.
Bake Sales – Ask employees to bring their favorite cakes, cookies or breads. Even a small
office can raise a lot of money with minimal effort.
Executive Auction – Get the executive staff to donate half a day to the campaign. Then
auction each executive off to employees. The executive must take over the employee’s job
for that half day.
Dinner For a Week – Get 7 restaurants to donate a dinner for 2 and raffle off a week of
eating out. Sell tickets for around $30 each. The lucky winners are able to eat out every night
for a week.
Barbecue Contest – Fire up the grill and breakout your best BBQ recipe. Ask members of the
team to act as judges and have different categories for various meats or vegetables. Require
guests to pay to attend.
Home Grown – Employees donate items for auction such as cakes, cookies, monthly parking
spots, a weekend at their summer cabin or a home cooked dinner. Services such as a car
detailing, a month of lawn mowing or painting also may be auctioned.
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Mission-Driven & Educational Events
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211 Statistics Game – At a team meeting, distribute stickers to represent statistics from the
211 Call Center (i.e.: homeless population, past due on rent, in an abusive relationship). At
the meeting ask people to stand-up who have a red sticker and share with them that this
means you were one of the X people who slept on the street last night, or a blue sticker
means you were one of X youth who did not graduate. These powerful messages reinforce
the mission of Mile High United Way.
Educational Panel – Host an educational lunch n’ learn with an issue-based topic to inspire
employees to get involved. Topics can include, “Status of Women & Girls in Education,” “The
Education Gap in Denver,” “What is Impacting Poverty in Denver,” and much more!
On-Site Volunteering – Host an on-site volunteer project, such as snack pack or hygiene kit
assembly, to donate to an agency in-need. Check with your Donor Relations Representative
about options and pricing.
Are you Smarter than a 3rd Grader? - Integrate United Way’s Reading by Third Grade goal
with a take-off of this television show. Contestants are asked questions which can be 3rd
grade material or United Way information, with a panel of “3rd Graders” to ask for help.
Email Bingo/Trivia – Send out key information and trivia questions about Mile High United
Way’s work in the community. First person to respond gets a “chip” for their bingo board or
points.
Making Choices Game – During an existing staff meeting or team gathering utilize the tool on
page 70 to play the “Making Choices” game. The purpose of the “Making Choices” game is to
have employees experience the difficult decisions hardworking people in, or on the edge of
poverty face everyday.
Team Events
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Hallway Golf – Form teams, get creative, and create golf
holes throughout your office floors. Incorporate Mile High
United Way’s mission, by conducting a food or book drive
and use the raised items to create the holes. Employees
pay to participate in the golf. Consider getting your
corporate vendors to sponsor holes.
Tricycle Race – Set up an office relay course for
participants to go through, either sitting in a chair or on
tricycles. Have employees “bet” on their favorite
contestants to win.
Amazing Race/Scavenger Hunt – Host a scavenger hunt
competition. Consider including Mile High United Way
partner agencies as part of the hunt.
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Sports Tournaments – Host a basketball, dodge ball, four square, or any number of sporting
event tournaments for your company. Participants pay to enter and proceeds come to Mile
High United Way. Donate the sporting equipment from the games to a Mile High United Way
partner agency.
College Basketball Bracket – During March Madness, turn your work bracket into a
fundraiser for Mile High United Way. 50% of the proceeds go to the bracket winners and
50% come to support programs of Mile High United Way.
Point System Competition – During the campaign develop a point system to encourage
participation and a friendly-competition between departments. For example:
 6-points for giving during the campaign
 4-points for increasing gift from last year
 3-points for donating to the food drive
 2-point for volunteering during the campaign
 1-point for attending a campaign event (i.e.: kick-off, meeting, etc.)
The team that wins the most points will earn a team lunch, half day of PTO, week of jeans,
etc.
Competition between Companies – Do you have a vendor or a competitor that also runs a
workplace giving campaign with Mile High United Way? Consider doing a friendly competition
between companies. Most raised? Most participation? Most food donated? The winning
company has to provide the other company with a prize (i.e.: hosted lunch, tickets to a
sporting event, etc.).
Baskets for Auction – Gather your department and
create themed baskets for a raffle. Basket theme
ideas include, Backyard BBQ, Wine Lover, Beer
Lover, Activities for the Kids, Movie Night, etc.
Bowling Tournament – Set up a bowling alley in a
hallway using bottled water and a ball. Charge
participants to enter. Participants can get pledges
for the number of pins knocked over.
Company-Sponsored Events
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Mobile Food Sales – Host a coffee cart or ice cream truck. Sales of all items come to Mile
High United Way.
Leadership Lunch – During the campaign, encourage participation amongst employees. The
department with the highest participant gets to attend a lunch or dinner hosted by all senior
leadership. Lunch can also be for those that give $1,000 or more.
Pancake & Waffle Breakfast – Host a pancake or waffle breakfast for employees. Charge
employees for the ticket. Encourage leadership to serve food at the breakfast as a way to
show their support for the campaign.
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Office Olympics – Set up an obstacle course in the lunchroom, several offices, and several
floors of offices or outside. One station can be for typing a couple of paragraphs, another
station for filing, another for photocopying, etc. The contestants pay an entry fee with the
funds going to Unite Way.
Lunch Time Meals – Sponsor a lunch of spaghetti, chili, barbecue or another favorite food.
Charge a flat fee for all you can eat, enough to cover expenses and a small contribution.
All you can eat Potato Bar – You will want to have baked potatoes with all the fixin’s. Chili,
sour cream, shredded cheese, butter, steamed broccoli, melted cheese, chives, bacon bits,
sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, hot
peppers, ham, and spices.
Executive Auction – Get the executive staff to
donate half a day to the campaign. Then
auction each executive off to employees. The
executive must take over the employee’s job
for that half day.
Balloon Pop – Place gift cards or small prizes
inside balloons and sell raffle tickets to get a
chance to pop the $5, $10, $20, $50 etc. balloon at your campaign wrap up celebration.
CEO Lunch - Sell tickets to employees to attend a luncheon where your CEO/Leadership
serves and busses tables at a luncheon. Or, consider doing a raffle for a lunch with the toplevel executives at your company.
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Mile High United Way Key Campaign Staff
Jennifer Stokes
Vice President, Donor Relations
Jennifer.Stokes@unitedwaydenver.org
Liz Toohey
Senior Director, Corporate & Employee Giving
Liz.Toohey@unitedwaydenver.org
(CenturyLink, Comcast, Xcel & Wells Fargo
campaign manager)
Cacey McReavy
Manager, Corporate Relations
(Banking, energy & telecom campaign managers)
Cacey.McReavy@unitedwaydenver.org
Ken Mowad
Manager, Major Gifts
(Tocqueville Manager and legal industry campaign
manager)
Carol.Johnson@unitedwaydenver.org
Chelsea Carver
Manager, Planned Giving
Chelsea.Carver@unitedwaydenver.org
David Aragoni
Coordinator, Leadership Giving
David.Aragoni@unitedwaydenver.org
Deena Rowe
Manager, Corporate Relations
(Engineering & architects, construction,
healthcare, transportation, manufacturing
precision campaign manager)
Deena.Rowe@unitedwaydenver.org
Jen Kraus
Manager, Corporate Relations
(Manufacturing precision, food and beverage, insurance,
consultants, public relations and advertising, and real
estate campaign manager)
Jen.Kraus@unitedwaydenver.org
Jon Mohr
Manager, Major Gifts
(Tocqueville Manager and real estate industry campaign
manager)
Jon.Mohr@unitedwaydenver.org
Julia Hughes
Manager, Women’s Giving
Women United manager
Julia.Hughes@unitedwaydenver.org
Susie Poggemeyer
Coordinator, Corporate Relations
(Retail, government, education, hotels, restaurants and
resorts, software, union, and business association
campaign coordinator)
Mike.Garvey@unitedwaydenver.org
Taylor Vitale
Manager, Major Gifts
(Tocqueville Manager and accounting industry campaign
manager) Taylor.Vitale@unitedwaydenver.org
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Campaign Collateral
“Making the foster care system better is really what I like to do,” says former foster youth Tamisha Macklin.
43
Table of Contents
Affinity Groups & Giving Communities………………………………………………………………………………..…….45-51
How to Optimize & Promote Giving Communities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………45-47
Women United…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…47-48
Tocqueville Society…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….48-49
Emerging Leaders Council…………….………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………49-50
Campaign Chairs Council…………….………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………….…..……………50-51
Initiatives & Mile High United Way Led Programs………………………………………………………………………..51-60
School Readiness……………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…51-52
Youth Success…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…52-53
Adult Self-Sufficiency…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………53-54
Social Innovation Fund…………….………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………..…54-55
Colorado Reading Corps…………….………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…..…………55-56
Bridging the Gap…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…56-57
Individual Development Accounts…………….………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..….57-58
2-1-1 Call Center……….…………….………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…..…………58-59
Impact Investment Partners……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………59-60
Technical Assistance……………………………………………………..…………………………………………………….60-71
Tax Credits & Designated Gifts……………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...60-63
Raffle laws – Raffle vs. Drawing.………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….….63-64
Working with Labor/Union Best Practice……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..…..64-65
Partnership Agreement with Mile High United Way.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……65-68
Making Choice Game…………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…..69-71
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How to Optimize and Promote Giving Communities within your
Company
Giving Communities and Afinnity Groups provide your staff with easy ways to deepen their
engagement in the community in areas where they feel passionate. Giving Communities and Affinity
Groups offer:
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Easy ways for your company to help achieve corporate social responsibility goals
Increased morale as people connect their personal and professional growth with your
company
Offer leadership/professional development trainings and opportunities
Meaningful ways for your leadership to deepen their engagement in the community
Increased brand awareness as your leaders are connecting with peers, customers, and
prospects at community building events
Enhancing campaign interest as people see they have more choices for directing their
donations and engaging with the campaign.
Set goals that align with your corporate needs – Giving Communities can support your corporate
responsibility and talent management goals. For example, are your trying to provide opportunities to
retain younger employees? If so, engage the Emerging Leaders Council in your company. Determine
your goals and then determine which of the Giving Communities and Affinity Groups(or all of them)
you’d like to promote.
Connect with your Employee Resource Groups or goals around forming affinity groups within your company –
Many companies are aligning the Giving Communities and our partner agencies with their affinity
group work – either adding a philanthropic arm to their affinity groups or actually using the Giving
Communities as the formation of an affinity group focused on women’s leadership or young
professionals. In addition, Mile High United Way staff can customize a presentation with one of our
partner agencies that would particularly resonate with your affinity group (ie: have a speaker from an
agency that primarily serves LGBTA youth, speak to your LGBTA affinity group).
Engage your top executives – The more your executives know about the benefits of Giving Communities
to your staff and to the company, the more successful you’ll be able to promote these opportunities.
Provide them with talking points so that they can easily talk about the benefits of the Giving
Communities.
How to Promote Giving Communities:
Find Giving Community ‘Advocates’ – Giving Community advocates are individuals that are members of a
Giving Community (ie: Tocqueville Society) that commit to promoting them within your company. You
could have one Champion for all Giving Communities or someone that may represent each. These
advocates work closely with Mile High United Way and your Campaign Chair to coordinate these
efforts. advocates can help to identify prospects, promote your company sponsored events, or
45
Giving Community events put on by Mile High United Way, help follow-up with individuals after
events, and assist with the payroll deduction process.
Promote the Giving Communities in your materials – Mention Giving Communities on your intranet, printed
materials, within your presentations, conference calls, posters, fliers distributed at other events, etc.
Involve Giving Communities in your Leadership Giving events during the Mile High United Way campaign – even
if you don’t hold specific Giving Community events, make sure to provide Giving Community
materials at your Leadership Giving events. People tend to increase their gift so that they can join a
Giving Community, or increase retention if they join a Giving Community because their engagement
in a specific cause increases their understanding and excitement around how their donation is
invested.
Create specific Giving Community events during the campaign – In addition to including Giving Community
at Leadership Giving campaigns, it is very impactful to hold individual Giving Community events that
include a wider group of people than just those that you invite to the Leadership Giving events. These
can be events that promote all of the Giving Communities, or you can hold specific Giving Community
events. For example you can invite women to a Women’s Initiative event to promote Women United.
Companies have found good success in having an impact speaker along with someone who is a
member of the Giving Community to talk about how being a member has inspired them personally as
well as how the engagement has helped them professionally. Mile High United Way can help find
speakers, and prepare talking points and interactive activities. Some events are hosted by a staff
that is a member of a Giving Community.
Tocqueville events, hosted by the company CEO, have been particularly successful. The event is
typically offered to senior leadership, VPs, and Directors and is held at the CEO’s home or a unique
location. At the event, guests are educated about the Tocqueville Society and the work of Mile High
United Way.
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Women United is a community of women giving at the leadership level -$1,000 or more
each year- to Mile High United Way.
Our Mission: Inspiring, enabling, and motivating women to become agents of
change in our community through philanthropy, leadership, and
volunteerism.
Women United members are changing the odds for children and families
across metro Denver by supporting Mile High United Way’s community impact plan focused on
investing in school readiness, youth success, and adult self-sufficiency.
 More than 1,900 strong
 Contributed more than $8 million in our community last year.
Benefits extended to our Women United members include the following:
 Learn about key issues impacting our community.
 Network and collaborate with key business and community leaders at exclusive events
including the Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon as well as through more informal
networking opportunities.
 Volunteer with over 100 community partners in tandem with family members, corporate
leaders, and individuals looking to make a change.
 Shape your community by being an agent of change.
For those women interested in taking on a leadership role as a Women United Alliance member,
there are a variety of ways to plug in:
Business Alliance: Inspire investment by supporting workplace giving campaigns and
educating other leadership donors on the breadth of Mile High United Way’s impact.
Partner Alliance: Engage with our 117 partner agencies by taking part in site visits and
providing opportunities for engagement through volunteer activities and educational lunch
and learns.
Public Policy Alliance: Build a voice by engaging women who care about legislative issues
affecting our three investment areas to advocate.
Women’s Leadership Luncheon Alliance: Support our annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon
by encouraging attendance, sponsorships, and involvement among your network.
For more information on Women United contact Julia Hughes at julia.hughes@unitedwaydenver.org.
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The Mile High United Way Tocqueville Society is a powerful group of local
business and civic leaders who individually contribute $10,000 or more and
share a similar passion for investing in the community and making a difference personally and collectively.
The Mile High United Way Tocqueville Society is named after the French author Alexis de Tocqueville
who, in the 1800s, traveled extensively throughout the United States. His observations, readings and
discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of
American society and politics. The observation on philanthropy made by Alexis de Tocqueville in
1831 is true today. Americans understand that advancing the common good means creating
opportunities for a better life for all.
Tocqueville Society information, benefits and
opportunities:
 Mile High United Way Tocqueville
Society Member Roster.
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Members annually contribute more
than $9 million to invest in our
community.
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Membership provides unique
professional growth, networking and
mentoring opportunities; individual and
family volunteer events; community
impact partner site visits; and
invitations to attend social events
including Tocqueville Tuesday
Breakfasts and Winter Night Out.

Under the leadership of Tocqueville
Society chair Jason Maples of Lockton
Companies, LLC, Mile High United Way
Tocqueville Society was awarded the 2010-2011 United Way World Wide Fleur-de-Lis Award
for Excellence for Highest Percentage of Tocqueville Gift Increases Above 10%.
For more information on the Tocqueville Society contact Katleen Vazquez at
katleen.vazquez@unitedwaydenver.org.
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Mile High United Way Emerging Leaders Council
The Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) is a collective of young professionals
(ages 21-45) who support Mile High United Way by making an annual gift of
$500 or more. These individuals come together to make a positive impact
through volunteerism, advocacy, philanthropy and by developing into
community leaders.
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The Emerging Leaders Council is more than 1,200 strong
Annually invest more than 300 volunteer hours in our community
ELC members annually contribute nearly $1.5 million to Mile High United
Way annually
“The Emerging Leaders Council is comprised of up and coming, dynamic young
professionals that are passionate about strengthening our community through
their strong philanthropic values and active leadership.”
-Ann E. Hinkins, Partner, EKS&H
Benefits extended to our Emerging Leaders Council members include the following:
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Learn about key issues impacting our community
Professional Development training opportunities
Network with young professionals from across the Denver community
Invitations to a variety of popular social events
Increase personal and professional contacts
Opportunities to volunteer with peers, supporting Mile High United Way programs and partners
Shape your community by being an agent of change
"My favorite part of the Emerging Leaders Council is volunteering. Whether this is
a fresh coat of paint, a bottle of shampoo, or reading a book to a child I get to
make a difference in someone’s day!”
–Laura Roberts, ELC member and Xcel Energy employee
Join our community by becoming an ELC member today!
Contact Gretchen Gilliland, Emerging Leaders Council Liaison, at (303)561-2106 or ELC@unitedwaydenver.org.
Also, connect with ELC on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Mile High United Way Campaign Chairs Council
The Mile High United Way Campaign Chairs Council exists to
better serve the needs of corporate and employee campaign
leaders to increase inspirational workplace giving and help meet
Mile High United Way fundraising goals. The Campaign Chairs
Council is comprised of current and former campaign chairs who
are looking to volunteer their time to improve the workplace
campaign experience for companies.
The Goals of the Campaign Chairs Council are:
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Actively support the mission of Mile High United Way and assist in fundraising objectives of
MHUW
Ensure that MHUW meets the needs of campaign chairs and corporate partners and provide
them with the support to run the best campaigns possible
Engage campaign chairs on a deeper level and transition them to become to be greater
advocates for MHUW
Provide a network of support among campaign chairs
Help MHUW evolve to meet changing needs/trends in workplace campaign
Support corporate retention (70% right now)
Work with other Donor Relation’s Councils to develop strategies and best practices for
integrating with workplace campaigns
Assist with new business development and collaterals/resources to support new business
development
Strategies to achieve these goals include (but are not limited to):
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Work with assigned Mile High United Way staff to develop trainings, tools and resources for
campaign leaders and develop a best practices guide for campaigns
Create year-round engagement opportunities for the Campaign Chairs
Provide leadership, mentoring and inspiration to Mile High United Way company campaign
chairs
Recruit new members to the Campaign Chairs Council
Include other Mile High United Way affinity groups in campaign materials, presentations, and
cross-over opportunities
For more information on how to join the Campaign Chairs Council contact Liz Toohey at
liz.toohey@unitedwaydenver.org.
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CHILD CARE CONTRIBUTION CREDIT (CCCC)
HOW DOES IT WORK???

The CCCC is a tax credit program that is available to taxpayers who make a qualifying
monetary contribution to promote child care in Colorado. The amount of credit is equal to
50% of the total contribution. In-kind donations (non-monetary) do not qualify for the CCCC
tax credit.
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The amount of CCCC tax credit that can be claimed on your tax return is limited to your tax
liability for the year or $100,000, whichever is smaller. Any unused tax credits may be
carried forward for up to five years.
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The Mile High United Way has several donation options that qualify for the CCCC (minimum
of $250 donation), but there are many more contributions that may qualify.
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Mile High United Way’s School Readiness Initiative
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Mile High United Way Child Care Fund
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Mile High United Way Youth Success Initiative
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Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Fund
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CCCC Eligible After School Programs
To claim the tax credit on your Colorado tax return, you will need to obtain documentation
from the recipient organization (Form DR1317). This form will be attached to your tax return
to substantiate the tax credits claimed on the return.
Charlie contributes $500 to Mile High United Way through his corporate
campaign. He designates all to the Mile High United Way Child Care fund to help
improve early-childhood education in Metro Denver.
He receives a form (DR1317) from Mile High United Way and provides this to his
tax preparer.
He receives a $250 credit on his state income taxes.
If Charlie is carrying over any credits from previous years, he should speak with
his tax preparer about what he is eligible to take.
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DENVER ENTERPRISE ZONE (DEZ)
HOW DOES IT WORK???

The DEZ is a tax credit program that is available to taxpayers who make a qualifying
monetary or in-kind contribution to an enterprise zone administrator for the purpose of
implementing the economic development plan of the enterprise zone. The amount of the
credit is equal to 25% of the total contribution for monetary contributions, and 12.5% of the
total value of non-monetary contributions.

The amount of DEZ tax credit that can be claimed on your tax return is limited to your tax
liability for the year or $100,000, whichever is smaller. Any unused tax credits may be
carried forward for up to five years.

Gifts of stock, even if liquid, are considered a non-monetary contribution subject to the
12.5% credit calculation.

The Mile High United Way has several donation options that qualify for the DEZ (minimum of
$250 donation)
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Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap
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Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Fund

Mile High United Way Individual Development Accounts
To claim the tax credit on your Colorado tax return, you will need to obtain documentation
from the enterprise zone administrator attesting to the value and use of the contribution
(Form DR0075). This form will be attached to your tax return to substantiate the tax credits
claimed on the return.
Molly contributes $1,000 to Mile High United Way through her corporate campaign.
She becomes a member of the Leadership Giving Society and Women United. She
designates $500 of her donation to Denver’s Road Home. She also donates $250 of
new socks and blankets to Project Homeless Connect.
She receives a form (DR0075) from Mile High United Way listing the two donations
(monetary and in-kind) and provides this to her tax preparer
She receives a $125 credit for the monetary donation and a $31.25 credit for the inkind donation.
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Raffle vs. Drawing Laws to Consider for Campaign
During your campaign you may be interested in hosting a raffle as a fundraiser for Mile High United
Way. Please note: Raffles in Colorado are illegal without a gaming manager who is licensed
prescense. Mile High United Way has two members of our team who are licensed gaming managers.
An event is considered a raffle when individuals have to PAY for tickets to be eligible to win a prize. A
drawing is eligible for anyone to participate. If you are hosting a raffle, please contact your Donor
Relations Lead in order to follow the below laws.
1. OBTAIN A BINGO-RAFFLES LICENSE - You may not conduct a raffle without a current
Colorado bingo-raffles license. The license must be posted at the location where the drawing
is held.
2. APPOINT A GAMES MANAGER - They must be certified by the Secretary of State's office by
attending a class, passing a test, and paying the required fee. The certification must be
renewed every 4 years.
3. GET THE PRIZES FOR YOUR RAFFLE - All prizes must be owned by the licensee, free of any
debt or lien (Rule 9.0). See rule 9.0 for special requirements concerning raffle prizes and
types of raffles. You need to know the retail value of the prizes offered, even if the prizes are
given to your organization free of charge.
4. PRINT YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE- If the total prizes
given at your raffle are valued at more than $ 1,000.00, then special tickets must be printed
(Rule 9.0). These tickets must conform to the requirements stated in Rule 9.0 in the law
book. If the total prizes in your organization’s raffle do not exceed $1,000, then a special
raffle ticket is not required to be printed and the two part theater- type tickets can be used. If
the drawing in a raffle with prizes not exceeding $1,000 has the possibility of not taking
place on the date and at the location of sales, a special ticket is advisable so that winners
can be identified and notified.
Information Required to be Put on Raffle Tickets
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The word “Raffle
Bingo and Raffles License Number
The name of the licensee as it appears on the bingo and raffles license
Cost of the ticket
Description of the major cash and merchandise prizes
Time, date and location of drawing
If the person must be present to win a prize
Ticket must contain a detachable stub for purchaser information
Tickets must be consecutively numbered
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Labor Involvement Best Practices
United Way has vast experience working with different types of workforces and audiences. We can
help you reach executives as well as those who work on a manufacturing line. We have creative
ideas and tools to help you educate staff and inspire them to get involved with Mile High United Way.
We also have information about Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 and the services specific to labor to
help those who may be struggling. Your Mile High United Way Donor Relations lead can help you
build the right strategies.

Involvement from the very beginning – create a co-chaired campaign with labor and management
selecting their representatives. The ideal and most successful Labor/Management projects
include representation from the employer and the union in every aspect. Developing a
relationship with the CEO and union representative is critical.

Equal participation throughout – create a committee that represents the workforce and oversees the
planning and implementation. There is a big difference between someone saying, “I’ve got this
great plan, let me tell you your role in it” and “Help me develop the plan.” Unions must have
equal participation throughout the entire campaign. As equal partners, union leaders will
more than do their part to ensure their members are solicited during the campaign. They will
also recruit volunteers for Mile High United Way and our partner agencies.

Peer-to-Peer Solicitation – the most successful campaigns engage peer-to-peer solicitation. There is
no better way to inspire people than if their own peers are encouraging them and helping to
educate them from a perspective they know and trust. Even more successful is when a peer
shares a story about how they have been helped by one of Mile High United Way’s partner
agencies.

Recognition – bringing the entire process to a successful conclusion. When recognizing participation
in the campaign, it is essential to recognize note only the company and employees, but also
the union(s) as a key entity and integral part of the campaign. And remember, recognition
throughout, not only at the end, is critical. Make sure to share your donor data with Mile High
United Way so that we may recognize them as well.
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Partnership Agreement for Workplace Giving Campaign
Company Name and
Mile High United Way Partnership
About Mile High United Way
Our Mission: Uniting people, ideas and resources to advance the common good.
Our Vision: A community united to create better opportunities for all
Mile High United Way believes that –
 All children should be ready for school and be reading at grade level or
beyond by the end of the third grade (School Readiness);
 All youth should graduate from high school and be ready to enter the
workforce or to transition to college or advanced training (Youth Success);
 All individuals and families should be afforded the opportunity to move towards economic
self-sufficiency (Adult Self-Sufficiency).
Giving through Mile High United Way: Workforce Campaigns
A workforce campaign is an organized, company-sponsored fundraising drive where employees are
asked to contribute to the community.
Some goals of the workforce campaign are to:
 Educate employees and organizations about community issues – connecting them with their
community and allowing them to make informed decisions.
 Maximize the impact of giving – one gift can support multiple programs.
 Make it easy for employees to give – through payroll deduction, a gift can be made over the
course of a year.
 Ensure that community charities get the support they need, especially in these challenging
times.
Workforce Campaign
There are many ways to structure and conduct a campaign. It is important the campaign design
works for your employees. Your company will have one dedicated point of contact from our Donor
Relations staff, your Donor Relations Representative that will help guide you through this process to
ensure a fun and successful campaign.
Employee Giving
Should an employee choose to give through the workforce campaign, there are several ways for
them to do so. Employees may give through payroll deduction, check, cash, or credit card. This can
be done either online or through a paper pledge form.
Pledge Remittance
Remittance of payroll deductions can be made on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The
Donor Relations Lead works with your payroll department to provide a detailed remittance file, in
Excel, for each payroll deduction payment submitted via electronic funds transfer to Mile High United
Way’s bank account. Additionally, payroll data is sent to a secure site with each remittance.
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Mile High United Way tracks the collection of funds at the individual donor level. Tracking collections
to each employee’s account, instead of at the workplace level, produces greater transparency and
ultimately a better giving experience for your employees.
Without payroll data, Mile High United Way is unable to provide designated agencies with donor
information, where they can confirm receipt of funds and thank your employees for the gift. Without
this data, funds are allocated across all pledges from a company. This causes many employees’
donations to be under fulfilled to their designated agency, while funding continues to agencies for
employees that have not met their giving goals. Also, Mile High United Way cannot provide tax
receipts to employees if the payroll data is not provided.
Designated Giving and Processing Fees
Prior to remitting donations to designated agencies, Mile High United Way must certify that the
agency is eligible to receive a charitable gift. Designated agencies are required to be a government
agency or both a 501(c)3 and listed in the Internal Revenue Service Publication 78 as eligible to
receive contributions. If Mile High United Way is unable to certify a designated agency, Mile High
United Way will send a letter to the donor requesting additional information. If no response is
received from the donor within 30 days, a second letter will be sent giving the donor an additional 30
days to respond. If no response is received for the donor to the second letter, the gift will be
redirected to Mile High United Way’s general fund, supporting community needs in School
Readiness, Youth Success, and Adult Self-Sufficiency.
Mile High United Way will distribute funds to designated agencies once a month when the total of
gifts to that agency reaches $250. For agencies that do not have gifts designated to them totaling
$250 in any given month, distribution will be made once the minimum of $250 is reached or semiannually in June and December, whichever comes first.
For gifts designated to a specific agency, there is a minimum payroll deduction of $2 per paycheck
with a maximum of three designated agencies per employee. Gifts less than this amount will be
directed to Mile High United Way’s general fund. These restrictions are necessary to ensure
processing costs are covered.
To cover processing and fundraising costs, Mile High United Way may withhold 15% of the
remittance at the time the pledge is paid. Mile High United Way’s fee structure caps each individual
donor’s fee at a maximum of $450 per campaign year. A gift to Mile High United Way’s general fund
of $450 qualifies toward the fee.
Corporate sponsorship of processing fees
Under this option, the company agrees to cover processing costs incurred by Mile High United Way
associated with their workforce campaign. The benefit of this option is that it allows for all employee
giving to pass through at 100%, meaning that the entirety of every dollar donated goes to our
community partners or your designated charitable agency.
The size of the corporate sponsorship will be determined upfront for the estimated amount of activity
of the campaign at the close of the campaign period. The sponsorship typically ranges from 7-12%
of pledges based on the size of the campaign and the amount of funds raised. Please work with your
Donor Relations Lead to obtain this estimate.
Roles and Responsibilities
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For Mile High United Way
1. Assist with planning and execution of the campaign
2. Enter paper pledge form information into the online pledge tool if needed.
3. Process payroll deduction, cash, check, and credit card transactions.
4. Provide your company with monthly exception/rejection reports for payroll deduction, credit
card, check, and cash donations. Your company will contact employees to resolve
exceptions
a. Checks not received by Mile High United Way
b. Declined credit cards
c. Uncertified agencies
5. Provide an “Enrollment File” of payroll deduction donors for your company to add to your
payroll system.
6. Mail tax receipts to respective donor by January 31 for one-time gifts of $250 or more made
by donors by December 31 of the previous year.
7. Receive customer service and donor inquiry calls at denverewayhelp@unitedwaydenver.org
and/or (303) 561-2313.
For your company
1. Communicate campaign to employees including kick-off and follow-up.
2. Provide Mile High United Way with a donor upload file to include reporting levels and
employee identifiers if needed for online pledge tool.
3. Allow employees to pledge using either paper pledge forms or an online tool.
4. Collect paper pledge forms and check/cash donations. Submit pledges received the Donor
Relations Lead or mail to:
Mile High United Way
(insert company name) Employee Giving
PO Box 5547
Denver, CO 80217
a. Check contributions must be accompanied by either a completed paper pledge form
or online confirmation letter. Mail report, checks, pledge forms, and online
confirmation letters to address listed above.
5. Use the “Enrollment File” to enter payroll deductions in employees’ payroll records.
6. Provide payroll payment to Mile High United Way and donation detail file on payroll deduction
donors to Mile High United Way.
7. Mile High United Way cancelled or changed gifts and terminated employee listing.
8. Send donor questions to Mile High United Way.
9. Work with your Donor Relations Lead to complete Attachment D: “Your Workforce Campaign”
before signing below.
______________________________________________________________________________
Mile High United Way is pleased you are partnering with us by conducting a campaign and joining us
in supporting the community. Mile High United Way looks forward to our partnership.
_____________________________
_______________________________
Print Name
Print Name
Mile High United Way
_______________________________
Organization
Organization
______________________________
_______________________________
Signature
Signature
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______________________________
_______________________________
Date
Date
Attachment B: Your Workforce Campaign
This attachment recaps the provided information and will serve as the foundation of the MOU.
Please complete the appropriate blanks and check all relevant boxes before signing.
Timeline
☐ Our company will host a year round workplace campaign beginning on ___ /___ /___.
☐ Our major fundraising period will begin on ___ /___ /___ and will end on ___ /___ /___.
Fundraising
☐ Our company agrees to use the online pledge tool hosted by Mile High United Way.
Employees may also use paper pledge forms for cash donations or if an employee
lacks computer access.
Our company has previously run a workplace campaign in partnership with Mile High United
Way and will rollover employee pledges from the past campaign year into the new campaign
year.
☐ Yes, we will rollover employee pledges.
☐ No, we will not rollover employee pledges.
☐ The above statement is not applicable. We are a new workforce campaign partner.
Our company will remit payroll deductions to Mile High United Way:
☐ Weekly
☐ Quarterly
☐ Monthly
☐ Annually
We agree to provide employee names with their associated gifts when remitting payments to
Mile High United Way to ensure that designated agencies may thank donors.
☐ Yes, we will provide employee names.
Matching Corporate Gift
Our company will donate a corporate gift to match our employees’ giving.
☐ Yes, we will donate a corporate match at ____% to Mile High United Way.
☐ Yes, we will donate a corporate match at ____%. The match will follow employee
designations.
☐ Other______________________________________________________________
Processing Fees
☐ Applicable processing fees will be taken from employees’ individual donations. -or☐ Our company will cover the cost of processing fees for employee gifts and matching
corporate gift (if applicable).
Roles and Responsibilities
☐ We agree to the roles and responsibilities as listed on the main document.
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Making Choices Game
Introduction Script
Mile High United Way brings people and communities together to create better opportunities
for all. Through their adult self-sufficiency initiative, Mile High United Way is steadfast in its
pursuit to ensure all individuals and families are afforded the opportunity to be economically
self-sufficient and have the means to move out of poverty. Right now in Colorado, 1 in 5
children are currently living in poverty and approximately 25% of individuals in Colorado are
living at or below the poverty line.
The purpose of this “Making Choices” game is to have you experience the difficult decisions
hardworking people, living in or on the edge of poverty, face every day.
Supplies


Copies of the “game sheet” for each person
One roll of “Smarties” for each person or group (15 “Smarties” per roll)
Instructions (read to participants)







You may work alone or in small groups
The “Smarties” are symbolic of your budget so don’t eat them until after the game is
over
For the purpose of this game, each person or team is to pretend they are a part of a
family of four – two adults and two children, ages 16 and 4
The family has a limited budget and only 15 candies to spend
You must make some tough decisions
Each participant or group must study their choices in each row and invest their
candies with one, two or three candies depending on what’s most important to them:
one being the least desirable option and three being the most desirable
You must not skip any rows
After a few minutes, when everyone has a chance to place their candies, let them know
there has been a change:
Since it is summer both of your children are not in school, where they receive subsidized
lunches, since you qualify for the program. The family doesn’t have enough money to
purchase additional summer food. In order to get enough food to put on the table you must
remove two candies. Now, take off two candies from your sheet and adjust the rest as
needed.
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After they adjust their candies let them know there has been another unexpected event:
Your spouse just got laid off with no severance pay. You must take off four more candies
and adjust accordingly.
Closing Script
Hardworking people make these kinds of decisions everyday in Metro Denver. United Way
not only helps meet the immediate needs such as hunger and homelessness, they also
address the root causes of these problems. Specifically, United Way works to strengthen
those in or on the edge of poverty.
With 50% of jobs in Denver paying less than $22,000 annually, it is not hard to believe that
many people are only a few steps away from the edge of poverty. On average, the total
monthly costs needed to sustain a family of four is far greater than $44,700. The average
monthly costs of living are:
 Food: $690
 Housing: $1,023
 Health care: $569
 Transportation: $739
 Child care: $945
 Clothing: $316
 Net taxes: $582
That adds up to a total annual cost of $58, 368. That’s $13,668 shortfall!
The amount of money that a family of four on the edge of poverty makes per year is clearly
not sufficient to meet their needs.
That is why Mile High United Way believes that we all do better when we all do better. We all
win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people
are in good health. These results have benefits that ripple across the whole community.
Today I offer you a call to action to LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and or volunteering
with United Way to keep this community a great place to live. Please join me and LIVE
UNITED!
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Category
Choice A
(1 Smarties)
Studio Apartment (1
bedroom), 1 bath,
unfurnished, no yard,
street parking and
stove only
Choice B
(2 Smarties)
3 bedroom 1 bath
apartment,
unfurnished, covered
patio, 1 garage
space, stove and
refrigerator
Choice C
(3 Smarties)
2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath
house, unfurnished,
small yard, garage,
stove, refrigerator,
and dishwasher
Healthcare
No health insurance,
you pay for all health
related costs
Health insurance for
you from your
employer but none
for your family
members
Health insurance for
you and your family
through your
employer
Food
1 meal a day
2 meals a day
3 meals a day +
snacks
Transportation
Walking or biking
everywhere, no
public transit
Walk, bike, or take
public transit
Own your own car
Technology
No computer, cell
phone, black & white
TV
Cell phone, no
computer or TV
Home computer, TV
with cable and cell
phone
Child Care
Under the
supervision of a
family member
A licensed daycare
but with no early
education training
A provider with
proven high quality
care and training in
early education
Shopping
1 grocery store within Grocery store across
walking distance, no the street from your
mall within 20 miles home with a mall
within a mile
2 grocery stores
nearby and a large
mall within walking
distance
Spending Money
After all bills/food
are paid, no extra
money left
$50 left over each
week after bills are
paid
Housing
$20 left over each
week after bills are
paid
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