Solicitation Strategies

There are three recommended approaches for soliciting United Way pledges: the group method, the one-on-one method, or the most effective approach which is a combination of both.

The size, structure and demographics will determine which method is best!

Group solicitation at a company meeting allows an efficient presentation of a uniform United Way message to all employees. Get CEO support to make the meetings mandatory so that employees can make informed decisions about giving.

One-on-one solicitation is very personal and allows for one-on-one explanations. It also encourages questions. This is a very effective way to ask for charitable contributions.

You may use a combination of both techniques. You can host a company campaign kickoff then follow up with one-on-one solicitation for each employee. This approach combines the strongest features of each technique.

Advantages of One-to-One Solicitation

• Allows solicitors * to personalize the message to each individual
• Helps the individual employee understand how their contribution works in the community
• Allows for more two-way communication
• Makes the individual feel important
• Allows solicitors to personally thank each contributor

Prior to one-on-one solicitation:

• Hand pick your solicitors. Select people who you believe will do a good job. Choose people who represent a variety of departments.
• Recruit one solicitor for every ten employees
• Establish date, time and location for solicitor training meting
• Schedule agency(ies) tour for solicitors
• Call United Way representative to schedule a trainer
• Announce the training meeting and promote attendance

Advantages of Group Solicitation

• Increase employee’s awareness of United Way member agencies
• Builds momentum and group spirit
• Requires fewer solicitors
• Allows for varied presenters and testimonials
• Educates employees on how donor dollars impact the community
• Makes an effective use of personnel time
• When pledge cards are collected at the presentation it cuts down on the amount of follow up for a successful campaign

Prior to group meetings:

• Schedule and confirm the dates, times and locations of meetings.
• Publicize meetings well in advance. Let people know you’ll ask for their pledge at that time
• Obtain necessary supplies from United Way (video, pledge cards, fact sheets, brochures, posters, etc.)

If using an agency speaker, make arrangements 1-2 weeks in advance through the United Way.

Group Solicitation

Sample 20- Minute Presentation

Opening Remarks - 2 Minutes
Employee Campaign Manager or company representative welcomes employees and explains the purpose of the campaign and how the company will support the campaign. This will relax the audience and get them listening.

CEO Endorsement/Remarks - 2 Minutes
Company CEO or high-level executive provides statement of company support and details of corporate gift. This establishes a corporate commitment to United Way and encourages company-wide participation.

United Way Speaker - 4 Minutes
United Way Representative provides an overview of United Way and the impact of its services. This informs the audience of the needs in our community and offers them the opportunity to participate in addressing those needs.

Why Your Pledge is Needed - 5 Minutes
Employee Testimonial or Agency Speaker provides an overview of how they were helped by United Way or explains how employee contributions are making a difference in our community. This provides a personal, human touch to illustrating our community’s needs - people are more willing to donate when they meet someone that’s benefited from the services their gift provides.

Campaign Video - 4 Minutes
Employee Campaign Manager or United Way Representative shows the campaign video. Showing the video raises the audience’s awareness and encourages them to actively support our community by donating through the United Way campaign.

Employee Goal and Pledge Details - 3 Minutes
Employee Campaign Manager asks employees to complete pledge cards, describes incentives, answers any questions, collects pledge cards and thanks everyone.

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