When you partner with Cooke County United Way, you create opportunities to engage your employees more deeply in their communities. If you have any questions about running a workplace campaign or need additional information, please call Cooke County United Way at 940.665.1793 or email Andrea Adams.
If you need to schedule a campaign kickoff event, click here.
What Campaigns Look Like
This year, we’re updating our approach to workplace campaigns to make them more efficient, engaging, and impactful. This shorter campaign timeline is designed to save campaign coordinators time while maximizing results.
5 Days to Give United is a week-long campaign that inspires workplaces to unite for local impact. Over five days, employees receive daily emails and short videos showcasing how Cooke County United Way changes lives in our community. Each day builds momentum with engaging fundraisers, team-building activities, and a final Giving Day rally where pledges are collected, stories are shared, and impact is celebrated.
Together, we make it easy - and meaningful - to give back in just five days.
You can stretch the 5 Days of Giving out into a month long campaign...just update your timeline of events to a weekly format instead of daily.
TRADITIONAL CAMPAIGN
This is what most campaigns have looked like in the past. Your organization holds one campaign kickoff attended by all your employees.
You have the option to pass out paper pledge cards or use Cooke County United Way's online pledging system. With online pledges, employees can make pledges and credit card payments from their computer.
Set a deadline for employees to complete pledges and report your campaign total to the United Way. This is typically around 2 weeks
CUSTOM
If this isn't exactly right for your organization, let’s talk about what works best for you and customize your campaign. We want your United Way campaign as easy as possible.
Please contact Andrea Adams or call the Cooke County United Way office at 940.665.1793 to set up the perfect campaign for your organization.
5 Days to Give United Campaign Toolkit
The tools on this page are here to help Cooke County United Way Campaign Coordinators run a successful 5 Days to Give United campaign.
5 Days to Give United Timeline & Tools By Day
Day 1
- Send email #1: How Cooke County United Way impacts our community. Include video #1 (30 seconds)
- Start a fundraiser
- Promotional signage placed (entrance, time clock, break rooms)
Tools
- Send email #1
- Video #1 | Youth Opportunity
- Custom Posters
- Fun Ideas
Day 2
- Send email #2: Your company’s culture of giving back to others. Include video #2 (30seconds)
- Have fun and build morale with an event to help promote your fundraiser(s)
Tools
- Email #2
- Video #2 | Financial Stability
Day 3
- Send email #3: Encourage employees to begin thinking about giving. (Discuss with family, etc.) Include video #3 (30seconds)
- Fundraiser(s) continue
Tools
- Email #3
- Video #3 | Healthy Community
Day 4
- Send email #4: Ways to give and rally reminder. Include video #4 (30 seconds)
- Fundraisers should look to conclude on this day.
- Prizes for events and fundraisers should start to conclude on this day, if possible.
Tools
- Email #4
- Video #4 | Why Give to Cooke County United Way
Day 5
- Early morning reminder to all employees of GREAT DAY TO GIVE UNITED!
- Giving Rally!
- CEO and Campaign Coordinator open meeting and share about the impact of their business and why they support the mission of Cooke County United Way.
- Cooke County United Way Speaker
- Agency Speaker (optional)
- Collect pledge cards
- Prize drawing for those who turned in a pledge card at the rally
- Group picture for social media
Tools
- Giving Day Email/Email #5
- Giving Day Rally Template
- Blank Pledge Cards (ENGLISH)
- Blank Pledge Cards (SPANISH)
Printable version
United Way 101
How Does Cooke County United Way Help?
Cooke County United Way identifies needs in our community and finds solutions that improve the lives of the people who live here. We fundraise on behalf of over 14 local nonprofits, so they can focus on what they do best: serving their communities. We also work to develop solutions that meet the needs of people in our community - from distributing free school supplies to offering free tax help to enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Through funded partner programs and Cooke County United Way initiatives, more than 13,000 people's lives are improved every year!
Why Cooke County United Way?
Trust - Dozens of volunteers review and evaluate the programs that receive funding from Cooke County United Way. These organizations must be financially responsible and have a proven record of positive impact in our community.
Addressing Local Needs - Donations to Cooke County United Way stay in our community. Local volunteers assess the needs of our neighbors to make sure the most critical needs are being met. Funding decisions are made by people who live and work in our community.
Amplify Your Impact - The programs United Way fund are experts at stretching the dollars they receive. When you add your donation to that of hundreds of others, the impact you have becomes exponential.
One Gift Touches Many - With just one donation, your impact is spread to dozens of nonprofit organizations across our community. Help people of all ages, across all walks of life, with your gift to Cooke County United Way.
How Can I Help?
Cooke County United Way makes it easy to make a difference! You can give today HERE. Our work would not be possible without the collective contribution of people like you. Your support matters! Join us as we continue to build a stronger community.
TIPS from TOP Performers
Recruit a Campaign Team
Don’t rely on one person. Recruit a team to lead your campaign and increase awareness of the United Way campaign.
Set Goals
Set goals for your United Way campaign. And not just for a total amount raised. You could set a goal for participation or leadership givers.
Pick a Theme
Brand your United Way campaign with a theme. You can find ideas HERE.
Support from the Top
The most successful campaigns are the ones with visible support from the CEO. Have them speak at your campaign kickoff. They can also send a company-wide email about supporting United Way.
Culture of Giving
Create excitement in your office and make sure employees have fun while raising funds for a great cause!
Target Commuters
Does your company have people who live in Gainesville but work in another city? Send them a letter encouraging them to designate their United Way gift back to the community they live in. Commuters can use designate to give where they live.
Incentives to Give
Most successful campaigns include an incentive to give. A few examples :
- Paid time off for Fair Share and Leadership Givers.
- Fair Share givers are eligible for a daily gift card drawing
- Prizes given to donors such as a scooter, gas gift cards and grocery gift cards
- Employees who turn in their pledge card at the Fair Share level on the first day are eligible to be entered into a drawing for a prize
Fundraisers
All of our most successful campaigns do a number of fundraisers in addition to collecting pledges from employees. These range from chili cookoffs to pie in the face contests to gift basket auctions.
LOGOS
Color Circle with White CCUW Logo
Color CCUW Logo
Black & White CCUW Logo
Traditional Campaign Toolkit
The tools below are here to help Cooke County United Way Campaign Coordinators run a successful employee drive.
One common question that arises is whether United Way supports access to specific health-related resources or medications, such as Motilium, which is often used for gastrointestinal issues. While United Way does not directly fund the purchase of medications, many of its partner agencies work to improve healthcare access for underserved populations. These agencies often provide support for individuals managing chronic conditions, including digestive health, by connecting them to affordable treatment options and community health programs. Ensuring access to essential medications like Motilium aligns with United Way's broader mission to promote health and financial stability. For those in need, United Way encourages collaboration with healthcare providers and pharmacies to explore discount programs or prescription savings cards. Questions about specific health services or medications can be directed to the appropriate partner agencies, which specialize in addressing these needs. By participating in United Way campaigns, donors help expand the reach of these critical services, making them accessible to more community members. Every contribution supports a network of solutions designed to improve the quality of life for thousands, ensuring that no one is left without the resources they need.
Traditional Campaign Tips & Templates
This one-page guide includes information on the benefits of being a Campaign Coordinator, your duties, steps to success, key messages, and a campaign checklist.
Campaign Checklist (Click to Download)
Company Summary Reports
Download the Cooke County United Way Campaign Summary Report
Download the Employee Campaign Report Sheet
Download the Chisholm Trail Award List Report Sheet
Leadership Giving
Leadership givers are Cooke County United Way's most generous supporters and are an integral part of our efforts to solve community problems and bring measurable, lasting change to the lives of thousands of residents in our community each year. Leadership giving contributions can be combined with a household member, given as a one-time gift or given through payroll deduction.
110% Club
Any person who increases their pledge by 10% from the year before becomes a part of the 110% Club, regardless of gift size
Arley Daurity Award
Companies with 100% participation
Presidential Award
50% Increase over last year's giving
Community Excellence Award
$100+ per capita gift and 80% participation
Gold Award
$60 + per capita gift and 80% participation
Silver Award
$50 + per capita gift and 50% participation
Bronze Award
$40 + per capita gift and 50% participation
Small Business Award
For companies with fewer than 25 employees having 100% participation
Chisholm Trail Award Levels
Wagon Driver
Donors who give an annual gift of $500 - $999
Wagon Master
Donors who give an annual gift of $1,000 - $1,999
Scout
Donors who give an annual gift of $2,000 - $4,999
Trail Blazer
Donors who give an annual gift of $5,000 - $9,999
Alexis de Tocqueville Society
Donors who give an annual gift of $10,000 or more
Fair Share Giving
A small deduction from each pay period adds up to make a large impact. There are two ways to be a Fair Share giver. Donate 1% of your annual salary or donate one hour’s pay per month.
1% of Annual Salary Example
Annual salary of $30,000
$30,000 x 1% (.01)
$300 Annual Contribution
1 Hour's Pay Per Month Example
Hourly salary of $10
$10 x 12
$120 Annual Contribution
Campaign Growth Opportunities
Win Back Lapsed Donors
A lapsed donor is someone who gave the previous year, but did not give during the current fundraising campaign. As you turn in final numbers for your company’s drive you will be given a list of lapsed donors. Once you review the list you will be able to quickly identify whether that person has left your company or was absent on the day of your kick-off.
It is important to follow up with those employees to allow them to participate. This can help your company’s total campaign dollars go up. If the person is no longer employed at your company please let your United Way contact know to help United Way maintain accurate and updated donor information.
New Hires Program
Through employment changes, job loss and moving, United Way incurs contribution losses. A New Hires Program can help replace those contributions. Please help your community by making sure your company holds a New Hires Campaign through which new employees are asked to support United Way at the time of hire. Materials are available for your orientation packets. Email us at aadams@cookeuw.org for info!
Retirees Program
United Way relies on the support of retirees as the needs in the community grow. Many retirees have the support of pensions and benefits; there are many more who live around us who don’t have that security. Ask your CEO and United Way rep to help you get a Retiree Program started.
Common Coordinator Questions
When should our campaign take place?
Pacesetter campaigns take place in August through mid-September. Most other workplace campaigns occur between mid-September and through November. However, they can take place any time of the year.
I have limited time. How can I work the campaign into my busy schedule?
Reach out to us. Cooke County United Way staff and volunteers are here to help you every step of the way. Let us know your limitations and we will come up with a plan together to make it easier for you. Another way to ease the strain is to recruit a campaign team. Assign tasks and assume a management role. Most importantly, start planning early. The earlier you start the easier the process will be for you.
How long should our campaign last?
Whatever works best for you! We have a 5 Days to Give United campaign option that lasts 1 week. Most traditional campaigns can be wrapped up in two or three weeks. The goal is to distribute and collect pledge cards while the United Way message is still fresh in employees’ minds.
How can I involve our employees in the campaign experience?
Take the campaign to them. Some ideas are to use e-mail, voice mails, videos and/or letters from the CEO/Leadership to get the word out. Attach balloons with United Way messages to the employees’ desks. Designate one room as the United Way Room and have participants play games on their breaks and turn in pledge forms for prizes. Use your company’s intranet to provide information and results. Create and distribute a company video starring your colleagues sharing their reasons for Living United in prior campaigns.
When do payroll contributions start?
The most common payroll contribution period usually runs from January 1 through December 31. Some companies use their fiscal year as their schedule for payroll contribution. United Way does not set your payroll schedule. It is a company decision.
How do I get a speaker at my event?
United Way can work with you to secure a speaker for your campaign kickoff. We can recommend speakers for your rally based on the interests of your workforce. For planning purposes, please allow at least two weeks to process your speaker request. Since most speakers are doing numerous events throughout the campaign, it is not always possible to get the speaker you request. Email us to schedule a speaker at aadams@cookeuw.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (From Employees)
As a Company Coordinator, you encounter some questions about United Way that are hard to answer. We have listed the most frequently asked questions below to help you. Of course, if you come across another question that you cannot answer, please don’t hesitate to contact your Cooke County United Way representative. We would rather be asked tough questions than leave people with a misunderstanding or misconception of United Way.
What is United Way’s overhead Ratio?
Cooke County United Way is committed to responsible stewardship of your donations. United Way has taken many steps to reduce expenses and our overhead ratio, defined as fundraising and administration expenses divided by total revenue.Cooke County United Way employees 1 full time and one part-time employee to keep payroll expenses at a minimum.
Are all United Ways the same?
No. There are more than 1,200 separate, autonomous United Ways. We have our own local Board of Directors, which establishes policies. We support United Way Worldwide with dues that help provide training and national advertising, but it has no authority over your local United Way.
Does United Way fund abortions?
No. No single United Way anywhere in the country has ever provided funding for abortion services. The abortion issue is a divisive one on which United Way takes no position.
My friend wasn’t helped, so I’m not giving!
Last year, Cooke County United Way helped thousands of people. However, there are still people who will not be served due to the limited funds that our partners have available. That is why it is so important to participate.
Can I designate my gift?
Yes! We allow designations to support programs of any of our current funded partners. You find those partners and on the Cooke County United Way pledge card and can always request your designated agency when giving. Designations not specifying a designation will be redirected to Cooke County United Way's Community Fund.
Is giving to United Way voluntary?
Yes! Our United Way has a written policy against coercion.
Why do some United Way partners charge fees?
United Way funds provide only a portion of the money agencies need to provide services. Some agencies charge sliding scale fees so they can help more people.
I never use agency services - why should I give?
You never know when you, a member of your family or a neighbor may need a United Way service due to job loss, loss of a loved one, illness, disabilities or family problems. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available to as many people as possible when they’re needed the most.