SAMPLE LETTERS

Sample Campaign Endorsement from CEO
Dear Team Member,

Once a year, each of us has a chance to make a difference in the lives of people in our community through our organization’s United Way of Bucks County campaign. [[insert company name]] believes we all have a responsibility to the community where we live and work. That’s why [[insert company name]] is a proud supporter of the annual United Way workplace campaign.

We hope that you will play a part in creating a good life for all Bucks County residents. United Way focuses on three impact areas: education, income, and health. These are the building blocks to a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

[[insert company name]]’s campaign will run from [[date to date]]. Please join me for the Campaign Kick-Off on [[date]]. You’ll learn about the many positive things happening in our community and gain a better understanding of what we as individuals and [[insert company name]] employees can do to better the lives of our neighbors.

Your support helps make Bucks County a great place to live and work for everyone. By giving to United Way, you are investing in your community and supporting over 50 programs throughout Bucks County.
Let’s continue [[insert company name]]’s tradition of giving and making a difference in the lives of residents throughout Bucks County!

Thank you!

Sincerely,

[[Name]]
[[Title]]

Sample Ideas for Voice Mail or E-mail
Voice and e-mail can be helpful year-round so employees get an idea of what United Way does throughout the year, not just at Campaign time.

Week 1 – Announce the Campaign

To: All Staff
Re: United Way of Bucks County

How would you like to make a difference in our community, and get a chance to win a $5,000 Home Entertainment Package, a $2,000 Gift Card, or a 100 second shopping spree?

On [[date]], we will be kicking off [[insert company name]]’s United Way Campaign. Last year, our community raised $3,000,000 to help alleviate some of Bucks County’s most pressing problems. This year, we’re going to follow that with even more success! And by donating just $6.00 per week, you are eligible to complete an entry to win a Home Entertainment Package valued at $5,000, a $2,000 Gift Card, and a 100 second shopping spree from McCaffrey’s Markets.

This is a great opportunity to get involved and change lives by investing in what matters in our community.

Week 2 or 3 – Announce the Campaign Kickoff

To: All Staff
Re: [[insert company name]] United Way of Bucks County Kick-off

You are invited to a [[event name]] as we kick off [[insert company name]]’s United Way

Campaign.
Date:
Time:
Location:

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear how our contributions make it possible for United Way of Bucks County to help more people in more ways. We’ll get to hear how contributions create a powerful caring force in our community. [[Name of speaker]] will be joining us to share some success stories about United Way of Bucks County and the programs it funds. Plus get details about how you can register to win a Home Entertainment Package valued at $5,000, a $2,000 Gift Card, or a 100 second shopping spree! Invest in what matters!

Week 2 or 3 – Update on Campaign Progress

Hey everyone! We’ve reached xx% of our goal! Thanks to you, last week’s [[event name]] was a huge success! [[Highlight story from event]] We were able to raise $xxx.xx of our final goal of $xxxxx. Don’t forget, by donating just $6.00 per week, you are eligible to complete and entry to win a Home Entertainment Package valued at $5,000, a $2,000 Gift Card, and a 100 second shopping spree from McCaffrey’s. Please be sure to turn in your pledge cards and entry forms by [[date]].

Week 4 – Final Amount Raised/Thank You Announcement

To: All Staff
Re: [[insert company name]]’s 2009 United Way Campaign Goal

We did it! I am thrilled to inform you that we met our campaign goal and raised ($xxxxx) for United Way of Bucks County. Together, we are creating positive changes by investing in our community. We are part of a caring force that focuses on solutions to Bucks County’s most pressing issues. We work together to build a strong community by providing community basics, nurturing children, developing youth, and empowering neighborhoods. Thank you for making a difference and investing in what matters.

Sample Thank You to Employees

Dear Team Member,

            Thank you!

            Bucks County is an extraordinary place to work and live. At [[insert company name]], we believe it is important to recognize the contributions that each of you make to the community. During our most recent United Way campaign, you once again helped the people in our community who need it most. Thank you for your contributions and volunteer service!

            We recognize that making a charitable gift is an important and personal decision. You can also feel confident that your United Way donation is being used effectively and efficiently while keeping Bucks County strong and prosperous.

            All of us have a stake in advancing the common good. United Way is doing this by focusing on the building blocks of a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. Thank you for your generous gift that makes so much possible for so many.

            We at [[insert company name]] are proud of the commitment each of you have made and we support and applaud your efforts.

Sincerely,

Your Company President
Company name

Sample Retiree Letter (Be sure to print in larger type.)

Dear Retiree,

You and (COMPANY(’s)) retirees continue to be an important part of our organization. We value you for your past achievements and continued loyalty. As a retired employee, I would like to invite you to join us in supporting (COMPANY NAME('S)) 2009 United Way campaign, which will take place from (DATE TO DATE) this year.

Through United Way of Bucks County, we have an opportunity to help our friends, neighbors, family and even our former co-workers by ensuring that our community remains strong and healthy. Bucks County has the enviable reputation of taking care of its residents. This reputation is built on the efforts of people like you who give what they can to maintain an effective network of health and human services. And, United Way of Bucks County is the best place to spend our charitable dollars because:

Thank you for making our community stronger through your United Way contribution. Keeping our community healthy for us and for future generations is our shared goal.

Sincerely,
(Senior management retiree)