Developing a strategic plan for identifying, cultivating and soliciting leadership
donors is critical to a strong effort. Below are steps for success:
Secure your CEO’s endorsement.
Your organization’s Leadership Society program will be especially effective if your CEO or local senior manager provides visible support of the effort throughout your campaign.
Identify a Leadership Giving Chair.
Your CEO or local senior manager should identify a respected and enthusiastic senior executive or manager to spearhead this effort. They also need to be a Leadership Giver.
Identify Leadership Giving Prospects.
Invite some or all of your organization’s employees to become Leadership Society members. You may want to target all employees at or above a particular management or salary level. However, a general guideline for a potential Leadership member is any employee who earns a minimum of $50,000 a year or who has given $500-$999 in past
campaigns. Most companies underestimate who might be willing to give at this
level.
Make the Ask.
Generate enthusiasm for your Leadership Giving campaign by making a unique ask. You may decide to host a special event such as a breakfast, luncheon at an agency or happy hour where information can be presented about leadership giving. Or you may choose to include the leadership giving ask at an existing management meeting. Brainstorm with your United Way staff partner for ideas that will lead to a fabulous and meaningful ask! Don’t forget to follow-up with prospects prior to the end of the campaign.
Develop a retention strategy.
Develop a retention strategy for all non-renewed Leadership Givers with your United Way staff partner.
Say Thank-You.
Please remember to thank these generous contributors. Some companies host a special thank you reception or happy hour. Others provide special tickets, incentives or goodies throughout the year as an acknowledgement. Also, let United Way recognize and communicate with your Leadership Givers throughout the year.
Make a Donation
When a child succeeds in school, a single mom pulls herself out of poverty, or a grandfather learns how to better manage his diabetes, we all win. When you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all.
Your donation, large or small, makes it possible for United Way to improve lives in our community.
Make a Memorial Gift
When someone passes away, it’s natural to think about the life they led and the impact they made on the people who loved and admired them. The United Way is grateful to those who Give to further extend the impact of people who have been lost.
Your memorial gift—of any size—pays honors one incredible life by bettering the lives of others throughout our community.
Make a Tribute Gift
Has someone special in your life made you want to honor them by giving to others? A gift to United Way can be a powerful way to say thank you or congratulations, because it can touch the lives of so many people in our community.
When you want to make a tribute gift, please keep the United Way in mind.
Serving Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and Southern Denton Counties
