United Way - Greater New Orleans Area

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For Companies: 9 Steps to a Personal Ask

STEP 1 Learn as much as you can about United Way.		STEP 7 Ask for the contribution.
Take an agency tour, attend communicator training, see the United Way video and read United Way literature to get informed. People want to know that their dollars will be well spent and that their donations are having a visible impact on the community.		100% of their gift can go to local programs that help people and get results. Let them know that through their undesignated contribution to United Way, their caring will have more community impact than ever before. That's because generous local ‘Cornerstone Companies’ are funding our United Way’s administrative costs. Ask for an increase over last year’s contribution. If your company has payroll deduction, recommend that your colleagues use it. It’s easier when contributions are spread out over the year. Inform co-workers of the opportunity to join one or more of United Way’s Leadership societies. Anyone donating $500 or more may become a member of the Richard West Freeman Leaders in Giving Association. Those above age 35 who give $1,000 or more to United Way and those 35 and under who give $500 or more may enroll as members in United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council. The WLC supports the unique health and human service needs of women and children in the Greater New Orleans Area through leadership, philanthropy and advocacy. Promote our Incentive Program! Helping more people in more ways through a gift to United Way makes you a winner. But in New Orleans we like a little ‘lagniappe’. So, those giving 1% or more of their income through their workplace campaign are eligible for great give-aways. Check with your Employee Campaign Coordinator for more details.

STEP 2 Show your personal commitment to the campaign.
When you make your own pledge first, it’s easier to ask for gifts from your co-workers.

STEP 3 Call on co-workers you know best, first.
The positive response you get from people you know best will help you build on the success!

STEP 4 Be yourself.
Tell your co-workers why you’re meeting with them and why you personally support United Way. Talk about what you’ve seen and learned about United Way.

STEP 5 Listen.
Find out what employees want to know about United Way and help them get the answers.

STEP 6 Be positive.
Your answers to your co-workers’ questions can provide important information, correct a misunderstanding or resolve a particular concern. If you do not know the answer to a question, contact your company’s Employee Campaign Coordinator.

		STEP 8 Say “Thank You.”
		Thank employees for their time. It helps them feel good about their gift.

		STEP 9 Wrap Up.
		Once you are certain that you have secured a response from everyone, return all pledge forms, donor choice brochures, cash and checks to your Employee Campaign Coordinator.