CAMPAIGN PREVIEW
SEND ONE WEEK BEFORE THE START OF THE CAMPAIGN
Subject Line:
We made a difference
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
I will be serving as [COMPANY NAME’s] coordinator for this year’s campaign to support
some of the great work that is happening at United Way of Greater New Haven. I’m very
excited to be serving in this role because I know the campaign is a great opportunity for
us to make a real difference in the community where we live and work.
Because of our support last year, more than 100 chronically homeless individuals were
permanently housed and connected to the support they need to get ahead. Over 1800
families received resources to help them support their children as they enter school for
the first time. Job-seekers in our community now have access to over 1500 professional
outfits to give them confidence as they go out on interviews.
I am thrilled to know that this great work is happening in our community, and I am proud
to know that [COMPANY NAME] played a role in making it happen.
For those of you who supported the effort last year, know that your donations provided
the resources necessary to carry out this life-changing work. These results show why
this campaign is so important.
United Way is committed to changing the odds for children and families in Greater New
Haven, and we at [COMPANY NAME] are committed to helping in this effort. In the
weeks to come, you will be hearing from me about how you can support our effort to
build a better community for us all.
I hope you will consider supporting this important work. Change won’t happen without
all of us.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Read more about the great work you supported this past year at uwgnh.org.
CEO MESSAGE
SEND TOWARD THE BEGINNING OF THE CAMPAIGN
Subject Line:
Why this is important
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
Every year, we at [COMPANY NAME] join together to support the life-changing work
United Way of Greater New Haven is spearheading in our community. And every year I
take a moment to reflect on why this work is so important, and why we at [COMPANY
NAME] support United Way.
I could share lots of information about United Way’s goals and results in the areas of
Education, Income, and Health – and I do encourage you to read up on these results
here: http://www.uwgnh.org/our-work – but there is one story in particular that shows
how important it is for us to continue to support this work.
Two years ago, Jane arrived at a local job-training agency as an unemployed, homeless
single mother. With the help of a network of social service providers, Jane found highquality, affordable day care for her son, obtained temporary housing and transportation
assistance, and received a free mental health evaluation and support. All of this support
allowed her to focus on the important task of finding employment.
Today, Jane is employed and has transitioned from a temporary shelter to her own
apartment. She recently started attending nursing classes and plans to further her
educaton. She has made a commitment to her physical and mental health with a daily
exercise routine at a local nonprofit, and she finds time to volunteer at the same jobtraining agency that she turned to for help not so long ago.
United Way of Greater New Haven not only provided funding for many of the programs
Jane utilized, but it also helped build connections between agencies so that they could
work together to help Jane succeed.
United Way’s strength is in its ability to identify partners and work collectively on the big
issues that can’t be solved by any one group working alone. In this way, United Way
plays a unique and critical role in the community, and it is for this reason I am asking
you again to support our annual campaign.
Will you join me in making a donation so that more people like Jane can
succeed? When you give to United Way, whether it’s one dollar, or at the highest levels
of the Leadership and Tocqueville Societies, you’re changing lives.
No one group working alone can solve the big issues in our community, and this is why
it’s so important for us at [COMPANY NAME] to do what we can. Thank you in advance
for your generosity to join with the more than one hundred companies in Greater New
Haven that support United Way.
Sincerely,
[CEO NAME]
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF – GENERAL VERSION
SEND AT THE START OF THE CAMPAIGN
Subject Line:
Will you help make change happen?
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
Every year, [COMPANY NAME] joins countless other businesses and individuals in
Greater New Haven in a major effort to build a stronger community through our United
Way campaign.
Because of our support last year:



over 450 parents took advantage of trainings to learn more about child
development and how they can best support their child’s learning;
over 3,800 individuals received free tax assistance that resulted in more than
$6.4 million in returns to be invested back in our community; and
the wait time to house a homeless individual dropped from 2-3 years to 2-3
weeks.
This is just a small sample of the work we’ve made possible. When we donate to
[COMPANY NAME’s] annual United Way of Greater New Haven campaign, we are
changing the odds to give all children and families in our region the opportunity for a
good life.
There is more work to be done this year, and we will not get it done without your
support. Will you join me in making a donation to United Way of Greater New
Haven today?
You can make a donation by [visiting this website/filling out the pledge form you have
received]. There are many ways to give – one of the easiest is through payroll
deduction, which allows you to indicate a certain amount you’d like to donate from your
paycheck each pay period.
We’ve set a goal of raising [GOAL AMOUNT], which will provide the resources
necessary to meet the needs of the children and families in our community. Any gift you
can give, whether it’s $20, $10, $5, or $1 per pay period will help us build a better
community for us all.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Thank you for Living United,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Learn more about United Way’s work in Greater New Haven and sign up for email
updates by visiting uwgnh.org.
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF – LEADERSHIP VERSION
SEND AT THE START OF THE CAMPAIGN TO LEADERSHIP CIRCLE PROSPECTS
Subject Line:
Will you help make change happen?
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
Every year, [COMPANY NAME] joins countless other businesses and individuals in
Greater New Haven in a major effort to build a stronger community through our United
Way campaign.
Because of our support last year:



over 450 parents took advantage of trainings to learn more about child
development and how they can best support their child’s learning;
over 3,800 individuals received free tax assistance that resulted in more than
$6.4 million in returns to be invested back in our community; and
the wait time to house a homeless individual dropped from 2-3 years to 2-3
weeks.
This is just a small sample of the work we’ve made possible. When we donate to
[COMPANY NAME’s] annual United Way of Greater New Haven campaign, we are
changing the odds to give all children and families in our region the opportunity for a
good life.
There is more work to be done this year, and we will not get it done without your
support. As a leader at [COMPANY NAME], I’d like to ask you to consider joining
United Way’s Leadership Circle with an annual gift of $1,000 or more.
Leadership Circle members make the great work I have described above possible. By
joining this group, you will connect with a network of business and community leaders
who share their vision, expertise and resources to move our region forward. To learn
more, please visit: http://www.uwgnh.org/get-involved/giving-societies/leadershipsociety
You can make a donation by [visiting this website/filling out the pledge form you have
received]. There are many ways to give – one of the easiest is through payroll
deduction, which allows you to indicate a certain amount you’d like to donate from your
paycheck each pay period.
We’ve set a goal of raising [GOAL AMOUNT], which will provide the resources
necessary to meet the needs of the children and families in our community. Please
consider joining me with a Leadership Circle gift of $20/week or more to provide support
that is so crucial to our community.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Thank you for Living United,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Learn more about United Way’s work in Greater New Haven and sign up for email
updates by visiting uwgnh.org.
EDUCATION MESSAGE
Subject Line:
Helping kids succeed in school and in life
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
I want to tell you a story about a boy in our community named Luis.
Luis was having a tough time in school. He was new to the area, and his family did not
speak very much English. Teachers at Luis’ school reported the he was very shy and
self-conscious, and that he was not completing homework and in danger of failing
several subject areas.
Through United Way of Greater New Haven, Luis
was matched with a mentor named Juan who
attended a local high school. Juan is an excellent
student and is seen as a leader at his school. Juan
built a strong relationship with Luis, and motivated,
encouraged, and inspired him to give his all.
Together they celebrated small milestones, like
Luis being able to sit and focus on his homework
for one full hour. Juan found ways to make learning
fun and engaging for Luis.
At the end of the school year, Luis’ attendance had increased and he had improved in
all subject areas. But what Luis’ teachers found most encouraging was his new attitude
toward school. He walked into class ready to learn, and he raised his hand with
confidence to answer questions.
Luis is one of the more than 1300 kids in our region who benefited from mentoring and
counseling services because of United Way. As you can see, these services are crucial
in helping kids succeed both in school and in life.
If you haven’t done so already, will you help continue this work by making a
donation to [COMPANY NAME’s] United Way campaign?
Juan’s actions are a great example of what it means to Live United. By providing the
resources to continue this work, we are all Living United as well.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Read more about United Way of Greater New Haven’s education work here
http://www.uwgnh.org/our-work/education
INCOME MESSAGE
Subject Line:
A Second Chance
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
I want to tell you a story about a man in our community named Roger.
Two years ago, Roger was released from prison. Having very little education or job
skills, he turned to a program supported by United Way of Greater New Haven that
provides job training, educational opportunities, and life skills support to ex-offenders.
He received training in construction, landscaping, and property management, and he
also took classes to advance his education and learn how to be a better parent to his
children.
Today, Roger is an assistant crew chief and is
responsible for daily supervision and preparing
his crew for a day’s work. He has increased his
literacy score from a seventh to an eleventh
grade reading level. He enjoys spending time
with his children, and makes sure that they are
on the right track to succeed.
Roger explains, “Back in the day, I didn’t think. I was all reaction. Something happened
– I reacted. Never thought twice about consequences. I’m not perfect, but I have
learned to avoid doing that.” He is grateful for his second chance, and knows he now
has what it takes to build a better life for himself and his family.
Roger is one of the more than 300 individuals with barriers to employment who United
Way of Greater New Haven has helped get a job over the last three years. These
individuals are now able to support their families and provide them with more
opportunities to succeed.
If you haven’t done so already, will you help continue this work by making a
donation to [COMPANY NAME’s] United Way campaign?
There are others like Roger who can benefit from a second chance. When we support
this effort, we are a part of making that second chance possible.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Read more about United Way of Greater New Haven’s income work here
http://www.uwgnh.org/our-work/income
BASIC NEEDS MESSAGE
Subject Line:
A Place to Call Home
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
I want to tell you a story about a woman in our community named Cynthia.
For the last few years, Cynthia has been homeless – sleeping outside, in shelters, on
friends’ couches, or in abandoned buildings. Most nights she feared for her safety and
was too afraid to close her eyes to sleep.
Over the last year, Cynthia has turned her life around and found steady employment.
Despite this success, she has been met with
delays and denials when trying to find housing.
A few months ago, Cynthia received a call that
changed her life. She had received a housing
voucher that gave her the resources necessary to
apply for an apartment.
This development occurred thanks to a new effort
supported by United Way of Greater New Haven to identify the homeless individuals in
our community, work with agencies to develop a common assessment tool for these
individuals, and dramatically reduce the wait time it takes to secure permanent housing
from 2-3 years to 2-3 weeks.
Cynthia is one of the more than 100 chronically homeless individuals who have been
housed through this effort. With a roof over their heads, these individuals can now focus
on becoming mentally and physically healthy and securing employment – making our
region a better place for us all.
If you haven’t done so already, will you help continue this work by making a
donation to [COMPANY NAME’s] United Way campaign?
There are others like Cynthia who can benefit from a place to call home. When we
support this effort, we help make that happen.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Read more about United Way of Greater New Haven’s basic needs work here
http://www.uwgnh.org/our-work/basic-needs
CAMPAIGN IN PROGRESS
SEND HALF-WAY THROUGH THE CAMPAIGN
Subject Line:
Do you have five minutes?
Body copy:
Dear Friends,
As you know, [COMPANY NAME’S] United Way campaign is in progress, and we are
well on our way to making our goal of [GOAL AMOUNT]. But we’re not going to get
there without your help!
Today marks the half-way point of the campaign, so I wanted to take a moment to
remind you to consider making a donation if you haven’t done so already.
I know we all are working on various projects and trying to meet deadlines, but I ask that
you take five minutes to [visit our campaign website/review the pledge form you have
received] and support some of the life-changing work that is happening in our
community. The time you take today will make a world of difference to the children and
families in Greater New Haven who will benefit from your donation.
The last day to give is on [CAMPAIGN END DATE].
I give to United Way because it is the best way to make a big difference in someone’s
life here in our community. I hope you will join me in giving at the level that’s right for
you.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. If each employee at [COMPANY NAME] gave a gift of $X, we’d meet our goal. Can
you help us make this a reality? [provide website link if applicable]
CAMPAIGN LAST PUSH
SEND ON THE LAST DAY OR TWO OF THE CAMPAIGN
Subject Line:
LAST CALL: Add your name to the list
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
Tomorrow is the last day of [COMPANY NAME]’s United Way campaign. Already, so
many of you have added your names to the list of [COMPANY NAME] employees who
care about their community by making a pledge to give to children and families who
need it.
I feel truly humbled to work amongst a group of professionals who have gone above
and beyond.
But I also know that we have an opportunity in this last push to do something special.
Every additional person who donates helps one more child or family thrive right here
where we live and work.
We need $[DOLLAR AMOUNT] more to reach the goal we’ve set, and I know that we
can do it. If every person who has not yet given can donate just $[DONATION
AMOUNT], we’ll get there.
Can you help out today with a gift of [DONATION AMOUNT SPECIFIED ABOVE] or
more?
If you have questions about how to donate, please let me know.
Thank you for making a difference.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. All pledges must be made by [DEADLINE]. Take a few minutes to get yours in
now!
END OF CAMPAIGN WRAP-UP AND THANK YOU
SEND AFTER THE CAMPAIGN HAS CLOSED
Subject Line:
I am so proud
Body Copy:
Dear Friends,
I did a double-take when I saw the final numbers for [COMPANY NAME’S] United Way
of Greater New Haven campaign. Join me in celebrating an incredibly successful effort!
It takes an entire community to change lives, and today I could not be more appreciative
that I work in this one.
Without further ado, I want to report: [insert appropriate result statements from below:]
[COMPANY NAME] employees gave $[DOLLARS PLEDGED] to United Way.
[PARTICIPATION RATE]% of [COMPANY NAME] employees gave to United Way.
[NUMBER OF DONORS] of [COMPANY NAME] employees gave to United Way.
Additionally, [COMPANY NAME] employees gave more than [NUMBER OF
VOLUNTEER HOURS] volunteer hours during the campaign.
Even though I am tremendously thankful, I’m really not speaking for me. I’m thanking
you on behalf of the countless Greater New Haven children and families who will be
more prepared to graduate, who will acquire the training they need to find a job, and
who will have more access to healthier food. From all of those who will be impacted, I
extend my warmest gratitude.
Sincerely,
[COORDINATOR NAME]
P.S. Whether or not you were able to support the campaign, please remember that you
can sign up to receive United Way emails here: http://uwgnh.us5.listmanage2.com/subscribe?u=658a87f48813c45ebfe78813f&id=85d72b4277. Keep track
of the lives you’ve changed and the progress made from your investment!
THANK YOU
SEND TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE A GIFT
Subject Line:
You Are Making A Difference
Body Copy:
Dear [NAME],
If you’re feeling proud, you should be!
Making a pledge like you did to support children and families in Greater New Haven is
no small thing. It is a demonstration that you want to be a part of building a better
community for us all. You are making a difference, and you are the reason United Way
of Greater New Haven will have the resources it needs to reach its ambitious goals in
Education, Income, and Health.
Thank you so much, not just from me or [COMPANY NAME], but from the countless
lives you’ve impacted with your generosity.
Sincerely,
[CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR]
P.S. I hope you’ll take your passion one step further, and sign up to receive email
updates from United Way here: http://uwgnh.us5.listmanage2.com/subscribe?u=658a87f48813c45ebfe78813f&id=85d72b4277