E-Mail Messages

Here are sample E-mail messages to send throughout the campaign and year-round to inform people about United Way's programs and services. You can personalize the messages to reflect your company's involvement with United Way and mix-and-match these suggestions for what works best for you. Also consider adding a link on your company's website or intranet to ours at www.uwsect.org.

Click here to go to Pre-Campaign l Mid-Campaign l Post-Campaign Messages

Pre-Campaign:

It's not the old way. It's the United Way. Right here in your backyard, United Way is changing the way. From quick fixes (like a hot meal and a safe shelter) to real, lasting change (like helping kids graduate from high school and providing training for employment for adults). That's what matters. That's United Way.

Please join us as we kick off our in-house campaign to benefit United Way and the community on [insert date, time] at [insert place]. We hope to see you there. Thank you!

There's a better way to solve problems in our community. And it's not the old way. It's the United Way. United Way addresses the root causes of problems, not only the symptoms of the problem. They support a safety net of programs to meet short-term or immediate needs, then work with the community to resolve the larger causes of the issue. That's what matters. That's United Way.

Just a reminder that [insert company name]'s campaign to benefit United Way and the community if coming up soon! Join us on [insert date, time] at [insert place] when you'll learn more about the difference United Way is making throughout our community. [If appropriate] We'll be serving snacks and refreshments and you'll have a chance to ask questions and get more informed about how your gift makes an impact. Thank you!

The United Way kick-off event is tomorrow and your internal campaign committee members hope you will join us for a brief meeting and lunch [if appropriate]. During the meeting you will hear from a United Way partner program representative who will share examples of how your contribution makes a difference. We'll see the campaign film and answer any questions you may have. At that time you will receive your pledge card and have an opportunity to make your gift.

If you cannot attend the event, one member of the campaign committee will touch base with you in the near future. The kickoff is [insert place and time]. Hope to see you there for good food and a good cause!

Mid-Campaign:

Does your contribution to United Way matter? Yes, it matters! By combining your United Way gift with the gifts of others, together, we can make the most positive impact on community issues. United Way invests in local programs and services that are proven to deliver measurable results that change lives. Your contribution, added to the contributions of thousands of other generous donors like you, combine to make a very powerful and positive difference in the lives of people in Southeastern Connecticut.

If you missed our campaign kick-off event, there's still time to make your contribution to United Way. If you have questions, please contact [insert name and number or email]. I will be touching base with you to answer any questions you may have about how United Way is changing lives in our community. Thank you!

Thanks for attending our kickoff event for United Way. If you have not yet turned in your pledge form, there's still time. We'll be collecting cards up until [insert deadline].

Please remember that United Way is improving lives every day in our community. Their safety net of partner programs provide food and shelter, quality, affordable child care, after-school programs for youth, employment training, health and wellness services for children and adults...the list goes on and on. And to think, you can accomplish so much good with a single gift to United Way!

I encourage you to visit United Way's website at www.uwsect.org to read about all the programs they support and find out how they make a difference. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me or another member of the campaign committee. Thank you!

Your donations to United Way's Community Care Fund are invested based on the needs of our community and what matters most to you, the donor. Community Care divides your gift among four priority areas: Community Wellness, Thriving Children, Basic Needs, and Training & Education for Jobs. Local volunteers determine which results-oriented charitable programs are funded.

By bringing together people from all across the community, we can tackle the issues that matter most. Because if each of us can give a little, working together, that adds up to a lot. Thank you for considering a gift to United Way!

Post-Campaign:

Congratulations! [Insert company name] has raised a total amount of [insert fundraising amount]. That's a terrific job and I thank each and every one of you who decided to make last changes right here in our community through a gift to United Way.

We'll wrap up with another fun and festive event on [insert date, time of campaign wrap-up]. We hope you can join us and celebrate a job well done. Thank you!

Do you know someone who needs help? Simply dial 2-1-1 for health and human services in the State of Connecticut. This free service is a United Way partner program. Find a child care provider or a cancer support group, home heating assistance or smoking cessation programs. Professional caseworkers are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year to answer all of your questions.

And if you know someone who needs food, go to www.uwsect.org/collaborations/gmoran to read about the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center and their nearly 90 free food distribution sites in New London County.

Now that our 2006 campaign has come to a close, I encourage you to take a few moments and browse United Way's website. They have lots of local information about where to find help and how your contribution is making positive change. Go to www.uwsect.org and find up-to-date information about events and activities, a listing of funded programs, a calendar of events, a registration form for their monthly e-newsletter called Be There and so much more!

Want to get more involved in making a difference in the community? Then consider becoming a volunteer! United Way's online matching system can find the right volunteer experience for you. At www.volunteersolutions.org/uwsect you will find a listing of local volunteer opportunities that match your time availability, interests, and skills. Register your preferences and easily search the database for the nonprofit organization and volunteer position that meets your needs.

Get involved in the community. It's what matters!

Find out where the money goes! Now that the United Way campaign is complete, United Way is seeking local community volunteers to participate in the annual fund distribution process. Take an active role in where donor dollars are directed to make the most positive impact. You will spend about 40 hours reviewing programs and making site visits to agencies. It's a great way to discover the needs and services in the community and how United Way changes lives. For more information contact Elizabeth Larson at United Way directly - elizabeth.larson@uwsect.org.