How can we get started in workplace giving?
Summary:
It's essential to build and maintain relationships with the leaders of the employing organizations who will make the decision about engaging their companies in the campaign.
Answer:
Ken Ristine pf Tacoma, Washington, wrote to CharityTalk (a service of CharityChannel.com) on September 4, 2003:
United Way has a tested model for getting
campaigns into workplaces. And though it's been a while since I was on a
United Way campaign staff, the rules are basically the same.
First, the key to getting new organizations to open the doors to your
campaign is as simple as the oldest rule in fund raising, "Have the right
person make the right ask at the right time." And while this is your
strategy, the right person usually won't be you. The right person is a CEO
of an organization that already lets you run a campaign in his/her workplace
who has some sort of connection with your prospect CEO.
Second, be clear about the ask. Have the CEO who is making the call well
prepared. Be sure he/she understands what they are asking for, such as: 1)
asking the prospect CEO to let you in the door, 2) to appoint a top level
executive as the internal campaign chair, 3) to provided a personal
endorsement, 4) to make the first gift, and 5) commit the support of the
payroll or other internal department as needed for payroll deductions, etc.
Third, keep the relationship between these CEOs up after the call. Be sure
that the CEO that made the call is kept apprised of the progress of the new
campaign.
Fourth, when you make your case and as you follow campaign results, make
sure to evaluate the efforts and the costs of the call over the long-term. A
new campaign that raises $5000 may not seem like much. But once you're in
the door you have the ability to grow that campaign so that over a 5 year
period, you may raise many times that initial $5000.
Posted September 4, 2003 -- PB
