United Way
of San Antonio
and Bexar County
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Making "The Ask" |
| Giving is a personal decision, and we must respect the individual's choice of whether or not to give, and how much. Personal contact is worth a thousand words. A personal ask to contribute can occur at a group rally or through one-on-one solicitation. Each method has its advantages; only you and your team can decide which will work best for your company. |
Some hints on how to ask others to give and what the best methods of giving are:
 Employee meetings - The most effective solicitation. Employees are brought together to learn about United Way. Pledge cards are distributed and employees are asked to return completed cards as they leave the meeting. |
| Surveys show that the main reason individuals don't give to United Way is that they've never been asked. |
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Advantages of a group solicitation
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 A more efficient use of time
Elimination of employees feeling "pressured" or "singled out"
Employees are educated about United Way in a consistent manner
One-on-one solicitation - Personal interaction provides a greater opportunity to have questions answered and concerns personally addressed.
Combination - Many companies hold employee group meetings, followed by a one-on-one contact to those employees who did not turn in their pledge cards at the end of the meeting.
Leadership/management - A separate solicitation by the designated committee members works best. (See Section 2: Conducting a Leadership Giving Program)
Retiree giving - Soliciting retirees is a great way to expand the pledge base and maintain contact with a special group of contributors. Retirees will appreciate your efforts to include them in this company-wide event.
Confidentiality - Giving is a personal choice. Take steps during your campaign to ensure that every employee feels comfortable in making a decision about giving.
Sample Agenda |
| Welcome - Campaign Manager |
2 min. |
| Endorsement - CEO |
5 min. |
| United Way presentation - LE and/or agency speaker |
5 min. |
| Show United Way film |
5 min. |
| The "Ask" - LE |
2 min. |
| Closing remarks - Campaign Manager |
2 min. |
| Employees complete/turn in pledge cards Distribute pins & thank-you cards |
5 min. |
| Total (approximate) |
26-30 min. |
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Methods of Giving
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Note: Whether an employee contributes or not, ask that the pledge form be returned to the designated individual. This assures you that all employees have had an opportunity to give.
Payroll deduction - By far the best method of giving. Prevents you from having to keep track of checks and cash. Remember, most people can afford to give more when they can spread the gift out over the year rather than having to write a big check all at once. The average gift of donors through payroll is higher than those who give a one-time gift of cash or check.
Cash or check
Credit card billing - A minimum $50 gift required.
Billing at home - A minimum $20 per quarter required. The donor must also include his/her billing address.
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Suggested Levels of Giving |
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Salary
Up to $17,999
$18,000-$23,999
$24,000-$99,999
$100,000 and above |
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Care Share
= One hour's pay per month
= 0.8% of annual salary
= 1% of annual salary
= 1.2% of annual salary |
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