The Workplace Giving Campaign* is the most prominent United Way fundraising effort. It offers an easy and effective way for employees to contribute and demonstrates companies' commitment to their community.
*Workplace Giving Campaigns are organizational efforts run by a volunteer Workplace Champion to raise awareness and funds for United Way of Southeast Minnesota, ensuring we can continue to impact the lives of 37,000 Southeast Minnesotans each year.
Benefits of a Workplace Giving Campaign
Increasingly, employees and customers are drawn to companies that are committed to community involvement and that create opportunities for engagement with causes they care about. Workplace Giving Campaigns provide an excellent opportunity to engage employees, foster teamwork, and boost morale while positively impacting the community.
In 2024, United Way of Southeast Minnesota's Campaign raised over $2 million. These funds will impact over 37,000 individuals and families in Olmsted, Dodge, Fillmore, and Winona Counties.
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Education: Workplace Giving Campaigns educate employees about local charitable organizations and community needs. They also learn and network with other organizations.
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Enhanced Employee Relations: Campaigns offer ways for employees to improve their community and develop team-building skills. Fun Campaign events boost morale as colleagues work together towards common goals.
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Satisfaction: Employees gain satisfaction and pride from supporting causes that matter to them, with United Way offering diverse options through our community initiatives and impact areas of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
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Workforce Development: Workplace Giving Campaigns provide leadership opportunities, empowering employees to create strategies and strengthen their networks.
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Community Leadership: Workplace Giving Campaigns strengthen the bond between employer and employee, demonstrating a shared commitment to the community.
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Corporate Recognition: Participation in Workplace Giving showcases a company's commitment to community service, earning recognition at events, in the media, and through marketing materials. Companies can leverage this recognition in their communications.
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Easy Administration: Workplace Giving Campaigns present an efficient way to impact your community. Payroll deduction simplifies the donation process, easy online donation options enable sustained giving throughout the year, and United Way staff are available for direct support.
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Improved Customer Relations and Loyalty: Customers prefer companies that support their local community. Workplace Giving participation enhances a company's reputation, demonstrating its dedication to its community.
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Delivering Impact: Workplace Giving Campaigns help United Way of Southeast Minnesota reach over 37,000 residents of our region each year, ensuring everyone has access to vital resources to meet their needs.
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Employee Education: Workplace Giving Campaigns raise awareness of local programs, educating employees and their networks about available resources.
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Expanded Outreach: Workplaces provide new avenues for community outreach, making it easier for more employees to participate in vital community service activities.
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Increased Partnership: Campaigns foster cooperation between charitable organizations and companies, reducing duplication and building stronger community coalitions.
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Local Service: Employees can engage in year-round Corporate Volunteer Opportunities, directly benefiting the community.
When you give to United Way of Southeast Minnesota -- through your Workplace Giving Campaign or any other way -- you automatically receive benefits including:
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A Caring Club card: With a total gift of $204 or more, you have access to a variety of exclusive discounts at local businesses. For example, you receive...
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20% off three or more dry cleaned garments at Nature’s Best Cleaners
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A free piece of Bunnie’s Famous Coconut Cake at Canadian Honker
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A free cookie at Great Harvest Bread Company
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And many more exclusive deals!
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Entry into our Give United Drawing*: A gift of any size from now until December 31 automatically enters you to win a two-year car lease through Rochester Motor Cars!
* Disclaimer: No donation needed to enter drawing. If donating, must make a gift to United Way of Southeast Minnesota during the period of September 1 - December 31, 2025 to be eligible.
The Power of Giving
Employees' contributions to United Way benefit the entire community -- not just one program, issue, or population. United Way addresses the community's most urgent needs and develops innovative solutions for lasting change.
There is no such thing as a small donation! United Way maximizes its community impact by pooling contributions and strategically investing in results-driven programs and initiatives. Spreading donations throughout the year via employee payroll deduction or monthly online giving makes it easier for individuals to increase their contributions while staying within their budget!
Advantages of Payroll Deduction
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Easy: Payroll deduction simplifies the donation process, allowing employees to contribute small amounts regularly rather than a lump sum.
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Streamlined: Combining multiple agency appeals into one annual pledge eliminates the need for multiple drives throughout the year.
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Flexible: Employees can contribute without sudden financial strain.
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Boosts Morale: Payroll deduction fosters a sense of teamwork between employees and employers, boosting morale.
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Automatic: Deductions automatically stop when paychecks are not received, ensuring contributions are always manageable.
Looking for more information about starting a United Way Campaign?
Please contact Elissa Sherden, Corporate Engagement Manager, by clicking the button below.