A workplace campaign brings coworkers together to invest in the community they call home. Small gifts, shared purpose and a team willing to pitch in can create lasting change across South Central Illinois.

 

 

Why workplace giving matters

 

 

Your support helps children receive books, teachers strengthen classrooms, families access food and essentials, and neighbors find help when life takes an unexpected turn. It also gives employees a practical way to connect with local needs and see what their generosity makes possible.

 

 

Ways your team can give

 

 

Payroll giving: Talk with United Way and your payroll team about spreading a voluntary gift across the year. Employees choose an amount that fits their budget.

 

One-time or recurring gifts: Invite employees to give directly through our online donation page. A campaign can work for a small office, a large employer or a team working from different locations.

 

Employer support: Consider a company gift or a matching challenge to encourage participation and multiply your team’s impact.

 

 

Build your campaign in five steps

 

 

1. Connect with us. Email Nat at nat@uwsci.org or call 618.242.8000. We’ll talk through your team, your timeline and your goals.

 

2. Choose a campaign champion. Identify a person or small team to coordinate activities and keep coworkers informed.

 

3. Set a goal and dates. Choose a realistic giving or participation goal and a campaign period that works for your workplace.

 

4. Make it personal. Share local program stories, invite questions and connect the campaign with a volunteer opportunity.

 

5. Celebrate and stay connected. Thank everyone who participates, share your results and keep your team connected to the community throughout the year.

 

 

Make participation fun

 

 

Try a casual-dress day, a friendly department challenge, a bake sale, a lunch kickoff or a collection drive. Keep activities simple, participation voluntary and the focus on helping neighbors. Every contribution matters; giving should fit each person’s circumstances.

 

 

Give time, too

 

 

Ask about team opportunities with United We Give, the United Midwest Food Hub, Sarita’s Library, our community garden and food security programs. Projects depend on current needs, schedules and group size, so contact us to plan a meaningful experience for your team.

 

 

Small gifts add up

 

 

A gift of $5 each week adds up to $260 a year. When 20 coworkers each give $5 a week for a full year, their combined support reaches $5,200. Together, a workplace can turn everyday generosity into meaningful local support.

 

 

Ready to bring your team together?

 

 

You do not need a large staff or a complicated campaign to make a difference. Start a conversation with United Way of South Central Illinois, and we’ll help you choose a practical next step.