Creative Donors: United Way Workplace Campaigns

Sisters by Heart sent out 100 care packages in its first year. We doubled that during the following 9 months, and are on track to send out over 300 next year! There is no doubt that there are a lot of families in desperate need of the HOPE that Sisters by Heart provides. Our growth has been astounding. Along with growth comes new challenges; mainly, how to fund that growth. So you could say that fundraising is at the forefront of all of our minds right now!

One of the easiest and most effective ways we've been able to raise funds is through Workplace Campaigns. Workplace Campaigns are fantastic, because they allow an employee to have a small amount withdrawn from their paychecks; the amount is small enough the employee hardly notices the reduction in income, but it can add up to a sizeable donation to a charity over the course of a year. And the contribution is completely tax deductible to the employee.

Did you know that you can contribute to Sisters by Heart through the United Way? Many employers do United Way Workplace Campaigns, and almost all United Way Chapters allow you to designate your funding for any 501(c)(3) who meets basic criteria (the criteria varies from chapter to chapter, but Sisters by Heart has met every criteria we've seen thus far).

If your employer does a Workplace Campaign that allows for designated funds (most do - sometimes you have to ask, but there's typically a space for it right on the form!), you can have a payroll deduction made to United Way and you can designate it for Sisters by Heart! On your enrollment form, simply list 'Sisters by Heart' and the contact information requested.

(The forms vary from chapter to chapter - this is from the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.)

Yes, it's THAT easy. We had two donors contribute that way last year and already have one signed up for next year! We know this is the time of year United Way forms are due for Workplace Campaigns, so if your employer participates, please ask about contributing to Sisters by Heart!

Even better, ask whether your employer matches! Many do! This is such a simple way to give the gift of HOPE to so many families!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the UW Workplace campaign, please contact our Secretary/Treasurer, Amy Bennett, at amy@sistersbyheart.org.