For many small community businesses, it can seem daunting to participate in large fundraising campaigns. Typical methods of corporate fundraising and donation – such as payroll deduction – place unwanted pressure on a limited number of employees, and large corporate donations are difficult for small business owners to match. However, small businesses form an essential backbone in our community, and their support of local organizations makes a deep impact. For example, contributions from these companies are crucial to the success of the annual fundraising campaign run by United Way of Anderson County.
If you’re a small business owner and you’re not sure about getting involved with an annual United Way campaign, take a look at how Chuck Hope, owner and manager of Chuck’s Car Care Center in Oak Ridge, reimagined small-workplace giving in a big way.
Chuck wanted to participate in United Way’s annual campaign by doing something a little different – something that would allow his employees to give in a way other than just payroll deduction, while increasing their involvement more than just a check from the business. Chuck looked at alternatives that would motivate his staff, give them control of their own giving, and benefit both his company and United Way of Anderson County.
One of the most important decisions Chuck made was to give his employees an alternative to giving from their check. For example, if one of the technicians would earn a $5 commission on a simple repair, that technician might choose to instead donate that money to United Way. Or, if they could make a repair using tools and materials already in the shop, the money they would have spent on new materials would then be donated to United Way.
Chuck set a monthly goal of $125 for four months and pledged to match whatever his employees raised each month; that means that if they raise $125, the final monthly donation would be $250 – with a goal of hitting $1,000 by December. While it was a slow start, once his team started seeing how quickly the money can add up, they got so excited that they exceeded the first month’s goal – all through small, easy donations of a few dollars here and there.
“We have to give our small businesses an opportunity to get involved in a big way,” says Chuck. “My employees might not have the capacity to make large individual contributions, but they can participate – this gives them an opportunity to do that. I’m hoping other small businesses will see this approach and join in! United Way makes a huge impact in our community, $1 at a time. We can all join in and help make our community a better place.”
Workplace giving doesn’t have to be a big affair; Chuck’s Car Care Center is running a fantastic and motivating campaign with a small team reaching attainable goals. So if you’re a small business hoping to make a difference in this community, but are concerned about running a campaign, just look to Chuck Hope for inspiration. Every campaign and every dollar raised equals a life touched through United Way and our partner agencies. Your support will help us effect positive change in Anderson County. Join us. Live United.