Start Your Campaign Today!
When you partner with United Way of Payne County, you create opportunities to engage your employees more deeply in their communities. Running a campaign is an incredible opportunity to bring teams together, boost morale, and create lasting impact in our community. By incorporating fun, engaging activities, there are endless ways to rally in support of United Way of Payne County.
Choose how you want to run your campaign from the options below and use our provided tools and resources to have the most successful and impactful campaign possible!
5 Days to Give United
This year, we’re updating our approach to workplace campaigns to make them more efficient, engaging, and impactful. This shorter campaign timeline is designed to save campaign coordinators time while maximizing results.
This week-long campaign inspires workplaces to unite for local impact. Over five days, employees receive daily emails and short videos showcasing how United Way of Payne County changes lives in our community. Each day builds momentum with engaging fundraisers, team-building activities, and a final Giving Day rally where pledges are collected, stories are shared, and impact is celebrated.
Timeline — 5 Days
Traditional Campaign
Our Traditional Campaign offers a familiar and effective approach for your workplace. It typically begins with a single, campaign kickoff event for all employees, setting the stage for a successful giving period.
This campaign consists of passing out physical pledge cards and using our online pledging system. With our online system, employees can make pledges and credit card payments from their computer or phone. Coordinators will set a deadline for employees to complete their pledges, encourage giving throughout this period, and report their campaign total to United Way.
Timeline — 2 weeks - 2 months
Custom Campaign
There's no need to worry if our options are not exactly right for you. We understand that every organization has unique needs and schedules, so we want to make your United Way campaign as easy and impactful as possible.
We're committed to finding a solution that works for you. Our team will collaborate with you to customize your campaign experience. Together, we will ensure that supporting United Way is both simple and seamless for employees and everyone involved. Please contact the United Way of Payne County office to set up the perfect campaign for your organization.
405.377.2161 or info@unitedwaypaynecouty.org
5 Days to Give United Tools and Resources
Day 1
- Send email #1: How United Way of Payne County impacts our community. Includes video #1 (30 seconds)
- Start a fundraiser
- Promotional signage placed (entrance, time clock, break rooms)
Day 2
- Send email #2: Your company’s culture of giving back to others. Includes video #2 (30seconds)
- Have fun and build morale with an event to help promote your fundraiser(s)
Day 3
- Send email #3: Encourage employees to begin thinking about giving. (Discuss with family, etc.) Includes video #3 (30seconds)
- Fundraiser(s) continue
Day 4
- Send email #4: Ways to give and rally reminder. Includes video #4 (30 seconds)
- Fundraisers should look to conclude on this day.
- Prizes for events and fundraisers should start to conclude on this day, if possible.
Day 5
- Early morning reminder to all employees of GREAT DAY TO GIVE UNITED!
- Giving Rally!
- CEO and Campaign Coordinator open meeting and share about the impact of their business and why they support the mission of United Way.
- United Way Speaker
- Agency Speaker (optional)
- Collect pledge cards
- Prize drawing for those who turned in a pledge card at the rally
- Group picture for social media
Day 1: How United Way of Payne County Impacts Our Community
- Send email #1: How United Way of Payne County impacts our community. Includes video #1 (30 seconds)
- Start a fundraiser
- Promotional signage placed (entrance, time clock, break rooms)
Email Template
Subject:
See the Difference We Can Make Together
Body:
Welcome to Day 1 of our 5 Days to Give United campaign!
This week, we’re joining with United Way of Payne County to make a real impact in our community. Through local partnerships and smart investments, United Way supports programs that promote:
• Youth Opportunity
• Improving Health & Safety
• Financial Security
• Community Resiliency
When you give to United Way, your support stays local - helping our neighbors, co-workers, and friends.
Stay tuned each day as we share more. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
Learn More
Take 30 seconds to see how… (insert video link here)
Tools
- Email #1
- Video #1 | Youth Opportunity
- Custom Posters
- Fundraiser Ideas
Day 2: Our Company's Culture Of Giving
- Send email #2: Your company’s culture of giving back to others. Includes video #2 (30seconds)
- Have fun and build morale with an event to help promote your fundraiser(s)
Email Template
Subject:
Giving Back is What We Do
Body:
Welcome to Day 2 of our 5 Days to Give United campaign!
Giving back has always been part of who we are. Over the years, our team has donated, volunteered, and come together to support those in need. It’s something that sets us apart - and something we can all be proud of.
Now, we have another chance to continue that legacy by supporting United Way of Payne County. Every dollar raised will directly support people in our area - helping children learn, families thrive, and individuals find hope.
Let’s continue showing our community what it means to be [COMPANY NAME] strong.
Learn More
Take 30 seconds to see how.. (insert video link here)
Tools
- Email #2
- Video #2 | Financial Stability
- Fundraiser Ideas
Day 3: Encourage Thoughtful Giving
- Send email #3: Encourage employees to begin thinking about giving. (Discuss with family, etc.) Includes video #3 (30seconds)
- Fundraiser(s) continue
Email Template
Subject:
Think About What You Can Give
Body:
We’re halfway through our 5 Days to Give United campaign!
Today, we encourage everyone to think about what giving looks like for you. Whether it’s $1 per paycheck or a one-time donation, every gift makes a difference.
United Way of Payne County makes it easy to give in ways that fit your life and your values. Small acts, done together, create big change.
Tomorrow, we’ll share how to make your gift and remind you about our exciting Giving Day Rally on Friday!
Learn More
Take 30 seconds to see how.. (insert video link here)
Tools
- Email #3
- Video #3 | Healthy Community
- Fundraiser Ideas
Day 4: Ways to Give + Giving Day Rally Reminder
- Send email #4: Ways to give and rally reminder. Includes video #4 (30 seconds)
- Fundraisers should look to conclude on this day.
- Prizes for events and fundraisers should start to conclude on this day, if possible.
Email Template
Subject:
Tomorrow is Giving Day 🎉 Here’s How to Join In
Body:
We’re almost there — tomorrow is Giving Day!
Here’s how you can make a difference:
• Payroll deduction (just a few dollars per pay period adds up!)
• One-time donation (via cash, check, or online)
• United Way fundraiser (if applicable)
We’ll celebrate with a Giving Day Rally tomorrow [include time/location], so be sure to stop by for fun, inspiration, and to make your pledge.
Let’s show how [COMPANY NAME] gives united!
Learn More
Take 30 seconds to see how.. (insert video link here)
Tools
- Email #4
- Video #4 | Why Give to United Way of Payne County
Day 5: It's a Great Day to Give United
- Early morning reminder to all employees of GREAT DAY TO GIVE UNITED!
- Giving Rally!
- CEO and Campaign Coordinator open meeting and share about the impact of their business and why they support the mission of United Way.
- United Way Speaker
- Agency Speaker (optional)
- Collect pledge cards
- Prize drawing for those who turned in a pledge card at the rally
- Group picture for social media
Email Template
Subject:
Today’s the Day - Let’s Give United! 💙
Body:
It’s Giving Day — the big finale to our 5 Days to Give United campaign!
Today, we come together as a team to support a cause that touches lives right here in our community. Whether you’ve already given or plan to today, THANK YOU for being part of something bigger.
Join us at the Giving Day Rally [insert time/place] for celebration, connection, and to make your gift.
Let’s finish strong and show what’s possible when we Give United!
Learn More
Take 30 seconds to see how.. (insert video link here)
Tools
- Giving Day Email/Email #5
- Giving Day Rally Template
- Blank Pledge Cards
All Campaign Tools and Resources
View can view the Sample Emails as PDFs or download as a Word document. The Word document is hyperlinked, so you can copy/paste the emails into your email builder and the links will work properly.
Sample Emails - Traditional Workplace Campaign (View as PDF - Download as Word doc)
Sample Emails - Digital Workplace Campaign (View as PDF - Download as Word doc)
Please mail completed pledge cards to PO Box 308, Stillwater, OK 74076 or deliver to 109 E. 9th Ave. Stillwater OK, 74074.
Individual Pledge Card
Workplace Campaign Pledge Card
Business Pledge Card
OSU Pledge Card
Color
Black
The campaign report is a tool that Campaign Coordinators will complete at the end of their campaign. By collecting information such as number of checks collected, total pledge cards collected, and the amount of employees who participated, Campaign Coordinators help the United Way staff stay up-to-date on all pledges and donation.
United Way of Payne County accepts credit card donations via Venmo, PayPal, Square and/or our online webform on the United Way of Payne County website. PLEASE NOTE: Donors need to identify which fundraiser they are paying for in the notes of their payment in order to be properly credited.
Download Scan to Pay QR Codes PDF
Digital Content
United Way of Payne County has created 4 videos about our work. The links below are to the individual videos on YouTube. These videos can be used to support your campaign and show employees how United Way of Payne County is working toward a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
2025 Campaign Videos
United Way of Payne County: United is the Way
United is the Way to a Healthy Community
United is the Way to Youth Opportunity
United is the Way to Financial Security
Partner Agency Social Media Shorts
4 Kids & Community
4 Kids Helps Perkins Community
American Red Cross
Early Childhood Coalition
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Host Camp Sylvia Stapley
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma "Camp One Word"
Life Adult Day Center
Life Adult Day Center Helps Father and Son
Mission of Hope
Meet Mission of Hope Homeless Shelter
MPower
Stillwater Habitat for Humanity
Stillwater Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build
Stillwater Mobile Meals
The infographics, flyers, and reports below provide insight into the issues Payne County currently faces and the impact United Way of Payne County makes to address these issues.
Flyers
United Is The Way To Healthy Community
United Is The Way To Financial Security
United Is The Way To Youth Opportunity
United Is The Way To Community Resiliency
Agency Impact Stories
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Mission of Hope Homeless Shelter
Stillwater Habitat for Humanity
Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services
Community Status Report
Community Status Report Digital Flipbook
Download Community Status Report PDF
Annual Report
If you are using social media to support or promote your workplace campaign, please tag and follow us on social media.
Facebook | @United Way of Payne County
Instagram | @unitedwaypaynecounty
YouTube | @unitedwaypaynecounty
Social Media Best Practices
When posting on social media, follow these best practices to ensure your audience is engaged and educated about the United Way mission.
Tell Stories
- Help followers understand the exceptional support you're providing to your community with impactful stories.
- Talk about the positive impact your involvement has on both your employees and the wider community.
Connect United Way to your Business Values
- Tie your business values with United Way values.
- Explain how this partnership makes the community stronger and better.
Showcase Fundraisers
- Show employees participating in fundraisers.
Showcase Fundraisers
- Show employees participating in fundraisers.
Be Consistent & Engage
- Consider posting weekly or frequently.
- Updating audiences about your campaign progress can be encouraging and may boost morale.
Event Ideas and Incentives
We want to help you plan. Please reach out to us at 405-377-2161 or info@unitedwaypaynecounty.org. We can create online giving pages, such as taking credit card payments, for events, raffles, silent auctions and more.
For any events hosted by United Way and/or using United Way’s tax ID, products or services offered as prizes may not include firearms and ammunition; tobacco products; adult entertainment; gambling/gaming items; and/or cannabis/marijuana products.
Click here to view or download our list of In-Person & Virtual Event Ideas.
A small deduction from each pay period adds up to make a large impact. There are two ways to be a Fair Share giver. Donate 1% of your annual salary or donate one hour’s pay per month.
1% of Annual Salary Example
Annual salary of $30,000
$30,000 x 1% (.01)
$300 Annual Contribution
1 Hour's Pay Per Month Example
Hourly salary of $10
$10 x 12
$120 Annual Contribution
Leadership givers are United Way of Payne County's most generous supporters and are an integral part of our efforts to solve community problems and bring measurable, lasting change to the lives of thousands of residents in our community each year. Leadership giving contributions can be combined with a household member, given as a one-time gift or given through payroll deduction.
Tocqueville
Donors who give an annual gift of $10,000 or more
Oak
Donors who give an annual gift of $5,000 to $9,999
Cypress
Donors who give an annual gift of $2,500 to $4,999
Maple
Donors who give an annual gift of $1,500 to $2,499
Magnolia
Donors who give an annual gift of $$1,000 to $1,499
Dogwood
Donors who give an annual gift of $750 to $999
Redbud
Donors who give an annual gift of $500 to $749
Give employees extra incentives based on their engagement during the campaign
- New donors
- Returning donors
- For an increased gift
- Leadership Donors ($500+)
- Department or team compete for top results
- Donation level: gifts at a certain dollar point or more enters them for incentives
- The company goal: If the company achieves XX% participation, all employees receive incentive
Incentives Ideas
- Use delivery service to deliver items to your employees – dinner for the family, flowers, coffee, set up a wish list on Amazon.
- Company promotional items.
- Virtual Gift cards for at home needs - delivery services (Grub Hub, DoorDash, Uber Eats) Local businesses/restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, Amazon
- Additional PTO Days
- Late start / leave early day / longer lunch break.
- Shout-outs in meetings, newsletters, on social media, and/or on the company intranet
- Host an in-person or virtual meeting for a gratitude thank you event. Partner with your contact at United Way to plan a great wrap up event!
- Personalized thank you from CEO.
- Custom thank you e-card or video from leadership.
Win Back Lapsed Donors
A lapsed donor is someone who gave the previous year, but did not give during the current fundraising campaign. As you turn in final numbers for your company’s drive you will be given a list of lapsed donors. Once you review the list you will be able to quickly identify whether that person has left your company or was absent on the day of your kick-off.
It is important to follow up with those employees to allow them to participate. This can help your company’s total campaign dollars go up. If the person is no longer employed at your company please let your United Way contact know to help United Way maintain accurate and updated donor information.
New Hires Program
Through employment changes, job loss and moving, United Way incurs contribution losses. A New Hires Program can help replace those contributions. Please help your community by making sure your company holds a New Hires Campaign through which new employees are asked to support United Way at the time of hire. Email us at campaign@unitedwaypaynecounty.org for assistance.
Retirees Program
United Way relies on the support of retirees as the needs in the community grow. Many retirees have the support of pensions and benefits; there are many more who live around us who don’t have that security. Ask your CEO and United Way rep to help you get a Retiree Program started.
Q&A
When should our campaign take place?
Pacesetter campaigns take place in July and August. Most other workplace campaigns occur between early September and mid-November. However, they can take place any time of the year.
I have limited time. How can I work the campaign into my busy schedule?
Reach out to us. United Way of Payne County staff and volunteers are here to help you every step of the way. Let us know your limitations and we will come up with a plan together to make it easier for you. Another way to ease the strain is to recruit a campaign team. Assign tasks and assume a management role. Most importantly, start planning early. The earlier you start the easier the process will be for you.
How long should our campaign last?
Whatever works best for you! We have a 5 Days to Give United campaign option that lasts 1 week. Most traditional campaigns can be wrapped up in two or three weeks. The goal is to distribute and collect pledge cards while the United Way message is still fresh in employees’ minds.
How can I involve our employees in the campaign experience?
Take the campaign to them. Some ideas are to use e-mail, voice mails, videos and/or letters from the CEO/Leadership to get the word out. Attach balloons with United Way messages to the employees’ desks. Designate one room as the United Way Room and have participants play games on their breaks and turn in pledge forms for prizes. Use your company’s intranet to provide information and results. Create and distribute a company video starring your colleagues sharing their reasons for Living United in prior campaigns.
Are donations to United Way tax deductible?
Yes! United Way of Payne County is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 73-0602756.
How do I get a speaker at my event?
United Way can work with you to secure a speaker for your campaign kickoff. We can recommend speakers for your rally based on the interests of your workforce. For planning purposes, please allow at least two weeks to process your speaker request. Since most speakers are doing numerous events throughout the campaign, it is not always possible to get the speaker you request. Email us to schedule a speaker at campaign@unitedwaypaynecounty.org.
How can I collect donations by credit card? Donations can be made through the United Way of Payne County website or we have several scan to pay options through Venmo, PayPal, and Square/Cash App.
When do payroll contributions start? The most common payroll contribution period usually runs from January 1 through December 31. Some companies use their fiscal year as their schedule for payroll contribution. United Way does not set your payroll schedule. It is a company decision.
We didn't receive enough materials. How do we get more? If you need more pledge cards or brochures, please call 405-377-2161 or email info@unitedwaypaynecounty.org. We are happy to bring more supplies to your office.
I have everyone's pledge cards and our campaign is complete. What do I do now? Once you have collected everyone's pledge cards and donations and your fundraising events are completed, you can call 405-377-2161 or email info@unitedwaypaynecounty.org to have a UWPC representative pick up the packet or you can drop off the packet at the United Way office, 109 E. 9th Ave, Stillwater, OK. Either way, we'd love to get a photo of your team.
As a Company Coordinator, you may encounter some questions about United Way that are hard to answer. We have listed the most frequently asked questions below to help you. Of course, if you come across another question that you cannot answer, please don’t hesitate to contact your United Way of Payne County representative. We would rather be asked tough questions than leave people with a misunderstanding or misconception of United Way.
What is United Way’s overhead Ratio?
United Way of Payne County is committed to responsible stewardship of your donations. United Way has taken many steps to reduce expenses and our overhead ratio, defined as fundraising and administration expenses divided by total revenue. Based on the current IRS 990 Form, United Way of Payne County's overhead is 14.6%. That is well below the Better Business Bureau standard for nonprofit organizations, which is 35% or less.
Are all United Ways the same?
No. There are more than 1,200 separate, autonomous United Ways. United Way of Payne County is one of 15 United Ways in Oklahoma. We have our own local Board of Directors, which establishes policies. We support United Way Worldwide with dues that help provide training and national advertising, but it has no authority over your local United Way.
My friend wasn’t helped, so I’m not giving!
Last year, United Way of Payne County helped thousands of people. However, there are still people who will not be served due to the limited funds that our partners have available. That is why it is so important to participate.
Can I designate my gift?
Yes! We allow designations to support programs of any of our current funded partners. You find those partners and in the United Way of Payne County brochure or on our website. Designations not meeting requirements will be redirected to United Way of Payne County's general campaign.
Is giving to United Way voluntary?
Yes! Our United Way has a written policy against coercion.
Why do some United Way partners charge fees?
United Way funds provide only a portion of the money agencies need to provide services. Some agencies charge sliding scale fees so they can help more people.
I never use agency services - why should I give?
You never know when you, a member of your family or a neighbor may need a United Way service due to job loss, loss of a loved one, illness, disabilities or family problems. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available to as many people as possible when they’re needed the most.