We often share ways to engage employees through your workplace giving campaign. In fact, Global Impact has an entire resource hub dedicated to it! But have you ever wondered what other organizations are doing to excite and motivate their employees?
Most of the time, it’s campaign leaders and participating employees that make it fun! Those people are what I’m calling “campaign influencers.” Campaign influencers are all-star employees who enjoy drawing attention to the campaign with funny messages, special prizes, and friendly competition to encourage participation.
Many successful giving campaigns cultivate campaign influencers to help move employees to give across the organization. If you’re in charge of your giving campaign, look for dedicated employees with friendly personalities who are passionate about giving. Or, if that describes you, reach out to your campaign worker to volunteer!
There are so many ways to encourage colleagues to give greater through your employee giving program. The examples below show some of the most creative strategies that we’ve seen campaign influencers go beyond their workspace, generating enthusiasm within their organization. I hope that they inspire you in your upcoming giving campaign!
The Jeffs at UW-Madison
There are two staff members known for their big personalities in the Wisconsin Partners in Giving campaign every year – they even have the same name! In 2023, Jeff and Jeff challenged staff and retirees to beat their previous year’s amount and raise more than $1 million. As a prize for reaching that goal, the two Jeffs pledged to take a dive into Lake Mendota during the bitter Wisconsin winter. I’m shivering just thinking about it!
This silly challenge doesn’t cost the campaign a dime, but it rallies staff around a shared goal and some lighthearted fun. Because of the Jeffs’ funny reminders, the campaign has something unique that stands out to employees and encourages new donors. And the campaign crushed their goal – probably to the happiness, and dread, of the two Jeffs.
Mr. T for IL SECA
This year, Illinois State & University Employees Combined Appeal (IL SECA) got the endorsement of Chicago-born celebrity, Mr. T! As part of their “Do good, feel good” theme this year, the poster featuring Mr. T’s iconic catch phrase, “I pity the fool!” not only gives you a laugh, but is also eye catching and motivating for employee donors to hear it from the Honorary Chair himself. “I encourage all state and university employees to participate in SECA this year,” said Mr. T.
Department Battles at Michigan SECC
Campaign influencers don’t need to be minor celebrities or even individual employees. Sometimes, a campaign influencer can be an entire department! Each year in Michigan, the Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) “battles” the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy (EGLE) in a good-spirited challenge.
It is a tight contest every year and the rules are simple. The department with the most payroll pledges wins the prized plaque. Plus, the opposing team’s director will volunteer at a charity of the winner’s choice. This year, the 2024-2025 SECC Campaign Chair is Phil Roos, EGLE Director, but I doubt LEO will let that stand in their way of trying to win!
Brent and Jess at Global Impact and Geneva Global
That’s right! We’re not just the experts on workplace giving — we also host our own campaign: Caring@Work. Every June, Global Impact and Geneva Global employees have the chance to pledge and compete for the charities we care about. I wrote more about it here.
This year, there was an Olympic theme with daily mini competitions for extra donations to the winners’ choice charities. Our very own influencers, Brent and Jess, introduced the games with hilarious pre-recorded videos, acting as sports commentators.
Field Day Canoe Races at Carlson
Every September, in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, Carlson Companies hosts an annual in-person field day event for their employees, complete with canoe races! Employees have the opportunity to form teams of two and compete in the pond near the Carlson offices. The “athletes” become campaign influencers by participating in the friendly competition. One team even dressed up in shark costumes this year!
In addition to the races, employees got to connect with seven nonprofit campaign partners at outdoor tables, grab lunch at food trucks, and pack STEM kits to be donated to local students.
Whether you work in the public or private sector, the impact of workplace giving is so powerful. Your organization’s charitable campaign makes both your job and the world a better place to be. As you can see above, there are so many fun, creative, and easy ways to stir up enthusiasm and camaraderie between your employees.
As always, Global Impact is your source for employee engagement, especially when it comes to your workplace giving campaign. Access the employee giving hub for even more engagement activity ideas.
