Last updated: September 18, 2026
Need Campaign Help? We’ve Got You Covered!
Whether you’re planning an event, looking for fundraiser ideas or searching for resources to support your campaign, we’re here to help. The tools below can make your campaign easier and more successful, but don’t forget the best resource of all: the UWCFD team! We’re happy to answer questions, share ideas and support you every step of the way.
Planning Your Event: Key Considerations
Events are a great way to connect colleagues with the Combined Fund Drive and the causes they care about. Every event is different, but these tips can help set you up for success.
Before You Begin
- Identify the purpose of your event. Is it focused on fundraising, raising awareness, team building or a combination of all three?
- Secure leadership support. Visible support from leaders can play a major role in your event’s success.
- Connect with your Campaign Assistant early. They can help you plan, troubleshoot and access resources.
Event Planning
- Who is your audience, and how many attendees do you expect?
- Where and when will the event take place? Be sure to reserve your space in advance.
- Will food or beverages be provided? If so, who will supply them?
- What materials or promotional items will you need?
- Would a nonprofit speaker enhance the experience?
- If there is a cost to attend, how will participants pay?
- Will you offer giveaways or door prizes?
- How will you promote the event?
- Do you have the equipment and supplies needed for a smooth experience?
After the Event
Work with your Campaign Assistant to:
- Celebrate you success!
- Count and reconcile funds raised
- Complete any required fundraiser forms
- Submit funds to the UWCFD office
- Obtain a money order for cash proceeds collected outside the campaign period
Don’t forget to thank everyone who helped make the event a success, including supervisors, speakers, volunteers and attendees. Sharing the results helps people see the impact of their involvement.
Finally, take a few minutes to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. A quick debrief will make planning next year’s event even easier.
These suggestions are starting point, but your Campaign Assistant is your best partner throughout the process. If you have questions, reach out to the UWCFD team. We’re here to help!
Resources, guides and collateral
Click on the arrow to expand the selection:
Last updated: September 18, 2026
No content inside the accordion element. Make sure your close your accordion element. Required stucture:
Last updated: September 18, 2026
content
Fundraiser and Event Ideas
Looking for inspiration? Here are some popular engagement ideas that have worked well across campus. This is not a complete list, so if you have a unique idea, let us know. We’d love to support you and add it to our collection of successful campaign activities.
Food Events
Bake Sale
Invite coworkers to donate baked goods and promote the sale within your department and neighboring units. Offer a mix of sweet and savory options to appeal to a variety of tastes.
Cooking Contest
Host a chili cook-off, soup challenge or baking competition. Charge an entry or tasting fee and let participants vote for their favorites. Winners can receive a donated prize or designate a nonprofit to benefit from the event proceeds.
Dining for Dollars
Partner with a local restaurant for a lunch or dinner event. A portion of sales is donated to charity while colleagues enjoy a meal together.
Food Bar or Community Meal
Host a pizza lunch, taco bar or potluck-style event. Invite leadership or coworkers to contribute food and suggest a donation for participation.
Collection Drives
Blankets, Coats, Clothing, Food, Pet Food, Diapers and More
Choose a collection theme and set a timeline. Place donation bins in convenient locations, promote the drive and celebrate the results. Photos and impact updates are great ways to thank participants and highlight their generosity.
Connecting with Nonprofits
Lunch and Learns
Invite a nonprofit representative to share their mission and impact. These educational opportunities help build awareness and inspire engagement.
Blogs, Teams Channels and Newsletters
Use existing communication channels to share campaign updates, event reminders and nonprofit spotlights. Consider adding fun incentives or trivia to encourage participation.
Nonprofit Fair or Tour
Invite nonprofits to meet employees and share information about their work. You can also schedule a site visit or volunteer opportunity so colleagues can experience a nonprofit’s mission firsthand.
Event Ideas
Coin Jar Challenge
Set up a physical or virtual coin jar and invite friendly competition while raising funds for a nonprofit.
Photo Contest
Choose a fun theme such as cutest pet, favorite vacation photo or baby picture match game. Participants donate to vote for their favorites.
Question of the Week
Create a friendly debate and let donations determine the winner. Cats or dogs? Coffee or tea? Star Wars or Star Trek? The possibilities are endless.
Silent Auction
Gather donated items, gift baskets or experiences and invite employees to place bids throughout a designated auction period.
Themed Events
Bring people together with activities like a Harvest Festival, Halloween Costume Contest, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Crazy Hat Day or Ugly Holiday Sweater Day.
Trivia Contest
Organize a trivia event at your workplace or a local venue. Teams pay an entry fee and compete for bragging rights while supporting a good cause.
Digital Engagement and Other Creative Ideas
- Host a virtual event or online giving challenge through Teams.
- Gamify participation with fun challenges, milestones or nonprofit learning activities.
- Adapt popular games such as Jeopardy, Bingo or other team favorites into fundraising opportunities.
Helpful Tips
- Invite a nonprofit speaker whenever possible. Hearing firsthand stories can be incredibly engaging.
- Offer multiple payment options, including cash and giving forms, when appropriate.
- Already have a meeting or gathering planned? Consider incorporating a campaign activity into the agenda.
- Evening and after-work events can be a great option for some teams.
The Only Limit Is Your Imagination!
Last updated: September 18, 2026
No content inside the accordion element. Make sure your close your accordion element. Required stucture:
Last updated: September 18, 2026
content
Fundraisers: A Checklist for Success
Before planning a fundraiser, check your department’s policies regarding fundraising activities and cash handling. Make sure you have the necessary approvals before moving forward.
1. Choose the Right Fundraiser
Select an activity that fits your team’s interests and culture. Need ideas? Visit the UWCFD resource page for inspiration and guidance.
2. Plan and Promote
Even the best fundraiser needs an audience. Build a promotion plan and start communicating early to generate excitement and participation.
3. Determine Payment Options
Decide which payment methods you’ll accept:
- Giving forms
- Cash
- Personal checks
For employee contributions by check, attach a giving form so the gift can be attributed appropriately.
4. Credit Card Payments
If you’d like to accept credit card donations, contact your Campaign Assistant at least two weeks before the event and provide:
- Event name
- Team member contact
- Active fundraising dates, including a few days of flexibility before and after the event
- Benefiting nonprofit organization
- Fixed donation amounts, if applicable
5. Manage Event Proceeds
- Count cash with a colleague and record the total on a fundraiser reconciliation form.
- Initial and date all reconciliation records.
- If funds are collected after the campaign period, obtain a money order or cashier’s check for cash proceeds.
- Complete and sign the fundraiser form.
- Keep receipts for expenses and work with your Campaign Assistant regarding reimbursement. Reimbursements cannot exceed actual event expenses.
- Submit giving forms, employee checks, money orders or cashier’s checks, receipts and completed fundraiser forms to your Campaign Assistant within 24 hours.
Your Campaign Assistant is your partner throughout the process and can help ensure everything runs smoothly from planning through final reconciliation. When in doubt, reach out. We’re always happy to help!