Running a United Way campaign at your workplace is about more than raising dollars—it’s about building excitement, teamwork, and community. Fun activities and creative incentives can spark participation, create friendly competition, and help employees feel more connected to the impact they’re making.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising activities add fun and teamwork to your campaign while raising dollars that change lives.
Dollar Wars: Each department or team competes to collect the most dollar bills in their jar (or another container). The twist? Coins subtract from the total—so other teams can sabotage their competitors by dropping in nickels, dimes, or quarters. Dollar bills build your team’s score, and the team with the highest total wins bragging rights (and maybe a prize).
Silent Auction or Raffle: Ask employees to donate items, gift baskets, or experiences (like a “CEO for a Day” or “Reserved Parking Spot”). Auction them off or sell raffle tickets with proceeds going to United Way.
Bake Sale or Chili Cook-Off: Invite employees to bring their best dish and sell samples to coworkers. People love tasting and voting for their favorites.
Game Day: Host a trivia challenge, bingo, or board game tournament with an entry fee that benefits the campaign. Offer small prizes for winners.
Themed Giving Days: Pick a theme (sports, holidays, decades) and encourage employees to donate to participate in themed activities—like a photo booth, competition, or office decorations contest.
Office Challenge: Create fun challenges like “Executive Pie in the Face,” “Boss Dunk Tank,” or “Push-Up Contest.” Employees contribute to see leaders or coworkers participate.
Incentive Ideas
Incentives are a powerful way to thank employees for giving and inspire greater participation.
Carnival or Fair-Style Event: Bring in games, prizes, and activities to celebrate hitting campaign milestones.
Food Trucks: Invite local food trucks for a special lunch, with vouchers or free meals for donors.
Ice Cream Social: Everyone loves an afternoon break with sundaes or ice cream bars.
Extra Vacation Hour/Day: Give employees who donate or participate an extra hour off or a casual early-release Friday.
Prime Parking Spots: Reserve the “best parking spot” for a week or month as a reward.
Company Swag: T-shirts, mugs, or water bottles with your company or United Way branding.
Raffle Prizes: Gift cards, event tickets, or fun bundles for employees who participate or hit giving levels.
Recognition: Feature top teams, departments, or individuals in company newsletters, social media, or all-staff meetings.
Make It Your Own
The best fundraising and incentive ideas reflect your company’s culture. Choose what feels fun, inclusive, and engaging for your team. No matter which activities you try, every dollar raised helps create lasting change right here in Lake County.