Earlier this season, IU Credit Union President and CEO Bryan Price reminisced about the partnership of IUCU and United Way. “The United Way campaign was in process when I first started in November of 1986, and that was over 35 years ago! We’re proud to be such an integral partner with United Way’s work in the community,” Price said.
Since 1999, IUCU records show that $633,979 has been given to support the work of United Way, with corporate matching gifts starting in 2012.
The credit union hosts enthusiastic annual fundraising drives each year exclusively supporting United Way during a one-week period. This year they raised $20,778 in employee pledges over those five days. Additionally, a dollar-for-dollar corporate match brought their 2021 contribution total to $41,556.
IUCU has developed a template for workplace giving that engages staff and builds anticipation during the fundraising week. Employees are encouraged to complete their pledges on the first day of the drive to increase the chance of winning one of five $50 gift cards, given away daily. The drive finishes with a $100 card given to one lucky winner on the final day of pledging. Donations of $2 or more per pay period qualify for the give-away drawings, and staff can earn an additional day off from work if they contribute 1% or more of their salary.
“This charitable model has worked well for us over the years, and our employees have participated in special events and other volunteer opportunities sponsored by United Way in the past. Plus, as we move out of pandemic mode, we’re looking forward to some new opportunities to interact with United Way partner agencies,” said Julie Ragsdale, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at IUCU.
“This kind of deep commitment to the health and well-being of the entire community is what a partnership with United Way is all about,” said Efrat Feferman, Executive Director of United Way. “The Board of Directors and staff at United Way are deeply grateful for IUCU’s leadership in modeling their commitment and for its employees who are helping build resilient individuals and strengthening families,” she said. “We couldn’t do the work without partners like IUCU. The long-standing dedication to helping lift up neighbors is helping build a stronger community.”
To consider hosting a fundraising drive in your workplace, contact sherrie@monroeunitedway.org.
