United Way of Forsyth County

2013 Educate> Engage> Empower United Way of Forsyth County

WLC Mission • To reach out to women in our community to educate, engage, and empower them in meeting the most pressing needs in Forsyth County. • Our objective is to help women develop even further as philanthropic leaders, advocates and community investors through volunteer, education, and networking opportunities. United Way of Forsyth County

History of WLC: • The First WLC was started 10 years ago, now there are over 130 “chapters” across the country. • In 2007, United Way of Forsyth County started our local WLC. • Since inception, we have grown to over 1,000 members and have raised more than $3 million to support WLC projects. United Way of Forsyth County

Exclusive WLC Member Opportunities • WLC members have the opportunity to participate in: • Volunteer activities • Lunch and Learns • Social events • Networking United Way of Forsyth County

What is the WLC Focus? • An Increased Graduation Rate Provides Significant Benefits to our Community: • On average, high school graduates earn 32% more than high school drop-outs. • Graduates are more likely to live above the poverty line and less likely to serve time in prison or to experience homelessness. • High graduation rates help attract new business to communities and fuel stronger local economies. • High school graduates are critical to a stable and productive workforce. United Way of Forsyth County

Focused Objective To provide success-ready students to the 9th grade, with initial focus on Middle School students that will enter 9th grade at our community’s most struggling high schools by funding the following projects: • Tutoring program • Family Engagement • Summer Programming United Way of Forsyth County

Measuring Our Success • Since we are working with middle school students, it will be several years before our projects have a direct impact on the county’s high school graduation rate. • Success will be measured by: • improvements in standardized test scores • the number of students that are functioning at grade level • the number of students that are promoted to the next grade • reduced behavior problems in school United Way of Forsyth County

How Can You Help? • Join WLC - Take Advantage of the BB&T Challenge Match which is available to New and Next Level Leadership Circle Donors • Let Us Hear From YOU! We welcome your ideas, involvement and creativity wlc@uwforsyth.org • Spread the Word – Invite your friends and colleagues to learn more about the WLC United Way of Forsyth County

How the Challenge Match Works • Leadership Circle Step-Up • (For New Leadership Circle Donors) • Members contributing $500 or commit to increase their contribution by at least $100 annually to reach the Leadership Circle level of $1,000 • Members will receive a match in each year equal to the difference between their contribution and $1,000 • These members will be recognized as Leadership Circle donors beginning in year one United Way of Forsyth County

Leadership Circle Step-Up United Way of Forsyth County

Here’s another example with a donor currently giving more than $500. Leadership Circle Step-Up United Way of Forsyth County

How the Challenge Match Works • Leadership Circle Next Level Challenge • (For Existing Leadership Circle Donors) • Those who are Leadership Circle members should commit to reaching the next level and increase their contributions based on the table on the next slide • Donors have up to 5 years to reach the next leadership level • Donors will be recognized at the next leadership level beginning in year one United Way of Forsyth County

Leadership Circle Next Level Challenge United Way of Forsyth County

For example, a woman already giving $1,000 should plan to increase her giftby $100 each year to get to $1,500. Leadership Circle Next Level Challenge United Way of Forsyth County

Common Questions Asked • If the woman has a spouse who gives, how can she qualify for the WLC match? • The intent of the match is to empower women to give more money to United Way, not to shift the couple’s giving. In addition to what the spouse currently gives, the woman needs to increase her personal contribution by the minimum requirement. • Can the woman designate her increase to an agency? • No, in order to become a WLC donor and receive the match, she must designate the increase to go to WLC. All increases and matches will go to the WLC project. • If a woman has already fulfilled her WLC commitment and reached her targeted Leadership Circle Level, what must she do to maintain her WLC membership? What match will she receive? • Your gift should increase annually by $25 or more. Your increase will be matched dollar-for dollar and will be used to fund WLC projects. United Way of Forsyth County

Common Questions Asked • Can the woman designate her entire contribution to the WLC? • No, so as not to negatively impact the United Way’s overall campaign funding, only the increased contribution and the match can go to the WLC. • Will the WLC match dollars be included in the company’s total United Way contribution? • No, but the company can count the increased contributions by its employees. • Can men join the WLC or contribute to the WLC in honor of a wife/mother/daughter/etc.? • No, the WLC is limited to women members. However, men are encouraged to take a brochure and pledge form home and ask his wife/daughter to make an individual contribution to participate in WLC. United Way of Forsyth County

For More Information • Visit United Way’s website • www.forsythWLC.org • E-mail us atwlc@uwforsyth.org • Visit us on Facebook United Way of Forsyth County

United Way of Forsyth County