Developing Ideas for Projects

In developing your United Way Day of Caringproject, ask yourself these questions:

• What activities/projects would my organization like to tackle, but never can due to time or staffing restrictions?Be selfish. Think about what will work for your organization’s benefit…and do not forget that we welcome more than one United Way Day of Caring project!
• What activities/projects will educate and interest others in a positive way about my organization? Remember that volunteers will tell others about their United Way Day of Caring experience and become ambassadors for you in the community.
• How does this project connect to the mission of my organization? You want volunteers to carry your message into the community. Your project should connect to the work that you do on a daily basis.
• How much volunteer time do we need for our project – and are our expectations realistic?The volunteers’ time should be planned wisely. They should be kept busy – neither bored nor overwhelmed – and project “completion” should offer them a sense of accomplishment.
• Is this a project that you (or a fellow employee) would like to do as a volunteer? If the answer to this question is no, then re-think your project! The project needs to incorporate fun – either in the project work itself or in “extras” you plan for the volunteers as part of their total United Way Day of Caring experience.
• Project ideas are endless, so be creative! The only restriction we ask is that the project not be an organization fundraiser, as United Way Day of Caring will kick off the United Way Community Campaign. Click here for a list of successful past projects.

 If you have any further questions, please email United Way Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson or call (860) 493-1109.