Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses here in the Toledo Region and around the world have been hit hard. However, northwest Ohio organizations have been working hard to support the community. One such organization is the United Way of Greater Toledo and its new iPledge program, focused on spreading the word about local small businesses and driving consumers to their doors – and websites.
“United Way of Greater Toledo’s iPledge program is a brand new partnership opportunity, specifically for small businesses and independent contractors,” says Sara Smith, development officer for the United Way of Greater Toledo. “We know that local businesses care deeply about our community, and the iPledge partnership provides a way for them to support United Way’s work in a way that works best for them. United Way of Greater Toledo and locally owned small businesses share a vision that is focused on local investments.”
It’s simple: Local businesses pledge to donate a specific dollar amount per sale or percentage of sales to the United Way of Greater Toledo. The United Way of Greater Toledo then tailors a partnership package to drive traffic to the business via recognition on social media and visibility for the business’ philanthropic efforts. Volunteer, networking and affinity group opportunities also open themselves up to iPledge partners.
“iPledge program partners will benefit from increased outreach and social media exposure on United Way platforms,” Smith says. “This exposure can drive additional revenue to their business, as well as raise their community visibility. iPledge partners will also garner increased respect by sharing this content in their own posts. In addition, iPledge partners receive donor benefits including volunteer, networking, and affinity group opportunities.”
Like all United Way programs, the iPledge partnership helps provide food for local children and families, helps to mobilize support for non-profit organizations, and so much more. And especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, community support is more important than ever.
“As our community has come together to support one another during this crisis, we have seen how even more powerful businesses’ philanthropic efforts have been in driving consumer support to their doors (virtually or otherwise),” Smith says. “By becoming an iPledge partner, local businesses can make a meaningful difference at time when the needs – for healthy food, for educational support, for financial resources, and more – are greater than ever due to the COVID-19 crisis. United Way’s focus is on data-driven investments that will create long-lasting, positive change, so iPledge partners can be assured that their gifts will be invested in effective programs that meet the most critical needs in our community.”
Choosing to support the iPledge program is choosing to support not just the United Way of Greater Toledo; it’s choosing to support your business and your community as a whole.
“United Way’s mission is to unite the caring power of people to improve lives. The iPledge program provides a new way of uniting the dedication of local small businesses with United Way’s work to help every individual and family reach their potential. We know that United, We’re Strong!” Smith says. “When iPledge partners stand with United Way, they are creating a better today, a better tomorrow and a better future for all.”
Become an iPledge Partner
To get involved in the United Way of Greater Toledo’s iPledge program, please email United Way of Greater Toledo Development Officer Sara Smith at sara.smith@unitedwaytoledo.org. Click here to learn more about the iPledge program.
More Ways to Support Your Community
United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 connects community members to health and human services resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free for anyone to use and is making a critical difference for the community.
How to use it:
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-650-4357 for immediate assistance or text your ZIP code to 898-211. For more information, to chat online or to search the United Way database, visit 211nwo.org.
Take the 2020 U.S. Census
“By participating, we help everyone in our community, especially those we serve in Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties,” says Smith. “Our region’s current participation levels are lower than they were in 2010, and with the Census concluding a full month sooner than originally planned on Sept. 30, this is especially concerning! For every person not counted, it’s estimated to cost the state of Ohio $1,814 per person, per year, for 10 years.”
To take the 2020 U.S. Census online or by phone, visit 2020census.gov.
Volunteer and Support Your Community
Whether as a business or as an individual, you can volunteer and positively impact the Toledo Region using your time and passion. Sign up to volunteer now at feedtoledokids.org and make a difference through meal distribution programs, senior wellness kit building and more.
It’s simple: Local businesses pledge to donate a specific dollar amount per sale or percentage of sales to the United Way of Greater Toledo. The United Way of Greater Toledo then tailors a partnership package to drive traffic to the business via recognition on social media and visibility for the business’ philanthropic efforts. Volunteer, networking and affinity group opportunities also open themselves up to iPledge partners.
“iPledge program partners will benefit from increased outreach and social media exposure on United Way platforms,” Smith says. “This exposure can drive additional revenue to their business, as well as raise their community visibility. iPledge partners will also garner increased respect by sharing this content in their own posts. In addition, iPledge partners receive donor benefits including volunteer, networking, and affinity group opportunities.”
Like all United Way programs, the iPledge partnership helps provide food for local children and families, helps to mobilize support for non-profit organizations, and so much more. And especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, community support is more important than ever.
“As our community has come together to support one another during this crisis, we have seen how even more powerful businesses’ philanthropic efforts have been in driving consumer support to their doors (virtually or otherwise),” Smith says. “By becoming an iPledge partner, local businesses can make a meaningful difference at time when the needs – for healthy food, for educational support, for financial resources, and more – are greater than ever due to the COVID-19 crisis. United Way’s focus is on data-driven investments that will create long-lasting, positive change, so iPledge partners can be assured that their gifts will be invested in effective programs that meet the most critical needs in our community.”
Choosing to support the iPledge program is choosing to support not just the United Way of Greater Toledo; it’s choosing to support your business and your community as a whole.
“United Way’s mission is to unite the caring power of people to improve lives. The iPledge program provides a new way of uniting the dedication of local small businesses with United Way’s work to help every individual and family reach their potential. We know that United, We’re Strong!” Smith says. “When iPledge partners stand with United Way, they are creating a better today, a better tomorrow and a better future for all.”
Become an iPledge Partner
To get involved in the United Way of Greater Toledo’s iPledge program, please email United Way of Greater Toledo Development Officer Sara Smith at sara.smith@unitedwaytoledo.org. Click here to learn more about the iPledge program.
More Ways to Support Your Community
United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 connects community members to health and human services resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free for anyone to use and is making a critical difference for the community.
How to use it:
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-650-4357 for immediate assistance or text your ZIP code to 898-211. For more information, to chat online or to search the United Way database, visit 211nwo.org.
Take the 2020 U.S. Census
“By participating, we help everyone in our community, especially those we serve in Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties,” says Smith. “Our region’s current participation levels are lower than they were in 2010, and with the Census concluding a full month sooner than originally planned on Sept. 30, this is especially concerning! For every person not counted, it’s estimated to cost the state of Ohio $1,814 per person, per year, for 10 years.”
To take the 2020 U.S. Census online or by phone, visit 2020census.gov.
Volunteer and Support Your Community
Whether as a business or as an individual, you can volunteer and positively impact the Toledo Region using your time and passion. Sign up to volunteer now at feedtoledokids.org and make a difference through meal distribution programs, senior wellness kit building and more.
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