Questions and answers for business decision-makers

Who is Community Shares?
Community Shares was formed in 1981 to help dozens of hardworking Milwaukee-area charities that had no access to employee-giving campaigns. We called ourselves "ACHOICE" then because we gave employees "a choice" in where they could designate their charity dollars. Our guiding principles are: a.) Respecting the Employee's Choice and b.) Improving our community through hands-on grassroots work.

Why would Community Shares start running its own campaign now?
We've always run small, independent campaigns. However, beginning in 1991 Community Shares relied heavily on United Way's Donor Choice program. Recent changes at United Way in their mission include a de-emphasis of the Donor Choice program. We wish that we could remain committed to Donor Choice, but last year those donations were down by $150,000. Community Shares and its members cannot depend on that revenue stream alone.

Is Community Shares part of United Way?
No. We have always been independent, but we do work side-by-side with United Way in workplace campaigns in the public and private sectors.

How is Community Shares different from United Way?
Our diverse agencies work on a grassroots level for Social Justice, Advocacy and Environmental issues. United Way is focused on health and human services programs.

Why can't my employees just give directly to their charity of choice?
They can. But it has been proven that giving at work through payroll deduction is an effective way of learning about community need and the charities that address those needs, plus it allows them to give larger gifts. Through workplace giving, many donors find charities they did not know existed. An annual workplace-giving drive also creates new donors. For charities, it's a highly cost-effective way of reaching and soliciting donors, costing less per contribution than any other form of mass fundraising.

Why do we need a Community Shares campaign alongside our United Way campaign?
Because Community Shares supports social justice and environmental agencies and issues that fall outside of United Way's traditional focus. We are the only federation in town that supports these programs. Community Shares is also needed because of our commitment to donors and their ability to choose. As long as Community Shares is alive and thriving, Milwaukee area donors will have a giving option that is first and foremost about ensuring that they can give to the Charity of their Choice.

What does a Community Shares campaign offer?
Choice for you and your employees. Companies have offered combinations of payroll deduction and employee volunteer time. Campaigns can be run at any time of year - you make the call. You can decide how involved you want Community Shares to be. We care equally about all businesses and donors from large to small, new and old. We give your employees the widest choices in agencies and in how to give. We will honor and pass through gifts to outside agencies (although we cannot vet the agency).

Is there extra work required from me?
No, it's easier! Employees respond much better when they can choose where their dollars go. "Employees involved in their company's community activities were 30% more likely to continue working for that company and help it achieve success..." 1996 Council on Foundations Report.