Brock University was recently recognized for its fundraising efforts for the United Way with the United Way Chair's Award. From left are Patrick Little, 2012 campaign chair, Diana Panter, Brock campaign co-chair, Lucie Thibault and Mike Plyley, campaign faculty co-chairs, Brock President Jack Lightstone, Rob DePetris, Board of Trustees chair, and Frances Hallworth, United Way executive director.

When it comes to raising money for the United Way, Brock University has it down to a science.

The University was recently recognized for its knack for fundraising when it received the United Way Chair’s Award for the 2012 campaign.

The honours are for running an outstanding campaign thanks to using tactics that include arranging a kick-off, executing presentations and thanking workplace donors, and having strong leadership on the employee campaign committee, among others.

The award was presented at the United Way Awards in St. Catharines last month.

It’s the sixth award in the past 10 years that Brock has received from the organization.

“We have a great committee and everyone works really hard,” said Diana Panter, campaign co-chair. “Once they get involved, they continue to be involved in subsequent years. We have longtime supporters on campus and it’s a worthy cause.

“We know that Brock is a great organization that supports the United Way and our efforts just reflect that.”

The Brock community has raised more than $1 million for the United Way in the past 10 years.

In 2012, Brock raised more than $130,000. That’s up $9,000 from the year before – and record campaign total – thanks to an increase in donors giving $500 and $1,000 donations.

“The Brock University Campaign Committee works hard on arranging key events that involve faculty and staff members and encourage participation at all levels,” Frances Hallworth, United Way executive director, wrote in a letter to the University. “Brock University continues to follow best practices and the results show in their campaign growth year after year.”

Still, reaching the 2012 campaign goal was a challenge, Panter said, given the small pool from which the money came.

“We’ve had great success but we’re still struggling with the overall participation rate,” she said. “We have an 18 per cent participation rate, which isn’t great. We’re aiming to have 50 per cent, which I know is ambitious.”

Bolstering communications efforts, hosting more events that serve as fundraising drives and include more students, and increasing faculty participation are just some of what’s in store for the 2013 campaign, which kicks off this fall.

Volunteers are also needed for the University’s United Way executive committee and events sub-committee. Those interested can email Panter.

“We’re just going to get more people involved in the campaign,” Panter said.