United We Race

United Way's strength has always been bringing an entire community together for the common good. A duck race is that philosophy in physical form — thousands of people gathered at a waterway, cheering on rubber ducks, all in support of dozens of local nonprofits.

A United Way chapter in the Southeast added a duck race to their annual campaign and raised an additional $85,000 in net new revenue. That wasn't money shifted from other campaigns — it was entirely new donors and sponsors.

The United Way Multiplier Effect

• Your brand recognition is unmatched — everyone knows United Way

• Corporate partners are already in your Rolodex

• Funded agencies become co-promoters, multiplying your marketing reach

• United Way's data-driven approach means you can demonstrate exactly how duck race dollars create impact

Revenue at Scale

• 10,000-25,000 duck adoptions are achievable for mid-size chapters

• Corporate duck adoption packages tap existing workplace campaign relationships

• Media sponsorships provide free advertising worth $20,000-$50,000

• One chapter sold 18,000 ducks at $5 each, secured $45,000 in sponsorships, and raised $135,000 total

Integration with Your Campaign

• Launch the duck race as a campaign kickoff event in early fall

• Use the race to introduce new donors who convert to annual pledgers

• Create workplace duck adoption challenges that boost campaign engagement

• Feature funded agencies at the event to showcase where donations go

Tactical Tips

• Leverage workplace campaign contacts to sell bulk corporate duck packages

• Create a 'Community Impact Duck' — a premium $100 adoption that funds a specific program

• Engage your Young Leaders group in social media marketing

• Set up an 'Agency Village' where funded nonprofits showcase their work

The Ripple Effect

When United Way hosts a duck race, the entire nonprofit ecosystem benefits. Funded agencies gain exposure. New donors enter the pipeline. Corporate partners deepen their commitment.

Your chapter already LIVES community impact. A duck race makes that impact visible and fun. Derby Duck Races is ready to help you create an event that matches your ambition. Let's make some waves for the common good!