Creative Ways to Raise PAC Funds in 2026

Making a Big Company Feel Small

For Avery, engagement begins with culture. Oncor employs more than 5,600 people across Texas, and Avery sees the PAC as a way to bring them closer together. “Our employees love to engage in groups,” she explained. “The PAC is a perfect way for the company to feel small.” Senior leaders model participation, which makes joining feel natural for new employees.

Recognition also matters. Instead of a physical donor wall, Oncor features a scrolling list of PAC supporters on its website homepage. “It’s an easy, free way to show appreciation,” Avery said. “It helps people feel seen.”

The Power of Incentives and Personalization

Avery knows engagement is about connection, not just contribution. Each year, her team updates benefits and recognition opportunities to make members feel valued. She also personalizes outreach: “Having our CEO or steering committee members send division-level emails works incredibly well,” she said. “It’s about making the ask personal, not corporate.”

Even their incentives carry a creative twist. During “Pactober,” Oncor’s annual fundraising campaign, Avery’s team delivers Packsicles—branded popsicles—to field service centers. “We like to make more than one touchpoint,” she explained. “After a visit, we’ll follow up with a box of something fun and on-theme. Popsicles were a hit in the Texas heat.”

Generational Shifts and the Next Wave of Donors

Avery’s strategy evolves with her audience. “What works for employees who’ve been here thirty years is different from what connects with new hires,” she noted. That’s why her team presents at every new employee orientation, taking a 30-minute slot to explain the government affairs team’s role and why advocacy matters.

“For the next generation, advocacy sells,” Avery said. “They want to know what we’re doing at the state and federal levels to protect the company—and they love networking.”

To keep younger employees engaged, Avery’s team hosts social events and relies on peer influence. “When we had our Pactober kickoff, younger employees who were already members brought their friends and encouraged them to join,” she shared.

Building Trust—Without Politics

In today’s polarized climate, Avery has learned that language matters. “When we take the word ‘politics’ out of our fundraising, it helps,” she said. “We frame it as legislative action—what we’re doing for Oncor—rather than about parties or ideology.”

That framing builds trust. When employees raise concerns about partisanship, Avery uses humor and perspective: “I’ll remind them, you probably have other subscriptions that donate to causes you don’t agree with. Are you going to cancel your phone line?” she laughed. “It gets them thinking.”

Keeping Members Engaged Year-Round

Between major campaigns, Avery maintains engagement through regular impact reports. During legislative sessions, her team sends two reports a month; out of session, one per month. “It’s how we show where their money goes and the difference it makes,” she said.

They also weave in lighthearted competitions—like March Madness brackets—with small prizes for winners. “You can do it with almost any sporting event,” Avery explained. “It’s fun, it builds community, and it keeps the PAC top of mind.”

Meeting People Where They Are

Oncor’s workforce spans office and field environments, so Avery tailors outreach accordingly. Field teams get early-morning safety meeting visits—complete with trivia games through Webex’s Slido tool—while corporate staff see presentations or email updates. “At 7 a.m., no one wants a PowerPoint,” Avery laughed. “Games keep it engaging.”

Even the swag is customized: field employees get practical gear like cooling towels and fans, while office staff receive coasters and mouse pads. “It’s about knowing your audience,” she said.

Scaling Through Shared Ownership

As Oncor’s PAC continues to grow, Avery is building infrastructure to sustain it. Her latest initiative: the Ambassador Program, an 18-month internal fellowship for PAC members who want to deepen their involvement. Participants receive mentorship on government affairs, professional development coaching, and training to become local PAC advocates.

“It’s about creating hands and feet in places we can’t always reach,” Avery said. “We’re building leaders who can champion the PAC in their own regions.”

Key Takeaways

• Email still works—if it feels personal. Messages from senior leaders or peers drive far higher participation than mass appeals.
• Recognition fuels retention. Public acknowledgment, even a scrolling donor list, helps members feel valued.
• Frame your message around impact, not politics. Focus on shared goals and company well-being.
• Engage early and often. Orientation sessions, social events, and lighthearted campaigns keep momentum alive.
• Empower others to lead. Ambassador programs and steering committees create scalable advocacy.

About the Speaker

Avery Walker is the PAC Manager at Oncor Electric Delivery, where she leads employee engagement and fundraising initiatives across the company’s 5,600-person workforce. With prior experience managing PACs for industry associations and political candidates, Avery brings a donor-first approach to corporate engagement, blending creativity, authenticity, and data-driven strategy to strengthen advocacy participation.