December 6, 2007
Still time to give: Combined Fund Drive extended through Dec. 14
Still haven’t contributed to the Combined Fund Drive? Don’t worry, there’s time. Officials have announced that the fund drive — the UW’s workplace giving program — has been extended for a week, through Dec. 14.
And remember, it’s easy to do online at www.washington.edu/uwcfd.
Kerri Everly, program manager for the UW’s annual fund drive, said this year has been a strong one for giving. So far, UW employees have pledged a total of $1.67 million. And the participation rate has been 15 percent.
And that’s great, but the goal this year is a $2 million total with 20 percent participation, and there’s still time to get there.
“I really think we can reach this goal,” said Mindy Kornberg, vice president for human resources. “The volunteer coordinators have been hard at work in units across the campuses and medical centers, and now there is additional time to consider giving. I encourage everyone to participate, and make this the best year yet.”
You can set up a 2008 payroll deduction for as little as $1 per pay period, or you can arrange for a one-time gift. You can choose where your money goes from a list of more than 2,600 charities. And all your donations are tax-deductible.
UW CFD officials say the campaign is especially helpful to the charities to whom it donates because it saves them the expense of multiple fundraising campaigns, so more of the donated money goes directly to services. The CFD is one of the largest sources of funding for many of these agencies.
This year’s campaign, having raised $1.67 million so far, is just about to best last year’s total of $1.68 million. There’s been a steady rise in total giving — if not total participation — in recent years. The 2005 campaign raised $1.6 million, and $1.486 million was raised in 2004.
Everly said, “With humanitarian efforts, environmental concerns, arts endeavors and research opportunities, the need never declines. Each gift, large or small, adds up to help make a world of difference.”
Giving forms were sent out to all faculty and staff earlier in the fall, to help those who prefer working on paper to the Web. Need another copy? Just call the CFD office at 206-616-3678 or e-mail uwcfd@u.washington.edu.
