CFD IN THE NEWS
CFD In the News
UW Combined Fund Drive Breaks Giving Record, Supports Hundreds of Charities
SEATTLE—The University of Washington's Combined Fund Drive, part of the state's workplace giving campaign, raised $2,117,828 for 1,755 charitable nonprofits in 2012, making it the most successful campaign to date. During this year's drive, which ran October 10—December 7, UW faculty, staff, and retirees raised $51,697 more than the previous year.
"The generosity of our university community is overwhelming and humbling," said Kerri Everly, campaign manager for the UW Combined Fund Drive. "Every year during the UW campaign's 28-year history, our faculty, staff, and retirees have increased their giving year-over-year, including through the toughest economic times. There are visible outcomes from this giving right here in our community, as well as impact around the world."
In 2011, the UW Combined Fund Drive contributed nearly 40 percent of the total funds raised by the state's campaign. "We expect to be close to that percentage again this year," said Everly.
During the campaign, nearly $3,500 was collected through a campuswide coin drive benefitting the Seattle Ronald McDonald House, which provides a "home-away-from-home" to families of any seriously ill children being treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital. In addition, some 1,000 pounds of food were donated to the Seattle House pantry.
Units across the University held fundraising events benefitting numerous nonprofit organizations.
"We have some 800 employees that are spread out across UW Medicine's many locations, work day and night shifts, and work in laboratories or offices," says Maria Rillera, program coordinator for UW Medicine's Laboratory Medicine department. "We used an online auction to make it fun and easy for everyone to participate. Employees donated items, many of which were handmade and allowed them to share their talents and interests with coworkers. Then, everyone was invited to bid on the items. We raised more than $2,700 for the Seattle Ronald McDonald House."
UW Human Resources raised more than $2,000 for ROOTS Young Adult Shelter through special events, including bake sales, a baked potato bar, and a rummage sale. A group of UWHR employees also volunteered to serve meals and clean up at the U-District shelter, which ignited another idea to be good neighbors.
"While serving breakfast at the shelter, we noticed a young man rummaging through a bin for warm winter gloves as the morning shift wound down. None matched," said Blair Maurer, senior communications specialist for UWHR. "A member of our team envisioned their Christmas morning would be made a bit brighter with new gloves and socks, and motivated the UWHR management team to donate money to purchase the items, which were added to the guests’ stockings on Christmas day."
In addition to fundraising goals, many units set participation goals.
"It was our goal to exceed our 82 percent participation rate from last year. We do care, and our support is a team effort," said Hope Friedlander, human resource manager for the UW Center for Commercialization. "Together, we raised funds in support of more than 60 organizations worldwide. Little amounts add up. Especially during difficult economic times, it's our duty to be passionate about causes. One dollar can go a long way; it can save lives or provide a vaccine for children."
In 2012, a total of 4,364 employees and retirees participated in the UW Combined Fund Drive.
Selecting from more than 3,800 nonprofits, employees may give through a one-time donation or signup for payroll deduction. Continuous payroll giving allows nonprofits to plan their annual budgets, receive sustaining income, provide uninterrupted services, and reduce other more costly forms of fundraising.
Since 1984, UW employees participating in the UW Combined Fund Drive, part of Washington state's workplace giving campaign, have raised more than $30.8 million to support thousands of causes. And year after year, the UW Combined Fund Drive has received the state’s highest university participation award, as well as other national and local awards for its outstanding campaign. For more information, visit www.uw.edu/uwcfd.