Support the Pitt United Way Campaign through donations, events, volunteering and more

The Pitt United Way Campaign is underway, with a goal of raising $750,000 to support our neighbors.

For decades, United Way has worked to alleviate some of the most pressing problems in the region — from providing financial stability education to ensuring families have necessities.

Members of the University of Pittsburgh community have given significantly to those efforts, contributing millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours, and the Pitt community is again encouraged to pledge their generous support.

This year’s campaign is also hosting various events including a kit packing and collection event and an experiences raffle.

“Participation in the United Way workplace campaign aligns with Pitt’s mission as a public university, with community service and engagement central to our purpose,” said Dave DeJong, senior vice chancellor for business and operations and chair of this year’s campaign. “The campaign brings staff and faculty together to aid local organizations and community members, making meaningful, lasting differences in the communities we serve.”

Nearly 1,900 Pitt faculty, staff and retirees donated $702,602 in last year’s campaign — with an average gift of $339 at Pittsburgh, a record for the campus.

Kelly Gilliam, manager of the Pitt United Way campaign, is asking the community this year to do their part and to give what they can.

“The United Way plays a significant role within the greater community. Their reach is far and wide, and they give local nonprofits the tools they need to reach their organizational goals and to provide help within their respective communities,” Gilliam said.

Pitt community members are encouraged to visit the Pitt United Way website to learn more about the campaign and keep up to date on events. Pitt United Way can also be found on Facebook. Questions can be directed to PittUnitedWay [at] pitt.edu or by calling 412-624-5800.

How to donate

United Way's comprehensive approach involves strategic investment of resources across the region. Essentially, they direct funds to agencies and organizations achieving results in various areas. Donors can select for their contribution to go toward a diverse and expansive list of participating nonprofits.

Donations can also be directed to the United Way’s Impact Fund which focuses on three key areas:

• Meeting people’s basic needs of shelter, safety and food, especially in times of crisis and situations when help can’t wait
• Helping families and individuals build financial stability through practical tools, such as budget planning and support such as access to childcare and transportation
• Providing educational content, positive role models and building confidence and self-worth

Faculty and staff began contributing to the campaign in various ways on Oct. 3.

For Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Johnstown

Donations can be automatically deducted from payroll, or eligible employees can donate up to 15 vacation hours toward the campaign. Both options can be selected on my.pitt.edu through the United Way app, and donors can choose to remain anonymous. To make monetary and vacation-time donations, please make 2 transactions.

Those who gave via payroll deduction last year will have their donation automatically roll over, and the deadline for payroll deduction changes and vacation time donation is Dec. 14. Any changes to current payroll pledges must be made before this deadline. New payroll deduction pledges can be made through the end of April. Though Pitt’s campaign will run until the end of April 2023, organizers encourage Pitt community members to make their pledges before that payroll deduction and vacation hours donation deadline.

With questions, contact Kelly Gilliam, Pitt United Way Campaign manager; Angie Coldren at Pitt-Greensburg (amp8 [at] pitt.edu); or Karla Kitner at Pitt-Johnstown (Kgarman [at] pitt.edu).

For Bradford and Titusville

Fill out a donation form.

Contact Jenna Swanson (jds204 [at] pitt.edu) and James Baldwin (jlb20 [at] pitt.edu) at Pitt-Bradford or Stephanie Fiely (stthomas [at] pitt.edu) at Pitt-Titusville with questions.

Get involved

The Pitt community will have the opportunity to participate in virtual and in-person United Way events this year. In addition to those highlighted here, be sure to review the full list of events, and register on the Pitt United Way website.

Kit packing and collection event

1:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 19 (O'Hara Student Center Ballroom, 2nd floor)

Drop by O’Hara between 1:30-3:30 p.m. to help pack literacy kits, STEM kits, and weekend food bags for people in need. You can also donate household cleaning items (toilet paper, paper towels, mops, brooms and dustpans, laundry detergent, etc.) and baby diapers and wipes.

This event is open to all staff, faculty, students and retirees. Registration for kit packing is encouraged, but not required.  

Experiences raffle

Now through Oct. 23 (Virtual)

For just $5, you could win a behind-the-scenes tour at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, enjoy a tour and tasting at Narcisi Winery, or spend an afternoon at Top Golf with Campaign Chair and Senior Vice President Business and Operations Dave DeJong.

Raffle tickets are on sale through Oct. 23, and winners will be announced live Oct. 25 on the United Way YouTube page.

View the full list of available prizes, and purchase your raffle tickets today.