Campus Campaign 101: It all starts at home
Thu. Jan. 28, 2021
Whether you’re taking time out of your day to check on your neighbor, or simply being there for a friend, making the effort to look after your community has become an increasing part of the new normal during these uncertain times. As members of the internal UWinnipeg community, going the extra mile means helping out our students, programs, and facilities as part of our annual Campus Campaign.
Hello, we are Cindy Doyle and Jessica Bowman, the individuals responsible for The University of Winnipeg Foundation’s annual Campus Campaign, and your guest bloggers today. If you’re an active member of our campus, chances are you met us during a Zoom presentation last summer where we shared information about the Foundation’s annual Campus Campaign. Despite not being able to meet with any of you in-person, overall participation in our 2020 Campus Campaign increased almost across the board. By the end of last year’s giving period, a total of $370,000 had been raised. We are incredibly proud to have such a generous collection of donors working at UWinnipeg.
This year, we thought we’d explore the impact your gifts make by answering the what’s and why’s of any successful Campus Campaign.
What is the Campus Campaign, anyway?
The Campus Campaign is UWinnipeg’s annual internal fundraising campaign. It runs from January 1st through December 31st every year and is an opportunity for some of the closest members of our community to support our campus, programs and students.
How exactly do you define ‘Campus’?
By campus, we mean anyone who is closely linked to our institution with a vested interest in our success (excluding alumni). This includes:
Faculty
Staff
Senior administration
Affiliated employees
Retirees
Members of the Board of Regents
Foundation staff (That’s us!)
UWF Board Members
Members of The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation Board
Former UWSA Presidents
Senior Sticks, and Lady Sticks
Honorary Doctors
Fellows of United College
Fellows of The University of Winnipeg
Distinguished Alumni
Why should I give to my own university?
When we receive gifts from faculty, staff, and other members of the UW family listed above, it sends a strong message that says, “I believe in this institution, both professionally and financially.”
Participation in these fundraising initiatives also inspires sources from outside the university to give. Having a company set up a new scholarship, or receiving a yearly pledge from a foundation both go a long way in supporting the growth of our institution and the well-being of our programs.
It is a great source of pride for us to share that The University of Winnipeg has one of the highest participation rates when it comes to internal fundraising.
I work here, or give my time as a volunteer, isn’t it weird to ask me for money?
Most organizations outside the post-secondary education sector run an employee giving campaign. In these cases, the employee typically gives to a charity the company has decided to support. At UWinnipeg, you have the unique opportunity to give a gift towards an area you are directly involved in.
I am unable to give a large amount. Should I still donate?
Giving is not about the size of the donation. Giving is about being part of our efforts to support each other, no matter the amount. Here at the Foundation, we value gifts of every size. Also, giving might be less difficult than you think. Take a look at this chart that breaks down gifts by monthly contributions. If you are reading this and want to give back without making a donation, we greatly appreciate volunteers coming forward to help out with events. Please give us a call or email and we’d be happy to work with you in coordinating your volunteer efforts.
Where will my donation go?
Money raised from the Campus Campaign goes to any fund of your choice, or if you’re open to suggestions, we offer information on our three main fundraising priorities. In 2021, we will continue to support the Library renovation, the Opportunity Fund and Academic Enhancements.
How do I make a gift?
You can to donate online, or sign up for payroll/pension deduction by downloading a UWinnipeg pledge form or a Collegiate pledge form and either email or mail your donation to:
The University of Winnipeg Foundation
901-491 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB Canada R3B 2E4
Alternatively, you can phone in your gift or pledge:
Toll-free: 1.866.394.6050
Local calls: 204.786.9995
If you have any questions about the Campus Campaign or anything else, please feel free to reach out to either Cindy (c.doyle@uwinnipeg.ca or Jessica (je.bowman@uwinnipeg.ca). We would be more than happy to chat with you.
Thank you for reading this blog. We will be back as guest bloggers in the future!
Cindy and Jessica
Future Campus Campaign participants: our minis at the UWSA Daycare