University News

Commonwealth of Virginia Charitable Campaign Begins, But With Important Changes

November 1, 2023 • By Mike Mather, mike.mather@virginia.edu Mike Mather, mike.mather@virginia.edu

(Photo by Emily Faith Morgan, University Communications)

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, an effort by state agencies to encourage giving to nonprofit organizations, returns this fall, but with a change in how the state processes the gifts and how employees give.

The commonwealth is transitioning to a new gift processing partner. During this transition period, several state agencies – including the University of Virginia and UVA Health – will not be able to participate through payroll deduction. Instead, the CVC is providing a method for credit or debit card donations.

Despite the changes this year, UVA’s chief operating officer, Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, said she hopes Wahoos will give and keep alive the 25-year streak of UVA being the most generous agency in the state.

“Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in the quality of life in our community, and for many years, support from the University community has helped them fulfill their mission and continue to help us all thrive,” Davis, the campaign’s 2023 honorary chair, said. “I encourage everyone to continue to support organizations that align with their passions and interests, whether through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign or directly.”

UVA has assembled a “Give Where You Live” list of charities in Central Virginia, but Davis stressed any giving to any charity will be most welcome this fall, whether the charity is affiliated with the CVC or not.

“Simply stated,” Davis wrote in an email to the University community, “it’s far more important that you consider giving than how you give.”

Plus, Wagner wrote in her email, giving directly to a charity of your choice also bypasses the 10% CVC administrative fee, “meaning your entire contribution goes directly to the organization.”

UVA employees also can use the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign donation site to make gifts by credit card as well as select a specific nonprofit to support. They are not able, however, to use the payroll deduction option that has been available in the past.

“However you choose to give, we urge you to continue UVA’s proud tradition of support to the many organizations that serve our community, city, region and state,” she wrote.