Hokies Give Back: Annual employee giving campaign

From: Human Resources

The state is in the process of restructuring the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. This restructuring has allowed Virginia Tech to re-envision how we can best support and encourage employees to continue supporting charitable organizations that they are passionate about. 

For many years, Virginia Tech employees have embraced this yearly opportunity between October and December to support their communities – truly an example of our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), in action. 

This year employees are encouraged to donate directly to their charity or charities of choice through the organization’s website, by mailing a donation, volunteering, or other giving method. Giving directly has many advantages, such as:

• All employees can take part. Previously, wage employees’ participation was limited because they could not choose to do payroll deduction. 
• There are no limits on the charities that employees can choose. 
• While we encourage employee giving during the fall (because this is the time of year when communities often need the most support), employees are able to give at any time they want and when it works best for their household. 
• Charities can benefit immediately from donations. 

Following are more changes to be aware of:

• Payroll deduction through Virginia Tech will not be an option this year, but many charities offer options from one-time gifts, to credit card and other electronic payment options, to multiple recurring gifts over a period of time. 
• There will not be a university goal or goals for senior management areas. Virginia Tech simply encourages employees to give what they can; any and all donations make a difference in our communities. 
• Human Resources will not collect donations from individuals or departments. Please make donations directly to the charity or charities. 

If you need help finding charitable organizations as you plan your giving, visit the Hokies Give Back page on the Human Resources site. The site features several resources, including:

• A list of charities that have been popular with university employees in the past, including Virginia Tech organizations that have been part of previous campaigns
• Lists of charities for the Blacksburg, Roanoke, and D.C. metro regions. Lists are not all inclusive
• Frequently asked questions
• Guidelines and information on holding department events, volunteering, and more

Thank you for your continued dedication and generosity to the success of communities. If you have questions, contact your senior management area steering member or email employeeprogram@vt.edu.

** NOTE: Website information is being provided only to help employees; the organization lists are not recommendations. Employees are encouraged to give to any charitable partner they wish to support.