Connect. Community. Impact. All are concepts evoked by the Charity Choice campaign, the annual opportunity for faculty and staff to demonstrate their appreciation for the Greater Cleveland community by designating funds to go to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit of their choice, That includes charitable organizations—such as churches, synagogues or mosques—to which they regularly donate.
This year’s campaign began Oct. 8 and will run through Dec. 13.
For those who are unsure of which group or organization to contribute to, suggested agencies are:
- United Way of Greater Cleveland, the leading convener and funder of partnerships focused on solutions for the community’s health and human service priorities. United Way makes a difference in the lives of 450,000 people throughout Greater Cleveland.
- Greater Cleveland Community Shares, which addresses the root causes of social problems facing our neighborhoods, our community and our region. Member organizations provide education, promote health care, protect children and women, advance home ownership, provide job training and employment, build neighborhoods, and work to end discrimination.
- EarthShare Ohio(ESO), a federation working to raise donations for local, regional and national nonprofit conservation and environmental organizations. ESO beneficiary organizations provide vital services in the areas of environmental education, pollution prevention, recreation and trails, natural resources conservation, and more.
Campaign co-chairs Manoj Malhotra, dean of Weatherhead School of Management, and Arnold Hirshon, vice provost and university librarian, will focus on having strong participation this year to increase overall contributions. They look to increase the amount of donors to 420 and contributions to $175,000. These goals were set to demonstrate the gratitude of the campus community and to address the existing needs that surround us.
Donations can be made through Dec. 13 via contributions online in HCM, one-time or multiple months payroll deduction, or by check. Go to the donate page on the Charity Choice website for instructions on how to give.
Faculty and staff can learn more about United Way, EarthShare and Community Shares at the Benefits Fair Nov. 6-7 in the Tinkham Veale University Center ballroom. For additional information, visit the CWRU Charity Choice website.