Marquette's second annual Community Campaign, which ends tomorrow, is one of the university's methods of collecting donations from faculty and staff for Marquette and surrounding communities.
Through the campaign, contributors have several options in terms of what their donation benefits. They can choose to give to the university itself through the Marquette Fund, to a certain college or a specific program, to the United Way and its programs or the United Performing Arts Fund, said Kathy Hawkins, campaign chairperson for Johnston Hall.
"This is (the) chance to give back to the community, Marquette University or the performing arts," Hawkins said.
The three-week campaign replaces previous sporadic efforts by individual organizations to raise money and provides a single combined marketing event that is easier for the university to promote, said Heather Hecimovich, Community Campaign cabinet member for university advancement.
This campaign also makes donating money easier for Marquette employees, who can contribute payroll deduction, check, cash or credit card payment. There is no minimum or maximum donation size, and pledges can be received throughout the year, Hawkins said.
"Every dollar counts, especially for non-profit organizations. The donations from the campaign have a significant impact," Hecimovich said.
One organization is the United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Donors have the option of designating their gift to the United Way Community Impact Fund, Safety Net Strategies, Breaking the Cycle of Poverty or the Special Initiative Project, according to the campaign pledge sheet.
"The Community Impact Fund is truly a great way to make a gift that helps everybody in the community. The United Way then has the freedom to distribute funds where they are needed most," said Bill Kittson, vice president of the United Way's campaign.
Campaign supporters can earmark their donation for the Marquette Fund or specific areas within Marquette. Gifts to the Marquette Fund are used to offset endowment expenses, including certain university scholarships, research and expenses, Hecimovich said.
Marquette employees can donate to the United Performing Arts Fund. These contributions become part of the general operating fund, which supports the efforts of 19 member groups around Milwaukee. Monies in the general fund maintain and help operate programs like the Ko-Thai Dance Company, said Katie Peschel campaign coordinator for the United Performing Arts Fund.
"These donations help make the arts accessible to everyone in the community and work in providing a cultural experience for individuals," Peschel said.