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University of Virginia employees have once again demonstrated both their overwhelming generosity and willingness to help the local community.

Starting in October, UVA faculty and staff donated to nonprofits through the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, a statewide effort that enables employees to make charitable donations through their employer.

UVA saw widespread participation, which increased 30% from last year, and contributions confirmed the University’s commitment to supporting local area nonprofits and charities. Roughly 74% of gifts made by UVA employees went to local nonprofits.

Employees can continue to support local nonprofits through the CVC. Payroll deduction has ended, but employees can donate through September using their credit card by following the steps below.

1. Visit cvc.virginia.edu.
2. Designate any amount to one or more of over 50 nonprofits in Charlottesville, or select from the 900 total participating nonprofits from across the commonwealth.
3. Enter your contact and credit card information.

Over the last two years, gifts made through the CVC have proven critical for area nonprofits, many of which have struggled due to the pandemic. Nonprofits in Charlottesville, as well as across the country, have seen a substantial increase in demand for their services, at the same time that funding has declined due to changing economic conditions.

G. Kelly Eplee, director of donor relations for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, said the CVC has made a difference for his organization.

“The longstanding impact of the CVC on Habitat should be described as a relationship, financial and personal,” he said. “We are thankful that donor generosity has steadily increased as a dependable funding source, undergirding the success of our affordable housing/homeownership program building 270-plus homes in our area. Thanks to the CVC and others, hard-working families can move out of substandard conditions to build and own their own homes.”

Sarah Ellis, Shelter for Help in Emergency’s fundraising and development coordinator, said these donations support important work.

“The need for shelter services is as strong as ever,” she said. “From prevention activities to collaborations with community partners and welcoming volunteers, shelter staff continue to reach out to all in our area who are searching for peace, hope and safety.

“Every year the CVC donations go to support more than 500 women, children and men who have experienced domestic violence in our community.”

As in past years, UVA was the top statewide agency in terms of total pledges, contributing approximately 30% of all donations for the 2021 campaign to date.