University of Virginia Launched Donation Partnership

The program allows thousands of university employees to support local nonprofits through payroll deductions.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration showing stylized wooden hands cradling a small building and sapling, representing local community support. — The University of Virginia has partnered with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville to facilitate employee payroll donations to local nonprofits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you participate in a workplace program that lets you donate directly from your paycheck?

The University of Virginia has launched a new donation partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support local community causes. The initiative provides more than 24,000 employees with the opportunity to donate to nearly 100 area nonprofits.

Why it matters

The program fulfills the University's commitment as a public institution to strengthen its ties to the surrounding Charlottesville community. By covering all administrative costs, the school ensures that every dollar pledged by staff goes directly to the chosen organizations.

The program supports nearly 100 local nonprofits and is open to more than 24,000 University employees. The University covers 100 percent of administrative costs, with a $5 minimum donation required for payroll pledges.

The players

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a prominent public research institution based in Charlottesville that serves as a major employer in the region.

United Way of Greater Charlottesville

The United Way of Greater Charlottesville is a nonprofit organization that facilitates community charitable initiatives and has served the area since 1943.

The details

Employees can contribute via one-time payments or payroll deductions, with the ability to support up to four different nonprofits at once. Participants must use their NetBadge credentials to browse and pledge through an online e-pledge portal.

The United Way of Greater Charlottesville chapter was founded in 1943.
The donation program launched on September 16, 2026.
The campaign is scheduled to conclude on December 18, 2026.
Payroll deductions are set to begin with the first paycheck of 2027.

Market Landscape

This initiative represents a significant expansion of institutional philanthropy within the region. By integrating donor platforms into university payroll systems, it strengthens the connection between major local employers and the nonprofit sector.

Eligible employees can easily contribute to local charities through automatic payroll deductions across 26 pay periods. Those participating should ensure their chosen nonprofits are registered on the online portal before the December deadline.

The takeaway

This partnership streamlines the process for large-scale employee giving by removing administrative barriers for donors. Staff members looking to participate should verify their preferred nonprofit organizations are among the 100 participating entities.