Faculty & Staff Campaign

Dear colleagues:

The demands of today call on us to rethink how we look at education, career readiness and the challenges of a healthy society and democracy. Together, we are building the UNI tomorrow needs. We know you work every day to ensure our students are successfully meeting the challenges of today. But now we ask for you to personally invest in Our Tomorrow. Will you join us in building a better tomorrow?

Since kicking off our fundraising last fall more than 1,200 faculty and staff have contributed to the Our Tomorrow campaign. Thank you! Faculty and staff participation is critical to the success of Our Tomorrow. To date, the UNI Foundation has raised over $242 million towards the $250 million goal. Every gift makes a difference and is an important investment in our university’s future.

Please consider making a gift, if you've not already. You are able to choose any fund you would like to support! All gifts will strengthen UNI’s ability to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This campaign will support all areas of the university — every college, every student.

We cannot build the university of tomorrow without you investing today.

Loyally,

Christopher Larimer, ‘01
Professor of Political Science

Kelli McCarthy, ‘16
Special Events and Patron Relations Manager, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

‌Robert L.Smith, Jr.
Executive Director, Educational Opportunity Programs & Special Community Services

Give today

Share your giving story

Your gift makes a difference

Make an impact

To build a community for tomorrow's students, we're asking our colleagues and friends to support the Our Tomorrow campaign by joining the 1876 Society. By committing to a monthly gift of $18.76 or $800 cumulatively through June 30, 2026, you will join a select group of devoted, passionate and loyal faculty and staff. As a token of gratitude, you will receive a custom mug or flower pot created by UNI art student and ceramicist Anna Gilbreath. Limited mugs and pots remain; make your gift now.

Give now

Supporting Our Tomorrow

A UNI class meets outside of Bartlett Hall

See the difference you make

Faculty & Staff Campaign Committee

Gwenne Berry

Jess Betts

Terri Crumley

Christopher Larimer, co-chair

Cassie Luze

Hillery Oberle

Jordan Rockwell

Kelli McCarthy, co-chair

Robert Smith, co-chair

Kristin Woods

Your questions answered

Why is faculty and staff giving important to UNI?

Faculty and staff participation plays a major role in ensuring the University of Northern Iowa’s success. As faculty and staff, we invest our time and talent in the university and our students every day, but our financial commitment is just as valuable to the reputation of UNI.

How can I contribute to the campaign?

There are several ways. Payroll deduction or an automated payment through your credit card will automate your gift making it the simplest way to give. Even a modest monthly contribution can, over several years, multiply into a sizable gift. If you prefer, you can also make a one-time gift.

To make your gift: GIVE NOW through the pledge and payroll deduction form.

Or Mail to:

University of Northern Iowa Foundation Financial Services
121 Commons
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0239

Does it matter how much I give?

The goal of the Faculty & Staff Campaign is participation. It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the participation rate, and we truly hope we can achieve 100% participation. Faculty and staff participation is measured by the number of current full-time faculty and staff donors divided by the total number of current full-time and permanent part-time UNI faculty and staff.

Is there a minimum amount for payroll deduction?

Yes, we ask for a minimum of $5 per initiative, per month for all gifts including cash, check, credit card and payroll deduction gifts.

Where can I direct my gift?

We want you to give to an area that is personally important to you. Whether you make a gift to support endowments to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, invest in scholarships to ensure deserving students can follow their dreams or support a special project, you are helping to transform the future of our university.

In fact, all gifts to the university from faculty, staff and retirees will count toward the campaign. So no matter where you direct your contribution, you’ll help UNI. A complete list of giving options can be found in the drop-down menu of the pledge form on the online giving page or through the pledge and payroll deduction form.

Can I give in memory or honor of someone?

Absolutely. Many people make gifts to UNI in memory of a loved one, in honor of a trusted colleague, or in appreciation of a beloved faculty member for the exceptional education they provided.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes! All gifts to UNI through the Faculty & Staff Campaign are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Click here to expand or collapse this section

Yes, thank you for your support!

When will my payroll deduction start?

If you start a new payroll deduction or change a current payroll deduction, the new deduction will begin as the payroll office uploads these changes. Payroll deduction can take up to 3 weeks to start, based on when the form is received.

Can I make a gift jointly with my spouse or partner?

Yes! Indicate on the payroll deduction form or the gift card that the contribution is a joint gift and provide your name and the name of your spouse or partner. If your spouse or partner also works at UNI, he/she will also receive credit for participation.

Will my gift be matched?

If your spouse works for a matching gift organization, your gift may be matched. Simply indicate that information on your pledge form and ask your spouse to complete their company’s matching gift request form.

Who knows if I've made a gift?

Gift amounts are always confidential and will never be shared with anyone. You have the option to have your gift recognized/publicized by name only, or you can choose to remain anonymous.

What if I leave UNI before my pledge is completed?

Your pledge is considered a good-faith intention; it is not considered a debt. We realize that personal circumstances can change. So if you find you need to change your pledge, we encourage you to call or email the Advancement Office (319-273-7118 or unif.financial.services@uni.edu) to discuss it with us.

How do I make a named gift?

For a qualifying naming opportunity (endowed scholarships, space naming, etc.) a UNI development officer is available to help. Please contact Nate Clapham.

If I make a named gift, do I need to pay it all at once?

No. Pledges to the campaign can be fulfilled over a period of up to five years. Many have found that fulfilling a pledge over several years can be a great way to make a larger gift to UNI than they originally thought possible.