United Way campaign moves exclusively online

Grand Valley's annual United Way campaign kicks off on October 7 and runs through October 18. For the first time, the entire campaign will be exclusively online.

This year, faculty and staff members are encouraged to visit gvsu.edu/UnitedWay to consider a gift to the campaign or indicate they don't intend to give. The system is secured through Grand Valley's single sign-on system, so clicking the "Give Now" button on the website will direct faculty and staff to login with their network usernames and password. 

The process is detailed below:

1. Visit gvsu.edu/UnitedWay and click the "Give Now" button.

2. Sign in with GVSU network login and password which goes directly to the United Way site.

3. Click orange "Pledge Now" button in top right corner and select from payroll deduction, credit card, bill me, or not at this time options.

4. Follow instructions on page to complete and review pledge and direct funds if desired.

5. Know you've made a positive impact on the West Michigan community!

The online system saves processing time and is environmentally friendly by reducing paper use; supporters who wish to give by check should select the "Bill Me" option when giving.

The goal of the United Way campaign is to maximize the number of faculty and staff who consider giving a gift to the United Way. Employees who choose not to give should still log in to the United Way site and indicate that they considered participating.

During the pledge process, funds can be directed to any United Way, including Heart of West Michigan United Way (Kent County), Greater Ottawa United Way, and United Way of the Lakeshore (Muskegon and surrounding areas) or any other in the state. 

Funds donated to the United Way are most impactful when they are directed to the United Way's General Fund, which is used by the United Way to achieve the greatest results in a variety of programs that impact education, poverty, health and more. Gifts of $100 or more can be directed to any specific 501(C)3 organization listed on the site.

Donors who would like to review their gift history can do so on the "My History" tab on the pledge site, and can also update personal information there as well. 

Grand Valley has long been a strong supporter of the United Way in West Michigan, and the campaign committee is hoping to see strong participation continue. 

Thank you for your contribution to the West Michigan community!

For more information or to consider a contribution, visit gvsu.edu/UnitedWay.