Pitt’s Record-Breaking United Way Campaign

The University of Pittsburgh’s 2015 United Way campaign raised a record $666,387 in donations.

The previous record was $665,000, contributed in 2013.

The 2015 campaign, “We Are Stronger Together,” attracted more donors and more dollars than in the previous year, said Anne Franks, director of Pitt’s United Way campaign. 

Among the campaign highlights: 

A total of 2,334 donors, up 1.5 percent from 2014.

235 leadership donors, a 2 percent increase. These donors contribute at least $1,000 annually.

Leadership-donor contributions totaled $423,706, up 3.3 percent.

Pitt retirees raised a record $46,350.

Impact Fund dollars totaled $364,709. (The Impact Fund supports various agencies and organizations that serve populations with great need, including young children and frail elderly adults.)

Franks, who is also executive director of administration in the University’s Office of Institutional Investment, said that while there was no single factor behind the record 2015 campaign, it helped that “there were more departments that held special events.” 

Pitt Football Coach Pat Narduzzi, for example, made a video supporting the campaign. For the 2015 University Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, Pitt’s Department of Athletics sold discount tickets to an Oct. 29 Pitt football game at Heinz Field, donating part of every ticket to the United Way Campaign. 

Franks also cited other fundraisers, including gift baskets, bake sales, picnics, dress-down days, a soup sale, an ice cream social, a pancake breakfast, and a tailgate party. Those events—sponsored by individual Pitt schools, departments, and offices—also raised a record-breaking amount: more than $17,000.