Charitable Contributions

KU employees have the opportunity to make charitable contributions through payroll deductions to support the United Way and the KU Endowment. Below is a brief description provided by the organizations about how your contributions are utilized.

The United Way

The United Way of Douglas County was launched in Lawrence, Kansas on the KU campus as a brainchild of our own Coach Forrest “Phog” Allen in the Fall of 1940. With a letter to campus, over $7,000 was raised that first year, for what was originally called the Community Chest. The guiding principals have not changed, no pressure will be exerted, give only as your conscience and pocketbook dictate.

Today, the mission of the local United Way is – Uniting to support strong. healthy and equitable communities. 

 Your donations will support

  • Programs that provide Basic Needs (food, rent, utilities, childcare & transportation) to individuals and families in need
  • Anti-poverty Impact Initiatives focusing on early childhood education in step with the Douglas County Community Health Plan’s Anti-Poverty Strategic Plan
  • Racial equity through organizations and programs that address racial injustice and work to reduce disparities in health care, access to nutritious food, education, income, housing and safety within the Black, Indigenous, and Latin community.

95% of every dollar donated stays in Douglas County to accomplish this mission. More information is available at  the United Way website. You may donate directly or via payroll deduction. You may also contact the United Way.

United Way
1127 Iowa Stree
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-843-6626

KU Endowment

KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

Our mission is to partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater University of Kansas. We are committed to following the highest standards of service and ethical conduct when it comes to managing donors’ gifts for the benefit of the university.

The support of donors plays a major role in virtually all activities of the university and helps make KU a world-class institution.

  • Student support: Each year, the University of Kansas issues approximately 10,000 scholarships, fellowships, awards and loans to deserving students. Of these students, nearly 80% are Kansas residents.
  • Faculty support: We provide salary support for faculty through more than 200 endowed professorships, awards for outstanding teachers and lectureships.
  • Research, Programs and Equipment: We fund vital equipment and supplies for programs that enhance the student experience and for promising research. Our donors were instrumental in helping The University of Kansas Cancer Center achieve NCI comprehensive designation.
  • Facilities and Land — We have funded, in whole or in part, more than two-thirds of campus buildings; moreover, we have provided more than 85% of KU’s land holdings, including all of the Lawrence campus West District.

We allocate 100% of the principal of every gift for the purpose designated by the donor. Operating expenses are covered through a small number of unrestricted funds, as well as a portion of the return on our investments.

Faculty and staff giving to the university is a powerful endorsement of the university and the KU community. Your gift can be as individual as you are — it can match your passion with your goals and needs.

Please visit KU Endowment for more information and to download a payroll deduction form. Once completed, return it to KU Endowment at the address provided at the bottom of the form.