Together we give back. Group volunteer opportunities
Show up. Team up. Give back.
At the University of Washington, giving back is something we do together. The Group Employee Volunteer Program connects UW employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities that support the communities where we live, learn, and work.
Whether you’re part of a department, work group, or cross‑campus team, volunteering together is a powerful way to make a positive impact while strengthening collaboration and building Husky pride.
What This Program Is About
The Group Employee Volunteer Program is part of the UW Combined Fund Drive’s year‑round commitment to community engagement. It offers UW employee groups the opportunity to volunteer together with trusted nonprofit partners across our region.
Volunteering as a group is a meaningful way to support nonprofits that strengthen our communities while building connection and teamwork. Through service, participants experience the UWCFD mission in action and contribute to the broader culture of giving that defines UW. It’s a powerful way to do good and feel good together.
All UW employees – including staff, faculty, and retirees – are welcome to participate in group volunteer experiences. With supervisor approval, volunteering may take place during work time, just like other UW Combined Fund Drive activities.
These experiences are designed to be welcoming, flexible, and impactful—so every participant can do good, feel good, and serve side by side with colleagues.
How It Works
- Choose a cause that matters to you. Teams can select from existing volunteer opportunities with CFD member nonprofits or explore new ways to support causes they care about.
- Volunteer together. Give back alongside your coworkers while supporting organizations that are making a difference locally, nationally, and globally.
- Share your impact. Celebrate your group’s efforts by sharing stories, photos, and reflections across the UW community to inspire others to get involved.
Volunteer Opportunities May Include
Opportunities vary throughout the year and reflect the wide range of causes supported through the Combined Fund Drive. Group volunteer experiences may include environmental projects, food access initiatives, education support, or community improvement work. Many opportunities align directly with CFD member nonprofits, allowing teams to volunteer where they already give or discover a new cause to support.
Ready to Get Involved?
- Talk with your team and supervisor about volunteering together
- Submit a group volunteer request through the UW Combined Fund Drive
- Partner with the UWCFD team to bring your volunteer day to life
Questions or Ideas?
Start by talking with your team and supervisor, then submit a group volunteer request through the UW Combined Fund Drive. For questions or ideas, contact uwcfd@uw.edu.
Volunteer together and bring UW’s culture of giving to life through hands‑on service. Extend your impact year‑round by pairing group volunteer experiences with easy payroll giving through the UW Combined Fund Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the Group Employee Volunteer Program?
All University of Washington employees, including staff, faculty, and retirees, are welcome to participate in group volunteer experiences.
Do I need supervisor approval to volunteer?
Yes. If volunteering takes place during work time, supervisor approval is required, just like other UW Combined Fund Drive activities.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Opportunities vary throughout the year and may include environmental projects, food access initiatives, education support or community improvement work. Many opportunities align with UWCFD member nonprofits.
Does our group need to choose from existing opportunities?
Not necessarily. Teams may select from existing UWCFD-supported volunteer opportunities or explore new ways to support causes that matter to them.
How big does our group need to be?
Group size depends on the volunteer opportunity and nonprofit partner. The UWCFD team can help match your group with an experience that fits your size and interests.
How do we get started?
Talk with your team and supervisor, then submit a group volunteer request through the UW Combined Fund Drive. The UWCFD team will help coordinate the details.
Can we pair volunteering with payroll giving?
Yes! Group volunteer experiences are a great way to complement workplace giving through easy payroll deductions, extending your impact year‑round.
Who can we contact with questions or ideas?
Email the UW Combined Fund Drive team at uwcfd@uw.edu.
