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UWCFD news

Last updated: July 16, 2026


  • Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

    October 31, 2026

    Native American Heritage Month graphic with colorful geometric tribal-inspired patterns and bold commemorative text on a beige background.

    Every November, we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the traditions, cultures, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities. It's also a chance to make sure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive for generations to come.  In 1990, President George H. W.…

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  • Hair Today, Hope Tomorrow: Join the Movember Fun!

    October 31, 2026

    Paper mustache on booth props on blue paper background. Cut out style. Movember concept. Top view. Flat lay. Copy space

    Paper moustache on booth props on blue paper background. If you’re noticing a few more bushy moustaches than usual this month, there’s a good reason. November is also “Movember” and its equally hirsute cousin, “No-Shave November.” Both are a great excuse to let the facial hair grow freely in a highly visible campaign to raise…

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  • Our Community, Our Veterans: Honoring Those Who Served

    October 28, 2026

    Military color guard members stand in formation holding U.S. and service flags during a veterans ceremony outdoors.

    Chances are, you know someone who has served in the U.S. military, whether in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard or the newest branch, the Space Force. Maybe it's a parent, a neighbor, a colleague or the person down the hall. This Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, let's pause to remember everyone…

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  • 2026 - High Five for a Good Cause!

    October 27, 2026

    Black-and-white husky wearing a UW-branded leash and purple bandana raises a paw to high-five a person’s hand.

    Who doesn't love a good high five? It's a simple way to celebrate a win, recognize a teammate, and brighten someone's day. For just $5, you can send a digital High Five to a coworker and make a difference at the same time. Your donation can support our featured nonprofit or any CFD member charity…

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  • Filipino American History Month 2026: Beyond the Margins, Closer to Home

    September 29, 2026

    Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American ethnic group in the U.S. and the first documented Asian people to arrive in the country. In October, we celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Filipino Americans during Filipino American History Month. The Filipino American National Historical Society ((FANHS, a Seattle based organization) established Filipino American History…

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  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026: What to Know, What Is New and How to Take Action

    September 29, 2026

    Pink ribbon and “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” text on a pink background.

    For the past four decades, the United States has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and to reinforcing the importance of early detection and access to timely, high quality care. No matter who you are or where…

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  • UWCFD Campaign 2026 — Your Gift Makes a Difference

    September 28, 2026

    UW Combined Fund Drive graphic with the message “Your Gift Makes a Difference,” campaign dates Oct. 13-Dec. 4, and illustrated hands holding heart symbols.

    Let's Give Together! Since 1984, University of Washington employees and retirees have generously supported the causes they care about most through the UWCFD. Every gift becomes part of a legacy of caring that has sent nearly $60 million out into the world. Whether you're supporting a local food bank or an international relief effort, YOU…

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  • Our Annual Evergreen Sale is Back for 2026!

    September 25, 2026

    Mixed evergreen wreath with red bow and red berries.

    Our Annual Evergreen Sale is Back! The UWCFD is delighted to once again offer our evergreen sale, benefiting our 2026 featured nonprofit, American Cancer Society. Show your support this season with the purchase of a beautiful evergreen wreath or door swag. Choose one or more of these beauties and your order will help make the…

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  • Meet this year’s team of Campaign Assistants!

    September 18, 2026

    Every year, the UWCFD welcomes a terrific team of campaign assistants to help make your annual workplace giving campaign happen. They provide the support our volunteers need to make the campaign happen. Join us in welcoming this year’s team. Our new Campaign Assistants are Elica Atizena, Nicole Chen and Najma Mohamed.   Nicole recently graduated…

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  • Together, We Are More: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month  

    September 2, 2026

    Hispanic Heritage Month. National Hispanic Heritage Month text, Papel Picado pattern, Spanish pattern.

    Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month  Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history, diverse cultures, achievements and contributions of Latinos whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  This year's recognition theme, Together, We Are More, pays tribute to community strength, shared values and the collective impact of Hispanic and Latino Americans. …

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  • National Suicide Prevention Month 2026: Learn, support and take action

    August 18, 2026

    Purple and teal awareness ribbon beside text reading “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” and “September” on a purple background.

    National Suicide Prevention Month September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of risk factors, provide help for those who are struggling and support those affected by the suicide of a loved one. The impact of suicide Suicide is a global public health issue. A 2025 analysis published in The Lancet Public…

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  • The Gift We Often Forget: Water, Near and Far

    August 12, 2026

    Low storage in Lake Kachess, one of five reservoirs in the Yakima Basin, in fall 2025. Aerial view of a reservoir with dramatically reduced water levels, exposing large areas of dry lakebed and shoreline.

    Low storage in Lake Kachess, one of five reservoirs in the Yakima Basin, in fall 2025. Courtesy Washington State Department of Ecology Did you know Washington just declared its fourth consecutive year of statewide drought? On April 8, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration for the entire state, a record…

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  • National Nonprofit Day: Celebrating the Organizations That Change Lives

    August 12, 2026

    Volunteer holding a litter picker during a community cleanup, with other volunteers collecting trash in the background.

    Woman volunteer with team cleaning up street, community service concept Think about the last time you dropped a few cans in a food bank bin, cheered on a charity 5K or clicked "donate" after seeing a cause that moved you. Chances are, a nonprofit has touched your life in ways you might not even realize,…

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  • Paws, Play and Purpose: Celebrating National Dog Month

    August 12, 2026

    Black-and-white husky wearing a UW-branded leash and purple bandana raises a paw to high-five a person’s hand.

    Celebrate your canine friends this National Dog Month The University of Washington is ably represented by our top dog, Dubs. His floof and Husky spirit bring smiles to all he encounters. For many staff, getting their picture with Dubs is a highlight of working at the UW. It was for this author. Dogs enrich our…

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  • Beyond the Bookshelf: What Your Library Card Can Really Do

    August 12, 2026

    Illuminated Gothic-style university building at night, viewed from a plaza with glowing windows and architectural details.

    Check out the wonders of modern libraries You might think of your local library as a place to check out a book, use a computer or print out a document. But modern libraries offer so much more than loaning books — their services and programs have expanded in ways that might genuinely surprise you. With…

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  • Help those impacted by the fires in Spokane

    August 3, 2026

    Firefighter carrying a hose near an active wildfire, with a fire engine and flames visible through heavy smoke.

    Devastating wildfires are surrounding Spokane, causing widespread destruction and displacing tens of thousands of people. Firefighters fight to save homes from the Old Trails fire as it spreads into neighborhoods off Indian Trail on Saturday in Spokane. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Three wildfires on the edges of Spokane surged over the weekend, damaging hundreds…

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  • The Gift Only You Can Give: Why Blood Donation Matters This Summer

    June 30, 2026

    Two UWCD people wearing “35 Years of Giving” shirts stand beside a blood donation display, with both participants showing they donated blood.

    Donate Blood and Save Lives Have you ever considered donating blood? There's always a need and the impact is greater than you might think. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save up to three lives. Why your donation matters — especially right now Summer is one of the most critical times of…

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  • Understanding Disability Pride Month

    June 30, 2026

    Disability Pride Month graphic with the disability pride flag colors displayed diagonally beside the text “Celebrating Disability Pride Month.”

      Every July, Disability Pride Month honors the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community. The timing is intentional: July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark legislation that broke down barriers and changed lives across the country. This year's theme is "The World Works Better with Us."…

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  • Make a splash, stay safe: water safety tips for summer

    June 30, 2026

    Two children play in shallow ocean waves at sunset, with water splashing around them and the sky glowing in warm golden light.

    Be water-safe this summer Summer in the Pacific Northwest is something special. Hiking, cycling, running, boating, horseback riding, fishing, open water swimming…we really do live in a place with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to getting outside. And with all that outdoor abundance comes an important reminder: enjoying our waters means being water-safe.…

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  • The great outdoors: why outside time matters for kids

    June 30, 2026

    Two children kneel in the grass outdoors, using magnifying glasses to closely examine insects or plants in a sunlit park.

    Two children kneel in the grass outdoors, using magnifying glasses to closely examine insects or plants in a sunlit park. Playing outdoors is important for kids We all have a sense that being outside is good for us but pinning down exactly why can be surprisingly tricky. Here's a look at what's really going on…

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