Big Orange Family Campaign
Our annual philanthropic initiative for UT faculty and staff.
Make a Gift
We Give for Vols.
When faculty and staff invest back into our university, we inspire alumni and friends to give back as well. Over the past 10 years, our employee giving percentage has soared from 16 to 65 percent participation, the highest in the SEC.
Every gift matters to the university, no matter the size. The Family Campaign’s success is based solely on participation, making it possible for every single employee to be a part of the program.
Snag a UT tote when you set up a payroll deduction for $5 or more per month!
More About Family Campaign
You choose where your donation goes.
You’ll select the college, department, program, scholarship, or fund you wish to support when making your gift. Give to any area you are passionate about.
Not sure what to support?
- Browse VOLstarter crowdfunding projects and give directly to a student initiative or program.
- Find a cause that you’re passionate about.
- Upgrade to the new UT license plate and support student scholarships.
Why am I being asked to give?
Every gift matters to the university, no matter the size of the gift. The campaign’s success is based solely on participation, making it possible for every employee to be a part of the campaign.
When we give, “they” give. By “they” we are referring to the alumni and friends who support our work here at UT. The Big Orange Family Campaign is your opportunity to show your support of UT and the journey to advance our university. Your participation demonstrates that UT is one of the best possible investments for a potential donor’s philanthropic support.
Who gives through the Big Orange Family Campaign?
Everyone who wants to! All employees are invited to participate. Additionally, if you are an alumnus of UT, your gift to the campaign will also be counted in alumni participation rates.
Can I give for someone else?
No! Remember that it is not the level of someone’s gift but their participation that counts. They can personally give a gift of any size that is meaningful to them and be considered a donor.
Are gifts tax deductible?
Yes! Your gift is considered by the IRS to be a charitable contribution and is 100% tax deductible. Please note that gifts to athletics for ticket or parking benefits are not tax deductible.
How much should I give?
Participation rates are how we measure our success. You can give $5, $50, $500 or more. What is important is that you get involved at a level that is meaningful to you.
Where can I designate my gift?
You can designate your gift to any college, department, program, scholarship, or pre-established gift fund.
I’ve already made a gift this year. Does this count for the Big Orange Family Campaign?
Yes, gifts made to any fund at the University of Tennessee from July 1, 2023, to present will be counted.
Can I make a gift jointly with my spouse or partner?
Yes! Indicate on the gift card that the contribution is a joint gift, and provide your spouse or partner’s name. If they also work for the university, spouses and partners can count their gifts as joint or individual gifts. Spouses and partners who work off campus should check with their human resource office to determine if their company will match your gift. Complete the proper matching form and include it with your gift.
What if I have an existing payroll deduction?
You do not need to do anything unless you want to change the amount or fund designation.
When will my payroll deduction start?
If you are starting a new payroll deduction or made changes to your current payroll deduction, the new deduction will begin next month.
What about a deferred gift?
Deferred gifts—such as gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and life insurance policies—also count as faculty and staff contributions. For more information, please call the Planned Giving team at (865) 974-4513.
I have more questions.
Please reach out to Lauren Herbstritt at lkh@utk.edu or 974-3009.
Gifts to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are processed by the UT Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is the preferred channel for all private contributions that benefit students and faculty at the University of Tennessee. Learn more.
