Employees can still make an impact in final weeks of Purdue United Way campaign

Four people stand with cheerleaders and Purdue Pete in front of the World’s Largest Drum.

Purdue United Way leaders and supporters celebrate the campaign’s launch during a Sept. 23 kickoff event at the Purdue Memorial Union. From center left: Charlene Sullivan, professor emerita of management in the Mitch Daniels School of Business; Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture and professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Gary Lehman, chair of the Purdue University Board of Trustees; and Daniel Castro, dean of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. (Photo provided)

October 19, 2026 Purdue Today

With less than three weeks remaining in the 2026 Purdue United Way campaign, faculty and staff still have an opportunity to help Purdue reach its $700,000 goal and make a meaningful difference for local individuals and families.

This year’s campaign theme — “What’s Possible? Building Stronger Futures Together.” — reflects what can happen when the Purdue community comes together to support the people and organizations working every day to make Greater Lafayette stronger. Over 960 donors have raised more than $400,000 for the campaign, which will run through Nov. 4. Progress toward the fundraising goal can be viewed on the Purdue United Way webpage.

Gifts from Purdue employees based in West Lafayette will support United Way of Greater Lafayette, while gifts from Indianapolis-based employees will benefit United Way of Central Indiana. Employees also have the flexibility to designate their support to specific partner agencies.

Colleges and units emerging as leaders

Purdue colleges and administrative units continue to play an important role in the campaign, with units across campus working toward their individual goals. Purdue for Life Foundation, the College of Agriculture, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, the College of Pharmacy and the College of Veterinary Medicine are currently among the campus leaders.

There is still plenty of time for other colleges and units to make their mark. Every contribution helps Purdue move closer to its goal and strengthens the collective impact on the community.

Participate and be entered to win

The Purdue United Way incentive drawing returns this year, giving participating faculty and staff the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including gift certificates to The Spa Union Club Hotel, 8Eleven Modern Bistro, Boilerhouse Prime and an exclusive three-course meal at The Lawrence.

Participation is easy. Visit the Purdue United Way donation site and select either “Pledge now” or “Participate without pledging.” Both options count as participation in the campaign. Choose how you want to participate.

Faculty and staff can make an unrestricted contribution to United Way or designate their support to a specific partner agency. Contributions can be made through payroll deduction or as a one-time contribution. Employees who wish to support a nonprofit outside the Greater Lafayette or central Indiana regions can also designate their contribution to a 501(c)(3) organization of their choice through the donation portal.

Learn more about the fundraising effort from Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture and 2026 campaign champion, and on Purdue United Way’s FAQ webpage. Questions about the campaign can be directed to Lisa Duncan at llduncan@purdue.edu.