UW Combined Fund Drive

Community Connections

September 2024

I love September — and not just because it is the formal start of football season, soup season or using-my-oven season. It’s because it is the formal start of CAMPAIGN SEASON.

Making this year’s campaign even more special is that we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Combined Fund Drive. That’s right, 40 years of UW employees giving to the causes they care about the most and making a difference.  

It’s business as usual this month. Three great Campaign Assistants have joined us (meet them here). And we’re so pleased to announce this year’s featured nonprofit: Northwest Education Access. In recognition of this special anniversary, we’ll have some special giving and engagement opportunities.  

One of the special initiatives I’m most excited about is inviting you to share your CFD story. You can do that here. With your permission, we’ll share stories and photos throughout the campaign. I’ll kick us off with my own CFD story. 

Jolyn Mason (right) in her first year of CFD duty.

I started working directly with the UWCFD in 2010. I was returning to work after taking some time off with my youngest (he’s 15 now!). Working with the campaign coordinators and talking with the donors made a challenging transition a lot easier. I was a temp then, but I knew I wanted to come back. Workplace giving and the UWCFD felt like home to me.  

…That time that Jolyn and the CFD team brought ponies to the UW Tower for a volunteer recognition event.

Fast forward to 2024 and I have the great privilege of heading up the UW Combined Fund Drive. The last decade has been quite an adventure. Working with our donors, volunteers and nonprofits continues to be something that fills my heart. Even on the most challenging days, you make the work feel so worthwhile.  

Getting to invite people to support the causes they care about most and change the world is the best job in the world. I get to work with the best people and see the impact of your caring in so many ways.  

Thank you for giving. Thank you for inviting people to take the time to make a difference. Thank you for being such a mighty force for good. Getting to work with you is pretty awesome for me. 

That’s my CFD story. What’s yours? 

Warmly,

Jolyn Mason
Director of Employee Social Impact Programs
& Proud UWCFD donor