We Inspire FAQs

Discover how you can support your passion at Ohio State. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate through Ohio States Employee Giving Program.

Employee Giving FAQs

Discover how your charitable donation could change lives. Learn more about We Inspire from this helpful FAQ. Let us help you discover your passion! Get involved, volunteer, make a gift, advocate. 

What is We Inspire?

We Inspire is Ohio State’s new year-round employee giving program that is replacing Campus Campaign. Our goal is to create a culture of philanthropy, connecting you to the people and programs that you are most passionate about. As well as education and advocacy to promote consistency and familiarity. Tailored for our faculty and staff, this is an easy way of making sure your support goes further than ever before.

Why is employee giving so important to Ohio State?

Support from employees provide funding for important initiatives on all of Ohio State’s campuses. Employees who participate are an endorsement of the university, announcing to alumni, friends, patients, corporations and foundations that Ohio State is an institution worthy of support.

Government funding covers only a fraction of the costs associated with running such a large university and providing services to the thousands of students and patients we work with on a daily basis.

Is this the same as Campus Campaign?

No. 

So, We Inspire has replaced Campus Campaign?

Yes. Your financial support any time of the year to any cause at Ohio State will count towards participation to the employee giving campaign. 

Not everyone can afford to make a large contribution. What difference could a small gift make?

Every gift is important. Whatever the amount, your gift shows that you believe in the cause you have chosen to support. There are many causes that receive a larger number of “small” gifts.

We encourage you to consider giving by payroll deduction. While all it takes to participate is $1, a gift of $5 per pay to the cause of your choice shows your commitment to the success of the program, research, patient care initiative, or scholarship you choose to support.

How much of my gift will actually go to the fund(s) I select?

100%

What about Campus Campaign?

Campus Campaign was an annual drive during a dedicated time period each spring during which employees are asked to make a gift to the Ohio State causes that mean something to them. We Inspire is the program replacing Campus Campaign, which encompasses employee giving participation beyond a dedicated time in the spring. Your gift during Day of Giving, BuckeyeThon, Team Buckeye, Class Gift or any College/Unit or cause would all count as employee participation. 

Our goal with this shift is to build a continuous culture of philanthropy and a better employee experience. The issues you are passionate about occur all year-long, and We Inspire is designed to better align with what matters most to you while offering support to those who need it the most.

I noticed that I’m asked to give at other times during the year as well. Are these gifts part of We Inspire?

Yes. All gifts through We Inspire count toward the program you are most passionate about. There are many opportunities throughout the year for you to participate by making a gift to what inspires you at Ohio State.

These include Pelotonia, BuckeyeThon, WOSU, and Day of Giving, which are just a few of the many efforts through which you can lend the power of your reputation to help Ohio State create a more vibrant future. 

May I designate my gifts to a particular area of the university?

Yes. You may choose from among more than 9,000 funds or causes. These may be funds within your own unit or funds related to scholarships, patient care, regional campuses, libraries, WOSU, diversity programs, research, childcare, wetlands, athletics or so much more.

How do I search for funds?
Current employees can search by logging into the faculty and staff giving site here.

How do I make my gift?

As a current employee, you have two easy options:

Payroll deduction: sign up today online or using a printed gift form (minimum of $1/pay per fund). Deductions are ongoing gifts through per pay installments and continue until the University is notified otherwise (12 times per year for those paid monthly and 24 times per year for those paid biweekly).

One-time gift: make your gift online or via cash* or check.

*Cash – if possible, drop off in person at 2200 Olentangy River Road with your name, address, and fund designation. Please do not send cash through the mail.

What do I need to know about payroll deduction?

One-time payroll deductions cannot be processed. Changes made to payroll deductions will take effect the next possible pay period. Payroll deductions are set up as continuous until further notice. However, with the new implementation of Workday, you now have the opportunity to change your fund designation or amount daily. If you have any questions, please contact Gift and Biographic Records at gifts@osu.edu or 614-292-2141 for assistance.

If I am not making any changes to my existing deduction or making an additional gift at this time, do I need to send in a printed gift form or go online?

No. If you are continuing existing deductions as they are and making no other gifts/pledges at this time, you do not need to do anything. Your deduction will automatically roll over for the next fiscal year.

How can I find out what I gave to last year?

Information on personal giving history is available by visiting My Account or by contacting the Gift and Biographic Records team at gifts@osu.edu or by calling 614-292-2141.

What do I do if I want to search for funds but am not ready to make a gift?

Visit the employee giving site and search all funds using the “Search” feature or the “Select an area:” menu. Search* the database of more than 9,000 funds and click “Add payroll” or “Add one-time” when you find the fund(s) you wish to support.

*OSU Physicians, Inc. employees can search for funds at osu.edu/giving.

How do I get a gift form?

We encourage you to make your gift online. If you prefer a paper form, you may print a blank gift form off the faculty and staff giving website or contact your unit Ambassador for assistance.

How do I submit my gift form?

If you choose not to submit your gift online, you may send a signed printed form to the following addressing using campus mail or USPS:

Attn: Gift & Biographic Records
2200 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43210

GIFT FORM: Be sure to sign your gift form to confirm your gift intent – new gifts/deductions, change in amount or designation, or cancellation.

What is Buckeyes for Charity?

Buckeyes for Charity, Ohio State’s participation in the United Way’s Charitable Drive, and other fundraising efforts, focus externally on community organizations and charities in the city and surrounding counties. A percentage of these gifts goes toward administration of the funds. 

Questions about your Buckeyes for Charity contributions? Contact Jodi Poth (poth.20)

Will my gift through We Inspire help qualify me for President’s Club?

Yes. President’s Club is The Ohio State University’s largest and most prestigious leadership annual giving recognition program. Since 1963, President’s Club has recognized the most loyal and generous donors to the university. These donors offer their philanthropic and leadership support and share a continuing commitment to this great institution.

Annual recognition is extended to individuals who make non-athletic qualifying gifts of $3,000 or more during the calendar year. For gifts of payroll deduction, recognition is achieved with a monthly contribution of $250 for 12 months (January-December for renewing donors or July-June for new donors). A combination of payroll gifts and cash may also be contributed.

For more information about President’s Club and the associated benefits, visit presidentsclub.osu.edu or contact President’s Club at 614-292-9550.

I have other questions, whom should I contact?

Please contact the Faculty and Staff giving office or Gift Processing at 614-292-2141 for assistance.