“If everybody gave a dollar, it would make such a big difference for these individual students with disabilities. And every time that you see them, you’d feel good you did something. It’s going to matter – not just now, but maybe long after you’re gone.”
Dr. Brent Hardin, Director of Adapted Athletics
This year marks the final faculty and staff giving campaign of The Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign — a milestone moment for our campus community and an opportunity to finish strong together. Approximately 2,700 faculty and staff donors across campus have already demonstrated their commitment through giving. By making a small gift, you join a powerful collective effort that creates a big impact.
As faculty and staff, we each impact the students who, like us, choose to call UA home. No matter our role, our influence grows when we unite — and our campus is transformed by our shared example. Our student-centered research University has set the standard of excellence in education for students, our community, our state and far beyond since 1831. As UA’s faculty and staff, we are the guides and caretakers of the legacy.
You can make a meaningful and direct philanthropic impact on any area of campus that matters most to you. A gift of any size demonstrates your pride in the Capstone. Together — especially in the final months of The Rising Tide 2.0 campaign — we can show what collective support truly makes possible.
Ambassadors
Meet Dr. Margaret Stran
Position: Associate Director, Adapted Athletics; Clinical Associate Professor, Kinesiology
Years at UA: 23
Philanthropic Interests: I give to UA Adapted Athletics and United Way.
Fun Facts:
- I am learning to knit!
Meet Dr. Brent Hardin
Position: Director, Adapted Athletics
Years at UA: 23
Philanthropic Interests: I give to the UA Adapted Athletics program to support our student athletes with disabilities.
Fun Facts:
- I am making my theatrical debut this spring, joining my son in Arsenic and Old Lace
Unique Giving Opportunities to Consider
Adapted Athletics Excellence Fund
The Adapted Athletics Excellence Fund supports student-athletes with disabilities in UA Adapted Athletics.
Alabama REACH Support Fund
The Alabama REACH Program Support Fund awards scholarships, with priority given to full-time undergraduate students participating in the Alabama REACH program.
RISE Program Development Fund
The RISE Program Development Fund supports the RISE Program for children of all abilities. The support fund is used for a variety of purposes in support of the program’s mission.
Tide Together Support Fund
The Tide Together Support Fund assists students in need or crisis at The University of Alabama, as identified by the Office of Student Care and Well-Being. It also supports family members of hospitalized students.
Legacy Gifts
Endowments are a powerful way for faculty and staff to extend the impact of teaching and mentorship – transforming today’s commitment into lasting opportunity for generations of students to come.
Donate Today
Set up your payroll deduction by completing an online form.
Online giving is a simple, secure way to invest in the future of UA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I being asked to give?
We Are UA is your opportunity to support and advance the journey of our university. The success of We Are UA is based solely on participation, making it possible for every single employee to contribute, no matter the size of their gift.
How is this different from the United Way Campaign?
United Way is a community organization that assists in the monetary support of organizations benefiting our community and West Alabama. The We Are UA campaign is unique because all funds directly support UA programs. You may choose to support any area, department or fund. Your participation is an investment in The University of Alabama, much like your United Way gift demonstrates your support of the local community. We hope you will consider a gift to We Are UA in addition to your contribution to the United Way.
How can my gift make a difference?
Annual gifts provide necessary resources to help meet needs no other funding source has met. These programs and services help UA maintain excellence in many areas. A high level of internal support sends a strong message to community leaders, business owners, foundations, parents, students and prospective students that we believe in what we do and are willing to invest in the University’s mission.
Who gives to We Are UA?
All employees are invited to participate.
How much should I give?
Participation rates are how we measure our success. Regardless of the size of your gift, what is important is that you are involved at a level meaningful to you.
Where does my gift have the most impact?
Your own interests should be your guide. UA always accepts unrestricted gifts, providing flexibility to apply funds where they are most needed. Several benefit the entire University, such as those shown in the Unique Giving Opportunities to Consider list. Each college also has specific needs to support.
Is We Are UA separate from The Rising Tide Capital Campaign?
No, gifts to We Are UA will count as part of The Rising Tide Capital Campaign.
How do I make my gift?
You can make a gift to support the college, school or program of your choice through the payment option that works best for you.
- Payroll Deduction
Establish a new payroll deduction here. To make changes to your existing payroll deduction, call: 205-348-5370.
- Online
- Phone
Call the Office of Advancement Services (205-348-5370) to make a gift with your credit card. Please specify the designation of your gift, and indicate it is for the We Are UA faculty and staff campaign.
Mail your pledge card with a check (payable to The University of Alabama) to:
The University of Alabama
Office of Advancement Services
Box 870101
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes! Your gifts to The University of Alabama are tax-deductible to the extent of current IRS regulations.
Where can I designate my gift?
When you make a contribution, you decide where you want your gift to go. Whether you designate your gift to a college, department, program, scholarship or pre-established gift fund, 100% of your gift goes to support the area of your choice.
I have already made a gift this year. Does this count in the We Are UA Campaign?
Yes, all gifts made by employees from May 1, 2025 to present will be counted.
Are there any restrictions on faculty and staff giving?
You may designate your gift to your school, program, department or any area of the University you choose so long as it is not a fund over which you have spending control or which directly benefits you. If you are the signature authority on an endowed fund or the fund is defined as a current use fund for a specific purpose (such as a building fund or a scholarship fund), you may contribute to that fund. However, if you are the signature authority on an unrestricted current use account, you may not contribute to that fund.
What about a gift through my estate?
Deferred gifts — such as gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and life insurance policies — also count as faculty and staff contributions. Learn more about planned giving online or call the Office of Planned Giving at 205-348-0999.
How do I take advantage of a corporate matching program?
If your spouse works for a matching gift company, you could be eligible to double or even triple your gifts to We Are UA. Thousands of companies nationwide sponsor matching gift programs to encourage employees to make charitable contributions. Some companies may even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. Learn more about matching gifts online or call the Office of Advancement Services at 205-348-5370.
Who can I contact for more information?
Each college, school or unit has volunteer representatives able to help answer your questions. You can also contact the Office of Annual Giving at 205-348-9316.