For 79 years, Columbia Community Service (CCS) has stood as one of the University’s most enduring traditions of generosity.
Faculty, staff, and retirees from Columbia, Barnard, and Teachers College have powered this effort, contributing more than $3 million in the past decade and volunteering hundreds of hours with local organizations. Just this past week, your CCS donations helped provide 1,500 Thanksgiving turkeys to neighbors in need in partnership with Facilities and Operations.
This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to continue in this community-driven tradition by setting up a tax-exempt payroll donation today. You can also donate with a credit card or give the gift of time by volunteering with one of our grantees.
If you’re new here or would just like to know more about CCS, we have five quick notes to help you get better acquainted with the program:
- CCS is one of the oldest and most visible elements of our commitment to Morningside Heights and Harlem. Every year, donations to the Annual Appeal provide grants to dozens of Uptown nonprofits.
- All operating costs are covered by Columbia University, so 100% of your donation to CCS goes to support grantee organizations.
- CCS grantees provide essential local resources and programs that combat hunger, support social services, sponsor the arts, and provide educational opportunities for youth in STEM, arts, and literacy. See the full grantee list.
- CCS began during World War II, when a group of civic-minded women affiliated with Columbia joined together to fundraise for the war effort. Their efforts soon expanded to focus on supporting local, neighborhood organizations, which led to the program as it exists today. Read more about CCS’s history.
- There are many ways to get involved in the work CCS does all year long: donate to the campaign, volunteer, become a CCS Ambassador, give to the toy drive, or support the coat and hoodie drive.
For a detailed picture of the work that Columbia Community Service does all year long, visit the CCS website.
Thank you in advance for supporting our local community.
