Discover the impact of the 2026 Charity Choice campaign

Due to the generosity of Case Western Reserve University faculty and staff members, the 2026 Charity Choice campaign—which ran from Nov. 10 through Dec. 12, 2025—raised $49,900.04 to support charitable organizations across campus and Greater Cleveland. This year also marked the first time donors could support the Student Emergency Fund and CWRU Community Pantry—two initiatives designed to directly assist CWRU students and the surrounding community. 

“The Charity Choice campaign reflects the deep sense of care and shared responsibility that defines our Case Western Reserve University community,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Joy K. Ward. “By supporting both long-standing charitable partners and campus initiatives like the Student Emergency Fund and the Community Pantry, our faculty and staff are helping ensure that students and local neighbors have access to the resources they need to learn, thrive, and succeed—especially in moments when support matters most.” 

Together, the Student Emergency Fund and Community Pantry received $10,370 in Charity Choice support. The remaining campaign funds supported a variety of other charitable organizations—including United Way of Greater Cleveland and EarthShare—reflecting the broad range of causes championed by CWRU faculty and staff. 

Student Emergency Fund: A critical safety net 

With $3,840 raised, the Student Emergency Fund provides short-term financial assistance for unexpected challenges such as essential utility bills, housing needs, transportation and supplies.  

Through Charity Choice and other donor support—including the generous contributions of Candace and Vincent Gaudiani—the Student Emergency Fund has been able to provide critical financial assistance to students facing emergent situations. 

“These funds help alleviate emergent needs so students can maintain focus on their pursuits at CWRU,” said Greg Harris, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “This support allows them to continue progress toward their degrees, research, experiential learning, community engagement and growth as global citizens.” 

CWRU Community Pantry: Meeting essential needs 

The CWRU Community Pantry, supported by $6,530, addresses food insecurity and basic needs for students and community members. During the fall semester, the pantry supported 2,054 individuals, distributing more than 43,000 meals and 22,800 pounds of food and essential goods, while a mobile pantry reached an additional 469 neighbors. 

According to Allison Gillis, a licensed social worker and senior assistant dean of students, Charity Choice and other donor support has made it possible to maintain access to nutritious food, hygiene products, and consistent staffing. 

“This support allows students to focus on their studies and not where their next meal will come from,” she said. 

Want to Give? 

If you missed this year’s Charity Choice campaign, you can still make a difference. Support the Student Emergency Fund and CWRU Community Pantry, which accepts donations year-round. Every gift helps ensure students and community members have access to critical resources when they need them most.