From University of Nebraska Foundation funds to the community blood bank, Huskers looking to give back to others affected by COVID-19 have a variety of options.
To directly benefit University of Nebraska–Lincoln students, monetary gifts can be given to a trio of NU Foundation funds. Those funds and purpose include:
UNL Student Hardship Fund — Supports students facing sudden hardships due to a crisis, including food insecurity, natural disaster, financial emergency, home displacement or the current pandemic.
UNL Food Pantry Fund — This fund directly supports the Husker Pantry, which provides food items and toiletry options to students at no cost. The pantry is currently closed due to the pandemic, but will need to replenish its stores when it reopens.
UNL Student Care and Well-Being Fund — This fund is the most broad, providing funds directly to students for personal care and general well-being.
Faculty and staff looking to assist fellow employees can donate vacation leave to the university’s crisis leave bank. Additionally, all vacation time to be earned by employees at the 280-hour limit — which normally is lost if not used — will be added to the crisis leave bank.
Learn more about the crisis leave program.
In the greater Lincoln community, students, faculty and staff have additional options to make a positive impact. Those opportunities include:
Making a donation to the Nebraska Community Blood Bank;
Giving to local non-profit organizations, including the Lincoln Community Foundation and United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County — which are involved in annual drives that support campus programs and are benefited by university employees;
Volunteering at local organizations (including charities) that provide critical services locally; and
Using your voice to advocate for individuals and organizations that need assistance.
