Digital Philanthropy Center
Who We Are
At the Digital Philanthropy Center, student fundraisers call, text and email alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends each year. Our students will share the latest happenings on campus, gather updates from you, and offer you the opportunity to give back to the UC cause you are most passionate about. Our student fundraisers learn the real value of giving back to their alma mater, receive professional development, and support the pursuit of excellence that characterizes the University of Cincinnati. Our call center has served the UC community with part-time fundraising jobs and philanthropic education since the 1980s!
What We Do
As part of the Annual Giving team, students are responsible for fundraising over $400,000 in gifts each year for scholarships, programs, research, athletics, the Alumni Association, and each of our colleges. Every year, a staff of 50+ students reaches out to over 25,000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends to keep them connected with UC. In addition, the student fundraisers call current donors to thank them for gifts, invite alumni to events and send reminders about important days on campus.
How To Pay A Pledge
Thank you for your pledge to the University of Cincinnati. To make your payment online, please visit the giving form. If you would like to pay by check, please use the envelope you received in the mail with your pledge reminder.
What Appears on Caller ID
Depending on the phone carrier, a variety of things could appear when we call – U of Cincinnati and in some cases Unknown or Spam Risk. The number associated with calls from the Digital Philanthropy Center is 513-845-8441.
Q: Where does the money go?
A: You choose! Your gift is used to support scholarships, programs, research, athletics, the Alumni Association, or a specific college.
Q: Are the callers really students at the University of Cincinnati?
A: Yes. We employ over 50 students throughout the year, representing a variety of majors and from many different cities, states and countries.
Q: When do we call?
A: Our normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 6-9 p.m. and Sunday 2-9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Q: Is my gift tax-deductible?
A: Yes – 100% tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, you will receive a receipt verifying that your gift has been allocated to the designation you have specified.
Q: May I use a credit card?
A: Yes. We encourage you to make your gift by using your VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card when on the phone with a student caller. This is a secure way to make sure your gift benefits UC students right away. Your credit card gift helps us save postage and paper costs.
Q: May I choose where I want my gift to go?
A: Yes. While unrestricted funds are always needed to support a wide variety of efforts at UC, many alumni and friends choose to designate a gift to a scholarship, department, program, athletics program or other area they are passionate about.
Q: May I call you back?
A: Yes. Our student callers can receive inbound calls. Simply call back the number that appeared on your caller ID. If the student caller is not available, you may leave a message. You may also call us at the Digital Philanthropy center’s general number – 513-556-3763.
Q: Can I request a call?
A: Yes. You can email the Digital Philanthropy Center to request that a student call you.
Q: Will my company match my gift?
A: Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees to the University of Cincinnati. This can double or even triple your gift to UC. Some companies match gifts by retirees and/or spouses, so don’t forget to check your spouse’s employer as well! Visit our matching gift page or contact your human resources department for details.
Q: How do I make a gift over the phone?
A: Simply tell the student how much you would like to pledge and then give the student your credit card information. You will receive a letter and receipt for tax purposes. If you would rather pay by check or online, we will send you a pledge reminder for the amount specified over the phone. An envelope will be provided for you to return your gift. It’s that simple.
Want to Work at UC’s Digital Philanthropy Center?
Are you a current student at the University of Cincinnati and in need of a part-time job? Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply. We offer competitive pay, bonuses, incentives and semester raises. You will have great conversations with alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends while raising money for UC. Apply to be a Digital Philanthropy Center associate today! For any additional questions, please contact the Digital Philanthropy Center at 513-556-3763.
Emily Kelly, CECH '19
Digital Philanthropy Center Manager