Giving Opportunites for Employees
Explore the ways you can support fellow Longhorns and make a difference at UT and beyond
Whether you want to support fellow Longhorns facing an unexpected hardship, help UT families during the holidays, give to charitable organizations across Texas, or donate time to the Sick Leave Pool, you can make a difference by supporting the causes that matter to you and giving in a way that works for you.
Contact Giving Programs
Orange Santa
Since 1994, members of the University community have come together to support fellow Longhorns through this program. The program provides gift assistance to children of UT staff, students, and faculty who are experiencing need during the holiday season.
To apply for assistance, visit the Orange Santa applications page. Applications will be open Nov. 4-25.
You Can Make the Holidays Brighter for Children in Our UT Community
Donations from members of the University community make Orange Santa possible and help provide a happy holiday season for the children of Longhorn Nation.
On average, a $40 donation assists one child.
Staff Emergency Fund
Since 2003, Longhorns have helped one another through this fund, which helps benefits-eligible staff members by providing financial assistance to cover immediate essential expenses during an emergency.
The generosity of the UT community makes this fund possible. You can contribute through a one-time or recurring credit card gift.
To apply for assistance, visit Staff Emergency Fund to learn more.
Support Fellow Longhorns in Need
Your gift to the Staff Emergency Fund helps eligible UT staff members who are facing a temporary financial emergency.
Contribute to help a colleague through a difficult time.
Sick Leave Pool
The Sick Leave Pool is a reserve of Sick Time Off hours that provides eligible employees who are going through a severe injury or illness, or caring for an immediate family member with a serious injury or illness, with paid time off when they have used all their available hours. You can choose to donate your available Sick Time Off to the Sick Leave Pool.
To apply for Sick Leave Pool hours, visit Sick Leave Pool for more information.
How to Donate to the Sick Leave Pool
Log in to Workday.
Search for and select Create Request in the search box.
From the prompt, type "donate" and select a Request Type of Donate Hours to the Sick Leave Pool.
Complete the donation form and click Submit.
The Hearts of Texas
The Hearts of Texas is UT Austin’s annual charitable giving campaign and part of the statewide State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC).
Every October, as a UT Austin employee, you can pledge a monthly payroll deduction to an eligible charitable organization and support a cause that matters to you and is closest to your heart.
Since this effort began in 1996, UT Austin’s employees have donated $19 million to worthy causes across Texas.
How to Pledge
Explore all participating causes that help communities across Texas and note the agency code or codes. You can also select the UT Austin designation: UT Austin Staff/Student Financial Assistance, code 228176, to support fellow Longhorns.
If you leave your donation as undesignated, your contribution will be divided between all eligible causes.
Select Payroll Deduction.
Enter your chosen agency code or codes and monthly amount. The minimum pledge is $2 per month.
Choose any acknowledgment preferences.
Select Submit your gift to complete your pledge.
Save or print a copy of the submitted form for your records.
If you pledged last year, you can use your previous gift information as a starting point. Please verify the agency code before submitting.
The Hearts of Texas accepts online payroll-deduction pledges only; cash and check gifts cannot be accepted.
Faculty members should note that deductions may also appear on summer paychecks.