2026 UNM Gives campaign underway

For nearly 30 years, The University of New Mexico has partnered with United Way of North Central New Mexico (UWNCNM) to bring services and opportunities that strengthen communities in Valencia, Torrance, Bernalillo, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties. That partnership continues this year with the return of the annual UNM Gives Campaign beginning Oct. 1.

This year's UWNCNM campaign theme is "United is the Way." The UNM Gives campaign will feature three events. The first event is Change for Change; UNM departments and UNM Hospital will go head to head and see who can raise the most funds. Change for Change runs during the month of October. The top two departments will receive a pizza party from Saggio's, delivered by UNM President Steve Goldstein.

The second event is the first-ever Lobo Bake Sale, which will be held in the SUB Atrium on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lobo Bake Sale will feature a wide selection of goods available for purchase.

The third and final event of the UNM Gives campaign is the President's Fall Fiesta. The fiesta will be on Monday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Cornell Mall. While last year's fiesta was mainly for UNM organizations and departments, this year will have more games such as axe throwing and darts. Entry into the fiesta is $2, and you will be given a Lobo paw as your ticket to the booths.

Additionally, bi-weekly during the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30, there will be drawings from a random prize pool for all eligible donors.

To help collect donations this year, a new portal has been launched. The new portal allows both one-time donations and repeat donations or payroll deductions for both central campus and HSC. To donate, central campus users can click here and HSC donors here. Even a small contribution could change a community member's life. For example, $15 a paycheck could sponsor 80 students to participate in career/college readiness activities. UNM's goal this year is $150,000.

"Every contribution makes a difference," said Faith Gresham, UNM Gives campaign coordinator. "When we come together as the UNM community and each give a little, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact."

For more information about the campaign, visit the UNM Gives website. To learn more about the United Way North Central New Mexico and its mission, visit UWNCNM.