Community Works Campaign

Dear friends and colleagues,

2020 has presented us with an enormous set of challenges in our area, the nation, and the globe. While the Vassar community is enduring disruption and economic hardship, the challenges faced by many in our local community are far more overwhelming and unprecedented.

What can we do? Each of us has to answer that question, but for us on the Community Works committee, the answer is in part to continue the tradition of Vassar giving in the community. Community Works is a unique charity that takes donations from every segment of the Vassar community, and distributes the money that is collected to a small group of local non-profits in our Hudson Valley community. Past recipients have included agencies that work in the areas of hunger relief, homelessness, domestic violence and child abuse prevention, environmental issues, arts in the community, LGBTQ services, and youth empowerment. The recipients are based upon nominations from the Vassar community.

Do you know of a local nonprofit agency that does exceptional good work? Community Works at Vassar College is seeking nominations for agencies to benefit from our 2021 campaign. Nominating a group you think should be included in Community Works is easy. Simply fill out this form.

Please note that all eligible organizations must present documentation of their tax-exempt status and adhere to Vassar’s non-discrimination policy in the provision of services and in regard to their staff and volunteers. The Community Works Committee made up of faculty, administrators, and staff will review the nominations and select the recipients. In order to prepare for the campaign, the deadline for nominations is October 16, 2020. So please don’t delay!

Thank you for all your contributions to the community,

The Community Works Committee

John Bradley, MaryJo Cavanaugh, Nicholas de Leeuw, Karen Getter, Doreen Hammell-Backer, Matthew Righter, Nicole Scalessa, Laura Street, Tracy Wright-Mauer