80 Years of Community. Countless Acts of Care. Support the Columbia Community Service 80th Annual Appeal.

Dear members of the Columbia, Barnard, and Teachers College communities,

Columbia Community Service (CCS) is one of the most powerful ways our faculty, staff, and retirees demonstrate our collective commitment to supporting and serving our local community.

For more than 80 years, our university communities have raised funds to help local nonprofits meet the most urgent needs of our neighbors in Harlem and Morningside Heights. What began as a modest effort eight decades ago with a gift shop and cookbook has grown into a lasting commitment to supporting neighborhood organizations that are on the ground, feeding our neighbors, caring for older adults, and mentoring young learners.

Today, we are launching the 80th Columbia Community Service Annual Appeal, and we invite the faculty, staff, and retirees of Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College to continue this wonderful tradition by making a tax-deductible gift to Columbia Community Service.

Over the last five years, through your generosity, CCS has awarded more than $1.6 million in micro-grants to over 70 community organizations. Those grants have supported educational enrichment for more than 17,500 students in Harlem and Morningside Heights and helped provide more than 414,000 meals to neighbors in need. CCS grants are helping to sustain these programs and services at a time when other funding streams to these nonprofits have been cut.

When you give to CCS, 100% of your donation goes to support our community partners. All administrative costs for CCS are covered by Columbia University, ensuring that every contribution, regardless of size, has a direct impact where it is needed most in our community.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we invite you to learn more about CCS and the many ways you can support its work. While annual grants remain at the heart of its mission, CCS also offers volunteer opportunities, makes in-kind donations, and sponsors various campuswide food, toy, and clothing drives.

Whether you make a one-time gift, contribute through payroll deduction, volunteer your time, or participate in one of CCS’s community drives, your support matters. Every gift helps community organizations address urgent needs, expand opportunity, and improve the lives of our neighbors.

We hope you will join us in celebrating 80 years of community and caring and give to this year’s Columbia Community Service Annual Appeal.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Mnookin
President
Columbia University in the City of New York

Laura Ann Rosenbury
President
Barnard College

Thomas R. Bailey
President
Teachers College, Columbia University