USM 2025-26 Campaign HQ

Welcome to The University of Southern Mississippi's United Way Campaign Headquarters!

For 85 years, whenever there has been a need, United Way of Southeast Mississippi has been there, bringing a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, United Way is working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

About The Workplace Campaign

Our community benefits from United Way programs ranging from after school and kindergarten readiness programs that help children succeed in school to emergency shelter programs that kept battered women and children safe in times of crisis to providing wide-ranging counseling services for families and children experiencing trauma to reducing food insecurities through local food pantries.

United Way is the most effective and efficient way to help people who are truly in need.  Did you know that United Way partner agencies must meet strict criteria for funding? When you donate to United Way, you can be sure that you are doing more than giving money. You are helping create a future where every person can thrive.

The University of Southern Mississippi offers you the ease of making a donation through payroll deduction. You can make real change by pledging a "Care Share," or at least one hour's worth of pay every pay period. It's as easy as completing the online pledge form below.

 

Message from President Joe Paul

 

 

Eighty-five years ago, a group of community leaders in Forrest County recognized the need to unite several charitable efforts into a single, coordinated campaign. Over the years, that organization evolved into what is now known as United Way of Southeast Mississippi, serving the citizens of Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Perry Counties.

From the very beginning, United Way has brought people together to make a difference by mobilizing thousands of volunteers, rallying local businesses and organizations, and raising millions of dollars to support members of this community in need. Beyond the numbers, its most powerful impact has been on the countless children, adults and families whose lives have been touched through its partner agencies and programs. This is the legacy of our local United Way: a consistent, reliable source for good in our very own community.

As we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the past 85 years, we must also look ahead. The communities we serve have changed and so have their needs. Yet the call to help—our shared responsibility to one another—remains just as strong. United Way of Southeast Mississippi continues to adapt to meet the most pressing challenges facing our neighbors, and it needs our continued support to do so.

My journey with United Way began more than four decades ago, when I was asked to co-chair The University of Southern Mississippi’s employee campaign. Over time, I served in a variety of roles—from helping assess community needs to chairing the overall campaign and later serving as Board Chair. Each experience reminded me why this work matters. The rewards are immediate, the impact is visible and the relationships and memories last a lifetime. 

That spirit of service, generosity and community remains as vital today as ever. I encourage each of you to join me in supporting this year’s United Way Campaign at Southern Miss. Your gift—no matter the size—helps ensure that our community continues to be a place where everyone can thrive.

Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

With gratitude,
Joe Paul
President

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI'S PLEDGE FORM 

Preferred Donation Method

Credit Card And ACH Donors:

Thank you for your support of United Way of Southeast Mississippi.
To complete your donation by credit card or ACH - please click here.

Stocks and Securities:

Thank you for your support of United Way of Southeast Mississippi. Contact our office at 601-545-7141 to discuss setting up a donation through stocks and securities.

STEP 1: MY INFORMATION
We would like to celebrate you!
STEP 2: MY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

Easy Payroll Deduction

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(Available for Employees Paid Once Monthly)

Invest Now

Please provide your cash or check to either your company coordinator or mail it to United Way of Southeast Mississippi, PO Box 1648, Hattiesburg, MS 39403 with your name.

Check Donations

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Cash Donations

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Bill Me

A minimum of a $200 donation is required to select the billing option and an address must be provided to receive billing reminders.
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Step 3: Optional [One-Time] Add-On Investment
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A $30 donation will provide a free book each month to a child between the ages of 0 and 5 for an entire year.
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Provide an optional additional amount to be contributed to United Way of Southeast Mississippi's Community Crisis Fund to be used when disaster hits Forrest, Lamar, Perry or Marion counties.
Step 4: Grand Givers Information
An investment of $1,000 or more per household in Community Investment (Step 2) qualifies the donor(s) as a Grand Givers Leadership Society member with public recognition. (Check all that applies)
Agreement
My signature below, confirms my payroll deduction request as stated above (if applicable). I understand this is a charitable donation and no goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.
Sign above
Designations

United Way of Southeast Mississippi understands that some donors choose to direct a portion of their gift to a specific agency. Although we process these donor-directed contributions as a service to our donors, we are unable to guarantee how designated funds to a specific agency will be used or ensure measurable results by the recipient agency.

Any agency receiving designations must be a 501(c)(3) organization and must comply with the United States Patriot Act by submitting the proper documentation to United Way of Southeast Mississippi. Designations will only be honored if donations are over $50 to each agency and must include a designation card.

When making a designation, donors must download a designation card (link above) and mail their completed designation card to United Way of Southeast Mississippi, 16 Office Park Drive, Suite 6 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 or email to info@unitedwaysems.org. Note: Please make sure you include your name and employer on the form. An incomplete designation card will result in your gift being allocated to United Way of Southeast Mississippi Partner Agencies and Programs.