Good Neighbors Campaign
Preventing cavities. Offering pro bono legal advice. Helping high school students conduct research for a hospital. Providing acting classes.
These are just a few of the activities and benefits that are available to families living near USC's two campuses thanks to an innovative fundraising program called the USC Good Neighbors Campaign. Begun in 1994 by then-USC President Steven Sample, the program asks university faculty and staff to contribute a portion of their paychecks to support programs that help strengthen local communities. Over the years, students, alumni and friends have joined in.
Marine biology. Tutoring in reading and math. Music theory. Technology training. Biometrics. Summer camp.
The drive is held every October, although contributions can be made any time of the year. Donors have the option of directing their funds to USC Neighborhood Outreach - a nonprofit grant-making organization that funnels 100 percent of money raised into university-community partnership programs - or the United Way, which deducts an administrative fee of 9 percent. The university covers all campaign administrative costs.
Swim classes. Jazz instruction. Free computers. Safety training and tools for preventing violence. Opera.
In 2007, the USC Good Neighbors Campaign passed the $1 million mark, and contributions reached a record $1.2 million in 2009. To date, the drive has raised over $11 million to support more than 411 community organizations that are partnering with USC to put children on the pathway to college, make streets safer for families, and offer activities and programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of residents in the neighborhoods surrounding USC’s campuses.
Poison prevention. After-school science and engineering programs. Volleyball. Park renovation. Farmers’ markets. Juvenile justice education.
And the list goes on.
To learn where our USC Good Neighbors Campaign money went in 2009-2010, please click here.
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Good Neighbors Campaign E-Newsletter
The USC Good Neighbors Campaign
e-newsletter provides updates about campaign progress, people and events. It is distributed to full-time, benefits-eligible employees during the campaign month of October.Subscribe to the e-newsletter.
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Featured Program
Troy Camp
Founded in 1948 as a fraternity project, Troy Camp today is a student-run volunteer organization that provides weeklong camping trips as well as mentoring, sporting events, field trips and other activities for children from local elementary schools. Troy Camp receives a portion of its funding from a USC Good Neighbors grant.
