State Employee Charitable Campaign 2008

Each fall, we get the opportunity to learn about the charities in the SECC, choose which ones we want to help, and then fill out a pledge form to indicate how much we wish to donate to which groups. We can make a one-time gift by cash or check. Or, even better, our gift can be deducted from each paycheck beginning at the first of next year.

The campaign runs from September through October. You can expect to attend an informational meeting or be approached by a co-worker with information and a pledge form. (Hide)

One of the great benefits of the SECC is the wide variety of charities and causes represented — there’s something for everyone.They range from small local organizations to large and well-known national and international groups. Those charities that wish to participate must meet stringent legal requirements, and then be scrutinized by teams of state employees to ensure:

1. They are recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and registered with the Secretary of State.
   
2. They are audited (or reviewed) annually by an accountant in accordance with generally-accepted auditing standards.
   
3. They provide direct or indirect health and human services.
   
4. They spend no more than 25 percent of funds raised on administration and fund raising unless they qualify for an exception due to special circumstances. (Hide)

At the state level, a committee of state employees called the State Policy Committee provides governance and oversight. Four members are appointed by the Governor and three each by the Lieutenant Governor and the Comptroller of Public Accounts. They are responsible for a campaign plan, a budget and ensuring the eligibility of statewide organizations. The SPC also hires a State Campaign Manager to administer the campaign.

At the local level, Local Employee Committees (LECs) provide similar oversight. The SPC appoints the LEC chair, which then recruits a local committee of up to 10 members. They hire a local campaign manager to administer the campaign locally.

They ensure the campaign is conducted fairly and equitably under a strict set of guidelines that give donors confidence in both the charities that benefit and the methods used to solicit.

Kimberly Aaron, Associate Dean of Students (4926), serves on the Local Employee Committee for the Dallas metroplex. (Hide)

Contributions made by state agency employees are distributed by the State Comptroller to the participating federations, who then send the funds along to their members. At the local level, the Local Campaign Managers distribute the funds the same way. Each university distributes funds to federations through its own payroll system.

But because it is almost impossible to account for donations lost through such things as an employee leaving or transferring, a percentage method is used to distribute funds. At the end of each year’s campaign, the percent of funds pledged to each charity is calculated. Each charity then receives that percentage of what is eventually collected. Undesignated pledges are shared with all participating charities using the same percentage. Each charity also pays its share of the cost of running the campaign (printed materials, etc.) based on the same percentage. (Hide)

Reasons to give to a charity vary across individuals. Here, however, are some common reasons why people give to the SECC:

• To help those who are less fortunate through no fault of their own.
• To support a favorite cause or charity on a regular basis.
• It's the right thing to do.
• It will make you feel great.
• It's tax deductible.

That answer depends on how you choose to give. A cash or gift by check can be in any amount. Such one time gifts are not limited. However, if you give through Payroll Deduction (and we strongly encourage gifts by payroll deduction) the minimum gift is $2 a month. (Hide)

Leadership gifts are gifts of $1,000 or more. There are several levels of leadership giving. These include:

• Lone Star Circle...($10,000 or more)
• Alamo Circle...($5,000 to $9,999)
• Bluebonnet Circle...($2,500 to $4,999)
• Yellow Rose Circle...($1,000 to $2,499)

If you choose to give a Leadership Gift and elect on your pledge form to be acknowledged, your name will be given to the recipient charities and listed in next year's SECC directory. (Hide)

The overhead costs for the SECC is extremely low for similar fund-raising activities. Statewide, the overhead is slightly less than 10%. (Hide)

All undesignated contributions submitted without a charity code, will be shared by all charitable groups within the local campaign area. (Hide)

Everyone is encouraged to give but no one should feel coerced to give. If you feel you are being coerced to donate money at any time during this campaign, please contact your local campaign representatives or submit a written complaint to:

Susan Combs
Comptroller of Public Accounts
111 E. 17th Street, Austin, Texas 78774
(Hide)

Contact Charlie Salomon (x4131) for any other questions you may have. Thanks for your support of the SECC. (Hide)