What is the State Employee Charitable Campaign
(SECC)?
The SECC is a great opportunity for state employees to contribute
toward helping improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of people
who need our help. Legislation made it possible to conduct the SECC in
1994, offering Texas state employees greater giving options with hundreds of
charitable choices. The workplace charity campaign, which provides state
employees with a convenient and efficient way to make voluntary, tax-deductible
contributions to charities through payroll deduction, cash, check or bank draft.
The SECC encourages you to take advantage of payroll deduction as a convenient
method for giving. In our diverse society, with needs changing rapidly,
the SECC is your opportunity to prove that "Together We Care" and together
we can make a difference.
Why should I give through the SECC?
There is no better way for state employees to give to a charitable
cause of their choice than through the SECC. Here's why the SECC is the smart
way to give:
Choice!
No other charitable campaign offers so many choices. There are hundreds
of organizations to choose from. You decide which organizations best
address your concerns.
Confidence!
All agencies participating in the SECC have met strict eligibility
standards established by state law and screened by the SECC State Policy
Committee and the Local Employee Committee. Therefore, you can feel confident
that your gift is being used efficiently and effectively by your designated
charities.
Convenience!
One pledge form and one signature helps your gift last all year long
with the convenience of payroll deduction.
Cost-Effectiveness!
By having a combined campaign for many charities, administrative costs
for charities decrease dramatically. Overall, the cost for operating
the campaign has been under 15% but as the campaign participation and
giving continues to grow, the operating cost will be reduced.
How are charities selected for inclusion in
the SECC?
To participate in the SECC, a charitable organization must meet some
strict but fair standards. These standards were established, by legislation,
to protect Texas state employees. Participating organizations must show that
they are:
Tax-exempt, Non-profit, charitable organization which provides
health and human services to the citizens of Texas or to needy people
overseas;
Governed by a voluntary board of directors that sets policy and
oversees the activities of the organization;
Audited or reviewed annually by an accountant to guarantee full
and open financial disclosure; and
Maintain administrative and fund-raising expenses of no more than 25
percent of annual revenue, unless there is a reasonable explanation and
a plan to reduce costs.
The State Policy Committee, a group of state employees who oversee the administration
of the SECC, sets campaign policy, determines eligibility for applicant
charities and monitors the campaign activities.
What is Payroll
Deduction?
Payroll deduction is convenient. It allows you the ability to have
your gift deducted in small amounts from your paycheck each pay period. Through
payroll deduction, you can afford to be more generous because it spreads your
contribution out over a year's time. Payroll deduction provides nonprofit
charities with a steady income over the year. This is critical in planning
and implementing successful programs and in providing assistance when and where
needed. If your state agency does not currently have payroll deduction,
you are welcome to make a tax-deductible contribution to the charity of your
choice with cash, check or bank draft made payable to the State Employee Charitable
Campaign.
How do I
contribute?
The University has designated a campus coordinator - Gilbert
Perez Jr.
- (956) 384-5025. If your department does not have its own coordinator, please
contact the campus coordinator for the necessary forms to contribute to the SECC. If you have any questions regarding the SECC, please contact the
Office of Human Resources. The official SECC campaign period for UTPA
is October 1 - October 17, 2008. All contribution forms must be received
no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008.
Other information
For specific information on the State Employee Charitable Campaign please contact
