Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Contribute? 
Virtually all state employees and retirees are eligible to participate in the State Employees Combined Campaign. In addition to permanent full-time, part-time and time limited employees, you may also ask the following if they would like to participate. Just remember, they cannot contribute by payroll deduction, but they can make a gift by cash, check or credit card.

• Temporary employees
• Interns
• Contract employees

The only notable exceptions are those employees of community colleges and public school teachers who are paid by the county in which they are employed. However, once these individuals retire, they do become eligible to participate in the SECC. 

Is the SECC a United Way campaign?
No. The State Employees Combined Campaign is administered solely by state employees and is not part of the United Way or any other non-profit campaign. However, the United Way and other eligible charitable organizations may apply for inclusion in your SECC each year.

What is the duration of my payroll deduction and when does it begin?
Deductions begin January 2010 and continue through December 2010.

Must I sign another Pledge form for this year’s pledge if I have given in the past?
Yes. A new form must be completed and signed every year.

Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. You may need documentation to support your contribution depending on the amount you pledge. Consult with your accountant or tax advisor for details.

Who determines how my contribution will be used?
You decide by designating your contribution to one or more charities listed in the SECC Resource Guide.

What happens to my contribution if I do not designate to a specific charity?
The campaign’s regulations assure that all undesignated funds are proportionately distributed to those charities receiving designations.  If Charity A receives 5% of designated pledges, then Charity A will also receive 5% of undesignated pledges. 

What is the campaign’s overhead?
In 2007, the campaign’s administrative costs were 11.92%.  Campaign staff and volunteers make every possible effort to economize and assure that the greatest portion of every gift is disbursed to the campaign charities. 

How Are Charities Approved for the Resource Guide?All charities listed in the SECC Resource Guide must apply for admission annually and meet the campaign’s eligibility criteria established by regulations that govern the State Employees Combined Campaign. As outlined in Title I, Chapter 35 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, all participating charities must comply with the following criteria: 

• Must be licensed to solicit funds in North Carolina if the law requires a license.

• Must provide written proof of federal and state tax-exempt status.

• Must prepare and make available to the general public an audited financial statement.

• If fundraising and administrative expenses are in excess of 25% of total revenue, the organization must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the SECC Advisory Committee that those expenses are reasonable.

• Must certify that all publicity, promotional activities and materials are truthful and non-deceptive and that all material provided to the SECC is accurate and makes no exaggerated or misleading claims.

• Must agree to the confidentiality of the contributor list.

• Must permit no payments of commissions, kickbacks, finders’ fees, percentages, bonuses or overrides for fundraising and permit no paid solicitations by a fundraising consultant or solicitor in the SECC.

• Must have a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability for clients, employees and members of the governing board.

• Must provide benefits or services to state employees or their families within a solicitation area.

• Must not use SECC contributions for lobbying activities.

• The annual charity application period opens each year beginning in October and closes February15th of the following year. You may access the SECC website for more information about the procedures that federations and charities must follow when seeking admission to the campaign.

Designated & Undesignated Contributions 

• Designate funds to the charity of your CHOICE!

Donor designations are important to the SECC because the money goes exactly where the contributor would like it to go. The SECC does require that designations to a single charity total at least ten dollars to lessen the administrative costs of the campaign. 

• Undesignated Funds

Even though an employee may not designate his or her pledge to a specific charity, the SECC appreciates their gift and will assure that it is allocated appropriately and fairly. It is the policy of the State Employees Combined Campaign that all undesignated funds shall be allocated proportionately to those charities receiving designated funds. This distribution method is called “tracking.” If charity “A” receives 10% of the designated funds, charity “A” will also receive 10% of the undesignated funds. 

Charity designations are to be made only by the contributor and not by volunteer coordinators or solicitors on behalf of an employee. Please  contact the State Campaign Office at [919] 821-2886 if you believe anyone has completed a pledge form on your behalf without your consent or knowledge.

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