Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Community Giving Campaign?
A: The Community Giving Campaign is a convenient opportunity for all employees to support worthy causes. It is comprised of the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) for state employees, while Research employees may give through the Community Health Charities, United Way, and/or the Upstate Foundation.
Q: How much of my contribution actually goes to my charity?
A: State employees: By a written agreement with the local SEFA committee $.91 of each dollar contributed through the CNY SEFA campaign goes to your organization of choice.
Research employees: Administrative costs for the United Way is 11% and Community Health Charities is 9.8%.
Q: Does the United Way take a "cut" off the top of the funding that it gives to agencies?
A: No, United Way gives 100% of the programs funding that is awarded to them - provided the annual campaign is successful.
Q: Why should I give to United Way when I can give directly to charities? Doesn't this just add more overhead?
A: United Way funds programs, not agencies. What this distinction means is that donor dollars are not put into a general agency budget that can be used for any purpose. United Way dollars are directed specifically to programs that help people. Many donors prefer this approach. Also, for many agencies, there is a great benefit in receiving United Way dollars because they serve as the local match portions for state and federal grants. United Way is a highly efficient fundraising organization that can raise money less expensively than most agencies. In addition, the flow of money from United Way is consistent and allows agencies to plan and budget effectively.
Q: I already give to my church and other organizations, why should I support this campaign?
A: This campaign offers the opportunity to choose from over 350 health & human service organizations, and to contribute by payroll deduction as well as cash or check.
Q: If I choose payroll deduction, when will I see the deduction in my paycheck?
A: Although pledge cards are filled out during the campaign, deductions will not begin until the first paycheck in January and continue for one year.
Q: What if I want to donate to an agency in a different county?
A: State employees may donate to agencies in any county as long as it's listed in the statewide SEFA directory (contact Becky Cerio at x4845 for more information).
Research employees may contribute to any 501(c)(3) health and human service organization located in New York State.
Q: How can I add an agency to the campaign?
A: State employees: To be included in the SEFA campaign, an agency must apply to the CNY SEFA committee by February 15th (contact SEFA Coordinator Craig Collie at 428-2216 for more information).
Research employees: You may simply write in the agency name on their pledge card (the agency must be a NYS 501(c)(3) health and human service organization located in New York State).
Q: Can I exclude an agency?
A: Simply write the name of the agency you wish to exclude on your pledge card.
Q: If I do not wish to designate my gift, where does the money go?
A: State employees: all undesignated donations are distributed in the same proportion as the designated funds.
Research employees: undesignated donations support the Community Program Fund, Initiative Fund, Capacity Building Fund and United Way operations.
Q: Is my contribution tax deductible?
A: Yes, contributions are fully tax deductible.
Q: Can a temporary employee or traveling nurse contribute to the campaign?
A: No, you must be an employee of Upstate Medical University to participate in our campaign.
Q: Do I need to return my pledge card even if I am not contributing?
A: Yes, this assures us that everyone received their pledge card and had the opportunity to participate in the campaign.
