CALIFORNIA STATE EMPLOYEES CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I confirm the amount of my current CSECC deduction and which nonprofit organization(s) I've chosen?
Participating state employees with questions about their current deduction and/or designation(s) should contact the PCFD which manages their gift. A list of PCFDs is available at www.csecc.org. For CSECC donors whose gifts are managed by the following PCFDs, please call our toll-free Donor Hotline 1-(888) TO-DO-GOOD, 1-(888) 863-6466. Please be prepared to provide your name and Social Security Number.

United Way of the Bay Area 022
United Way of Butte and Glenn Counties 044
United Way California Capital Region 024
United Way of the East Valley 065
United Way of Fresno County 028
United Way of Imperial County 002
Inland Empire United Way 059
United Way of Kern County 071
United Way of Greater Los Angeles 004
United Way of Merced County 056
United Way of Monterey County 036
Nevada County United Way 013
Orange County United Way 005
Palo Verde United Way 003
United Way of San Luis Obispo County 039
United Way Silicon Valley 029
United Way of the Wine Country 073
United Way of Tulare County 081
United Way of Ventura County 010
Yuba-Sutter United Way 075

What is a PCFD?
A Principal Combined Fund Drive (PCFD) is the entity responsible for managing the CSECC for a specific geographic region in the state of California. Your local PCFD coordinates the annual workplace giving campaign for your region. CSECC donors must select a PCFD to manage their donations. The PCFD you select receives your donation and distributes your gift to your designated nonprofit(s).

Although the CSECC is commonly referred to as if it were a single entity, it actually encompasses 31 separate geographic campaigns throughout the state. Each individual campaign is managed by a local PCFD, typically the local United Way, for that region. PCFDs are approved annually by the State of California Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board.

Where does my money go?
When approving each Principal Combined Fund Drive (PCFD) to administer the CSECC, the Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board authorizes the PCFD to deduct an administrative fee, which covers administrative and fundraising costs incurred while running the campaign. The fee is deducted from payments to Affiliates (member agencies of the PCFD) and Non-Affiliates (other Federations, their member agencies, and independent charitable organizations).

Following are the administrative fees for the 2008-2009 CSECC.

*Indicates PCFDs that have standardized their administrative fee. This 11.57% fee includes approximately 6% to the local PCFD for fundraising costs, approximately 1.67% to the Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB) and the State Controller's Office to cover the State's administrative expenses. In addition, 4% covers the cost of processing pledges, marketing, training, web design, etc.

Why should I participate as a payroll deduction donor through CSECC?
The CSECC is an employee benefit, allowing those who choose to participate the convenience of payroll deduction to fund the nonprofit(s) they feel passionate about. State employees can participate as payroll deduction donors for as little as $2 per month. Although this may appear to be a nominal figure, these donations result in significant investments in our communities.

This past year, participating State employees pledged more than $8.7 million statewide for charitable organizations. It all adds up. One reason for participating in payroll deduction is for financial planning purposes. Imagine if your employer paid your entire salary to you, one time a year. As you know, many people would be challenged to make it last the entire year until their next annual pay day.

The nonprofits, which are very appreciative of the donations, are still challenged with a fluctuating cash flow. Participating through payroll deduction provides the nonprofits you feel passionate about a consistent cash flow throughout the year, easing their ability to operate and provide their services. Also, statistics show that on average, payroll deduction gifts added up at the end of the year are approximately six times greater than one-time donations.

Participation in CSECC through payroll deduction is convenient and efficient, promotes a healthy cash flow for the nonprofit(s) of YOUR choice, enables you to give more than you might with a one time annual gift, promotes teamwork and esprit de corps in the workplace and is one of the few bills you'll actually feel good about paying. Last, but certainly not least…. it's tax-deductible!

How do I donate to my favorite nonprofit if it is not listed in the CSECC Donor Resource Guide?
Through CSECC, you can donate to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit. If the nonprofit of choice is not listed in the Donor Resource Guide, you may utilize the "Write in Organization" section of the CSECC pledge form. Required information includes the nonprofit's name and address.

Each donor is encouraged to independently review nonprofit information. The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board has found the nonprofits listed in the Donor Resource Guide eligible to receive designated deductions based on certifications that the nonprofits comply with statutory requirements. The Board does not independently investigate the nonprofits other than to verify their Federal tax-exempt status and review their self-certifications of compliance with applicable California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Regulations. The Board's determination is not an endorsement of any particular charity.

How much of my donation goes to my designated nonprofit?
The campaign administrative fee is annually approved by the State of California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board for each PCFD and is published in the CSECC Donor Resource Guide. This administrative fee supports CSECC activities conducted by the local PCFD, the Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board and the State Controller's Office. A current list of 2008 CSECC administrative fees are available from the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board website.

1) PCFD costs include, but are not limited to: CSECC staff and associated resources, campaign materials, fundraising activities, pledge form printing, distribution and collection, pledge processing and fund distribution.

2) The Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board campaign-related activities include, but are not limited to: overall campaign oversight, review of charitable organizations for listing in the Donor Resource Guide and review of PCFDs.

3) The State Controller's Office campaign-related activities include, but are not limited to: personalization of pledge forms for distribution, processing the payroll deduction portion of the CSECC pledge form, collecting approved deductions, and distributing these deductions to PCFDs for payout to the individual nonprofits.

Please consider that administrative costs are a reality of fundraising for any nonprofit organization. CSECC allows nonprofits to use more of their resources for providing services rather than conducting fundraising campaigns.

How am I acknowledged for my CSECC donation?
Gift acknowledgements are sent to CSECC participants who annually complete section "I" on the CSECC pledge form. You may choose to be acknowledged by home mailing address or email address. The PCFD that manages your donation will send an acknowledgement letter confirming your donation and designation(s). Your PCFD will also forward your contact information to your designated nonprofit(s). Please note that many nonprofits operate on limited budgets and would not exist without support from donors like you and community volunteer assistance. Not all nonprofits have the resources to send individual acknowledgements to their contributors.

What type of incentives will be given to participants of the CSECC?
In the past, participants of the CSECC have received such items as: teddy bears, magnets, and plaques. This year in an effort to reduce the overall cost of the campaign, all donors will be receiving a lapel pin. For those donors who are identified as a Leadership Giver, a certificate as well as the lapel pin will be presented.

What options can a donor use to substantiate the charitable donation?
Donors have two options to substantiate charitable contributions for tax purposes:

1.) Both a Form W-2 or official employer document showing the charitable withholding AND one of these: an original pledge form, carbon copy of a pledge form, photocopy of a pledge form, tear-off receipt from a pledge form, or official letter acknowledging the donation from or by the direction of a charitable organization. The amount acknowledged from the charity must be identical to the amount deducted on the employee's Form W-2 OR

2.) A cancelled check or other official bank record. If donors follow IRS Notice 2006-110 and provide the above documentation, they will definitely be complying with the law (considered "safe harbor"). If the above is not followed, donors still may be able to deduct their charitable contributions but should consult their tax advisor.

What about special event fundraisers (collecting cash for jeans day, office raffles, bazaar purchases, auctions, bake sales, etc. to fundraise for charity)?
Raffles have never been tax deductible. Additionally, many common fundraising activities (see IR 88-120) are questionable and only borderline acceptable since they do not qualify for the "No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution" stipulation. If employees want a tax deduction, they must have a receipt. A company can provide a receipt stating what the employee paid for and the date; however, the onus is on employees to determine tax deductibility with their tax advisor (issues: substantial value, intangible benefits, gift, fair market value, etc.).

How does a nonprofit apply to participate in the CSECC Donor Resource Guide?
Information for nonprofits to participate in the CSECC Donor Resource Guide is available from the State of California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.


The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board has found the nonprofits listed in the Donor Resource Guide eligible to receive designated deductions based on certifications that the nonprofits comply with statutory requirements. The Board does not independently investigate the nonprofits other than to verify their Federal tax-exempt status and review their self-certifications of compliance with applicable California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Regulations. The Board's determination is not an endorsement of any particular charity.

Why is a Social Security Number (SSN) required for participation in CSECC and how can a donor feel safe about providing this sensitive information?
Payroll deduction donations are processed through the State Controller's Office. Your SSN is the unique identifier required to ensure your payroll deduction is applied to the correct pay warrant.

Donors should feel confident that their SSN is safe and secure for the CSECC. All campaign team members are required to sign a confidentiality agreement which includes amongst many things, the security of a donor's SSN.

How do I continue my CSECC payroll deduction when I retire?
By participating in CSECC through payroll deduction, you have authorized the State Controller's Office to deduct a set amount from each pay warrant. Retirees from state service no longer receive a pay warrant from the State Controller's Office; therefore, their deduction terminates.

Retirees can have their contribution deducted monthly from their retirement check. Those who wish to participate, retirees and potential retirees, can download the Retiree Pledge Form.

How do I cancel my CSECC deduction?
A donor may delete their deduction to the California State Employees Charitable Campaign at any time. Typically this occurs during the campaign when a donor completes a pledge form and checks box C to "Delete" their deduction. A Social Security Number and signature are required to authorize the State Controller's Office to delete the deduction.

Once the campaign is complete, a donor may delete their deduction by sending a letter to the State Controller's Office, including Social Security Number and signature authorizing the deletion. A template of this letter, including the State Controller's Office address, is available at www.csecc.org.

Letters received by the State Controller's Office before the 15th of the month will delete the deduction for that month's pay warrant. Letters received after the 15th of the month will not be processed until the following month's pay warrant.

Often during the campaign a current payroll deduction contributor will complete a pledge form by checking "Decline Not Interested at this Time". This does not delete your deduction. Only forms checked as "Delete" and including an authorized signature will delete a current deduction.