What is the Charitable Campaign?

History
The State Employees Charitable Campaign began in 1987 and is open to qualifying charitable United Ways and federations that represent at least ten member agencies. To protect the integrity of the campaign, each umbrella organization must present the following documentation for itself and each member agency it represents when applying for campaign participation:

* Michigan charitable solicitation license (or exemption letter) from the Attorney General of the State of Michigan
* Information on the organization's fiscal status (audit report or copy of IRS Form 990)
* 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS
* Non-discrimination policy
* Annual percentage of administrative costs

Participating organizations must carry out a bona fide program of charitable services for health and/or welfare. The majority of participating agencies provide voluntary, charitable, health, and welfare services to individuals or their families that have a direct and substantial benefit to residents or charities in the State of Michigan. Several national and international charitable organizations also participate in the campaign. 

Such services must directly benefit human beings, whether children, youth, adults, the aged, the ill and infirm, or the mentally or physically handicapped. Services must consist of care, research or education in the fields of human health or social adjustment, and rehabilitation; relief to victims of natural disasters and other emergencies; or assistance to those who are impoverished and therefore in need of food, shelter, clothing, education, and basic human welfare services.

Mission
Together, the employees of the State of Michigan will be asked to contribute money for a variety of causes which support the communities in which they live, work, volunteer, and raise their families. 

The SECC provides this annual opportunity from September 14 through October 16. For five weeks we are asking employees in the State of Michigan workplace to pledge to a charity(ies) of their choice through payroll deduction, check, credit card, or direct bill. In doing so, the State of Michigan proudly joins thousands of employers everywhere in inviting its workers to do their part in helping meet community needs related to:

* Arts, culture 
* Children 
* Disabled
* Education
* Environment
* Families
* Health care
* Homelessness Hunger
* Seniors

The State Employees Charitable Campaign has raised over $48 million since its inception.