Congratulations - We Exceeded Our Goal!

1,710 Pledges Totaling $513,223

800 Upstate employees took the Step-Up Challenge!

Thank you for making a difference!!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the Community Giving Campaign?
• I already give to my church and other organizations, why should I support this campaign?
• If I choose payroll deduction, when will I see the deduction in my paycheck?
• What if I want to donate to an agency in a different county?
• How can I add an agency to the campaign?
• Can I exclude an agency?
• If I do not wish to designate my gift, where does the money go?
• How much of my contribution actually goes to my charity?
• Is my contribution tax deductible?
• Can a temporary employee or traveling nurse contribute to the campaign?
• Do I need to return my pledge card even if I am not contributing?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Back to top

A: 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 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).

A: Simply write the name of the agency you wish to exclude on your pledge card.

A: For:

• 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.

A: Administrative costs for the CNY SEFA campaign are 9%, while the United Way & Community Health Charities are 14%.

A: Yes, contributions are fully tax deductible.

A: No, you must be an employee of Upstate Medical University to participate in our campaign.

A: Yes, this assures us that everyone received their pledge card and had the opportunity to participate in the campaign.

Back to top