Partners in Giving campaign sets goal of raising $2.7 million

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The legitimate object of government is to do for the people what needs to be done, but which they cannot, by individual effort, do at all, or do so well, for themselves.”

Today he might say the same about charitable organizations.

Contemporary problems, from homelessness and skyrocketing health-care costs to public safety concerns and devastating natural disasters, strain government’s capacity to satisfy basic human needs. These days, charities plug many of the gaps.

UW–Madison, UW Hospital and Clinics, and state government employees in Dane County can help charities meet the demand for vital services by contributing to this year’s Partners in Giving campaign, which begins Oct. 11 and ends Nov. 30. The workplace campaign seeks to raise $2.7 million.

Jamie Pollard, new chair of the university’s campaign committee, hopes to increase participation rates to record levels this year. The UW athletic department, where Pollard is deputy director, is donating items such as autographed footballs, game tickets and Motion W lapel pins to help generate interest in giving among university employees.

“We feel awareness of what this campaign stands for in our community is a very important issue for university employees,” says Pollard. “I personally had to use some of the services in the past and believe the power of awareness can never be underestimated.”

Dorothy Ruff, a longtime campaign volunteer who chairs the coordinating committee for state agencies, hopes to attract new contributors among state government employees as well.

“This year’s focus is on first-time givers and those new to state employment,” says Ruff, who works for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority’s asset management group. “We have a younger work force now and they may not be familiar with the campaign and its benefits.”

Charitable organizations supported by the Partners in Giving campaign promote a broad range of family services, advocacy and legal assistance, educational and environmental activities, emergency relief, health research and other worthy causes.

Over the years, Partners in Giving has proven that workplace campaigns really matter. Since its inception as the State Employees Combined Campaign in 1973, the annual effort has raised more than $39 million for charitable causes, and the number of participating charities has surged from a mere handful to more than 400 each year. Each charity must meet rigorous eligibility standards.

Volunteers run the bulk of the campaign, helping to keep overhead costs to just 3 percent of what is pledged — a very low figure by national standards.

Employees can donate through payroll deduction, check or cash. Contributions are tax-deductible, as allowed by law. Only charities and umbrella groups that qualify for federal tax-exempt status are allowed to participate.

Every campaign packet includes a pledge form and a booklet that explains how to contribute, describes each of the participating charities and answers common questions.

For more information about the 2004 campaign, including a list of all participating charities and more, visit the new Partners in Giving Web site or contact the campaign coordinator where you work.