Partners in Giving maximizes impact of charitable gifts

The theme of this year’s Partners in Giving campaign, “Many Causes. One Community. Your Choice,” emphasizes the collective impact of thousands of charitable donations — and the freedom to pick the causes that matter most to you. 

Partners in Giving, the state, university and UW Hospitals and Clinics Combined Campaign of Dane County, runs through Nov. 28.

Brian Rust, communications director for DoIT, began giving years ago when someone showed him the ease of donating through payroll deduction. The experience led him to serve as DoIT’s campaign chair for several years. Today, he’s part of the University Coordinating Committee, led by Katharyn May, dean of the School of Nursing.

“The important thing is to take a moment to ask yourself what cause is important to you, look for a group that addresses it and make a pledge,” says Rust. “My wife and I give because we believe in several local groups that address homelessness and hunger. I give through Partners because those groups are part of the campaign, and it’s crazy easy to do.”

This year, it’s even easier to donate, thanks to online giving.  Employees can arrange payroll deductions or contribute via credit card. Information can be found on the website and through campaign coordinators. 

“First time givers/pledgers will find it even easier this year to do so online,” says Rust. “It took me three minutes.”

Through Partners in Giving and its 11 umbrella organizations, contributors can support more than 520 nonprofits in a wide range of areas such as environmental conservation, health access and support, human rights, animal issues, hunger relief and assistance to people around the world.

The combined effort of these organizations means that each contribution makes a greater impact. Thanks to low overhead costs — less than four percent — Partners in Giving helps more money go where it is needed most. Charities must also meet strict eligibility requirements for fiscal management, as set by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

In 2013, University of Wisconsin employees pledged more than $1.2 million, and UW Hospital and Clinics employees pledged more than $272,000. Since its inception in 1973 as the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC), the campaign has raised $66.7 million in Dane County for charitable causes.