What is the benefit of making a designated donation through the Colorado Combined Campaign instead of giving directly to my favorite charity?
The Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) enables you to donate directly out of your paycheck, in whatever amount you like. This automatic, incremental giving allows most people to give more overall. (This is why donors like the CCC.)  Additionally, nonprofits can keep their administrative costs lower if they’re processing a single, large payment from the CCC versus multiple, smaller payments from individual donors. Your contribution through the CCC has a greater impact when it’s combined with the generosity of your coworkers. (This is why nonprofits like the CCC.)

Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Every agency listed in the CCC Resource Guide & Director is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Therefore, donations to these groups are eligible for tax deduction on your annual income tax form. You will need to retain a copy of your pledge form and (if giving through payroll contribution) a copy of your final pay stub showing the total amount withheld during the calendar year in order to claim your deduction. CCC donations are post-tax, per IRS guidelines.

Why are only some Colorado nonprofits listed in the CCC Resource Guide & Directory?
The roughly 600 nonprofits listed have applied to be part of the CCC and have undergone a rigorous vetting process. The CCC Advisory Committee (composed of state employees) reviews all applications and makes acceptance decisions based on compliance with CCC bylaws. The campaign welcomes new nonprofits every year. Nonprofits interested in applying may contact the CCC to learn more. CCC bylaws, nonprofit criteria and application forms may be found online at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org.

If I currently give through payroll contribution, do I have to sign up again when there’s a new campaign?
Yes, you do. Participation in the CCC is voluntary. Therefore, no one assumes because you gave one year that you’ll give the next.  You must sign up again, either online or with a paper pledge form. It’s easy, though, to replicate your online pledge from year to year. Just look for the prompt when you visit your account at www.ipledgeonline.org/_coloradocombinedcampaign.

Since we pledge in the fall, when does my donation actually take place?
It depends on how you give. Recurring payroll gifts start in January and end in December. One-time payroll gifts come out of the first paycheck of the year, in January. One-time credit card and check donations are processed once they are received by the CCC (unless we receive different instructions). Similarly, recurring credit card donations are set up as soon as the CCC gets the donation via a paper pledge form or through the online iPledge system. 

Can I continue to participate when I retire?
Yes, and we welcome you to!  The CCC now offers a retiree giving program that enables employees to continue their philanthropic commitment to their charity, cause, community and state after they retire. Visit this special page on our webite to learn more and make your gift. 

How can I be sure that my donation goes to the nonprofit I support?
When you designate your gift, your contribution (less the CCC campaign expense), will go to the nonprofit(s) of your choice. You may request that your charity send you a letter of acknowledgement. You may also choose to remain anonymous, in which case your information will be not shared with anyone aside from CCC staff.

Do I get a receipt for my donation?
Your completed and signed pledge form serves as proof of your gift, if you're giving on paper. If you give online, the iPledge giving system will automatically email you a confirmation of your donation. Remember that if your gift is through your paycheck, you'll need to retain a copy of your final pay stub for the year in which your donation took place. Documentation is necessary for claiming a charitable contribution on your federal income taxes. 

What is the CCC campaign expense?
The expense of running the campaign is 15% or less of the campaign total. This covers essentials like computer software, accounting, auditing, printing, office space and staffing. The remaining 85% of your donation goes to the charity (or charities) of your choice. The CCC Advisory Committee approves the annual budget and monitors expenses each month. Workplace giving like the CCC is a popular and enduring way to give. It’s actually very cost effective when compared to other methods of nonprofit fundraising such as grant writing, events and direct mail (which can have average costs of 20%, 50% and 100%, respectively). Nonprofits apply to be in the CCC and agree to its cost-sharing model, which is an economical way for them to reach a very large audience of potential donors. 

Is it to their advantage for nonprofits to be in a campaign like the CCC?
Yes, and in fact nonprofits vie to participate. This is because they have limited resources and cannot fundraise everywhere. Involvement in a workplace giving campaign like the CCC enables nonprofits to cast a wider net and have access to thousands of potential donors. The 15% campaign expense enables the nonprofit to take advantage of the campaign manager’s marketing, fundraising and administrative expertise.

Will my charity of choice send me information about their work?
If you ask the CCC to share your contact information (as part of your pledge), we’ll pass it along to your designated nonprofit. Many will then send a thank-you letter and an update on their efforts in the community.

What if I don’t have a favorite charity?
You can still participate and are invited to! Simply choose the CCC Charities Fund (use charity code number 99999 on your pledge form or enter it online). Your gift will be distributed proportionately to all the campaign’s nonprofits.

​Why should I support a campaign that includes organizations that I don’t like?
State employees have diverse interests when it comes to charitable giving. By supporting hundreds of nonprofits, the CCC ensures that all employees are able to give to causes that they find personally meaningful. Because of the structure of the campaign, your donation supports your organization(s), the one(s) you have designated.

Who manages the CCC?
The CCC is managed by Community Shares of Colorado, an expert in workplace giving campaigns. Community Shares was awarded a contract with the state to run the campaign and works closely with the all-employee CCC Advisory Committee to plan and manage operations. The CCC also partners with volunteers from across state government to run the campaign.

How is the CCC held accountable?
The campaign’s activities are overseen by a committee of state employees (the CCC Advisory Committee), which meets nearly every month to set policy, approve plans and guide direction. In addition, the CCC is audited yearly and is a registered nonprofit with the Colorado Secretary of State.

What if I make a mistake and want to change my gift?
No problem. Just contact the CCC at 720-420-3210 or info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org for help.

​Who can I call if I have questions about the CCC?
CCC staff members are available to answer your questions any time. Call us at 720-420-3210 or email info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org.

Colorado Combined Campaign
789 Sherman Street, Suite 230, Denver, CO 80203
720-420-3210  |  info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org
www.colorado.gov/ccc