What is the Colorado Combined Campaign?
The Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) is the annual charitable workplace giving campaign of Colorado state government employees. The state established the campaign in 1987 as a beneficial way for employees to easily and efficiently donate to a wide array of nonprofits and support their communities.
How does donating through the CCC work?
As a state employee, you’re in charge of your giving. Each year, you can choose from around 600 Colorado nonprofits that represent 23 different causes and every corner of the state. You can also decide how to give. Most employees give through payroll contribution (a few dollars each pay period), a longstanding tradition. But you can also make a recurring donation with a credit/debit card or a one-time donation with cash, check or credit/debit card. There is no minimum donation. Signing up is easy, either online or with a paper form. However you participate, you’re a part of a culture of giving that helps our state be even better.
What’s the advantage of workplace giving?
Workplace giving has traditionally been one of the most popular ways for people to give. Because you give incrementally and automatically, you can give more than you might ordinarily be able to. It’s empowering. Also, the strength of many donors coming together to give keeps administrative costs low, both for the campaign and for the recipient charities.
How much has the CCC raised over time?
Since 1987, the CCC has raised nearly $33 million. In 2016, state employees made more than 6,000 donations totaling nearly $939,000. The average donation was $338.18, or about $30 per paycheck.
What’s the timeframe of the campaign?
The CCC generally runs from September 1 until December 31. (In 2017, given when the holidays fall, the campaign will remain open until January 2, 2018.) Within this timeframe, individual state agencies and colleges/universities run their own internal campaigns. Many start in October and run for four to six weeks. Wrap up and reporting take place in January, and the process of distributing funds to designated charities begins in February.
Who runs the CCC?
The CCC is overseen by state employees, for the benefit of state employees. An Advisory Committee of employee volunteers from across state government meets each month to set policy, approve plans and budgets, and evaluate participating nonprofits. Look elsewhere in this guide for our current Advisory Committee officers and members. The CCC is an independent, audited nonprofit organization registered with the Colorado Secretary of State. It is managed by Community Shares of Colorado, an expert in workplace giving campaigns.
Who can I call for help if I have questions about our campaign?
CCC staff members are available to answer your questions, help you troubleshoot, and provide support, materials and resources. Call us at 720-420-3210 or email info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org.
Can I get additional brochures and pledge forms?
Yes. The campaign resource guide and pledge form can be found online at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/campaign-resources. Also, you can request additional copies by calling the CCC.
Where can I find additional campaign resources?
Campaign resources (such as posters, flyers and emails) can be found online at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/campaign-resources.html. You can also contact the CCC with questions and requests for additional resources.
Is there money for me to use to plan a campaign kickoff or other campaign events?
Yes. The CCC has allocated a small amount of “seed money” that can be used to help promote your campaign. Each agency and college/university is allocated five cents per employee to be used to purchase any items that will enhance your campaign. In order to receive reimbursement, you must fill out the reimbursement form you’ll find elsewhere in this manual. Submit your form to becky@coloradocombinedcampaign.org.
How do other agencies and colleges/universities use their seed money?
Seed money can be used for anything that will help inspire employees to participate in the campaign, including: purchasing incentive gifts that are given through weekly drawings to individuals who have opted donate; and, purchasing food for campaign kickoffs or nonprofit fairs.
Does the CCC provide incentive gifts?
The CCC provides a limited number of incentive gifts each year. These can include things like tote bags, travel mugs, pens, magnets, Post-Its and other swag. It is up to you to decide how to use these items. Often Lead Coordinators will use them for door prizes at events, add them to silent auction baskets or give them as a thank-you to employees who have donated or volunteered.
Other departments seem to have great giveaways such as gift cards. Where can I get these items?
Aside from the limited amount of items that you receive directly from the CCC, Lead Coordinators can solicit popular businesses for donations. Tip: approach the stores you already frequent for a donation. Take a walk at lunch and ask the stores and restaurants close to your office for donations. Sample donation request and thank-you letters are elsewhere in this manual, and on the Lead Coordinator page on the CCC website.
What kickoff events and fundraisers have departments hosted to increase participation and pledges?
Most agencies and colleges/universities will host a nonprofit fair so that employees can learn about the different services being offered in the community. Many times these activities are paired with other events such as chili cook-offs, bake sales and silent auctions.
How do I schedule a nonprofit fair or nonprofit speaker?
Participating nonprofit agencies are always excited to have the opportunity to come and talk to employee donors about their work and how much the contributions they receive through the CCC make a difference in their ability to help the community. To schedule a nonprofit speaker or to set up a nonprofit fair, please contact the CCC at 720-420-3210. For more tips and information on scheduling an agency fair or speaker, look elsewhere on this website under www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/campaign-resources.html.
Where can I find more information about the nonprofits participating in this year’s campaign?
A current listing of participating nonprofits can be found in our campaign brochure, as well as on our website at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/donor-resources.html. We also routinely highlight our nonprofit partners on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradocombinedcampaign.
What do I do with paper pledge forms that have been completed and returned to my attention?
If an employee has opted to donate through payroll contribution, a copy of the paper pledge form must be turned in to both your payroll department and the CCC. If the employee has opted to donate with a credit/debit card or check, or with cash, the pledge form and the method of payment need only be submitted to the CCC. Paper pledge forms that don’t involve cash or check can be scanned and emailed to info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org. In the metro area, you can arrange for a pickup (we come to you) or delivery (you come to us) of pledge forms and funds by calling us at 720-420-3210 or emailing info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org. Outside of the metro area, feel free to ship items via a secure service like UPS or FedEx (see our street address below). Also, don’t forget to include a Pledge Processing Form with every “batch” of forms and funds.
Colorado Combined Campaign
789 Sherman Street, Suite 230
Denver, CO 80203
720-420-3210
info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org
What is the Pledge Processing Form?
This form serves as part of our system of checks and balances and ensures that the CCC attributes the pledges to the correct agency or college/university. The Pledge Processing Form needs to be filled out and submitted with each batch of pledges you submit to the CCC. (Batches should also be separated by subdivision, for instance, Department of Revenue – Lottery Division, with the Pledge Processing Form filled out accordingly.) Please see more elsewhere in this manual.
Can an employee make a pledge after the campaign has closed on January 2?
Employee donors interested in making a check or credit card donation can do so at any time throughout the year. Pledges made through payroll contribution can, in most cases, be processed with the January pay period if received by the CCC office by mid-January. The ability to process pledges made through payroll contribution outside of the timeline of the campaign (so, from January to August) varies by institution and is at the institution’s discretion. Please contact the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org with questions about processing pledges that are made after the campaign closes.
If an employee is hired outside of the campaign season (January through August) can they still make a pledge or do they have to wait until the next campaign year?
Employee donors interested in making a credit card, check or cash donation may do so at any time throughout the year. The ability to process pledges made through payroll contribution varies by agency or school and is at the institution’s discretion. Please contact the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org with questions about processing pledges that are made after the campaign closes.
The Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) is the annual charitable workplace giving campaign of Colorado state government employees. The state established the campaign in 1987 as a beneficial way for employees to easily and efficiently donate to a wide array of nonprofits and support their communities.
How does donating through the CCC work?
As a state employee, you’re in charge of your giving. Each year, you can choose from around 600 Colorado nonprofits that represent 23 different causes and every corner of the state. You can also decide how to give. Most employees give through payroll contribution (a few dollars each pay period), a longstanding tradition. But you can also make a recurring donation with a credit/debit card or a one-time donation with cash, check or credit/debit card. There is no minimum donation. Signing up is easy, either online or with a paper form. However you participate, you’re a part of a culture of giving that helps our state be even better.
What’s the advantage of workplace giving?
Workplace giving has traditionally been one of the most popular ways for people to give. Because you give incrementally and automatically, you can give more than you might ordinarily be able to. It’s empowering. Also, the strength of many donors coming together to give keeps administrative costs low, both for the campaign and for the recipient charities.
How much has the CCC raised over time?
Since 1987, the CCC has raised nearly $33 million. In 2016, state employees made more than 6,000 donations totaling nearly $939,000. The average donation was $338.18, or about $30 per paycheck.
What’s the timeframe of the campaign?
The CCC generally runs from September 1 until December 31. (In 2017, given when the holidays fall, the campaign will remain open until January 2, 2018.) Within this timeframe, individual state agencies and colleges/universities run their own internal campaigns. Many start in October and run for four to six weeks. Wrap up and reporting take place in January, and the process of distributing funds to designated charities begins in February.
Who runs the CCC?
The CCC is overseen by state employees, for the benefit of state employees. An Advisory Committee of employee volunteers from across state government meets each month to set policy, approve plans and budgets, and evaluate participating nonprofits. Look elsewhere in this guide for our current Advisory Committee officers and members. The CCC is an independent, audited nonprofit organization registered with the Colorado Secretary of State. It is managed by Community Shares of Colorado, an expert in workplace giving campaigns.
Who can I call for help if I have questions about our campaign?
CCC staff members are available to answer your questions, help you troubleshoot, and provide support, materials and resources. Call us at 720-420-3210 or email info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org.
Can I get additional brochures and pledge forms?
Yes. The campaign resource guide and pledge form can be found online at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/campaign-resources. Also, you can request additional copies by calling the CCC.
Where can I find additional campaign resources?
Campaign resources (such as posters, flyers and emails) can be found online at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/campaign-resources.html. You can also contact the CCC with questions and requests for additional resources.
Is there money for me to use to plan a campaign kickoff or other campaign events?
Yes. The CCC has allocated a small amount of “seed money” that can be used to help promote your campaign. Each agency and college/university is allocated five cents per employee to be used to purchase any items that will enhance your campaign. In order to receive reimbursement, you must fill out the reimbursement form you’ll find elsewhere in this manual. Submit your form to becky@coloradocombinedcampaign.org.
How do other agencies and colleges/universities use their seed money?
Seed money can be used for anything that will help inspire employees to participate in the campaign, including: purchasing incentive gifts that are given through weekly drawings to individuals who have opted donate; and, purchasing food for campaign kickoffs or nonprofit fairs.
Does the CCC provide incentive gifts?
The CCC provides a limited number of incentive gifts each year. These can include things like tote bags, travel mugs, pens, magnets, Post-Its and other swag. It is up to you to decide how to use these items. Often Lead Coordinators will use them for door prizes at events, add them to silent auction baskets or give them as a thank-you to employees who have donated or volunteered.
Other departments seem to have great giveaways such as gift cards. Where can I get these items?
Aside from the limited amount of items that you receive directly from the CCC, Lead Coordinators can solicit popular businesses for donations. Tip: approach the stores you already frequent for a donation. Take a walk at lunch and ask the stores and restaurants close to your office for donations. Sample donation request and thank-you letters are elsewhere in this manual, and on the Lead Coordinator page on the CCC website.
What kickoff events and fundraisers have departments hosted to increase participation and pledges?
Most agencies and colleges/universities will host a nonprofit fair so that employees can learn about the different services being offered in the community. Many times these activities are paired with other events such as chili cook-offs, bake sales and silent auctions.
How do I schedule a nonprofit fair or nonprofit speaker?
Participating nonprofit agencies are always excited to have the opportunity to come and talk to employee donors about their work and how much the contributions they receive through the CCC make a difference in their ability to help the community. To schedule a nonprofit speaker or to set up a nonprofit fair, please contact the CCC at 720-420-3210. For more tips and information on scheduling an agency fair or speaker, look elsewhere on this website under www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/campaign-resources.html.
Where can I find more information about the nonprofits participating in this year’s campaign?
A current listing of participating nonprofits can be found in our campaign brochure, as well as on our website at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/donor-resources.html. We also routinely highlight our nonprofit partners on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradocombinedcampaign.
What do I do with paper pledge forms that have been completed and returned to my attention?
If an employee has opted to donate through payroll contribution, a copy of the paper pledge form must be turned in to both your payroll department and the CCC. If the employee has opted to donate with a credit/debit card or check, or with cash, the pledge form and the method of payment need only be submitted to the CCC. Paper pledge forms that don’t involve cash or check can be scanned and emailed to info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org. In the metro area, you can arrange for a pickup (we come to you) or delivery (you come to us) of pledge forms and funds by calling us at 720-420-3210 or emailing info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org. Outside of the metro area, feel free to ship items via a secure service like UPS or FedEx (see our street address below). Also, don’t forget to include a Pledge Processing Form with every “batch” of forms and funds.
Colorado Combined Campaign
789 Sherman Street, Suite 230
Denver, CO 80203
720-420-3210
info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org
What is the Pledge Processing Form?
This form serves as part of our system of checks and balances and ensures that the CCC attributes the pledges to the correct agency or college/university. The Pledge Processing Form needs to be filled out and submitted with each batch of pledges you submit to the CCC. (Batches should also be separated by subdivision, for instance, Department of Revenue – Lottery Division, with the Pledge Processing Form filled out accordingly.) Please see more elsewhere in this manual.
Can an employee make a pledge after the campaign has closed on January 2?
Employee donors interested in making a check or credit card donation can do so at any time throughout the year. Pledges made through payroll contribution can, in most cases, be processed with the January pay period if received by the CCC office by mid-January. The ability to process pledges made through payroll contribution outside of the timeline of the campaign (so, from January to August) varies by institution and is at the institution’s discretion. Please contact the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org with questions about processing pledges that are made after the campaign closes.
If an employee is hired outside of the campaign season (January through August) can they still make a pledge or do they have to wait until the next campaign year?
Employee donors interested in making a credit card, check or cash donation may do so at any time throughout the year. The ability to process pledges made through payroll contribution varies by agency or school and is at the institution’s discretion. Please contact the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org with questions about processing pledges that are made after the campaign closes.