New online giving option expands public employee charitable effort

The public employees who make up the Partners in Giving charitable campaign have a new tool this year: an online giving option to simplify donating and helping the causes they cherish most.

First launched in 1973 as the State Employees Combined Campaign, Partners in Giving has raised more than $50.4 million for charitable causes, bringing together state, UW and UW Hospital and Clinics employees based in Dane County. With more than 9,300 employees giving nearly $2.94 million last year, organizers hope to top a record $3 million mark in 2008.

“Our theme this year is ‘Give a little. Change a lot,’ which embodies the spirit of workplace giving,” says Phyllis Fuller, senior policy analyst with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and co-chair of the campaign board.

The campaign, which runs from Oct. 13-Nov. 28, features 475 charitable organizations under 12 umbrella groups. Employees can direct donations to a number of causes or simply request a gift be distributed evenly.

Donations can be made in a single lump sum or, more popularly, spread out over a year through payroll deduction or standing credit card payments.

The new online giving option offers employees a simplified process through credit card. All previous options of cash, check and payroll deduction continue through the paper pledge form employees will recognize from past years.

The charitable groups represented in the campaign cross a broad spectrum that includes local, state, national and international, as well as a broad variety of interest areas.

Information and campaign materials are available at http://giving.wi.gov, which also features a link to the secure online donation tool.