Tech’s annual Charitable Campaign kicks off

Robert Nesmith
Communications
& Marketing

For many faculty and staff members, Tech’s participation in the 2009 State Charitable Contributions Program will be an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to donating. For the rest, it is a chance to give, especially when charitable organizations will need it most.

Themed “A Better Tomorrow Begins Today,” the statewide campaign officially begins Oct. 6. Through TechWorks and online access, Institute faculty and staff will be able to donate seamlessly through payroll deduction. Campaign coordinators in each department will provide assistance and information.

This year, 45 independent charitable organizations and more than 1,200 local and international organizations—managed through 42 charitable federations—will benefit from the campaign. Services provided by these groups are local, national or international in scope.

“There truly is something for everyone,” said Director of Career Services Ralph Mobley, chair of this year’s campaign. “The mix of organizations is truly diverse, from county- and state-specific to those national and international in scope.”

Participants can give to established and well-known organizations such as United Way, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. Other organizations on the list range from assistance groups (Canine Assistants, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Operation Smile), environmental organizations (Keep Georgia Beautiful, The Conservation Fund and Trees Atlanta) and community groups (Community Improvement Alliance, Boys and Girls Clubs and Fund for Southern Communities). Participants can decide where their money goes, choosing specific charities they wish to support.

To meet the criteria to participate in the campaign, organizations selected by the state must have one annual campaign per year, be registered with the Secretary of State’s office, have proven sercive-delivery systems, have a policy and practice of nondiscrimination and have overhead costs of 25 percent or less.

Last year, contributions increased 42 percent ($88,000), from roughly $211,000 in 2006 to nearly $300,000 last year, with the number of donors last year nearly doubling. The Institute received the Governor’s Award for largest year-to-year increase in total contributions and the Governor’s Cup for highest contribution per employee ($196). Last year, donations were specified for 1,000 state-based charities.

“With 5,700 full-time faculty and staff, we want to increase the number of participants,” Mobley said.

TechWorks will provide the link, along with instructions, to set a person’s payroll deductions for the charity of their choice. Although a one-time donation is possible, Mobley encourages using TechWorks. “It is extremely efficient, easy for the employee and easy for Georgia Tech,” he said.