10 Common Donor Concerns
1. If I give to SECC my pledge will go to Agency X, and I don't like Agency X, so I'm not giving.
If the person would like more information about Agency X, offer to obtain it from the umbrella group that represents Agency X. Point out that there are more than 350 other agencies to which contributions may be designated; SECC respects the right of each person to route dollars only to agencies that she or he prefers to support.
2. I can't afford to give.
Every donation makes a difference. Addressing the needs of the less fortunate makes a better society for everyone. Chances are that someday you or someone close to you will need the services of these agencies. Keeping them strong today ensures they'll be able to respond tomorrow. Even if a person is temporarily short of funds, payroll deduction makes it easier to spread a contribution over a long period of time. This way, giving is easy. Even $1 per pay period contributes $26 per year to an agency of your choice.
3. I feel I am being pressured to give to SECC.
No one should feel pressured to give. SECC is made possible through the efforts of volunteers. A coordinator needs to stress the idea of voluntary giving. Each potential giver should understand the facts, the needs of the charities, the importance of each contribution, and then decide privately and freely how much, to whom, and whether to give.
4. Why should I give to SECC when the government takes care of everybody?
Government programs are largely designed to provide people with basic needs (i.e. food, clothing and shelter). SECC supports a wider range of services that meet many needs. SECC balances and fills the gap in tax-supported services.
5. My spouse contributes at work.
SECC asks contributors to give in proportion to their own income. One alternative is to divide the family contribution, so that some is given in both workplaces.
6. I work for a living and pay my own way. I'm never going to use these services. Why should I pay for them?
Anyone who never needs these services is fortunate. No one is beyond the problems of mental illness, birth defects, or the tragedy that accidents can bring. When these things happen, almost everyone asks, "Where can I turn?" The answer will be the agencies supported by SECC, but only if we all help to make sure they are there when people need them.
7. There are just too many worthy causes. I can't give to all of them.
There is only one annual drive in the workplace -- SECC -- and it provides a way to give to many worthy causes with a single pledge. Each year more and more agencies join SECC. By participating collectively and holding down fund-raising costs, a greater percentage of money collected goes directly to serve people who need help.
8. I like to give in person or to help by volunteering for a group.
Personal service is excellent and a wonderful way for workers of limited financial means to help without spending much money. Employees are encouraged to make a financial contribution in addition to volunteering.
9. It's too difficult to find the charity I want to give to in the brochure.
Participating charities are listed alphabetically under larger umbrella agencies.
10. Is my SECC contribution tax-deductible? I want to make contributions that are tax-deductible.
All participating charities are tax-exempt non-profit organizations and your SECC donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Keep the pink copy of your pledge form for your tax records. All individuals who contribute $250 or more in a single payment to a charity will receive a receipt from the fiscal agency.