Frequently Asked Questions

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/charities/faq.html

Frequently Asked Questions


1. If I am already giving through payroll deduction this year, is it necessary to fill out a new pledge form (on-line) for the current campaign?

Yes. Your pledge last year is good for the 2007 calendar year only. Now is the time for you to make your payroll deduction arrangements for calendar year 2008.

2. Can you donate to a specific charity, which is an affiliate of one of the campaign-approved charities?

Yes! Using the on-line system, there is a bar labeled “Designations/Acknowledgements.” Click on the bar and you will be linked to the page with a listing of Federations. Follow the directions on the page to select your designation. Click here, for step-by-step instructions.

3. Can I donate to an organization, which is NOT part of one of the campaign approved charities?

Yes. Using the on-line system, there is a bar labeled “Designations/Acknowledgments.” Click on the bar and you will be linked to the page with a listing of Federations. Follow the directions on the page to enter your designation. Click here, for step-by-step instructions.

4. Can the Confirmation page be used as a receipt?

Your pay stub is your receipt.

5. Can I receive acknowledgment of my gift from the charitable organization?

Yes. Using the SEMA4 on-line system, click on the bar labeled "Designation/Acknowledgements." Choose the Affiliated Charity you would like to receive an acknowledgement from. Click "Please send me an acknowledgement email" Click in the check box for "Please click here if you would like an email acknowledgement emailed to you." Complete the email address or your home/work address. Click "Submit."

6. Does the IRS accept the paycheck stub as a receipt?

Yes.

7. How do I stop a deduction during the year?

To stop a charitable deduction, go to the State of Minnesota Employee Self Service website and log in. Click "Other Payroll." Click "Charitable Deductions." On the Voluntary Deduction page, click "Edit" to the right of the deduction you want to stop. Click "Stop Deduction." Click "Save." Click "OK."

8. When will the first deduction be made?

Deductions start with your first paycheck in January of the following year unless otherwise specified by the employee.

9. How do I know the on-line system accepted my pledge?

You should receive the following message “Save Confirmation,” “The Save was successful.” If not, the deductions will not be taken. If you received an error message, modify your entry and click “Save.”

10. Will the information be secure?

Yes. Data security is incorporated, as it is with the insurance process and the pay stub information. The website uses the latest Internet security software.

11. What if I don’t have access to a PC at work?

The Human Resource department should have a PC available to access your pay stub information. Check with your H.R. personnel.

12. Why are there so many charities in the Combined Charities Campaign?

The needs of our community are many and diverse. One charity simply cannot address the concerns of everyone. The Combined Charities Campaign offers you the freedom to choose how you want to spend your charitable dollar.

13. What are the administrative operating expenses of the charities?

In order to be approved to participate in the Minnesota state employee’s work place giving campaign, all charitable federations must have operating costs under 30 percent. All participating organizations are well within this limit. For specific information about the administrative expenses of each charity and the amount it charges to process a donation to a non-affiliated nonprofit organization, click here.

14. Will there be step-by-step instructions available for each employee?

Yes. The official Combined Charities website, www.charities.state.mn.us will have several places where the instructions are available. Instructions are available on the “How to Donate,” and on the “Resource Documents” web pages.