Purpose
The Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) is a workplace giving campaign that enables Colorado state government employees to donate to charities that benefit Coloradans. They can do so by paycheck contribution, cash, check or credit card. Donations to the CCC are voluntary, confidential, and tax-deductible.
State employees may designate their donations to one or more charities or groups of charities known as federations. An Advisory Committee, made up of representatives of most state agencies, sets and enforces campaign guidelines, called bylaws. The advisory committee reviews the federations who sponsor the more than 400 charities in the campaign to determine if they are fiscally responsible and provide the services they say they do. |
The Colorado Combined Campaign was created by executive order in 1987 to improve the state of Colorado by encouraging workplace giving in all departments of state government and state higher-education institutions. The generous donations made by state employees benefit hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year. These organizations are essential to the progress of our beautiful state and range in cause from healthcare to child advocacy to environmental protection and so much more.
State employees who choose to give to the Colorado Combined Campaign are improving the lives of thousands of Coloradans each year. And to them we say, THANK YOU! The campaign could not work without your selfless generosity. |
Join the CCC - and Our State Employee Tradition of Giving, Caring, and Sharing
What is the Colorado Combined Campaign?
The Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) is Colorado state government’s official employee giving program. 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. Since then, state employees through the CCC have raised more than $36.8 million for Colorado charities. The average donation comes to about $1 per day.
How does donating through the CCC work?
As a state employee, you are in charge of your giving. Each year, you can choose from more than 400 pre-vetted Colorado nonprofits that represent 20+ cause areas and every corner of the state (see the CCC Resource Guide for all of the options available to you). You can also decide how to give. Most employees give through payroll contribution (a few dollars each pay period), but you can also make a one-time or recurring credit/debit card or e-check donation. There is no minimum donation and all state employees are welcome to participate. Signing up is easy, either online or with a fillable pledge form. However you participate, you’re a part of a culture of giving that helps Colorado be an even better place to live, work, and play.
Who can participate?
The CCC is a benefit of employment for all state workers. It was created by executive order in 1987 and has been endorsed by every Colorado governor since. Nearly 60 state agencies and state colleges and universities -- and thousands of state-employees -- participate each year.
Who can I give to?
Each year, you can choose from over 400 Colorado nonprofits that represent more than 20 different causes and every corner of the state. All charities apply to participate and undergo a rigorous vetting process overseen by state employees to ensure the highest levels of legal and regulatory compliance.
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 (a little bit each pay period), you can give more than you might ordinarily be able to. It’s empowering for the donor and provides sustained funding for charities. Also, the strength of many donors coming together to give keeps administrative costs low, both for the campaign and for the recipient nonprofits.
How much has the CCC raised over time?
Since 1987, the CCC has raised over $36.8 million for Colorado charities. In 2021, state employees made 1,331 donations totaling $630,026 that benefitted 384 charities. Donors on average gave $473, around $39 per month.
Who manages 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. The CCC is an independent, audited 501c3 nonprofit organization registered with the Colorado Secretary of State. It is managed day to day by Community Shares of Colorado, an expert in workplace giving campaigns. Community Shares was awarded a contract with the state to run the campaign and works closely with the all-employee CCC Advisory Committee to plan and manage operations. The CCC also partners with volunteers from across state government to run the campaign.
How do I sign up?
During active campaign season (traditionally fall/winter), you can sign up for a payroll contribution on ElevateGive, the online giving platform. You may make a donation with credit/debit card or e-check anytime. In the so-called “off season,” contact the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org, and we’ll coordinate a payroll gift with your department if that’s you’re preference.
How do I give?
You choose how to give. There is no minimum donation. Pledge a recurring or one-time payroll contribution in whatever amount that works for you. Other pledge options include credit/debit card and e-check. It's convenient, easy, and affordable -- and every dollar helps. As a state employee, you’re empowered to give and in charge of it. Start by visiting the online giving site.
What is the benefit of donating through the CCC?
The CCC enables you to donate directly out of your paycheck, in whatever amount you like. This automatic, incremental giving allows most employees to give more than otherwise might be possible.
Why should I give?
By supporting our nonprofit community, you're strengthening the many diverse causes it serves -- and assisting others along the way. You're building an even better Colorado. Plus, you benefit yourself. Through your donation, you're living our values, with the help of an established and trustworthy giving program. Join in and do something good for others while also doing something good for yourself!
Why shouldn't I just give to my favorite nonprofit directly?
Colorado nonprofits like participating in workplace giving campaigns like the CCC because the costs are lower than other types of fundraising, the reach is much greater, and the contributions are consistent. Nonprofits can keep their administrative costs lower if they’re processing a single, large payment from the CCC versus multiple, smaller payments from individual donors. Recurring donations creates a sustained form of funding that helps nonprofits year-round.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Every agency listed in the CCC Resource Guide & Directory is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations to these groups are eligible for tax deduction on your annual income tax form. You will need to retain a copy of your pledge form and (if giving through payroll contribution) a copy of your final pay stub showing the total amount withheld during the calendar year in order to claim your deduction. Workplace giving donations are post-tax, per IRS guidelines.
Do I get a receipt for my donation?
Your completed and signed pledge form serves as proof of your gift, if you're giving on paper. If you give online, the ElevateGive giving system will automatically email you a confirmation of your donation.
If I currently give through payroll contribution, do I have to sign up again when there’s a new campaign?
Yes. Participation in the CCC is voluntary for a one-year time period. We don't assume you'll give each year just because you gave one year. It is easy to replicate your online pledge from year to year. Just look for the prompt when you visit your account on ElevateGive.
Can I continue to participate when I retire?
Yes. The CCC offers a retiree giving program that enables employees to continue their philanthropic commitment to their charity, cause, community and state after they retire. Visit the special page at www.coloradocombinedcampaign.org/retiree-giving-program.html to learn more and make your gift.
How do I get my favorite charity on the list?
If you don’t see them on the list, fill out this form. We’ll invite them to apply for 2024 and send them the needed materials that outline all of the required criteria.
Is the CCC cost effective?
Yes. In comparison to other forms of fundraising such as grant writing (20¢ for every dollar raised), events (50¢), and, direct mail ($1), workplace giving (15¢) is among the most cost-effective. Also, the CCC raises funds for hundreds of charities, versus just one. Campaign manager Community Shares of Colorado is consistently at or under budget in managing the CCC.
How is the CCC financed?
The CCC’s annual budget is determined based on the amount of the previous year’s donations. To encourage, process and distribute donations, the CCC incurs operational costs. No campaign expense is born by the state. Rather, the CCC uses a cost-sharing model. To finance their participation, nonprofits allow the CCC to keep 15¢ for every dollar raised to cover essential administrative/management costs. This amount has been constant for many years and has not increased. Nonprofits apply to be part of the CCC acknowledging the cost-sharing model because it’s an economical way for them to reach a large audience of potential donors.
How is the CCC held accountable?
The campaign’s activities are overseen by a committee of state employees (the CCC Advisory Committee), which meets nearly every month to set policy, approve plans and guide direction. The CCC Advisory Committee approves the annual budget and monitors expenses each month. In addition, the CCC is audited yearly and is a Colorado nonprofit registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State.
Why should I give if a portion of my donation doesn’t go to my nonprofit?
Your nonprofit agrees to allow the CCC to keep 15¢ to cover the cost of generating the donation, and your gift is 100% tax deductible. Because no state funds can be used to cover the cost of reaching Colorado’s 75,000 state employees, the state partners with a nonprofit to help manage the campaign for a low cost.
How can i edit my pledge
Please contact your department's Lead Coordinator or email info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org to make changes to your pledge.
When will my non-profit receive my contribution
If you give by payroll contribution or recurring debit/credit card: Community Shares of Colorado starts to receive contributions in February. Organizations are notified of their donors and designated pledges in March. Distributions begin in April and continue for 12 months.
If you give by one-time credit card or paper check: Community Shares will log your donation and it will be distributed in April.
If you give by one-time credit card or paper check: Community Shares will log your donation and it will be distributed in April.
Retiree Giving Program
For more than 30 years, Colorado state employees have generously supported the Colorado Combined Campaign. Many want to continue to give to the CCC when they retire. No wonder: giving through the CCC has always been easy, efficient, and affordable. Plus, retiree donors can stay connected to the giving community they’ve long been a part of, and also add to the fundraising success of their former agency. The campaign welcomes and is grateful for this support!
Retiree Giving
The CCC has a simple retiree giving program that enables employees to continue their philanthropic commitment to their charity, cause, community, and state after they retire. Giving options available to retirees are: one-time or recurring credit/debit card or bank transfer, or one-time check.
GIVE ONLINE
To easily and quickly give online, go to ElevateGive, the online giving platform. Find your "division" (department name) and then pick "retired." Be sure to include your email address so we can stay in touch and let you know when the new campaign begins each year. Watch this video for detailed instructions.
Give on paper
Click here to download and print a CCC Pledge Form, in order to give on paper. Simply fill it out (do it right on your screen!) and email it to info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org. Or, print it out, complete and mail to:
Colorado Combined Campaign
1600 N Downing Street, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80218
Search for charities by accessing the 2023 Resource Guide & Directory, or by visiting CCC nonprofit lists elsewhere on the website.
Email the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org or call us at 720-420-3210 with any questions about continuing to give after retirement.
Colorado Combined Campaign
1600 N Downing Street, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80218
Search for charities by accessing the 2023 Resource Guide & Directory, or by visiting CCC nonprofit lists elsewhere on the website.
Email the CCC at info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org or call us at 720-420-3210 with any questions about continuing to give after retirement.
Retiree Volunteering
You can give of your time, too! The CCC seeks state government retirees to play an active role in various facets of the campaign. These include:
-Helping with campaign events at state agencies and colleges/universities.
-Serving as a goodwill ambassador by delivering campaign materials to worksites and reaching out to Lead Coordinators.
-Providing administrative support at the CCC office.
To learn more or sign up for volunteer opportunities, contact us!
-Helping with campaign events at state agencies and colleges/universities.
-Serving as a goodwill ambassador by delivering campaign materials to worksites and reaching out to Lead Coordinators.
-Providing administrative support at the CCC office.
To learn more or sign up for volunteer opportunities, contact us!
Meet the Staff
The Colorado Combined Campaign is managed by a designated organization contracted with by the State of Colorado to provide staffing and support for the giving campaign. The Campaign Manager is subject to oversight by the CCC Employee Advisory Committee and the Executive Director (Department of Personnel and Administration). Community Shares of Colorado was awarded the contract to manage the Colorado Combined Campaign in a competitive bid process in October 2013 with the contract beginning January 1, 2014. Community Shares of Colorado is the designated campaign manager for the Colorado Combined Campaign. Community Shares currently has a staff of eight, with a combined 85 years in nonprofit, fundraising and campaign management. At some point, any staff member may be involved in carrying out campaign activities, whether guiding strategy, assisting at an event, producing payroll reports or mailing donor tax acknowledgements. \Community Shares was founded in 1986 to bring diverse choices to workplace giving and welcome all donors with no minimum donation amounts. To date, Community Shares has managed more than $45 million in community giving funds, with an average workplace donor gift of $1 each workday. Member diversity, choice in giving, local significance and financial transparency are guiding principles. Community Shares is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. The organization was greatly honored to be named the first-ever winner of the Bill Daniels Ethical Leadership Award, presented by the Daniels Fund and the Colorado Nonprofit Association as a highlight of Colorado Nonprofit Week in March 2018. At the same time, Community Shares was selected as the Charity of the Month by the Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. The recognition reflects Community Shares meeting, maintaining and exceeding BBB Charity Standards to increase donor confidence and strengthen public trust in philanthropy. Contact Us www.cshares.org | 303-861-7507 | cshares@cshares.org 1600 N Downing Street, Suite 700 Denver, CO 80218 |
Robin Wood-Mason - CEO, Sarah Maxwell - COO, Stacey Baxter- Social Impact Services Manger Jennifer Renee - Social Impact Services Coordinator Memberships & Accreditations |
By-Laws
The CCC is overseen by an Advisory Committee made up of 15-20 dedicated Colorado state employees who represent state departments, colleges and universities. Additionally, each department, college and university has one or more Lead Coordinators who work closely with the CCC Advisory Committee and staff to run a successful campaign.
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The Advisory Committee
Robert Hooser - Committee Chair
Department of Revenue Patti Dahlberg - Committee Vice Chair Legislative Department Doug Platt - Committee Administrator Department of Personnel & Administration Interesting in joining the committee?Learn more about Advisory Committee roles and responsibilities, and email us if you're interested in joining!
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Laura Darrow
Public Defender's Office Jill Elggren Office of Information Technology (At Large) Joey Gallegos Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Sara Kahat Department of Human Services Lisa LaMunyon Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Barb Lautenbach Department of Education Alberta Lopez Department of Public Safety Michelle Morelli Department of Labor & Employment |
Contact Us
Please contact us using the information below or view our staff list to contact an individual member of the team.
Email info@coloradocombinedcampaign.org Call 720-420-3210 Write Colorado Combined Campaign 1600 N Downing Street, Suite 700 Denver, Colorado 80218 Connect facebook.com/coloradocombinedcampaign |
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