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Frequently asked questions
3. How much of my contribution goes to campaign fundraising costs?
4. Why should I give through the GCWCC instead of directly to my charity of choice?
5. Are the details of my contribution confidential?
6. Can I change my contribution?
You can make a donation to the GCWCC by completing your gift form, which is available through your canvasser during the campaign period (Sept. to Nov.). For more information, please contact your departmental Campaign Leader or your local United Way/Centraide.
The campaign is managed by local United Ways/Centraides on behalf of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. United Way/Centraide is a trusted community partner with a history of making wise investments.
3. How much of my contribution goes to campaign fundraising costs?
United Way/Centraide manages the GCWCC on behalf of Treasury Board and the Government of Canada. United Way/Centraide was selected for this role, through Treasury Board’s competitive process, because of our ability to pool resources to reduce the cost of fundraising by other charities and the ability to achieve economies of scale on their behalf.
Actual campaign fundraising costs in the National Capital Region in 2009 were 15.4% of the total campaign revenue. The direct cost of fundraising for all registered charities is recovered in the form of a 15% fundraising fee. This fee covers actual costs, which includes gift solicitation, advertising and promotion, donor recognition and stewardship, processing, charitable tax receipting, accounting, reporting and auditing. The fee is strongly competitive when compared to Imagine Canada’s national average for charities of 26%.
To prevent against pledge loss, an additional 5% adjustment is applied on donations for employees who choose to give through payroll deduction. Pledge loss occurs when a donor does not fulfill their pledged gift to the GCWCC. United Way/Centraide applies the pledge loss provision on gifts given through payroll deduction, which in effect acts as an insurance policy and provides stability for recipient charities, as they receive the donation whether or not the pledge is honoured.
As managers of the campaign, United Way/Centraide is able to keep fundraising costs very low, thanks to the support of many sponsors and contributors who provide gifts and services in-kind and who lend us their staff through our Loaned Representative program during the campaign period.
For more information about fundraising and administrative costs in your region, please contact your local United Way/Centraide.
4. Why should I give through the GCWCC instead of directly to my charity of choice?
United Ways/Centraides, managers of the GCWCC, use a centralized, streamlined administrative procedure that processes designated donations more efficiently than most charitable organizations. Therefore, by donating through the GCWCC, you can ensure that more of your gift will support the programs and services provided by the organization(s) you select. For more information, contact your local United Way/Centraide.
5. Are the details of my contribution confidential?
As managers of the campaign, United Ways/Centraides are committed to donor privacy. Donor information is not shared without written authorization or unless required by law. For more information about privacy policies in your region, please contact your local United Way/Centraide.
6. Can I change my contribution?
You may change your pledge at any time by notifying your payroll officer in writing. Further questions about changing your contribution can be addressed by a member of the GCWCC administration team, available at www.gcwcc.org under the “Contact” tab.
You may pay off the balance of your donation of the current year in one lump sum by way of a cheque or credit card or by providing postdated cheques to your local United Way/Centraide. You will be solicited through your pension cheque the following year in two mail-outs, the first in September and the second in mid-October. Your pay adviser can help you fill out the appropriate forms.
You may pay the amount you pledged all at once or you can renew your donation at your new workplace by contacting your payroll officer. If you stay with the Government of Canada, deductions continue as before. To make other arrangements, please contact your local United Way/Centraide.
