UCSF Launches 2008 Charitable Giving Campaign

Every year, UCSF gives faculty and staff an opportunity to donate much-needed funds to nonprofit programs and agencies that work to strengthen the community. The 2008 UCSF Charitable Giving Campaign, themed “The Heart of UCSF,” runs from Saturday, Nov. 15, through Monday, Dec. 15. Faculty and staff will receive through campus mail a pledge form and a brochure listing of all the programs that they can choose to support. These public service programs, such as the UCSF nurse-run clinic in the Mission District known as Valencia Health Services, provide the critical services that strengthen society and contribute to a better quality of life here in the San Francisco Bay Area, says Barbara J. French, associate vice chancellor of University Relations. French, who is serving as campaign chair this year, hopes the campus community can contribute what it can to assist others in need during these difficult financial times. “This undeniably continues to be a tough economic year for the state of California and the nation,” French says. “Families across America are feeling the pain of paying higher costs for important necessities. “At the very same time, the need for social, health and human services is growing, and donations to support these essential services are being adversely affected due in part to the financial downturn. “During this season of sharing, it is incumbent upon us to consider the needs of our neighbors and give what we can to any one of these valuable programs,” French says. Gifts can be made as a single donation or through regular payroll deductions. UCSF’s combined campaign is administered by Community Health Charities of California (CHCC). CHCC processes all donor contributions for UCSF for an administrative fee of 11 percent from each UCSF employee contribution. “We make every effort possible to keep our administrative costs down,” says Krystie Collard, executive director of the San Francisco/East Bay Branch of CHCC. CHCC has kept the 11 percent administrative fee for several years, says Collard, who pointed out that some administrative fees for processing donations exceed 20 percent. Notably, CHC has earned the Better Business Bureau’s “Wise Giving Alliance” seal, which acknowledges that it adheres to strong accountability standards. This year, UCSF has six agencies, plus UCSF and UCSF Medical Center, to which funds may be donated. They are: • Bay Area Black United Fund • Global Impact • Community Health Charities of California • Earth Share of California • Local Independent Charities of America • United Way of the Bay Area Each donation can go a long way. For example, giving $2 a month allows agencies to provide healthy meals to a homeless person or give home care to a senior. The campaign also encourages donations to any tax-exempt organization, school or church. To contribute to an agency not listed in the campaign brochure, employees should write in the exact name and address of their specified agency or organization on the contribution form. Employees are encouraged to return their contribution forms as soon as possible. Checks should be made payable to the 2008 Charitable Giving Campaign. Employees have the option of donating by onetime check contribution or by payroll deduction. Questions about the Charitable Giving Campaign may be directed to UCSF Public Affairs by email.