What is the California State Employee's Charitable Campaign (CSECC)?

The CSECC is the only statutorily authorized workplace campaign for employees of the State of California and was established in 1957 to provide a single charitable fund raising drive in the State community. The regulations enabling the campaign are found in the California Administrative Code. The VCGCB oversees the CSECC.

The CSECC is composed of two parts:

Part I: Application of Charitable Organizations for Participation in the CSECC

Pursuant to Government Code section 13923 and Title 2, California Code of Regulations, section 633.9, the VCGCB is authorized to consider applications and issues relating to the annual campaign. Specifically, the VCGCB determines which charitable organizations may participate in the Campaign.

Charitable organizations may apply to the VCGCB under one of the following designations:

1. a "Principal Combined Fund Drive" (PCFD) agency in a particular geographic area;
2. an "affiliated member beneficiary" (affiliate) agency of a PCFD. (Affiliated members submit applications directly to the PCFD.);
3. a "non-affiliated organization" (NAFF).

Although the CSECC is referred to as if it were a single entity, there is no single "state" campaign. Rather, there are approximately 40 local campaigns under the general oversight of the VCGCB. Using criteria set forth in the California Code and Regulation section 633.9, the VCGCB selects a Principal Combined Fund Drive (PCFD) agency to manage each local campaign which produces its own separate CSECC brochures, publicity material and campaign plan.

Part II: California State Employees receive Pledge Forms

The second part of the CSECC begins during a six-week period in the fall when every State employee receives a payroll deduction pledge form and a brochure listing the VCGCB approved non-profit charities. The completed forms are returned to the State Controller's Office (SCO) and PCFD, respectively. Payroll deductions typically begin with the January pay period, but commencement dates may vary depending upon when the SCO is notified.

Note: The VCGCB does not directly oversee this aspect of the Campaign. Any specific questions regarding employee designations, pledge form instructions, etc., should be directed to the PCFD managing a particular region (please see the PCFD Approval Listing for a PCFD near you).