Texas Tech University

Texas Tech Kicks Off Annual State Employee Charitable Campaign

McKenzi Morris

September 9, 2019

SECC kickoff

Employees can donate to local and statewide causes with payroll deductions through the campaign.

Texas Tech University celebrated the start of the 2019 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) last week with the annual kickoff event.

More than 1,300 local nonprofit organizations and agencies in the West Texas campaign were represented at the kickoff event. This year, the event was revamped to encourage more interaction between employees and the organizations in attendance.

"The annual campaign is about far more than the dollars raised," said Texas Tech SECC coordinator Jessica Carrillo. "It's about the people of the South Plains coming together to ensure that every person has the opportunity to thrive and live their best life."

For the past 26 years, Texas Tech has participated in the SECC, contributing millions of dollars to more than 1,300 charities around the state.

In 2018, Texas Tech raised $437,106.18, with the Texas Tech University System raising an additional $42,536 and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) contributing $225,117.

This year, Carrillo said Texas Tech's goal is $441,949, the TTUHSC goal is $225,127 and the System goal is $43,174. Pledges can be submitted via an online form or in person through a paper form.

"SECC is a convenient process that allows the Texas Tech community to give back to organizations that provide valuable resources to those in need," said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. "Our employees have always shown their generosity in the past, and the Texas Tech family welcomes the opportunity to support the broader Lubbock and South Plains communities."

Charities benefiting from the SECC range in size and cause, but all must adhere to strict legal requirements and be reviewed by state employee teams to ensure:

  • They are recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and are registered with the Texas Secretary of State.
  • They are audited (or reviewed) annually by an accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
  • They provide direct or indirect health and human services.
  • They spend no more than 25 percent of funds raised on administration and fundraising unless they qualify for a one-year exception due to special circumstances.
  • They meet other requirements, per the application.

Donations vary and can be made as one-time gifts, a percentage of the giver's annual salary or as a monthly pledge. Each donor has the opportunity to win a variety of door prizes based on their pledge level and employees are encouraged to give an amount they feel is appropriate to their budget.

"No matter how much you give, your donation to the SECC makes a life-changing impact," Carrillo said.

Visit the SECC website for more information.