October 18, 2022

Dear University of Houston Faculty and Staff:

In 1993, the Texas state legislature created the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC), a statewide annual effort that allows employees of universities and other state agencies to give to many of their favorite charities through a workplace giving campaign which features the option of payroll deduction. University of Houston employees have an outstanding tradition of participation in this annual campaign. From the start of the SECC, our UH community has contributed over $1.3 million dollars.

Charities eligible under the SECC range from health and human services, to environmental programs, to human rights, to educational programs for children, to support programs for the elderly. There are local, state, and even national organizations. Many of these organizations assist families and individuals with needs due to unforeseen hardships such as those caused by hurricanes and the COVID19 pandemic. This year we are delighted to welcome two NEW charities to this year’s campaign who are from Third Ward: Change Happens (336041) and SHAPE Community Center (336334), which was Co-Founded by two UH alumni.  Each approved charity meets specific legal and operational standards that have been reviewed by teams of state employees so you can be confident that your contribution will be distributed to the organization and for the purpose that you select.

We know during this time that many members of our own campus community and their families are facing unprecedented challenges. We also know that all who receive services made possible by the campus SECC contributions appreciate the sacrifices and generosity of those who give. The UH family has always stepped forward to make our community better because we are part of the larger community. Last year exempt UH faculty and staff contributed $82,994 to the charities and service organizations of their choice. This final total was an impressive achievement given the short one-month solicitation period. We encourage you to please give serious consideration to making a contribution. There are several ways to donate: you can select payroll deduction, give online, use your credit or debit card, or write a check. Unfortunately, cash cannot be accepted. All gifts and pledges are totally voluntary.

To assist you with your gift decision we have created a website where you can find the following SECC resources:

• How to give online or through the new credit/debit card option
• Contact information on how to obtain a pledge form if you prefer not to give online
• Pledge instruction sheets
• A mini-directory of charities agencies included in this year's campaign
• A more comprehensive directory that lists more detailed information about each charity

Study the material carefully on the UH SECC website, www.uh.edu/secc or visit the Texas SECC website at www.secctexas.org if you want additional information on a particular organization. We want you to make an informed choice, one that comes from the heart. At the end of the campaign, we will let you know how much was contributed. Click here to request a pledge form.

The final deadline for giving and/or pledging is October 31, 2022. To learn how to give online or fill out a pledge form, visit www.uh.edu/secc or call the Office of Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives (NSI) at 832-842-5090 for additional information. Where there is a college coordinator, you may receive additional notification and assistance. We apologize that cash cannot be accepted. The detailed instructions for online giving should be reviewed and followed precisely. To give through the new online system, login here and click on the “New Donors Register Here” button. Thanks for your consideration and for your continued support.

Sincerely,