Frequently Asked Questions

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign's low administrative cost (10 percent of current year campaign funds) is a lower percentage than most charities spend on fundraising and administrative costs themselves.

The state offers this program to all state agency employees as an easy and convenient way to support a wide range of non-profit health and human services organizations.  Employees can designate their contributions to go to specific charities or donate to a general fund. Donations can be made through payroll deduction, check or cash.

Yes. Locate the code number of the specific agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia state-wide directory. On the pledge form, write the code number next to the corresponding pledge amount for that agency. Go to the donation page for links to the directory, pledge system, and pledge form.

No. Gifts not designated are applied to the Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF). This fund provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis or an unplanned emergency or event that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040.

The directory is managed by the state's CVC administration offices. Only those agencies who have applied through the CVC Charity Management System by May 31 each year will be notified of their acceptance into the campaign. Acceptance is communicated by July 31 each year. If an organization needs assistance with the application process, contact the  state CVC office.

The directory lists agencies alphabetically and by region. Donors may contribute to any agency in the directory.

No. The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign has selected specific branches of United Way across the state to serve as the Central Fund Raising Organization (CFRO) for each region. When giving to the United Way through Virginia Tech's campaign, donations will go toward the United Way of Soutwest Virginia. 

Charities must apply to participate in the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign each year. Announcements are placed in local papers regarding application information and every effort is made to include all eligible charities. All participants must apply and meet the following qualifications:

• Registered non-profit with IRS code 501(c)(3).
• Registered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
• Directed by an active volunteer board of directors.
• Provide qualifying health and/or human services.
• Proof of practicing sound financial management.

If an agency meets all criteria and is not listed, then the agency did not apply to be a part of the campaign. Visit the CVC Charity Management System for charity application acceptance and deadline.  

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is a designated campaign which means donors donate to the charity(ies) of their choice. Contributions will not go to a specific charity unless the donor designates that charity.

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is an opportunity for state employees to give to an eligible charity using payroll deduction. The campaign makes no moral decisions as to which agencies can or cannot participate. Charities who apply and meet participation qualifications will be included in the campaign.

Donor designations are always honored. Each designation will go to the agency selected on the pledge card. When the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign receives a pledge card, gift designations are immediately recorded.

Each payroll department will deduct the amount requested from each paycheck to send directly to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. The campaign will record the receipt of the contribution and make a quarterly payment to the designated charities. On each pledge card, donors may request a written confirmation that their pledge was received by the designated charity. The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign will send the request to the charity. The designated charity is responsible for providing that written request. For more information about pledge card designations or receipts, contact the State Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign office.

Gifts not designated are applied to the Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF). This fund provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis or an unplanned emergency or event that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040.

All charitable campaigns must have fundraising and administrative costs in order to provide accurate information, quality service, and accountability. The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, like most organizations, pays rent for office space and utilities, maintains basic office equipment, employs essential staff to provide service to volunteers, and maintains day-to-day operations.

No. Those who give through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign can be sure that their name will not given or sold to any other organization.