Coordinators
Guidelines on Solicitation
Fun Events that You CAN Use to Raise Money for the Maryland Charity Campaign
Among the acceptable means of raising funds for the Maryland Charity Campaign are the following:
- box-lunch auctions
- a sale of employees' donated books or videos
- craft and bake sales
- rallies featuring guest speakers and refreshments
- sales of badges entitling employees to special casual days
- health related events such as stress-reduction classes for which employees pay, with the proceeds going to the Maryland Charity Campaign
- events like an executive-staff car wash.
Raffles Are Prohibited with Two Exceptions
Raffles are an unacceptable means of raising funds. They are a form of lottery prohibited by law, although the General Assembly has made exceptions for certain private charities and community organizations. These exceptions, however, do not apply to State agencies. Also, regulations governing the use of agency buildings and grounds prohibit gambling on the premises. However, a raffle is permissible only under two circumstances:
- All employees, including those who have not donated to the Maryland Charity Campaign, are equally eligible to participate and win; and
- Employees who donate are offered a token reward.
Care must be taken not to run afoul of regulations that prohibit solicitation of charitable contributions in State-owned buildings except for national and local campaigns for savings bonds, health, welfare, and charity. Such solicitations require prior approval from the agency head to ensure that they will not create scheduling, safety, security, or traffic problems.
Other Considerations
Role of Supervisors
State law prohibits State officials and employees from using the prestige of their office for private gain. This means that a supervisor may not insist that his or her staff donate to the Maryland Charity Campaign or impose or threaten any form of sanction against employees who either do not donate or donate less than a desired amount.
Private Donations
Agencies sometimes ask private companies to make donations, for example, prizes for auctions. Persons responsible for regulating outside entities or procuring goods or services should not be involved in such requests. Also, the requests should be issued broadly and not focused on vendors, service providers, or regulated entities that have a relationship with the agency. Finally, it should be made clear to private companies that the agency will not accord donors favored treatment or penalize companies that do not make a donation.