Employee Giving is a wonderful means to engage district staff to support the efforts of their peers, the foundation's grant program and other worthy student success initiatives! However, when and how you ask is governed by regulations in the state of Texas. Don't find yourself on the wrong side of the rules.
During the summer months, many education foundations begin preparations for back-to-school kickoffs such as convocation and presentations to district staff during professional development. The beginning of the school year is generally the time when foundations launch or renew their Employee Giving programs through payroll deduction.
Employee Giving is a wonderful means to engage district staff to support the efforts of their peers, the foundation's grant program and other worthy student success initiatives! However, when and how you ask is governed by regulations in the state of Texas. Don't find yourself on the wrong side of the rules.
In 2011 the Texas House of Representatives passed Texas Education Code Section 22.011 which provides that a school board or employees may not directly or indirectly require or coerce any employee to make a contribution to a charitable organization, participate in a fundraiser, or attend a meeting called for the purpose of soliciting charitable contributions. The law also prohibits a college from requiring or coercing employees to refrain from the same activities. The Texas Attorney General responded to a request for opinion on the activities allowed under this statute and expressed that solicitations to employees may not be made at mandatory meetings or programs, but may be made at voluntary meetings. Therefore it would be inappropriate to solicit donations specifically for Employee Giving at convocation or mandatory staff or college meetings.
But don't let this scare your foundation away from making the ask for your Employee Giving program!
Materials may be placed at such meetings where employees can take them voluntarily and materials may also be passed out to all employees as long as the process adheres to the school district or colleges policy regarding such materials.
Also, if you'd like to present to staff regarding the Employee Giving Program, you can do so during a separate meeting. Schedule the presentation directly after the mandatory meeting is adjourned. Let staff know that all anyone interested in learning how they can support their district's education foundation by making a monthly contribution can stay and attend this separate meeting. This will allow you to send your message, present the benefits of supporting the foundation and make your ask without breaking the rules!
Questions or concerns about your Employee Giving program or your plans for convocation and staff solicitation? Give us a call at (512) 535-2046 or email us at information@foundationinnovation.com.
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