Richland Employee Campaign – FAQ’s

When is the Employee Giving Campaign?

Employees can give to the campaign between Friday, September 27, 2024 and Friday, October 4, 2024. The belief in our mission is the driving force that propels us forward. When we, as employees, wholeheartedly support this mission, we inspire our students to believe in themselves and their potential. Our collective effort and dedication send a powerful message that their dreams are worth pursuing.

What does the Foundation do for the college?

The Foundation is the non-profit fundraising arm of the college.  It has 501(c)3 non-profit status which means all donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.

We provide:

  • Academic and need-based scholarships to Richland Community College students.
  • Emergency assistance funds for students who are struggling to remain in school.
  • Grant funds to faculty and staff who have innovative projects that support the college mission.
  • Funds to support programs at Richland that enrich both the campus and community.

Donations to the Foundation made the following impact:

  • Awarded more than $1.75M in scholarships to Richland Community College students.
  • Supported 30 students with Emergency Relief Grants from the Student Assistance Fund to students facing unexpected hardship.
  • Supported students & their families through the Pantry at Richland.
  • Provided more than $50,000 to Project Read Plus to support 211 students with math and literacy skills.
  • Delivered 44 laptops to students to remove technology barriers.
  • Provided 4750 bus rides to alleviate transportation insecurities for students pursuing their education.
  • $22,350 in Schwandt Albert Professional Development funds to support 35 employees.

Where can I donate?

  • To set up a payroll deduction: Complete the online payroll deduction form.
  • To pay by credit card to support Richland: Complete the online donation form.
  • To pay by credit card to support United Way: Complete the online donation form.
  • To pay by check: mail your donation to the Richland Foundation, 1 College Park, Decatur, Illinois 62521.  Please make your check payable to “Richland Foundation”.

When will payroll deductions start?

Payroll deductions will start on your first paycheck in January 2025. Once we receive your payroll deduction form, you will receive a confirmation stating the amount, frequency, and designation. You will receive a receipt for your 2025 contributions in January 2026. Contact the Foundation or the Business Office to stop or change your payroll deduction.

Can I specify where my contribution should go?

Absolutely! Gifts can be designated to any one or more of the following:

  • Option 1: The Greatest Needs of the College
    Support the areas that need it most within the college, ensuring flexibility in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.
  • Option 2: Student Assistance Fund 
    Your gift to this fund provides essential support to students facing exceptional financial hardships. From laptops to transportation, rent, utility bills, and medical assistance – your contribution directly eases their burden.
  • Option 3: Investing in the Future Scholarship Fund
    This scholarship fund paves the way for Richland students facing unique circumstances that prevent them from receiving state and Federal aid or traditional scholarships. Your donation covers tuition, books, and fees, opening doors to higher education.
  • Option 4: Project Read Plus
    Empower adults in our community to improve their literacy and math skills through one-on-one tutoring. Help them achieve goals like earning a GED, enrolling in vocational programs, taking college classes, or securing employment. Your support fosters independence and transformation.
  • Option 5: The Pantry at Richland 
    Combat food insecurity with your support to The Pantry providing essential support to those in need.
  • Option 6: MCLETC Trick or Treat Fund  
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  • Option 7: Richland Program or Fund of your Choice
    Designate your gift to any fund, program, or department aligned with your passion and interests.
  • Option 8: The United Way 
    Contribute to the United Way Impact Fund, which supports the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Macon County

Can I designate my gift to more than one area?

Yes! Be sure to specify how much of your gift you want to direct to each fund. Amount(s) per designation must add up to the total per pay period amount. The amounts you allocate to each designation should be in whole-dollar increments.

How much should I give?

The size of your gift is entirely up to you, based on your charitable interests and financial capacity.

Can I make an anonymous gift?

Yes, simply note your preference to remain anonymous on the donation form.

Are there any incentives for giving?

Yes! Although everyone gives for their own personal reasons, we want to encourage our employees to be excited to support this annual campaign. Incentives include:

  • Every employee that donates a minimum of $25 or $1 per pay period through one time gift or the online payroll deduction  form will be entered into a raffle for prizes
  • Any employee that increases their giving from 2023 will receive an additional entry into the drawing.
  • Early Bird Drawing: Any employee that completes their online form by Monday, September 30, 2024 by Noon, will be entered into a drawing to receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
  • There will be 8 gift card drawings totaling $1,000 at the conclusion event on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Join us to celebrate with pizza, popcorn, and music trivia! All are welcome!

We are asking every employee to help support our students & community by donating to the fund of their choice at Richland, United Way, or both! With your support, we will reach our campaign goal of $30,000 and 55% Participation! If we reach this goal

  • Staff Incentive | If we achieve 55% employee participation by Friday, October 4, 2024, all employees will receive a special holiday treat, a full day off on Friday, December 23, 2024!
  • Faculty Incentive | If we achieve 25% Faculty participation by Friday, October 4, 2024, participating faculty will be put in a drawing for $500 in Schawndt Albert Professional Development funds used for faculty development of your choice!

My gift won’t make a difference…

Your contribution, regardless of its size, is a valuable investment in our students, our community, and the future of Richland Community College. Every dollar you give is a vote of confidence in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to all that seek it.

How do I benefit from giving?

Making a gift to the Employee Giving Campaign distinguishes you as a charitable and supportive member of the Richland family. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible donation.

I gave last year…

We appreciate your past generosity and want to encourage you to give again this year. The Richland Employee Campaign is an annual initiative to ensure that funds are available on a recurring basis so that we can provide the same support to our students year after year.

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