Philanthropy beat: State workers donate millions

Over the past decade, Minnesota state employees have raised about $1 million each year to support charities across the state.

It's a huge chunk of cash that goes largely unnoticed in the local world of philanthropy.

Employees' fundraising leaders gathered last week in the office of Gov. Mark Dayton to present a symbolic check for $842,639 to representatives of the charity federations that will benefit.

Donations actually were down a bit. Workers donated $929,000 and more than $1 million in the previous two campaigns. Then again, last year was an unusual year, said Ron Bisek, vice chairperson of the campaign.

"We had the state [government] shutdown in July," said Bisek, a contract administrator at the Department of Transportation.

"It was hard to take a month off without pay and then come and ask people to come and pledge for charity in October," he said.

This year's donations came from 2,320 workers who donated an average of $363, Bisek said. The donations were given to charities representing nonprofits that fight hunger, environmental problems, family issues and more.

Another 35 charity federations also received checks.

State employees have been making mega-donations to charities through payroll deductions since the 1980s, Bisek said. The Minnesota State Employees Combined Charities Campaign' raised its biggest amounts during the depths of the recession, topping $1 million in 2009 and 2010.

"I think public employees are in tune with the needs out there," said Bisek, noting that many work in health, human services and employment services. "I think when people see a need, they respond by giving more."