The Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC)is an annual workplace giving campaign that allows Maryland State Employees and Retirees an opportunity to support participating charities who serve citizens of Maryland, our nation, and/or the world. Donating to the MCC feeds the hungry, finds cures for diseases, supports the environment, helps veterans, and more.

State Employees and Retirees may donate by payroll deduction, credit card, or check. The MCC runs annually from October to December. Payroll deductions begin the following January. The Giving Guide lists the participating charities, describes their programs and services, and contact information.

The Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) reviews applications annually to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. Each charity registered with SOS, who maintains a current email, is emailed the application and instructions, which are found on the MCC website (mcc.maryland.gov). Applications are available in mid-December; they must be returned via email by the due date posted on the application. Please visit (mcc.maryland.gov) for more information and to download the application once it is available.

Eligibility criteria: In order to participate in the MCC, each charity must apply to SOS, and:

1. Hold and maintain a valid designation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS);
2. Be registered with the OSOS’s Charities Division and comply with the Maryland Solicitations Act;
3. Comply with all applicable federal, State, and local taws; and submit state and federal documents, as required, i.e. articles of incorporation, by-laws, or other organizing document, 501(c)(3) tax determination letter issued by the IRS, and a copy of the charity’s most recent IRS Form 990. Forms previously submitted for each year’s filing with the Office of the Secretary of State, do not need to be resubmitted, except for the most recent 990.
4. Demonstrate that it provided a significant level of service to Marylanders for at least two years immediately prior to the MCC campaign. International charities must demonstrate that Marylanders supported their mission for 5 years prior to the MCC campaign;
5. State and certify the percentage of total revenue from the preceding fiscal year spent on management and fund-raising expenses; Charities must spend less than 25% of the total revenue on management and fund-raising expenses.
6. Submit a copy of its current operating budget signed and certified by its chief executive officer;
7. Charities must certify that funds will be used solely for programs or services for the residents of Maryland, or people in other countries, reasonable administrative costs are acceptable;
8. Certify the amount of money received from the MCC, and how that money was spent to provide programs or services to residents of Maryland or to people in other countries;
9. The majority of its governing body must serve without compensation; and
10. The charity must make its annual financial report available to the public upon request.