What is Because of You?

Because of You is Mayo Clinic's employee giving program. It offers all employees a way to participate in The Campaign for Mayo Clinic.

The Department of Development initiated this program to build a culture of philanthropy at Mayo Clinic. Because of You educates all employees about the critical role they play in securing financial support simply by doing what they do each day: putting the needs of the patient first.

Haven't I seen information about Because of You before?

If you have made a gift to Mayo Clinic recently, or if you have supported one of Mayo's charity funds through your registration for the Heritage Classic races, you have received information about the Because of You program.

Rochester employees also may have seen the Because of You display in the Siebens Building, Subway Level, opposite the Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center.

I already give so much of my time to Mayo Clinic. Why should I contribute financially?

While the sacrifices you make for Mayo are immeasurable, making a voluntary philanthropic contribution is another way to support Mayo Clinic's mission and invest in its future.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible and support the three shields of Mayo: patient care, research and education.

Can I designate my gift?

Although we encourage support of Mayo Clinic's strategic initiatives, employees can support any approved funding initiative, such as charity funds or even the areas in which they work.

I give to other not-for-profit organizations. Why should I also support Mayo Clinic?

Each year, more than 200,000 people support Mayo Clinic financially. Your willingness to join them makes a powerful statement to your colleagues and to our benefactors.

Through your support, Mayo Clinic will accelerate discoveries, bring life-changing treatments into practice and lead the transformation of our health care system.

What is the difference between the Because of You employee giving program and the Community Giving and United Way campaigns?

Because of You asks employees to invest in Mayo Clinic's mission by making a one-time gift or by enrolling in payroll deduction. The Community Giving and United Way campaigns ask employees to support local and regional nonprofits, enabling vital services for people in the communities in which Mayo employees live. Mayo Clinic employees are invited to participate in both programs.

Is participation in Because of You mandatory?

While we hope 100 percent of Mayo Clinic employees will be motivated to make gifts, your participation is wholly voluntary.

Haven't we had employee giving programs in the past?

Though employees have always supported Mayo Clinic financially, this is the first enterprisewide employee giving program in Mayo's history.

I have read stories about Mayo Clinic benefactors who make gifts totaling millions of dollars. Will my small gift make a difference?

Gifts of all sizes are needed. We are fortunate to have the loyal support of benefactors who make large gifts, but our benefactors make gifts in amounts large and small. We receive more than 200,000 gifts each year, with the majority being under $100. Your gift is needed and valued by Mayo Clinic.

Can I make an anonymous gift?

You are welcome to indicate when you make your gift that you wish to remain anonymous.

Why are you mailing letters to employees' homes?

We want employees to consider this opportunity away from their workspace and apart from their very busy time on the job, and a significant number of employees do not have remote access to their Mayo email.

Mayo Clinic benefactors have requested that their gifts support this program and are paying for the mailing.

What is the Mayo Clinic employee giving goal?

Our goal is to engage 25 percent of employees in giving prior to the campaign's end in 2017, which would match the participation level of the most successful employee giving programs among national not-for-profit organizations.

What is Mayo Clinic's cost to raise a dollar?

Mayo Clinic's Department of Development is one of the most cost-effective fundraising programs in the nation. It cost Mayo Clinic 8 cents to raise a dollar in 2015. The national average among not-for-profits is almost twice that much.

Who are Because of You Champions?

Because of You Champions are Mayo Clinic employees who share the Because of You messages with their peers and celebrate employee giving successes. Find out more by emailing becauseofyou@mayo.edu.

Why aren't Mayo Clinic Health System employees included in Because of You?

At the present time, Mayo Clinic Health System employees will not receive an invitation to give since they have active and successful local employee giving programs.

Is there an allied health employee counterpart to the Doctors Mayo Society?

Yes. We launched the Mayo Clinic Employee Giving Society in November 2015. The society honors gifts from allied health employees at any level.

What if I choose not to participate now?

The Because of You employee giving program is wholly voluntary, and you are welcome to make gifts now or at a future date. You also have the option of removing yourself from future solicitations. Simply contact the Department of Development, and we will record your intention promptly.

Can I make my donation online?

Yes. Use your credit card to give online now through Mayo's secure donation website.

Can I make my gift in honor of a colleague or in memory of someone?

Any gift can be made in honor or memory of a special person or event. When making your gift, please indicate the name of the person you wish to honor and provide a mailing address on the contribution form, in a short note or in the memo portion of a check addressed to Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic will send a notification of your generous remembrance to the individual(s) honored; notification of memorial gifts are sent to the next of kin. Your gift amount is not disclosed.

Can I include Mayo Clinic in my long-term estate or financial plans?

Mayo Clinic welcomes gifts through your long-term estate or financial plans. For instance, you may wish to include Mayo Clinic as a partial beneficiary of your life insurance or retirement fund account. Look for additional information about this option soon.

Can my gift donation be automatically deducted from my checking account or credit card?

To make an automatic gift by checking account or credit card, please call the Department of Development at 507-284-2264 or 855-852-8129 (toll-free) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday.

Mayo Clinic Department of Development staff members are available to assist you during business hours. If you call at another time, please leave a message and your call will be returned during business hours.

Is there a way to participate via payroll deduction?

The invitation letter you received in the mail outlines the process for enrolling in payroll deduction. You can also sign up for payroll deduction online.

You can change the amount of your payroll deduction by contacting HR Connect at 507-266-0440 or 888-266-0440 (toll-free). Once you initiate payroll deduction, it will continue until you request in writing a change to the deduction amount.

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