How are charities selected for inclusion in the SECC?
To participate in the SECC, a charitable organization must meet some strict but fair standards. These standards were established, by legislation, to protect Texas state employees. Participating organizations must show that they: • are a tax-exempt, nonprofit, charitable organization which provides health and human services to the citizens of Texas or to needy people overseas; • are governed by a voluntary board of directors that sets policy and oversees the activities of the organization; • are audited or reviewed annually by an accountant to guarantee full and open financial disclosure; and maintain administrative and fund-raising expenses of no more than 25 percent of annual revenue, unless there is a reasonable explanation and a plan to reduce costs.
