SEFA Campaign

What is SEFA?

SEFA is the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA). SEFA is a charitable solicitation of New York State employees conducted under the authority of State Finance Law §201-1. State employees may give to any of the charitable organizations that have been approved for participation in SEFA and may at any time revoke or modify a contribution made through payroll deduction by providing a written request to the employee’s payroll office. Managed by state employees and often involves voluntary contributions through payroll deductions or/and engaging events on and off campus highlighting local and national charities.

SEFA's Purpose and Mission: To provide state employees with a simple and effective way to contribute to organizations that address critical social issues and make a positive impact on their communities.

Core Values:

• Transparency 

• Voluntary Participation

• Community Support

• Social Responsibility

Please visit www.sefanys.org & www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/sefa/ for more information.

What is a SEFA Ambassador?

SEFA Captains are volunteers who serve as campaign ambassadors within their departments or units. They play a vital role in promoting the campaign, encouraging participation, and helping to coordinate donations. Captains are essential to the campaign’s success, acting as the bridge between the SEFA Committee and university staff.

SEFA Ambassador Responsibilities Include:

• Serving as the point of contact for your department or area

• Distributing SEFA materials (print or digital)

• Promoting campaign messages and events

• Answering basic questions or referring employees to SEFA contacts

• Encouraging participation and sharing giving options

• Attending brief orientation or update meetings

• Providing feedback to help improve future campaigns

Get Involved with SEFA!

Join us: For our next SEFA Ambassadors Meeting held on Zoom on September 25, 2025 at 1 pm. 

Support your community through the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA). Whether you're looking to give, volunteer, or help raise awareness, there’s a way for everyone to make a difference.

1. Make a Donation

• Online Pledge:
  Visit the SEFA website to submit your pledge electronically quick, easy, and secure.

• Paper Pledge Form:
  Complete the Pledge and Payroll Deduction Authorization Form and return it to your SEFA Agency Coordinator.

• Continuous Giving:
  Opt-in to keep your donation going year after year—until you choose to update it.

2. Volunteer as a Campaign Ambassador

           Every region has a SEFA Administrator. Volunteer to:

• Help plan and organize campaign events

• Distribute materials

• Motivate and inspire others to give

           Connect with your SEFA Administrator to learn more!

      3. Organize or Join Campaign Events

           Make giving fun and memorable by participating in or organizing SEFA events!

• Kick off Events:
  Launch the campaign with energy and excitement plan a kick off celebration!

• Fund raising Activities:
  Host raffles, auctions, trivia games, or friendly competitions to raise funds.

4. Spread the Word

           Become a SEFA champion by raising awareness at your workplace:

• Distribute Materials:
  Share SEFA info via email, flyers, or bulletin boards.

• Host Info Sessions:
  Help others understand the impact of SEFA and how they can get involved.

5. Support SEFA Charities

           Represent a non profit? Apply to become a SEFA-approved charity!

• Application Period: December 1 – January 15

• Ensure your organization meets eligibility and submit the required documents.

6. Want to Do More?

• Host a SEFA Event? 

• View Upcoming Events on SB Engaged, VIVA Engage, Culture and Engagement Website. 

           Submit Suggestions – Got an idea for an event or a new charity to support? We'd love to hear it!

For more information about the Stony Brook Cares SEFA campaign, please visit the Culture and Engagement Website