FAQs

Why are you asking me for money?

Charitable contributions are needed to close the gap on programs and services that wouldn't be offered without philanthropy.  This is a grass-roots campaign where peers ask peers for a gift, not managers asking colleagues.  Colleague giving is key to the hospital’s ability to maintain its role as a healthcare leader in Idaho, while fulfilling our charitable mission. To learn more about the projects being funded at each hospital, visit the "Learn More About 2019 Campaign Beneficiaries" page.

Have you ever done this before?

Saint Alphonsus colleagues have a history of offering extra support for patient services.  Since the beginning, our colleagues have made contributions to the advancements of the hospital. Since 2011, staff throughout the Saint Alphonsus Health System has raised over $1,000,000 to support projects and programs that help and heal our community.

How much should I give?

Your gift amount is an important and personal decision.  What might be appropriate for a top-level manager may not be appropriate for another colleague.  That is why we're encouraging colleagues  to give a gift of any amount.   Every donation makes a difference. There are a variety of giving options available. Payroll deductions will begin on the July 12, 2019 paycheck.

Can gifts be given using Paid Time Off (PTO) hours?

Yes, colleagues can make PTO gifts that will be deducted from their account quarterly or a one-time deduction beginning the last pay period in December.  Gifts of PTO are tax-deductible.  All payroll taxes will be withheld from gifts of PTO.  For colleagues who give a one-time gift of PTO, taxes will be withheld from your gift and the remainder will go to the campaign.  Trinity colleagues and managers are NOT able to donate PTO to make their campaign gift.  If you would like to give a gift of PTO, please print a campaign form located on the Giving Campaign homepage.

Are all gifts to the campaign tax-deductible?

Yes, donations are deductible to the full extent provided by law.  Donors making more than one payment in a calendar year will receive a statement from the Foundation at the end of the year for tax purposes.

When do I have to make my gift decision?

Colleagues are being asked to make their gift during the Colleague Giving Campaign in May 2019.  Gifts scheduled in May will begin in July and run through June 2020.

Who will know how much I’ve given?

Only the Saint Alphonsus Foundation Accountant who records gifts and members of the payroll department (for colleagues who use payroll deductions) will have access to this confidential information.  Departmental directors will only be told which colleagues have returned their pledge forms and not whether they have made a gift to the campaign.

How will Colleagues who donate to the Giving Campaign be recognized?

All colleagues who make a gift or pledge (minimum of $15) to the Giving Campaign will receive a 2019 Campaign insulated cup (Boise, Ontario, SAMG and Nampa) and will be eligible for free fountain refills in the cafeteria for the duration of the campaign.  In addition, donors will have their name included on the campaign giving wall and in campaign publications.  Other incentives are available at each RHM either through prize drawings or by donating at a certain level.  See your applicable campaign form located on the Giving Campaign homepage to learn more.

Can I give but not be listed publicly?

Yes, many people like to give anonymously so that their name is not listed on a donor plaque or in publications.  Instead, they are listed as “anonymous.”  Please indicate on your pledge form if this is your wish.

Are pledges to the campaign binding?

While pledges are an indication of intent to make a gift in the future, they are not legally binding.  Your pledge can be cancelled or changed at any time, should, for example, you retire.

How does this affect ME?

It helps you as a colleague of a strong organization, as a citizen of this community, AND, most importantly, as a (choose one that applies) mother, father, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, granddaughter, grandson, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, co-worker, neighbor, friend, or caregiver - of a patient that Saint Alphonsus serves.

Does my job depend on whether or not I give a gift? Can I get fired if I don't?

No, participating in the Colleague Giving Campaign is not a condition of employment.  It is our hope that colleagues are proud of the organization where they work and will choose to give at a level they are comfortable, but should a colleague choose not to participate, we would encourage their support of another Foundation project or community charity.  Generosity of any kind is always celebrated at Saint Alphonsus.

If I cannot give or choose not to make a pledge, should I return my Pledge Form anyway?

Yes, please return your Pledge Form indicating that you cannot make a gift at this time so that campaign volunteers will not call you to remind you to return your pledge form.  The goal is to get 100% of the pledge forms returned by colleagues.  Colleagues are being asked to support the Campaign even if they decide not to make a contribution.