Authors
Dr. Marlene Smith
University of Colorado Denver
Objective
Predict year-end contributions in an employee fund-raising drive.
Background
The Colorado Combined Campaign solicits Colorado government employees’ participation in a fundraising drive. Funds raised by the campaign go to over 700 Colorado charities in all, including the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center. Prominent state employees, such as university presidents, chancellors and lieutenant governors, head the annual campaigns. An advisory committee determines whether the charities receiving contributions provide the services claimed in a fiscally responsible manner.
All Colorado state employees may contribute to the fund. However, certain state institutions are targeted to receive promotional brochures and campaign literature. Employees in these targeted groups are referred to as “eligible” employees. Each year, the number of eligible employees is known in June. Fund-raising activities are then conducted throughout the fall. By year’s end, total contributions raised that year are tabulated.
The Task
It is now June 2010. The number of eligible employees for 2010 has been determined to be 53,455. Does knowing the number of eligible employees help predict 2010 year-end contributions?