What is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?
The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the Federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations.
What is the CFC mission?
To support and promote philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
Why have a CFC?
The annual fundraising campaign helps to support a variety of health, human, and other services provided by more than 2,000 charitable agencies. This single campaign is the most cost-efficient fundraising method. It succeeds because volunteers from the Federal workforce combine their resources for one coordinated appeal.
Who decides how to spend my donations?
You! You designate your dollars to meet your interests. You may pick a single cause - or several causes - and apportion your contribution among them in any way you like.
How efficient is the South Western Idaho CFC?
Campaign efficiency results in 88 cents of every dollar collected being distributed to the participating campaign charities. This efficiency is achieved through volunteer involvement and the consolidated fundraising concept.
What does the administrative costs pay for?
All campaign materials for thousands of federal employees that may include pledge cards, campaign brochure and promotional items. Also included are costs for pledge processing and CFC staff.
Can I get help from a CFC campaign participant?
Yes. The services of CFC campaign participants are available to anyone who needs them, including Federal employees.
What is the benefit of payroll deduction?
Through payroll deduction, a specified amount is withheld every payday throughout the year. This is convenient and easier on the budget. Payroll giving often makes a crucial difference in campaign results as it is usually more substantial than cash gifts.
Will there be recognition for my gift?
Yes! This year, 5 different awards will be given, based on the amount donated. See the 2008-2009 CFC charity list for more information.
How do Federal agencies benefit from participation in the CFC?
- Participation in the CFC creates added community visibility for Federal employees and the agencies for which they work. Federal employees are viewed by the community as good neighbors, concerned with the welfare of others.
- Federal employees benefit from an improvement in the quality of life in South Western Idaho. Participation in the CFC assures that services will be available to Federal employees when their own personal situations arise. The campaign affects everyone, including the lives of a Federal agency’s employees.
- Participation in a single, efficient, annual campaign offers individuals the opportunity to meet their civic responsibility to the community.
Who serves on the CFC Local Federal Coordinating Committee (CFC’s board of directors)?
Federal executives in the South Western Idaho serve on the CFC Local Federal Coordinating Committee (a.k.a. L.F.C.C.) which oversees all functions of the campaign.
How do I know the charities participating in the CFC are legitimate?
Federal employees in the South Western Idaho volunteer to serve on the Eligibility Advisory Committee which evaluates each charity applying to become eligible to receive designations from local CFC contributors.
Each local charitable agency must meet the following requirements, as defined in Federal law and OPM rules and regulations:
- An organization must certify that it provides or conducts real human health and welfare services, benefits, assistance or program activities.
- An organization must provide a letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing it as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
- An organization must provide a completed copy of its IRS Form 990.
- An organization must demonstrate that it has a substantial local or statewide presence, which must include a staffed facility or office available to the public seeking its services.
- The organization's local facility must be open at least 15 hours per week and have a telephone number exclusively dedicated to the organization.
- An organization with an annual budget in excess of $250,000 must submit an audit report in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
- An organization must certify that it does not knowingly employ individuals or fund organizations listed on government terrorist lists.
- An organization must be directed by an active and responsible governing body whose members have no conflict of interest and a majority of whom serve without compensation.
Charitable agencies on the national and international lists are reviewed annually by OPM according to the appropriate Federal laws, rules and regulations. For further information, see 5 CFR Part 950.
What happens if a donor selects a charity that is not in the brochure?
The CFC office returns the pledge form to the donor who is asked to select a charity listed in the brochure. If there is no response to this request, OPM regulations mandate that the pledge be processed as an undesignated contribution.
When are the first payments made to the charities?
OPM regulations mandate that the first payment be made by April 1st of each year.
When is the CFC campaign?
In the Fall of each year, the overall campaign window is September 1st through December 15th. Each individual Federal agency may conduct a six week campaign at any time during this campaign window.
What are some ways that Federal agencies support the CFC?
Federal agencies in the South Western Idaho appoint a volunteer to serve as CFC Coordinator to lead the CFC effort at their agency. The Coordinator recruits a Campaign Committee including Keyworkers to help implement campaign plans. Many Federal agencies also provide the CFC with Loaned Executive (Federal employees on detail) to work with other agencies in planning and operating their campaigns. These volunteers work hard to make events like Kick-Offs, employee meetings, agency tours and special CFC communications succeed.
I don't work in the area served by South Western Idaho CFC. How may I contact the CFC in my area?
Locate information about your local CFC at the Office of Personnel Management website www.opm.gov/cfc .
