The Combined Federal Campaign

What is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?

The CFC is the only national authorized workplace giving drive of employees in the Federal workplace for charitable organizations. The Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) is the local campaign for Federal employees in the Washington, D.C. area. The campaign is conducted from September 1st to December 15th annually.

Why is the CFC Important?

In 2008 nearly 150,000 civilian, military and postal employees who donated money to about 3,900 local, national and international charities-making the CFCNCA the largest workplace giving program in the world. In fact, more than 42 percent of Federal employees gave to their favorite charities through the 2008 campaign, an increase of more than 2,100 donors over 2007.

How much should I give?

You can donate as little as $1 a pay period or you can donate as much as you like. While the military does track to make sure all are given an opportunity to give to the CFC, no one is obligated to give.

Can I choose the charity that will receive my gift?

Yes. You may choose any of the charities listed in the 2009 Catalog of Caring to receive your gift. You can designate your gift by writing the appropriate 5-digit charity code in the boxes on the Pledge Form. The 5-digit codes can be found in the 2009 Catalog of Caring or online at www.cfcnca.org. In the catalog, there is a brief description of each organization followed by the percentage of its total revenue used for its administrative and fundraising expenses and other pertinent information. If you designate your contribution, only the charity(ies) you select receives your gift. Note that only charities listed in the 2009 Catalog of Caring can receive designations.

What if I do not designate?

By leaving all the designation boxes blank, your gift will be considered an "undesignated gift." In accordance with CFC regulations, (see CFC Regulations, 5CFR Part 950 for details at www.opm.gov/cfc.), all undesignated funds will be distributed to those organizations in the campaign that have received designated contributions, in the same proportion as they received those designations. For example, if a charity received 1 percent of the total designated contributions to the CFCNCA campaign, it would receive 1 percent of the total undesignated contributions. Organizations that do not receive designated dollars cannot receive any undesignated donations.

Take a look below at the charities you could be helping with as little as $1 a pay period. Remember that in the toughest of times, the need is even greater for those less fortunate. Make your pledge today.