Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

"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 that 2,500 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! Each donor designates their dollars to meet their 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 CFC?"

Campaign efficiency results in more than 94 cents of every dollar collected being distributed to campaign participants. Your CFC’s net costs (less than 6%) are among the lowest of all charitable groups, and it is the largest and one of the most efficient CFCs in the nation. This efficiency is achieved through volunteer involvement and the consolidated fundraising concept.

"My taxes go to support the poor, so why should I give to the CFC?"

Some CFC agencies do assist destitute persons through services, but not by giving money away. Some of the agencies provide job training, recreation for youth, and rehabilitation programs in order to help people to be self-supporting and to prevent more serious problems from occurring. Government dollars are not growing to meet these "people problems." Without CFC supported programs, many more people would need public assistance, which could drive up your taxes.

Many of the CFC agencies primarily focus on services for working families. Visiting nurses, family counseling, drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs, scouting programs, and Red Cross programs are used by all of us, myself, you and your neighbors. The services of CFC agencies are available to everyone in our community, as well as nationally and overseas.

"Why isn’t my favorite agency a member of CFC?"

The Office of Personnel Management in Washington, DC regulates CFC. Prior to 1988 there was a "write-in" option but it was being abused, causing administrative costs to increase, so the regulations were changed. Now volunteers from Federal agencies review applications for their compliance with the regulations. Agencies must be audited, produce an annual report, and have a Board of Directors which governs the affairs of the agency. See "How can an organization get listed in the Catalog of Caring"

"There is a CFC agency I don’t like. I will have nothing to do with CFC because of this."

CFC has established guidelines to ensure that member organizations are serving needs, are financially responsible, and are operated by a Board of Directors. The entire spectrum of organizations are represented because of the varied interest of the Federal workforce.

CFC does not make political judgments of the worth of a particular organization. By designating where your funds go, you can be assured that only the charity of your choice receives your donation. Remember that many organizations are in need of your contribution and your lack of participation in the CFC makes it more difficult to provide the needed help.

"Why should I give to the CFC?"

Your gift improves the quality of life for you and your neighbors. You have access throughout your lifetime to the thousands of vital health and social services not supplied, or only partially covered, by government sources. These services stabilize lives, arrest social problems, encourage productivity, and increase the resources and prosperity of the entire community, our nation, and overseas.

"My husband/wife gives where he/she works. Why should we both give?"

"It is important for every employed person to do his her part. Every worker has a responsibility to help maintain the comprehensive CFC programs that enhances the economic strength of our area which, in turn, supports job stability for every wage earner. CFC can continue to provide needed human care services only if everyone helps.

"What if I can’t afford to give right now?"

You don’t have to! Pledge your gift though payroll deduction and spread small payments through out the year. Agency services need your year around support. Deductions don’t begin until January.

"What if I lose my job?"

You will not be expected to continue your pledge payments during your period of unemployment, nor are you responsible for your remaining balance.

"Are labor and management both behind the CFC campaign?"

Yes, labor organizations and members work with management to make the campaign a success.

"What if I work seasonally or on a temporary basis?"

You may still contribute to the CFC. Of course, if you use payroll deductions it will only be deducted during the period you receive your paycheck.

"Who checks on the money to make sure it is properly spent?"

The CFC Local Federal Coordinating Committee, comprised of Federal personnel who volunteer in this capacity, reviews agencies for compliance with the criteria stipulated in the CFC regulations; i.e., ensuring they are nonprofit, audited annually, etc. No additional review of an agency’s budget, apart from the review given by entities either governing the agency or establishing conditions of affiliation, is made , thus you must be familiar with the agency you designate. The Combined Federal Campaign PCFO is audited annually by an independent auditor to ensure that designations have been honored. The PCFO also provides independent confirmation of designations to independent auditors on behalf of CFC agencies and federations as requested.

"How do I know my money really gets to the agency I designate?"

By regulations, all designations must be honored. A yearly audit is performed to verify this. In addition, you can request to be acknowledged for your pledge by your designated charity.

"What happens if I complete the home address section on the pledge form and indicate it be forwarded to the agency I designated?"

If you complete the appropriate section on the pledge form your name and address will be forwarded to the agency(cies) you designate. Many times they acknowledge your contribution and add your name to their mailing list. It is up to the federation or agency to acknowledge your gift.

"How can an organization get listed in the Catalog of Caring?"

If the organization serves the local area, they should call the CFC Headquarters in February at (816) 823-2010 to request an application for that year. If the organization is national or international, they should call the Office of Personnel Management at (202) 606-2564 for an application.

"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. Click on How to get Help or call HelpLink at (816) 561-3339.

"What is the benefit of payroll deduction?"

Through payroll deduction, a specified amount is withheld every payday and continues throughout the year. This is convenient and easier on the budget. Payroll giving often makes a crucial difference in campaign results as they are usually more substantial than cash gifts.

"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 the Kansas City area. Participation in the CFC assures that services will be available to federal employees when their own personal situations arise. The campaign effects 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 Board of Directors?"

Federal employees in the Fort Riley, Greater Topeka Area & Kansas City area serve on the CFC Board of Directors (called the Local Federal Coordinating Committee) which oversees all functions of the campaign. List of Volunteers.

"How do I know the charities participating in the CFC are legitimate?"

Federal employees in the Kansas City area volunteer to serve on the Eligibility 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:

• Organizations must certify that it provides or conducts real human health and welfare services, benefits, assistance or program activities
• Organizations must provide a letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing it as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)
• Organization must provide a completed copy of its IRS Form 990
• Organizations 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
• Organizations with an annual budget in excess of $100,000 must submit an audit report in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
• Organizations must certify that it has no expenses connected with lobbying and attempts to influence voting or legislation at the local, State or Federal level
• Organizations must be directed by an active and responsible governing body whose members have no conflict of interest and a majority of which 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 is a Federation?"

A federation is a group of voluntary charitable human health and welfare organizations established for purposes of supplying common fundraising, administrative, and management services to its members. Each federation is listed with its member organizations as the first organization. If you wish to designate all or some portion of your contribution to a federation, please record that federation's corresponding code number on your pledge card. Contributions designated to a federation will be shared in accordance with the federation's policy.

"When is the CFC campaign?"

In the Fall of each year, the campaign is conducted during a six week period of time in the months of September through December.

"What are some ways that federal agencies support the CFC?"

Federal agencies in the Kansas City area appoint a volunteer to serve as Campaign Coordinator, Co-Coordinator and Union Coordinator to lead their agency’s CFC effort. The Campaign Coordinator recruits a Campaign Committee, Team Captains and Canvassers to help implement campaign plans. Many federal agencies also provide the CFC with Loaned Executives (federal employees on detail) to work with other agencies in planning 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 Kansas City Area. 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 

Caution: DO NOT use the information or charitable codes found on this web site to fill out your pledge card unless you work in the Kansas City area.

“What is the relationship between CFC and United Way ?”

CFC needs professional organization to plan, promote and carry out its goals.  CFC regulations require that every local campaign be managed by a non profit agency, under an annual contract.  United Way applies to the Greater Kansas City Federal Executive Board (FEB) every February to serve as the Principal Combined Fundraising Organization (PCFO).  United Way is not paid a fee to run a campaign, but receives reimbursements for approved CFC expenditures through the annual budget approved by the FEB.  United Way and its partner agencies must also apply independently to participate in the campaign and is eligible to receive donations.

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