|
If you are a federal employee, giving to
your charity is easy.
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) was established by President
Kennedy in 1961 as a once-a-year, in-the-workplace appeal
for federal employees, including military, civilian and U.S.
Postal Service personnel.
The CFC was established because employees requested a convenient
way to give and wanted to end year-round multiple charity
appeals in the workplace. Nationwide, the CFC is the largest
single fundraising effort in the world. In 2001, the campaign
raised in excess of $250 million.
The Western Riverside County Combined Federal Campaign is
one of 387 campaigns in the United States, as well as an overseas
campaign for federal employees stationed abroad. Locally,
a committee consisting of the senior leadership of the federal
community provides oversight to the Western Riverside County
campaign.
In 2001, 37.7 percent of the 4,900 employees participated
in the Wester Riverside County campaign, raising more than
$236 thousand for charities.
Who manages the CFC?
The director of the Office of Personnel Management
exercises general supervision over all CFC operations nationally.
Locally, a Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) is
established to govern the conduct of the campaign. The LFCC
is comprised of members of each major branch of federal government
in the local area. The Western Riverside County LFCC is composed
of senior executives from the Navy, Marine, federal civilian
and U.S. Postal Service areas. The chair of the campaign is
RADM Frederic R. Ruehe, USN, Commander, Navy Region Southwest,
San Diego. The campaign is administered by more than 5,000
federal employees, serving over 141,000 personnel throughout
Western Riverside County.
How much does the CFC raise for
charities?
Last year the Western Riverside County CFC
raised more than $225 thousand. Nationwide, CFC raised in
excess of $217 million.
Who receives CFC contributions?
Only the charitable organizations designated
by the federal employee receive a contribution. If one does
not want to designate a specific agency(s), "undesignated
gifts" will be distributed among all organizations listed
in the Western Riversdie County CFC Contributors Brochure,
proportional to the amount that was designated to the agency.
What role does the United Way
have in the CFC?
Each year, the LFCC selects a local non-profit
organization to administer the local campaign on behalf of
the LFCC. The organization is called the Principal Combined
Fund Organization (PCFO) and is tasked: to develop campaign
materials; to design and provide training to federal employees;
to receive and audit all pledges and to distribute the funds
throughout the year in accordance with OPM directives. United
Way of the Inland Valleys has been the local organization
selected to be the PCFO since CFC began.
How do donors know their contributions
will go to the agency or agencies of their choice?
The CFC is audited annually by an independent
CPA firm for financial accuracy and compliance. By checking
"please release" in the name release authorization area of
the pledge card, a donor's name will be released to their
designated agencies and the agencies should acknowledge your
contribution.
Who decides how "undesignated" donations are distributed?
The donor. Undesignated funds are distributed among all agencies
proportional to the amount that the agency received in designations.
How does an agency become selected
for listing in the CFC brochure?
A committee of federal employees screen each
agency's annual application for fiscal soundness, management
expertise and ethical practice.
Is a CFC contribution tax deductible?
Yes, if the donor itemizes his or her taxes.
What is the minimum amount possible
through payroll deduction?
$1.00 per month for military personnel, $1.00
per pay period for civilian employees. However, because of
the cost to process pledges, the Treasury Department suggests
a minimum contribution of $3.00.
Since United Way administers the CFC for the federal government,
does it control or influence the distribution of any contributions?
No. All CFC funds are distributed according to the designation
desires of federal donors.
Why shouldn't one give directly
to a charitable agency and save the 9.5 percent CFC administrative
fee?
CHOICE
There are more than 1,700 local, national
and international charitable organizations from which to
choose. The donor may also contribute to local schools.
CONVENIENCE
It is a once-a-year campaign.
It is held in the workplace.
It offers the flexibility of payroll deduction.
It reduces the overhead cost of charitable agencies
CONFIDENCE
Every organization is annually screened by
federal employees for fiscal soundness, management expertise
and ethical practices. The campaign is annually audited
by a CPA firm for financial integrity and compliance with
Office of Personnel Management regulations.
Why are agencies with programs
or services that are counter to my thinking or my federal
organization's mission listed in the brochure?
Agency eligibility for listing in the brochure
is based on 16 specific requirements. The screening process
is objective and not subjective in nature.
How can a donor ensure his or
her contribution will not support certain agencies listed
in the brochure?
By designating a specific agency(s), the donors
guarantee their contributions will go only to the specific
agency(s) selected, and no other.
|
