About Us
The mission of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is to support and to 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.
Its tradition of commitment to the community through the selfless efforts of Federal employees, has its roots in the many charitable campaigns of the early 1960's. Seeing a need to bring the diversity of fundraising efforts under one umbrella, Federal employees created the CFC -- one campaign, once a year. By allowing employees to select from a single guide making their contributions through payroll deductions, the CFC opened wide the door to more opportunities for generous giving to literally hundreds of worthy causes. An Executive Order made the CFC a reality, and turned an innovative idea into a uniquely effective way for Federal employees to help those in need across our community and throughout the world. The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the Federal Workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. It continues to be the largest and most successful workplace fundraising model in the world.
You accomplish so much with your CFC gift
This year, many local, national, and international voluntary agencies will benefit from your thoughtfulness and generosity. A few minutes of your time today can mean meals for hungry children, relief for families in need of counseling, further work on cures for diseases, comfort for the dying, access to water in the Third World, environmental protection, and better lives and renewed hope for millions of people in our global community.
You control where your gift will go
All Federal employees have the right to contribute or not to contribute to the CFC. The choice is yours. Through your designation, you ensure that your donation goes to meet those needs that you feel are most important.
Please do not designate to an organization that is not listed in this brochure. Adding organizations not listed, or write-in, is prohibited and donations to such organizations cannot be accepted. If you prefer, you may donate to the CFC anonymously by placing your confidential gift in a sealed envelope. All funds contributed through the CFC that are not designated to a specific organization or federation will be distributed to the organizations listed in the CFC brochure in the same proportion as the contributions designated to them. If an organization receives five percent of the overall donations, then that organization will receive five percent of the undesignated funds. If an organization receives none of the overall donations, then that organization will no receive any of the undesignated funds.
Payroll deduction lets you help all year long
Payroll deduction is your key to substantial giving by letting you spread your contribution across the entire year. Last year, more than 90% of all CFC funds raised was given through payroll deduction. Payments on payroll deduction pledges begin on the first pay period in January. Because there is no simpler way for you to make good things happen for so many people, payroll deduction ensures your continuing role in the care and stewardship of your community and your world.
OPM provides CFC oversight
The US Office of Personnel Management makes the final decisions on all charities eligible for the National List. It also is the final administrative level for appeals on national and local applications, provides guidance and technical advice on regulations, and has the authority to conduct compliance audits on any CFC fiscal records.
The Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) is our "board of directors"
The Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) approved local and statewide charities that help residents in this area or in adjacent counties as having met the eligibility standards established by the CFC regulations. The LFCC is composed of Federal employees and representatives of labor unions with Federal employees as members. Decisions regarding the inclusion of charities in your local campaigns are made by the LFCC. LFCCs are also responsible for the oversight of your local CFC in conformance with the CFC regulations and policies established by OPM.
The Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO) manages the CFC
Every year, the LFCC selects one of the voluntary organizations involved in the CFC to manage the campaign and serve as fiscal agent. OPM sets strict requirements for this role. Annual audits are required of the PCFO by an independent CPA.
A proud record of low fund-raising costs
Through the outstanding oversight efforts of the Federal employees on each LFCC, approximately 8% of the funds raised nationwide are spent on printing materials, training volunteers, and auditing contributions.
Because this cost is so low compared with other fundraising campaigns, every dollar you pledge goes a very long way toward helping others.
The voluntary spirit of giving is guaranteed
Remember, any contribution you make should be freely given. You have the right not to be improperly influenced in making your decision regarding the making or withholding of contributions in the CFC. Coercion is forbidden.
In order to guarantee this voluntary spirit, the Office of Personnel Management has identified several practices that are not permitted, including but not limited to: supervisory solicitation of employees supervised; setting of 100% participation goals; providing and using contributor lists for purposes other than the routine collection and forwarding of contributions and installment pledges; establishing personal dollar goals and quotas; developing and using lists of non-contributors.
Civilian employees who wish to register complaints about coercion should consult with their personnel offices; military personnel should contact their commanding officers.
How do Federal employees decide which charities to list in the catalog?
Charities applied either at the national or local level. Charities with documented programs in fifteen states or several foreign countries or several parts of a foreign country applied directly to the Office of Personnel Management. Only those agencies certified by OPM are listed in this brochure in the "National/International Agencies" and the "International Agencies" sections.
Local charities that help residents in this area or adjacent counties applied to the LFCC, the "board of directors" of our campaign. The local charities listed under the heading "Local Agencies" have met OPM requirements for local eligibility.
If you would like more information about the finances, services, benefits or programs an organization provides, you may call the organization directly at the telephone number provided in the Agency Listing or visit their homepage, if available.
Contributions, less uncollected pledges and the LFCC approved administrative costs, are remitted at regular intervals by the Principal Combined Fund Organization in accordance with CFC regulations.
Special Notice Regarding Donations of $250 or More
A Federal employee who makes a one-time (cash, check, or money order) contribution of $250 or more and those who make a payroll deduction contribution of $250 or more per pay period to a single organization in the CFC should consult a tax adviser to determine if additional verification of the donation is required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Such verification can be obtained by contacting the Metropolitan Atlanta Combined Federal Campaign at 404-562-3349.
