CFC MEMORANDUM 2003-09

Our recent review of 2003 CFC applications found a problem with the use of checklists and standardized formats used to describe services, benefits, assistance and program activities provided by a number of organizations. The purpose of this guidance is to advise that the use of such formats and checklists may substantially affect an applicant's ability to provide the necessary clear showing of real services, benefits, assistance or other program activities in any state as required by Attachment A of the CFC application. As such, an application using such methods may not meet the requirements of 5 CFR §950.203 (a)(5) in future CFCs.

National organizations and federations must demonstrate that real services, benefits, assistance or other program activities are provided in at least 15 states or one foreign country. An increasing number of applicants rely on the use of standard listings of service categories which an organization may "check-off" to indicate the services, benefits, assistance or program activities provided in each state. Associated with such checklists has been a tendency to replicate the identical narrative description of services for each of the states in which the organization is claiming a presence. In some cases, the only unique information provided is a number indicating how many persons the organization claims to have served in each state.

The use of broad descriptions of services, benefits, assistance or program activities and/or descriptions that replicate the identical information for each state in which service is claimed does not adequately allow OPM to determine that the real services, benefits, assistance or program activities were provided or to accurately determine the number of individuals or entities to whom these were delivered.

Each year, in the fall, OPM sponsors an orientation session for participating charities and prospective applicants. See examples used for training purposes which illustrate the clear showing of services, benefits, assistance or program activities as required in Attachment A.

Each year, in the fall, OPM sponsors an orientation session for participating charities and prospective applicants. Enclosed is a copy of examples used for training purposes which illustrate the clear showing of services, benefits, assistance or program activities as required in Attachment A.

As you know, CFC Operations staff is always willing to respond to questions about the application process and discuss any issues identified.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.