Combined Federal Campaign CFC FAQs

5 CFR 950.602 states, ". . . in all approved fundraising events the donor must have the option of designating to a specific participating organization or federation or be advised that the donation will be counted as an undesignated contribution and distributed according to these regulations." Therefore, the PCFO must notify the participant of the amount of the fee that will be considered a one-time charitable contribution to the CFC and that the contribution will be an undesignated contribution unless the PCFO decides to allow donors to complete a pledge form with a designation to a participating CFC charity.

The LFCC has the authority to determine the campaign period in its area. If an agency needs additional time, the LFCC may grant an extension No campaign may start before September 1 or be extended beyond December 15 without the permission of the Director.

Recognition of employees who give above a certain level is permitted at CFC-related awards ceremonies, with the donor's permission. If the donor pledged to the PCFO, as a charitable organization, specifically and authorized his/her name release on the pledge form, the PCFO may list the name in a PCFO publication with the donor's permission. Please note that release of contribution amounts is not permitted, therefore the amount of the donation may not be noted in the PCFO's publication. The PCFO may not use the names of employees who authorized the release of their names if they donated to other participating charitable organizations, even members of the PCFO's federation. For more information see 5 CFR Part 950.601.

Each of the 200 plus campaigns sets its own deadline. You will need to contact your local campaign office for this information.

The CFC will continue to use the IRS Form 990 as verification of the administrative costs. The FASB application must be handled at the organization management level.

A PCFO may ONLY charge interest to CFC if the PCFO obtained a commercial loan. Any loan obtained by the PCFO must first be approved by the LFCC.

No. An appeal and/or waiver (whichever is appropriate) must be specifically addressed to OPM.

Questions should be directed to your local campaign office. A complete listing of local campaign contacts can be found through The Campaign Locator.

No. The LFCC determines the amount.

CFC regulations permit Federal employees to solicit 'in-kind' contributions, such as food or toys, by placing donation receptacles in common areas. No special solicitation authority is required to do this, but is subject to the authority of the agency head. Again, we encourage you to contact your ethics counsel or General Counsel for guidance.

No.

The overall national CFC does not set a financial goal. Locally, the LFCC can set a financial goal for that CFC area. Each federal agency may also set a financial goal.

No.  Please see section on Special Solicitations During Emergencies and Disasters for information on fundraising in response to emergencies and natural disasters..

No. Local charitable organizations which meet all criteria and are eligible must be notified via facsimile or US Postal Service within 15 business days after the closing date of the application period. Denial of the application by the LFCC must be sent via US Postal Service certified or registered mail with a return receipt