FAQs

For more information and additional FAQs, visit the OPM site.


WHAT IS THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC)?


The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign for federal government employees, retirees, and contractors. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with 36 CFC zones throughout the country and overseas, raising millions of dollars each year. Since the campaign's inception in 1961, generous federal employees have donated more than $8.6 billion with the CFC. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal, and military donors during the campaign season support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.


HOW CAN A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PLEDGE WITH THE CFC?


Federal employees can pledge online via the centralized giving platform. Donors can choose a payroll deduction or a one-time or recurring monthly pledge via a credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer. Currently, donors also have the option of completing a paper pledge card. Paper pledge donors can give via payroll deduction or check. Donations made at events can be made with the CFC Giving Mobile App. The app accepts one-time and recurring donations via credit/debit card and ACH. Federal employees are also invited to broaden the impact of their gift by pledging volunteer hours to participating charities in addition to monetary donations.


CAN FEDERAL RETIREES PARTICIPATE IN THE CFC?


Yes. Federal retirees are invited to support the charitable causes they care about by giving with the CFC via recurring pledges through their annuity or credit card or a one-time contribution (check or credit card).


DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE A CHARITY OR CAN I LEAVE MY PLEDGE UNDESIGNATED?


Undesignated contributions are no longer permitted under new CFC regulations. Please designate your pledge to the specific CFC charity or charities of your choice.


CAN FEDERAL CONTRACTORS GIVE?


Yes. Federal contractors should not be solicited, but they can give by credit card, bank ACH, or personal check accompanied by a paper pledge form. Contractors who give online should register as a contractor and select the federal agency with which they are associated when setting up their account.


CAN I GIVE CASH?


No, donating with cash is no longer permitted.

 

HOW CAN I GIVE ANONYMOUSLY?

By choosing not to complete the optional "Information Release" section on the paper pledge form or the online giving system, donors are essentially making anonymous gifts to their chosen charities.


WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION?


Minimum contribution amounts via payroll deduction are $1 per pay period per charity. The minimum credit card donation is $10. The maximum online contribution is $99,999. However, maximum payroll deduction gifts may be limited by each payroll service provider (for example, active duty members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are limited to $9,999).


MY FEDERAL AGENCY IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE ONLINE DROP-DOWN MENU. WHAT SHOULD I DO?


For now, please select “Other” and continue with your pledge. Please also contact your local CFC Coordinator and ask them to bring the matter to our attention.


I CANNOT FIND MY CHARITY IN THE CHARITY LIST OR ONLINE.


Try searching with different criteria such as IRS Legal Name, Keyword, CFC #, or EIN. Charities must annually apply to be a part of the campaign, so there is a possibility the organization did not apply or was not eligible. To suggest a charity for next year’s campaign, please click here.


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I RETIRE IF I SIGNED UP FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION?


Your donation will stop automatically with your last paycheck. At this time, the donation cannot roll over to your retirement pay, but you can sign up for retirement pay donations the following year. Please know that we cannot accept payroll donations if you plan to retire BEFORE March 31.


HOW DO I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT PREVIOUS YEARS’ PLEDGES?


Please log in at https://cfcgiving.opm.gov. Next, at the top right, it reads “Welcome, name.” and just below it reads, “Your account” with a down arrow next to it. Click on the down arrow, and then click “Your pledge” to view last year’s pledge details.


WHERE DO I MAIL MY PLEDGE FORM(S)?


If possible, submit your paper pledge form to your local Keyworker or Coordinator. If that is not an option, please send completed paper pledge forms to: CFC Processing Center P.O. Box 7820 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7820