FROM: Agency Head or CFC Coordinator
TO: Agency Federal Employees
CONTENT: CFC Kickoff Event
DATE TO SEND: 1 week prior to Kickoff event
SUBJECT: Kickoff and Quiz time!
Dear colleagues:
On [DATE], at [TIME], in [LOCATION], you have permission to free yourself from your workstations and attend the [AGENCY NAME] 2017 CFC Kickoff! Why should you be there? Because not only will you get the chance to meet [X NUMBER] local (add national/international, if relevant) charities; not only will you learn about the amazing benefits of CFC giving, but you will also have the chance to play some fun games and maybe *win a prize!
Best of all, this event is 100 percent authorized by management, so come join in the fun! Hint: Come with the correct answers to ALL of the following questions, and you’ll receive extra entries into our prize drawing!
1. True or False? The CFC was established in 1961 through an executive order by President John F. Kennedy.
2. True or False? Federal employees have given more than $8 billion to charities of their choice through the CFC.
3. True or False? Federal retirees can make a CFC contribution through an allotment from their annuity pay.
4. True or False? A CFC payroll deduction contribution can be stopped by an employee at any time.
5. Choose the correct answer: The following are considered benefits of giving through the CFC:
a. Payroll deduction enables you to spread your gift throughout the year.
b. The CFC is more cost-efficient for charities than direct contributions.
c. All CFC charities are screened by a committee of Federal employees annually.
d. CFC contributions are considered “unrestricted funds” for charities.
e. All of the above are true.
We hope you’ll join us for this fun and informative event! If you'd like to get started on your CFC giving right away, please visit [opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC].
Thanks,
[Agency Head or CFC Coordinator Name]
[Title]
*Campaign Managers: Be sure that any prizes offered are consistent with CFC regulations §950.502(b): “If prizes are offered, they must be modest in nature and value. Examples of appropriate prizes may include opportunities for lunch with agency officials, agency parking spaces for a specific timeframe, and gifts of minimal financial value. Any special CFC event and associated prize or gift must be approved in advance by the Agency's ethics official to ensure that the special event is consistent with Office of Government Ethics regulations and its own regulations and policy.”
Quiz Answer Key
1. True or False? The CFC was established in 1961 through an executive order by President John F. Kennedy. True. Although workplace giving existed in the Federal government prior to 1961, President Kennedy’s executive order formally established the Combined Federal Campaign as the only authorized workplace solicitation of Federal employees on behalf of charities.
2. True or False? Federal employees have given more than $8 billion to charities of their choice through the CFC. True. (It would be even more if donations prior to 1961 were counted!)
3. True or False? Federal retirees can make a CFC contribution through an allotment from their annuity pay. True! In fall 2016, President Barack Obama signed an executive order allowing Federal retirees to be solicited for the CFC and to give through their retirement annuity pay, if they so choose.
4. True or False? A CFC payroll deduction contribution can be stopped by an employee at any time. True. A CFC payroll deduction takes effect in January following the campaign and lasts for one calendar year’s full pay cycle. CFC payroll deductions may be cancelled at any time, but this is the only change permitted outside the solicitation period. (Note: New hires can now give immediately upon entering Federal service, even if joining the government outside the campaign window, and their CFC allotments will take effect immediately.)
5. Choose the correct answer: The following are considered benefits of giving through the CFC:
a. Payroll deduction enables you to spread your gift throughout the year.
b. The CFC is more cost-efficient for charities than direct contributions.
c. All CFC charities are screened by a committee of Federal employees annually.
d. CFC contributions are considered “unrestricted funds” for charities.
e. All of the above are true.
Regarding answer b: The simple truth is, there is a cost to all fundraising. However, because the CFC does all the outreach and promotions to Federal employees on behalf of charities, it costs them FAR less than it would to attempt to gain the same funding via direct mail, events, advertising, and other forms of fundraising.
Regarding answer d: Unlike most grant money, CFC funds are considered “unrestricted,” meaning charities can apply these funds where they are most needed. Charities are grateful for all types of funding, but they especially love unrestricted funds.