Have you ever wondered just how exactly your non-profit organization is going to achieve additional funding? Have you ever taken a good look at your organization and the hardworking volunteers who make it all possible, and wondered how you’re going to take that next step? You’re not alone and the Combined Federal Campaign is available to help.

What’s the CFC? (Combined Federal Campaign)

The Combined Federal Campaign or CFC’s mission is to “promote and support 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.” The organization was founded in 1961 with a goal in mind. That goal was to combine all fundraising campaigns as an initiative to have a uniform method to ultimately increase contributions to charitable organizations. Since then, the CFC has raised nearly $8 billion in contributions for over 20,000 non-profit organizations worldwide. This has made the CFC the largest, most inclusive, and successful workplace philanthropic organization worldwide. The CFC understands how challenging it can be to find funding. So they take ownership in launching over 200 campaigns across the country to raise millions for eligible charities that provide service to their local or national community. Every year, their goal is to launch as many campaigns as possible. The CFC values all non-profits, big or small. They know that the partnerships they create with non-profits are the foundation of their stability and growth.

So how does is all work?

Every year, the Combined Federated Campaign allows charities from all over the country to apply to their campaign. While there are specific criteria your organization must meet, the CFC makes it easy for you to get involved. Upon completion of the appropriate application and follow up acceptance, your organization will be placed on a list consisting of over 18,000 other charities. Federal employees, and postal and military donors who are particularly passionate about a specific organization are given the option to support their charity of choice through a variety of funding possibilities such as credit/debit card, check, cash, or even payroll deduction.

How can the Combined Federated Campaign benefit your organization?

The Combined Federated Campaign can be extremely beneficial to your organization, no matter the size. The CFC gives your organization the opportunity to get the word out to other organizations through events and to increase individual funding. In addition to funding, your organization can further enrich the lives of your community and members while bringing more attention to your cause. Not only will you receive funding, but you’ll have free marketing for your organization. This will give your organization free publicity throughout the entire campaign. Furthermore, because the application/acceptance process is a lengthy, but an easily manageable process, your organization will have the duration of that time to strategize an efficient process to market yourself!

Sounds Great! How Do I Get Involved?

Charities For starters, you will need to fill out the appropriate application in order to participate; but not to worry, the Combined Federated Campaign makes it simple. You’ll need to figure out what kind of charity organization you are and what category you fall under. This will determine which application you need to fill out. See the table below and find which service best represents your organization, then find it’s corresponding application:

   

Service Provided	Application
Provided Services in 15 or more different states or in a foreign country within 2013-2015	National/International Organization
Provide services in less than 15 states or a foreign country within 2013-2015	Local Organization
Not representing other charitable organizations	Local/Independent

 

For additional information and applications, click the link to be forwarded to the CFCs page: CFC Applications If you are a National/International organization send your application to the following address by Friday, January 15^th, 2017 no later than 5PM (EST) Office of Combined Federal Campaign ATTN: Charleese Scott U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street, NW Room 6484 Washington, DC 20415 If you are a Local or Independent organization, Find your local CFC office for more information regarding submission information. The following is a link where you can find your local office. Campaign Locator

Additional Notes

• You must re-apply each year to participate
• Required disbursements will begin the following year after acceptance
• Funds are not the results of grants
• Your organization is encouraged to set up an Electronic Funds Transfer system (EFT) to simplify the receiving of funds
• If you are a National/International organization, it is not required you have offices in all states/countries serviced
• You do not have to be in existence or have provided services for the entire duration of 2013-2015

Additional Information Regarding Your Application

In order to have the best chance of acceptance, it’s important to follow the CFC’s guidelines. Once you’ve selected the appropriate application to fill out, the CFC requires documents to prove authenticity. You’ll need to include specific information about your auditing and program functions as to prove that you are a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Providing a completed and signed copy of your IRS Form 990 is required. If you’d prefer to participate in a local Combined Federated Campaign an opposed to national, you must prove that you have an active and substantial program within your state. You’ll also have to include a specific schedule of services and benefits your organization provided as well as an IRS Determination Letter. Following this link will direct you to more information regarding specific forms and standards to follow. Additional Information

One last thing..

Be sure to submit your application by the due date, January 15^th 2017, no later than 5PM (EST). Late submissions will not be accepted and returned to the sender. If you’re on time, by March 2017 the CFC Designation and Donor Acknowledgement Reports will be sent and the by the following month of April, the Disbursement of Funds will begin. Happy funding!