What is the Combined Federal Campaign?

  • Published
  • By Ken Robinson
  • Army News Service

If you've been in the military or worked for the government for a while, you've heard about the Combined Federal Campaign. Every year, unit representatives go to work in support of the CFC to help ensure its success.

But what is the Combined Federal Campaign?

The CFC is a method for federal employees, military and civilian, to donate to qualifying charities. The Combined Federal Campaign is a 58-year Federal workplace giving tradition that has raised more than $8.3 billion for charitable organizations.

The funds raised each fall through the campaign help neighbors in need around the corner, across the nation and throughout the world. Through the contributions of civilian and military federal employees, the campaign continues to make a difference by generating more than $93 million in 2018 for the thousands of participating local, national, and international charities.

People can choose a specific charity or contribute to a general fund where their dollars will be distributed amongst all charities. The charities focus on supporting communities in areas such as veteran issues, health care, and research, education, homelessness, animal shelters, religion and more.

All contributions made through the CFC are tax-deductible. Contributors can choose to make donations through a payroll deduction or a one-time donation. Payroll deduction pledges or one time contributions can be made online or by filling out the paper pledge form. The preferred online payroll deduction method is through myPay.

There is a minimum donation of $1 per pay period for payroll deductions. While that doesn't seem like much, every donation helps.

The 2019 campaign officially kicked off Oct. 1, and will run through Jan. 12, 2020. In addition to pledging money, federal employees can pledge volunteer service hours to participating nonprofit organizations.

Joint Base San Antonio has identified volunteers to meet with every unit and directorate to ensure the success of this year's campaign. These unit representatives will be distributing material, educating and collecting pledges.

For more information, see a unit CFC coordinator, contact the respective installation CFC program manager or visit https://www.opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign/.