What is the CFC?
The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations.

Why have a CFC?
The annual fundraising campaign helps to support a variety of health, human, and other services provided by more than 1,600 charitable agencies. This single campaign is the most cost-efficient fundraising method. It succeeds because volunteers from the federal workforce combine their resources for one coordinated appeal.

Why should I give my charitable contribution through CFC?
There are sound reasons for giving through CFC:
 

• CFC is a value-added component, not a middleman.


 

• Charities know early in the year roughly what their revenue from CFC pledges will be, and they can plan their programs accordingly.


 

• Charities appreciate that CFC’s low overhead costs (under 11% in 2004) increase revenue for their programs.


 

• Payroll deduction is a painless way to give--you won’t miss money you never see.


 

• You don't have over 1,600 agencies asking you for money - just one - the CFC.

Who decides how to spend my donation?
YOU! Each donor designates their dollars to meet their interests. You may pick a single cause - or several causes - and allocate your contribution among them in any way you like.

How do I know my money really gets to the agency I designate?
By regulations, all designations must be honored. This is verified by a yearly audit. In addition, you can request to be acknowledged for your pledge by your designated charity.

Will I receive an acknowledgement or thank you for my donation?
There are several answers to this question. First, you must authorize the PCFO to release your name to the designated agency in order to receive an acknowledgment letter. Second, the CFC does not have the authority to require designated agencies to provide a letter acknowledging your donation. To authorize release of your name, complete the box in the lower left-hand corner of the pledge card.

How much should I give?
This is always a personal decision. Here are two factors that may be of help: First, the average gift last year was $193, while the annual payroll deduction was $250 per person locally. Second, the “fair share” gift is calculated as 1 hours pay per month.

What is the benefit of giving through payroll deduction?
Through payroll deduction, a specified amount is withheld every payday and continues throughout the year. This is convenient and easier on the budget than a one-time donation.

What if I don’t designate?
Your donation is split proportionately among all of the agencies listed in the 2008 Agency Resource Guide according to the percentage they received in designated contributions.

Does my entire donation go directly to the agency(ies) I have designated?
There is a cost to doing business whether it's for profit or nonprofit. All of the agencies share a cost in the supplies and administration of the CFC. As a result, 89% of your designation goes to the agency to provide services.

Can I designate my contribution to more than 5 agencies?
Yes, but please note that for a total donation of under $250, it is not administratively cost efficient to donate to more than 5 agencies. If you choose to donate to more than 5 agencies, fully complete a 2nd pledge card that includes signature, name, address, SSN, etc.

The Agency Resource Guide is so large. How can I find a specific nonprofit agency?
Your coordinator will have access to a computer disk and e-mail version of the Agency Resource Guide. Ask him or her for a copy. The information is in Word, so finding an agency is easy. Or, you can contact the CFC office at (501) 376-4567 and they will find the information for you.

Can I write in an agency not listed in the Agency Resource Guide?
No. All listed agencies have met certain eligibility criteria necessary to become eligible for the Combined Federal Campaign. These criteria ensure that you’re giving to a sound organization.

If your favorite agency is not listed in the Agency Resource Guide, it may not have applied to the process, or it may have been turned down for lack of compliance. Call the CFC office at (501) 376-4567 for a specific answer. New applicants are warmly welcomed each spring and many national and local charities participate in CFC because Federal employees who support them referred them to the CFC application process.

What if I can't afford to give right now?
You don't have to! Pledge your gift though payroll deduction and spread small payments throughout the year. Agency services need your year around support. Deductions don’t begin until January and they end in December.

Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, if you itemize. Every charity in the CFC Agency Resource Guide is a recognized 501 (c) (3) charity, registered with the Internal Revenue Service.

Why contribute through the CFC when I don’t use the services of any of the recipient charities?
Has a loved one been afflicted by cancer, Alzheimer’s or a disability? Have you cheered on the US Olympic Team or used the services of hospice? In one way or another, almost all of us have been touched by at least one CFC agency.

Many advances in medicine are due, in great part, to charitable donations for research and direct service. Even if you have no direct involvement with a CFC agency, each of us benefits from living in a community that provides so many services for all who want or need them. Everyone’s quality of life is enhanced by voluntary organizations.

Why should I support a campaign that includes organizations I don’t like?
CFC is a donor-choice campaign; you decide where your money goes. The CFC includes over 1,600 organizations this year. Among all of these, there are probably at least some that do not agree with your views. It is equally certain that many others in the Agency Resource Guide do represent your values. An entire spectrum of organizations is represented because of the varied interest of the Federal workforce. CFC does not make political judgments of the worth of a particular organization, but has established guidelines to ensure that organizations are serving needs, are financially responsible, and are operated by a Board of Directors.,

What if I work seasonally or on a temporary basis?
You may still contribute to the CFC. Of course, if you use payroll deductions it will only be deducted during the period you receive your paycheck.

I resent everyone asking me for money.
The reason the CFC exists is to avoid this problem. The CFC combines many fund drives into one organized, annual campaign. Instead of 1,600 separate agencies asking you for money, the CFC ask you only once each year on behalf of all the agencies.

I feel like I'm being pressured to give.
No one should be pressured to give. The CFC is based on the concept of voluntary giving. The best, most responsive giving comes voluntarily from informed contributors. We want you to give from the heart.

What does the percentage number listed with each agency mean?
The number you see at the end of each listing refers to the fundraising and administrative costs for each individual charity. CFC regulations require that participating charities keep their administrative and fundraising costs below 25%, unless there are extenuating and justifiable circumstances. This assures that the maximum possible funding goes directly to the programs that serve people.

I volunteer - that's my contribution.
Volunteer work is very important. But in order to continue to provide services to the entire community, the agencies also need your financial support.

How much money does the CFC raise worldwide?
Over $271.6 million dollars were raised worldwide through the 2006 CFC. Locally, the CFC raised over $915,469 last year, the largest amount ever. Thanks to all CFC donors!

What is the relationship between CFC and the Heart of Arkansas United Way?
CFC needs a professional organization to plan, promote and carry out its goals. CFC regulations require that every local campaign be managed by a not-for-profit agency, under an annual contract. The Heart of Arkansas United Way applies each year to the LFCC to serve as the campaign manager and fiscal agent. United Way assigns staff to act in the best interests of the CFC.

The United Way is not paid a fee to run the campaign, but receives reimbursement for approved CFC expenditures through the annual budget, approved by the LFCC. The United Way and its partner agencies also apply independently to participate in the campaign and to become eligible to receive donations.

 

This is the    official   Combined Federal Campaign website for CFC of Greater Arkansas.

This is the official Combined Federal Campaign website for CFC of Greater Arkansas.

This site has been reviewed and approved by the CFC of Greater Arkansas
Local Federal Coordinating Committee for the 2006 CFC Campaign.

For more information, contact the PCFO at (501)376-4567 or info@heartaruw.org