Frequently Asked Questions

• HOW DOES THE CFC WORK?
• WHY DOES THE CFC WORK?
• WILL I BE PRESSURED?
• CAN I CONTROL WHERE MY GIFT WILL GO?
• WHAT HAPPENS TO UNDESIGNATED FUNDS?
• MAY I USE PAYROLL DEDUCTION?
• HOW CAN MY GIFT HELP?

HOW DOES THE CFC WORK?
The Big Bend Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is run by a Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) with members from various federal agencies and employee groups representing your interests.
Every year, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in Washington, D.C. provides a list of agencies and federations that qualify to participate in the CFC on a national basis. The LFCC adds the local agencies and federations that have asked to participate in the campaign to the list, based on an audit of their administrative costs, tax-exempt status, and income sources.

WHY DOES THE CFC WORK?
The CFC works because the administrative costs for the campaign are kept at a minimum. It also works because of its accountability. The PCFO is audited to ensure proper procedures are followed and that funds are distributed to the agencies and federations designated by YOU, the contributor.
Most of all, the CFC works because federal employees care. And contributing to the CFC is the best way to care because it supports hundreds of programs and services that help provide a safety net to those in need.

WILL I BE PRESSURED?
It is your right to make a choice to contribute or not to the CFC. The decision to participate in the CFC is yours alone. Should you feel any pressure or coercion in federal fundraising activities, you should register a complaint. Civilian employees should consult their personnel office and military personnel should consult their commanding officer to identify the organization that handles such complaints in their respective federal agency.
You also have the right to make your gift confidentially in a sealed envelope that will be delivered unopened to the CFC headquarters.

CAN I CONTROL WHERE MY GIFT WILL GO?
You may select one or more agencies and/or federations. A maximum of four agencies or federations may be selected on each pledge card. Please do not designate to any organization that is not listed in your CFC brochure.
Write-in charitable agencies are prohibited.

WHAT HAPPENS TO UNDESIGNATED FUNDS?
Even if you choose not to designate to a specific agency or federation, your contribution will still be accepted. Funds contributed to the CFC, but not designated to a specific agency or federation, will be distributed to all organizations in the CFC brochure in the same proportion as they received in designations. Organizations that receive no designated dollars cannot receive any donations.

MAY I USE PAYROLL DEDUCTION?
Payroll deduction is your key to substantial giving by letting you spread your contribution across the entire year. Payments on payroll deduction pledges begin on the first pay period in January. Because there is no simpler way for you to make good things happen for so many people, payroll deduction ensures your continuing role in the care and stewardship of your community and your world.

HOW CAN MY GIFT HELP?
Donating through the CFC enables you to help in your community and around the world:
$5 a month provides emergency food for five families in one week.
$10 a month will furnish five treatment sessions for a teen alcohol/drug abuser.
$15 a month funds two weeks of day care for two economically disadvantaged children.
$20 a month provides six days of emergency shelter for a homeless family of four.
$25 a month will protect 15 acres of open space from the threats of urban sprawl.
$30 a month funds AIDS education for 75 people.
$40 a month provides aid for four families of six surviving fire, flood, or disaster.
$50 a month provides a special need senior (i.e., Alzheimer’s) with three and a half weeks of programs at a day support center.