Still On the Fence? 5 Reasons to Consider CFC (Updated With FAQs About Pledging & Oversight)

Despite their greater fiscal challenges, middle-class class taxpayers have been found to be more charitable than their wealthier counterparts.

“Households that earn $50-75,000 give an average of 7.6% of their discretionary income to charity, compared with an average of 4.2% for people who make $100,000 or more.” – The Chronicle of Philanthropy, August 19, 2012

However, employees also have legitimate concerns about charitable campaigns such as the CFC. If you’re still on the fence, perhaps this information will help. (For more, visit the CFC FAQ)

• Voluntary Is The Policy: You are encouraged to report coercion to CFC at support@cfcnca.org or 202-465-7230.

• You Are Encouraged To Check Out Your Charity: “70% of Americans said it was difficult to tell whether a charity soliciting their contribution is legitimate.” Visit http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/

• Programs Like CFC Actually Help Reduce Overhead: While CFC does have some administrative expenses of its own (8.2% in 2011), combining many charities into a single drive reduces the need for individual charities to approach area employees individually. (Average overhead in 2004 was 16%, according to Fortune.)

• CFC Is Closely Watched. The organization has multiple interlocking layers of oversight: OPM audits it every year, a committee of local Federal workers oversees its financial practices, and a nonprofit organization called Global Impact runs it on a day-to-day basis.

• Your Participation Makes A Difference. The existence of CFC leads people to donate more than they would otherwise: “People give more than 3-4 times as much through payroll deduction than they do when making a direct cash gift.”

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11/16/12 

1. How do I give to the CFCNCA electronically? Visit CFCNCA.org. You can fill out an online pledge form for automatic payroll deductions, or donate by credit card, debit card or electronic check from your bank account. You won't pay extra to donate by credit card. (See the CFC paperless payroll tutorial and overview of all giving options.)
2. Is there a minimum or maximum payroll deduction gift one can donate through the CFC? The minimum is $1. There is no maximum.
3. If I choose payroll deduction, when does it start? The first pay period in January 2013, and ending the last pay period of the year. (via OPM)
4. How can I cancel my payroll deduction pledge after it has started? Contact your home agency payroll office in writing. Per OPM, cancelling is the only change you can make outside the solicitation period. If for some reason the payroll deduction is more than you elected, contact your payroll office so they can get in touch with CFC and assist you in obtaining a refund. 
5. Do I get a tax receipt? Yes. If you donate less than $250, contact CFC customer service at 202-465-7230 to obtain a tax letter. If more than $250, you will receive a tax letter in the mail automatically, as long as you provided your address when pledging. Credit, debit or eCheck transactions generate a confirmation and printable receipt automatically by email. Remember to keep a copy of your pledge as well. See IRS information from CFC.

CFC Oversight & Improvement

A couple of interesting links here on the effort to improve CFC. Based on recent conversations, people like some things about CFC (doing good; that they make it easy to donate) but don't like others (being pressured; having a private matter turned into a public display; CFC overhead). There is also the sense that enrolling is somehow complicated. If you're interested in this subject, the items below are worth reviewing when you have the time.