Southeastern Michigan Combined Federal Campaign

Information for Lead Agency Coordinators and Key Workers

Materials

Each One Help One... EveryOne MattersResource Guide

THEME

Each One Help One... EveryOne Matters

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MISSION

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) supports and promotes philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and cost-effective, providing all federal employees an opportunity to improve the quality of life for everyone.

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PRIMARY GOAL

The goal of the CFC is to achieve increased participation of federal employees in the CFC by soliciting 100 percent of the federal workforce. The expected result would be more resources to help those in need through the human service charities supported by federal employee designations.

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STRUCTURE

The Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) -- comprised of federal employees -- oversees the CFC. A nonprofit agency or federation manages the process, which is responsible for conducting the campaign for the federal community and distributing the funds within the established U.S. Office of Personnel Management regulations.  The managing nonprofit agency is accountable to the LFCC.

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CFC ABC's

Approach Prospective Contributors in Person
The most effective way of encouraging co-workers to contribute is by approaching them in person. The personal approach shows you believe the campaign is a priority worth your time and theirs. Please do not leave a pledge form on a desk without speaking to the prospective contributor.

Be Well-Informed
Make sure that you are an educational resource by knowing everything you can before beginning the solicitation. Review the Charity List, Resource Guide and pledge form.  Familiarize yourself with the services CFC charities provide.

Contribute Yourself
Set the example - you will find it easier to encourage others to contribute after making your pledge.

Respect Your Co-Workers' Decision
It is every employee's right to decide whether or not to contribute, and to designate as they wish.

The decision to participate in the CFC is personal. Anyone who feels pressure or coercion in federal fundraising activities should register a complaint. Civilian employees should consult their personnel office. Military personnel should consult their commanding officer to identify the party handling such complaints in their respective federal organization. Employees also have the right to make their gift confidentially in a sealed envelope delivered unopened to CFC headquarters -- addressed Attention: Manager, PCFO/CFC Operations.

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SOME CAMPAIGN HINTS
  1. Know your materials. Review last year's campaign materials and talk to those involved. Understand the past, it will help you plan this year's effort.
  2. Plan. Type, write or make labels, with each person's name, on the pledge form (ensuring each four part copy has a name and is legible).
  3. Make a list of people you need to contact.
  4. Make sure to appeal in person.Start with people you know, to help your comfort level while you get more familiar with the appeal. As a result, you will be more at ease when approaching those you may not know well. Remember to include reasons why you support the CFC.
  5. Set campaign objectives.  Publicize your campaign in whatever ways you can. Insure that everyone knows   the organizational campaign goals.
  6. Ask everyone to contribute. As a volunteer canvasser/keyworker you are responsible for telling the CFC story to other potential volunteers and contributors. The success of the CFC rests with our ability to address concerns, overcome objections and inform individuals of agencies' services and needs.  The guide will help you do that.

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INFORM YOUR CO-WORKERS

The CFC belongs to you, the federal employee. The CFC does not belong to the federal government and its agencies, the Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO), or the charitable organizations.

Workplace giving has advantages. Through payroll deduction, you can give more by having a small amount deducted each pay period.

Charities you support through the CFC focus on people who really need help --- including the hungry, the homeless, the sick, and children and families in need.

You can direct your support to charities that provide services to people and at the same time know what percentage is spent on fundraising and overhead costs.

The CFC is more than 40 years old and has a proven record of effectiveness and efficiency.

Federal employees annually review all listed charities ensuring that only those meeting high standards participate in the CFC.

Your federal community needs you.  Please do your part to help.

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HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL

1.  Prepare

  • Develop your campaign strategy and solicitation approach.
  • Preparation will set you at ease and increase your credibility with those you approach for contributions.
  • Know your campaign materials.
  • Select the time and place for your appeal that best coordinates with the prospective contributor's schedule and your own.

2.  Say "Hello"

  • Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your visit.

3.  Personalize Your Request

  • Do not photocopy your approach. Instead, add something new for each person.  Personalization helps avoid monotony and adds sincerity.
  • Explain why YOU support the CFC.
  • Ask if they have any questions and concerns. If you are unsure of the answer, let them know you will get an answer and get back to them soon. Otherwise, answer the questions the best you can.

4.  Educate Yourself About Their Objections

  • When a concern arises, ensure that the person clarifies the reason for the concern.  After understanding the concern, find a way to address the concern and continue your appeal for a contribution.

5.  "Ask and You Shall Receive"

  • Research shows that the No. 1 reason people don't give is because they're not asked.
  • If a person already donates, ask for an increase in their contribution.

6.  Encourage a payroll deduction

  • It is an effortless way to contribute, and continues throughout the year.
  • Remind them of the box on the pledge form that allows them to send their contribution to a charity without releasing their name and address.

7.  Say "Thanks!"

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MAKING DONATING EASIER

Payroll Deduction

All federal employees are eligible to make their contributions to the CFC through payroll deductions. Year after year, the number of employees in our federal community who take advantage of this easy method increases.

Life is already hectic. No one wants to add another responsibility. Payroll deduction saves the contributor time and reduces effort. Payroll deduction spreads the contribution over the year, simplifying the method of donating. Additionally, the charities receive the contributions over the year allowing for a continuous cash flow.

Encourage every employee to consider enrolling in the payroll deduction program.  Rather than asking the total amount individuals can contribute at one time, ask how much they can afford to donate out of each paycheck.

Remember, a signed pledge form stating the dollar amount to be deducted from each paycheck makes the payroll deduction process easy.

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1234 Pledge Form!
    1. The first copy (No. 1) is provided to your organization's payroll center.
    2. The second copy (No. 2) is provided to the PCFO (the organization managing the local campaign and responsible for the recording and distribution of the contributions).
    3. The third copy (No. 3) is provided to the contributor and serves as a record and receipt   for tax purposes.
    4. The last copy (No. 4) is for the Campaign Coordinator to track recognition items.

Check the pledge form!

  • Has the contributor entered a designation code for each gift amount selected?
  • Are the code numbers (taken from the current Charity List), letters and dollar amounts legible?
  • Are the periodic payroll deductions annualized to reflect the total gift?
  • Does the total dollar amount pledged match the total of all designated dollars?
  • Is the first and last name legible on each of the four copies?
  • Is the form signed and dated? (a signature is not required if the contribution is made by either cash or check).
  • If problems arise, make sure they are clarified as soon as possible.
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THANK YOUR CO-WORKERS

After employees have contributed to the campaign, it is very important to share the results with them and recognize them for their role in the campaign's success.

There are many different ways to do this:

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAMPAIGN

"Are labor and management both behind the CFC?"

Yes, labor organizations and members work with management to make the campaign a success.  It's a partnership working to benefit the community.

"Who checks on the money to make sure it is properly spent?"

The CFC Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC), comprised of federal personnel who volunteer in this capacity, reviews charities for compliance with criteria stipulated in the CFC Regulations (e.g., they ensure the charities are non-profit, audited annually, etc.).  No additional review of any charity's budget, apart from the review given by entities either governing the agency or establishing conditions of affiliation, is made; thus, you must be familiar with the charity you designate.  An independent auditor audits the CFC's Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO) annually and a compliance audit is conducted by the local LFCC to ensure that designations are honored and other criteria are met.  The PCFO also provides independent confirmation of designations to independent auditors on behalf of CFC charities and federations as requested.

"Why is the goal generally higher?"

The goal increases because more and more people need help.  There continues to be a greater demand for service, particularly as people feel the ongoing impact of economic challenges and unemployment.

Furthermore, charities have been hard hit by the economy leading to funding reductions.  As caseloads increase, charities are struggling to provide quality services while often being forced to reduce their operating budget.  Just as business and industry are doing more with less, so are service providers.

"What happens if I complete the home address or e-mail portion on the pledge form and specify it be forwarded to the charity(ies) I designate?"

If you complete the appropriate section on the pledge form, your name and address will be forwarded to the charity (or charities) you designate.  Frequently, charities acknowledge your contribution, and your name is added to their mailing list.  It is up to each federation or charity to acknowledge your gift.  Many -- not all -- will acknowledge your contribution, depending on the policy of the recipient charity or federation.

EMPLOYMENT

"My spouse already gives at the office.  Why should we both give?

It is important for every employed person to do his or her part, every worker has a responsibility to help maintain the comprehensive CFC programs that enhance the economic strength of our area, which in turn supports job stability for every wage earner.  CFC can continue to provide needed human care services only if everyone helps.

"What if I work seasonally or on a temporary basis?"

You may still contribute to the CFC. Of course, if you use payroll deduction, it will only be deducted during the period you receive your paycheck. You also have the option of giving cash or issuing a check.

"What if I lose my job?"

You will not be expected to continue your pledge payments during your period of unemployment.  When your employment ends your payroll deductions also end.  You should know that your gift has strengthened the safety net of services for just this purpose.

DONATIONS

"Why should I give to the CFC?"

Your gift improves the quality of life for you, your family, friends and neighbors. CFC contributions support charities and programs that stabilize lives, address social problems, encourage productivity and increase prosperity of entire communities across the nation and around the world. Thousands of these vital health and human services are either not provided for, or only partially covered by government sources. 

"What if I can't afford to give right now?"

You do not have to.  However, consider pledging your gift through payroll deduction and spread small payments throughout the year. Charity services need your year-round support. Deductions do not begin until the January following the fall in which the yearly campaign was conducted.

"Some of my taxes go to support the poor, so why should I give to the CFC?"

Some CFC charities do assist destitute persons through services, but not by giving money away. Some of the charities provide job training, recreation for youth, and rehabilitation programs to help people become self-supporting and prevent problems that are more serious. Government dollars that meet these "people problems" are being reduced or are disappearing. Without these CFC supported programs, many more people would need public assistance, which could drive up your taxes. Many CFC charities focus primarily on services for working families like visiting nurses, family counseling, drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs, scouting programs and Red Cross programs.  CFC charities provide services to everyone in the community, as well as throughout our nation and overseas.

AGENCIES

"There is a CFC Charity I don't like.  I will have nothing to do with the CFC because of this."

CFC has established guidelines to ensure that member organizations are serving needs, are financially responsible, and are operated by a board of directors. Many organizations are represented because of the varied interests of our federal workforce. CFC does not make subjective judgments on the worth of a particular organization. By designating where your funds go, you can be assured that only the charity of your choice receives your donation. Remember, many organizations are in need of your contribution, and your lack of participation in the CFC makes it more difficult to provide the needed help.

"Why isn't my favorite charity a member of the CFC?"

The Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C., regulates the CFC nationally.  Before 1988, there was a "write-in" option, but it was being abused, causing administrative costs to increase. The regulations were changed and today, all charities must annually apply for eligibility to participate in the CFC. A group of volunteers from federal agencies reviews applications for compliance with the regulations. Charities must annually provide an audit, an IRS Form 990 and an annual report, and have a functioning board of directors governing the organization's affairs. Any non-profit organization can apply. Charities apply to their local LFCC. For more information on how to apply, call (313) 226-3534.

"Why do some charities charge fees to services recipients?"

Fees generally are adjusted according to ability to pay (sliding fee scales). This stretches your CFC dollars as far as possible and enables many more people to receive help.

"Why do some charities conduct a separate fundraising drive?"

CFC contributions provide only a part of some charities budget. Charities may also conduct special events, sell benefit items (such as event tickets or cookies), hold membership drives, etc., to help their total budget.

"How do I know my money really gets to my designated charity?"

All designations are honored by federal regulations. Yearly audits are performed to verify designations and their appropriate distribution to charities.

RECIPIENTS

"Who really benefits?"

Anyone wishing to use a CFC charity can benefit -- people with disabilities, seniors, disaster victims, youth and families in crisis, individuals in need of health care, people looking for recreational or volunteer activities and impoverished persons overseas.  Thousands of people in our community, and many individuals nationally and internationally, benefit from CFC services in numerous ways, including swimming lessons at the "Y", scouting programs, family counseling and day care. In addition, CFC charities help preserve our environment and respond to personal tragedies as natural disasters occur. Charities are equipped to assist people no matter what their income level.

In addition, indirectly, we all benefit from living and working in a healthier, happier world.

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2007CFC AWARD CRITERIA

Our CFC honors those by recognizing organizations for their annual outstanding level of giving and participation.  The service demands of our community continue to increase, and those in need are looking to us for relief.  Organizations that made their mark of distinction by "experiencing the power of giving" will qualify for the following award categories: 

GOLD: An organization must achieve either:

  • A 45 percent participation rate
  • A per capita (based on donations) equal to $80*

SILVER: An organization must achieve either:

  • A 35 percent participation rate
  • A per capita (based on donations) equal to $65*

BRONZE: An organization must achieve either:

  • A 25 percent participation rate
  • A per capita (based on donations) equal to $50*

AWARD STANDARDS

Organizations can qualify for an Honor Award in either (or both) of two ways:

  1. Achieve a specified percentage participation rate, based on the number of donors.
  2. Achieve a fixed per capita (based on donations) level.

The number of total employees in that organization/account at the start of the campaign will be used as the comparison number.

Labor unions receive a plaque that identifies member organizations whose employees assist in winning an award.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Achievement Award is used to give special recognition to Gold, Silver and Bronze award-winning campaigns that also achieve a specified percentage increase.

Any organization that exceeds the [1.5 percent*] goal increase over last year's dollars raised will receive Achievement recognition.

* The 1.5 percent is this year's target campaign goal, as set by campaign leadership.  For future years, this number will be replaced by whatever goal percentage is set for that year.

2007 AWARD DEADLINE

Honor Awards are distributed on the basis of an analysis of the completed Audit Report (Form CFC-99) received from each organization.  This form must be sent to the PCFO no later than December 14, 2007 for an organization to be eligible for a 2007 Southeastern Michigan Area Combined Federal Campaign Honor Award.

*If an organization does not provide potential figures, award status is determined using the per capita guidelines.

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