Wise Giving Wednesday: The Uncertain Future of the Combined Federal Campaign

For more than six decades, the Combined Federal Campaign has made charitable giving part of federal employees’ everyday lives. If the workplace giving program is phased out, the charities and the donors who discovered them through CFC could feel the impact.

What Is the Combined Federal Campaign and Why Does It Matter?

Since 1961, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has encouraged federal employees to support nonprofit organizations through workplace giving, either by making one-time donations or through payroll deductions.

Over the years, the campaign has raised more than $8.7 billion for charities of all sizes. In 2024, the CFC generated $65.9 million in contributions from more than 71,200 employees, retirees, and contractors, as well as nearly 80,000 volunteer hours.

Scheduled Closure of the Combined Federal Campaign Portal

As reported by The NonProfit Times, earlier this week the CFC notified participating charities that “the CFC Charity Portal is scheduled to be decommissioned and will go offline as soon as Wednesday, March 4.”

What Closure of the Combined Federal Campaign Could Mean for Nonprofits

The CFC has long been a cornerstone of charitable fundraising, and one on which many organizations rely. Its looming discontinuation will hit many charities hard, particularly those already facing reductions in federal funding or increased demand for services over the past year.

Perhaps the greatest loss, however, is the campaign’s role as an on-ramp to charitable giving. The CFC introduced donors to a wide range of organizations and created space to consider which causes mattered most to them. While there may be more cost-effective ways to give, the reality is that, without the CFC, many individuals would no longer be as consistently exposed to or encouraged to support charities. Some (or many) would not ultimately follow through on their intentions to give outside the campaign.

Concerns About the Uncertain Future of the Combined Federal Campaign

Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, voiced concern about the uncertain future of the campaign

“The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is a true American success story that, for more than 60 years, has been a powerful avenue for federal employees to support the communities where they live and work,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “CFC provides nonprofits—including United Way—with critical resources to serve communities: helping our neighbors put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, recover from disasters, give children a better life, and so much more. Eliminating this program would have a direct impact on communities nationwide, and I encourage people to contact their members of Congress and advocate for the continuation of the Combined Federal Campaign.”

How Donors Can Continue Supporting Trusted Combined Federal Campaign Charities

You can help by supporting organizations that have been cornerstones of the campaign, such as the BBB Accredited Charities United Way Worldwide or Creating Healthier Communities, which partner with local and national nonprofits in workplace giving campaigns, including the CFC, to help address critical community needs.

Give Directly to Trustworthy Charities

Another way to make an impact is by supporting your favorite trusted charities directly. Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity).