Wise Giving Wednesday: Uncertain Future for the Combined Federal Campaign

As a decades-old philanthropic tradition faces an abrupt halt, the charitable sector is watching closely, and speaking out.

OPM Issues Stop Work Order on All CFC Activities  

As reported in The Washington Post, on August 26^th, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a stop work order on all Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) activities, pausing all preparations for the upcoming CFC while officials decide whether it will be moving forward.

The CFC is the official workplace giving program of the U.S. federal government. It enables federal employees, including military personnel, to support nonprofit organizations through payroll deductions, one-time contributions, or volunteer service. It is one of the largest and most successful workplace giving programs in the world. As reported by The Nonprofit Times, the CFC raised more than $66 million for charities in 2024, and has raised $8.7 billion since 1961.

Charity Leaders Urge Action to Save the CFC

While no final decision has been announced, the prospect of losing the CFC is deeply concerning to many participating nonprofits.

Dr. Jean Accius, President and CEO of CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, states:

“As our nation nears 250 years of independence, we are called to defend the timeless values that made America strong such as faith, personal responsibility, and the power of private charity. The Combined Federal Campaign is a shining example of what government and everyday citizens can achieve together: billions given, countless lives touched, and not a burden added to the taxpayer. To end it now would not just abandon our veterans, families, faith-based charities, and other organizations, it would abandon a legacy of American generosity. This is a moment to stand firm, speak out, and preserve a tradition worthy of the nation it serves.”

The organization offers a dedicated website, https://chcimpact.org/savethecfc/, for partner nonprofits and supporters that want to advocate in favor of the CFC.

According to Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide,

“For more than 60 years, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has served as a critical avenue for federal employees to support their communities and has played an indispensable role in empowering charitable giving across the country… Eliminating the CFC will make it more difficult for United Way—and all nonprofits—to meet the needs of communities. This program has been a source of light and support for millions of Americans.”

That is why Angela Williams and Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, co-wrote a letter to OPM expressing their concern and urging them not to eliminate the CFC. They, too, encourage CFC supporters to reach out to their Members of Congress, urging them to advocate for the continuation of the Combined Federal Campaign.

Why the Combined Federal Campaign Matters

The value of the CFC lies in its ability to connect federal employees with a broad range of charitable organizations, offering them a convenient way to make a difference. Beyond workplace giving, it promotes civic responsibility, boosts morale, and fosters a culture of philanthropy. By pooling many individual contributions, the campaign results in important support and speaks the power of individuals to make a difference. For some organizations, CFC funding represents a vital portion of their overall revenue.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• EOD Warrior Foundation
• Feeding the Gulf Coast
• Earthwatch Institute

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.