Established by the federal government in 1961, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the only authorized charitable fundraising campaign for federal employees, both civilian and military. Conducted by the federal government through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the CFC operates in more than 470 localities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and in overseas military bases.

Local Federal Coordinating Committees (LFCCs), authorized by OPM and composed of federal employees, organize the CFC, appoint a Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO) to manage the campaign, and decide which local charitable agencies and federated groups of agencies will participate in the CFC. In addition, more than 1,000 national charitable agencies, both federated groups and unaffiliated agencies, are authorized by OPM for inclusion in the CFC. All participating agencies in the CFC must certify that they are not-for-profit charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status, provide real services and/or program activities, and meet other criteria.

In the majority of communities the United Way is designated by the LFCC as PCFO. As managers of the CFC, and as potential recipients of designated contributions, United Ways are required to meet the same standards as all other eligible organizations.

Federal employees are encouraged to designate their contributions directly to the eligible agencies of their choice. United Ways have no control over the agencies that participate in the CFC or over how federal employees choose to designate their gifts.

CFC Mission Statement

To promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

Vision Statement

A government that encourages and enables active employee participation in community and that fosters collaboration with business and the nonprofit sector to achieve this goal.