CFC MEMORANDUM 2001-06

MEMORANDUM FOR LOCAL FEDERAL COORDINATING COMMITTEES AND CFC PRINCIPAL COMBINED FUND ORGANIZATIONS AND LOCAL FEDERAL COORDINATING COMMITTEES

We appreciate your expressions of support and interest in providing the opportunity to directly assist during this national crisis.

Because the CFC season has begun in many areas, Federal employees already have the opportunity to contribute to national and local relief efforts through their participation in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). However, OPM Director, Kay Coles James has also authorized department and agency heads to allow a special solicitation to be conducted within Federal agencies that would allow employees to make one time check or cash contributions to specifically assist the ongoing relief efforts on behalf of the victims.

How Employees Can Contribute

All Federal employees have the opportunity to contribute to national and local relief efforts through their participation in the Combined Federal Campaign. Employees may designate their payroll deduction or make a cash/check contribution to the organization of their choice.

As a service to employees around the world, a partial list of organizations is being provided to PCFOs and interested donors and agencies. The list represents special relief funds and national Combined Federal Campaign participating charities involved in relief efforts. This listing, which appears in alphabetical order on the CFC website (www.opm.gov/cfc ), was compiled by inviting all national CFC organizations to notify us of their involvement. Please note that the list does not include local organizations. For information on local charities involved in disaster relief efforts in Washington, D.C. and in New York, please contact Ms. Beverly Lofton, CFC of the National Capital Area, at 202/628-2263; or, Ms. Harriet Grayson, CFC of New York City, at 212/ 251-4015.

In a special solicitation employees may give only through cash or check. Special solicitations are not part of the CFC campaign. Department and agency heads have discretion over how they are to be conducted.

However, local CFC offices (PCFOs) may serve as a central source for the distribution of undesignated cash and check contributions. In Washington, D.C., the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area can serve as the source for distribution of cash and check contributions. In New York, the Combined Federal Campaign of New York City can serve in this capacity. They are authorized to ensure that funds are distributed to each of the CFC approved agencies involved in the disaster response efforts.

CFC Field Office Contacts

Employees in Federal Agency field facilities may coordinate special solicitations by working with their local Combined Federal Campaign office. The list of Combined Federal Campaign offices and contact information is available through the CFC website, www.opm.gov/cfc.

PCFO Funds Distribution

Local Campaign Offices (PCFOs) that participate in receiving funds through the special solicitations should establish a special account and devise a formula for distributing undesignated funds collected for disaster relief among agencies known to be providing these services. PCFOs may also identify accounts as special relief funds for purposes of identifying the special solicitation funds for organizations participating in disaster relief efforts.

Special Solicitations on Behalf of Affected Families and Individuals

Solicitation of funds from Federal employees on behalf of individuals or families do not require prior approval by OPM as a special solicitation.

Further information on the CFC, the special relief effort, and questions regarding the this guidance please contact either Curtis Rumbaugh or Linda Sundro at 202/606-2564, or go to CFC Web Site.

Issued September 13, 2001

Address questions or comments to cfc@opm.gov