CFC MEMORANDUM 2001-07

OPM GUIDANCE FOR LFCCs AND PCFOs ON THE USE OF SPECIAL CODES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS; QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING SPECIAL SOLICITATIONS

Given the unique nature of the special solicitation process and the unprecedented impact of the September 11 disaster, many of you have called us with questions following CFC Memorandum 2001-6, which provided guidance on special solicitations and CFC contributions for victims of terrorist actions. Enclosed for further background is a sample of the most common questions we have received and our responses. We hope these serve to further clarify the special solicitation process in the context of the Combined Federal Campaign.

We have also received a number of questions concerning whether or not a campaign may assign a special CFC code to enable Federal donors to earmark their payroll deduction contributions for purposes of supporting organizations involved in disaster relief efforts.

After careful consideration, it has been decided that local campaigns cannot assign special CFC codes for purposes of allowing donors to designate their CFC payroll deduction contributions exclusively in support of participating or non-participating CFC charities involved in disaster relief services. While such a special code may serve as a convenient administrative vehicle for the collection of contributions, we have determined that the implementation of such codes, nationwide, could create unintended consequences for the many worthy charities that are not directly involved in the relief efforts.

As you know, OPM provided on the CFC website, just two days following the attack, a list of national CFC charities involved in the relief efforts from which Federal donors may choose to designate either their payroll deduction contribution or check contribution. This list of charities is being updated regularly. Many charities in each of your local campaign areas are involved as well. The CFC of the National Capital Area and the CFC of New York City are both accepting contributions from special solicitations by check or money order which will be used to support the efforts of charities involved in disaster relief locally. And, on September 18 President Bush announced the opening of a new web site for receiving donations in support of the 9/11 tragedy victims, http://www.libertyunites.org

These are just a few of the vehicles now available for Federal donors to channel their generosity.

 The magnitude of this crisis is unprecedented in the history of the CFC. We know you are striving to meet the desires of Federal employees all over the country for immediate information on how they might help meet emergency needs. We hope, as well, that you understand the limits of our system and the need to ensure the uniform application of CFC standards and guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation and support throughout this process. Please do not hesitate to call us if we can be of additional assistance to you.

Address questions or comments to cfc@opm.gov