CFC MEMORANDUM 2006-4

February 6, 2006

The Office of CFC Operations (OCFCO) is announcing a pilot program to promote the development of web-based searchable CFC charity lists among campaigns and to test the impact of using an abbreviated CFC printed brochure that omits the 25-word statement in conjunction with the web-based lists. The web-based lists may have, but are not required to, include the opportunity for on-line giving through the CFC.

CFC regulation 5 CFR 950.401(k), presently gives the LFCC authority to “omit the 25-word program description from the CFC brochure if, in the immediately preceding campaign year, contributions received in the local CFC totaled less than $100,000.” Under this pilot program selected larger campaigns that offer web-based searchable CFC charity lists will similarly have the opportunity to print abbreviated brochures, on a trial basis for the 2006 CFC season.

PCFOs are urged to develop dedicated CFC websites whether or not they opt to test the use of an abbreviated printed brochure. Website development and maintenance costs are legitimate campaign expenses under the CFC regulations (5 CFR §950.104(b) (17)) when adequately documented and approved by the LFCC.

To be approved for participation in the pilot program, campaigns must do the following:

1. Develop a plan to implement the use of an on-line charity list in conjunction with a revised CFC brochure format.
   1. The plan must address the steps that will be taken to avoid disruptions to donor access to information about the CFC.
   2. The plan must explain how the campaign will evaluate the pilot project. At minimum, campaigns will be asked to evaluate cost savings, donor reaction, marketing strategies, and utilization. Consult the E-Technology Planning Guide, Section V, for more detail regarding evaluation.
   3. The plan must be reviewed and approved by the LFCC, and the plan, together with LFCC documentation of approval on the Request for Participation form, must be submitted to the OCFCO no later than April 28, 2006.
2. Minimum CFC Website Requirements for participation:
   1. The PCFO must implement a dedicated CFC website that conforms to the enclosed Guidelines for the Use of E-Technology in the CFC.
   2. The on-line, searchable CFC charity lists must conform to the enclosed Guidelines for the Use of E-Technology in the CFC.
   3. The website and searchable on-line charity list must be reviewed and approved by the LFCC for conformance with the Guidelines for the Use of E-Technology. The website and searchable on-line charity lists together with the LFCC documentation of approval on the Request for Participation form, must be submitted to the OCFCO no later than April 28, 2006.
3. Under no circumstances may campaigns suspend the use of the paper brochure. Campaigns may reduce the number of hard copy brochures printed, but still must print an adequate number of brochures and distribute them to donors.
4. The printed CFC brochure must provide the donor with detailed information on how to access information about the participating charities on-line and, conversely, the website must have information on how donors can request a printed CFC brochure.
5. Each charity list in a hard copy brochure must still include the CFC charity code, charity name, phone number, web address, EIN and administrative and fundraising rate. An example of a listing without the 25-word statement would be:
   
   0000  Example Charity ABC (800) 555-1234  www.examplecharityabc.org  EIN# 55-5555555 21.3%
   
   
6. If a campaign provides an option for on-line pledging or giving, all initiatives, products and
   programs, regarding the on-line pledging or giving must be reviewed and approved, prior to
   implementation, by the LFCC.
7. Any process, product or system used for the electronic dissemination of pledge information must be reviewed and approved, prior to implementation, by the LFCC.
8. Participation in the 2006 Electronic CFC Brochure Pilot Program is contingent on obtaining all required LFCC approvals on the Request for Participation form and submitting that form to the OCFCO prior to implementation of the on-line charity lists.

If your campaign is interested in participating in this pilot program, please notify us with an email sent to: cfc@opm.gov by February 28, 2006.  In the subject line of your email include:   E-Brochure Interest, your campaign code number, and campaign name. This is not a commitment on your part but will help us gauge the level of interest and better plan for the handling of proposals.

Requests to Participate in the 2006 Electronic CFC Brochure Pilot Program will be due to OPM by e-mail: cfc@opm.gov for review and authorization no later than April 28, 2006.  Requests to Participate must include the necessary signatures and supporting  documentation for consideration.

Questions regarding the pilot and the Guidelines for the Use of E-Technology should be directed to your regional representative or to Cherlynn Stevens, E-Technology Project Manager, cherlynn.stevens@opm.gov.

Attachments:

Request to Participate in the 2006 Electronic CFC Brochure Pilot Program Form	[29.5 KB]
Guidelines for the Use of E-Technology in the CFC	[1.19 MB]
E-Technology Planning Guide	[1.16 MB]

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