CFC MEMORANDUM 2008-04

April 11, 2008

This memorandum transmits the 2008 CFC Model Pledge Form and accompanying guidance for use by all local campaigns. Changes from the 2007 Model Pledge Form are detailed below. Unless otherwise stated, these changes must appear on all local campaign pledge forms, according to the CFC regulations at 5 CFR § 950.402. Other modifications, except those noted, may not be made without prior approval from OPM.

• The box formerly labeled Social Security Number (SSN) is renamed: SSN/Employee ID.  This change is in response to campaign feedback to make allowances for either the SSN or both the SSN and the eight-digit employee identification number in use by the Postal Services.  Campaigns may format this section as appropriate without further OPM review.  Campaigns are reminded to consult CFC Memorandum 2007-8 USE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FOR CIVILIAN, MILITARY AND POSTAL EMPLOYEES for more details on the use of the SSN and the Postal Service employee identification number.
• The “Recognition Options” section is unchanged from 2007 except the word “only” has been inserted to clarify that only the information provided in the recognition options box will be forwarded to the donors designees by the PCFO.
• The Payroll Authorization dates have been changed from 2008 to 2009.
• The Revised Date in the lower right corner is changed from March 2007 to April 2008
• The phrase “Use the New FIVE-DIGIT CFC Codes Only” has been removed and replaced with “Charity Code” as the header above the fill-in boxes.
• Under the “DESIGNATED GIFT” section, the word “in” is inserted as shown: “fill in the charity” and the phrase “that appear on the list provided” has been removed.
• Under the military payroll deduction choice, a line has been added which asks “Branch of Service? __________”.  This will help ensure the correct routing of payroll copies of the pledge forms.  The Branch of Service acronyms (below) should be used when completing this section.  Their placement on the pledge form or in instructions is at the discretion of each campaign.  The Branch of Service Acronyms are:  USAF = United States Air Force, USA = United States Army, USN = United States Navy and, USMC = United States Marine Corps.
• Campaigns must insert the campaign name, local campaign ID and contact information on the face of the pledge form.

• Under the payroll deduction section separate the “Other” line has been expanded to Other Cash $___________” and “Other Check $______________ (make check payable to the Combined Federal Campaign)”. THIS MODIFICATION IS OPTIONAL .

• Campaigns may decide the overall size of the pledge form and the proportions of sections and text within the pledge form.
• Campaigns may use alternate placements for sections of the pledge form.  For example, the placement of the SSN/Employee ID box may be at the top of the form or bottom of the form and may be with or without lines, hyphens or boxes.  Another example is that the “Civilian Payroll” information may be moved above the “Military Payroll” information.
• Campaigns may add local giving levels and award recognition options.
• Campaigns should include the CFC Logo either on the pledge form itself or on the cover sheet.
• Campaigns may use cover sheets to the pledge form that contain CFC content in accordance with CFC regulations at 5 CFR § 950.401.
• Campaigns may make stylistic changes to the pledge form such as different fonts, colors, and layout arrangements of required text.

• The checkbox and statement indicating interest in being a CFC volunteer has been removed but campaigns that wish to collect this information may do so.

Requests for modifications and questions and comments on this guidance should be directed to Cherlynn Stevens at casteven@opm.gov.  Requests must specify each specific modification (additions or deletions) that is being requested and include a review copy of the pledge form in its proposed format.