Subject:            Combined Federal Campaign for 2009

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) permits charitable fundraising among Federal employees in the Federal workplace generally between September 1 and December 15.  It allows charities to solicit contributions during an annual fundraising drive that is intended to be impartial, honest, and compatible with a professional office environment. Employees may use official time to conduct CFC activities which may include but not be limited to distributing brochures, collecting pledges, making presentations, giving speeches, attending meetings, and organizing events.  The CFC is authorized by the Office of Personnel Management, reference 5 C.F.R. Part 950.

Employees who engage in fundraising activities in the Federal workplace must comply with CFC regulations, as well as the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. Fundraising means raising funds for a non-profit organization, through the solicitation of funds, selling items or participating in an event where a portion of the cost of attendance is tax deductible.  Activities should be planned with care and thought to avoid games of chance which constitute gambling. Gambling involves a participant wagering something of value or paying a fee to participate in activity in return for the possibility of winning a reward or prize.  Gambling is not permitted in the Federal workplace.

If you have specific questions concerning this memorandum, please contact Markci D. Metcalf, Deputy Ethics Counselor, Human Resources Policy and Workforce Planning, at 202-254-3312, or your servicing Ethics Advisor.