The Combined Federal Campaign encourages USPS employees to contribute to thousands of charitable organizations — and as with other forms of workplace giving, ethics rules apply.
The campaign, also known as the CFC, allows federal and Postal Service employees, retirees and contractors to easily donate to thousands of charitable organizations under one umbrella. It consolidates donations into a single, officially supported effort.
Here are some general rules to keep in mind when it comes to the CFC:
• The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of a charitable organization.
• Contractors cannot be solicited, but they may make a one-time donation by credit card, debit card or e-check through the CFC pledging system.
• All donations to the CFC must truly be voluntary. Postal Service employees may give or not give as they choose, and their donation decisions are confidential.
There are also rules specific to CFC events:
• Permission from the USPS Ethics Office is required. Email a completed CFC Special Event Request Form and any flyers or other promotional materials at least two weeks before the event.
• CFC events can only be used to raise awareness of the campaign — no fundraising or soliciting is allowed.
• Gambling at CFC events is prohibited. A CFC event may include a raffle, but only if there is no cost to enter, all employees can participate, and the prizes are modest.
• Everyone must be welcome to attend a CFC event, regardless of whether they have made a charitable contribution.
• Postal Service funds can be used to support CFC events, but only if funding is available and approved.
• Outside sources and businesses may not contribute in support of CFC events, and they may not be solicited to do so.
All charities must be treated equally during the campaign. Promoting a CFC “cause of the week” is allowed, but Postal Service employees cannot endorse or give preferential treatment to any individual charities.
For more about CFC rules, email the Ethics Office.
