CFC & Fundraising Notice
It’s that time of year again...the annual kick-off of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) began
on September 1st. Also, local schools are busy fundraising for student activities. It’s a good time
to issue a reminder about fundraising in the federal workplace.
Private fundraising, even for the most altruistic community-oriented purposes, such as "band
candy", Girl Scout cookies, or bargain coupon books cannot be permitted in official space or on
government time. The only authorized workplace solicitation of government employees for a
charitable contribution is the annual CFC. Likewise, the selling or delivery of items/products is not
appropriate in the Federal workplace (e.g., Avon, Tupperware). Use of government equipment is
expressly reserved for the conduct of official business.
The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the Federal workplace on behalf of
charitable organizations [5 C.F.R. § 950.102(a)]. Federal agencies traditionally take a very active
role in encouraging employee participation in the CFC. The challenge to meet participation goals
often results in creative methods used by agencies to involve not only employees, but non-
Federal entities, as well. At the same time, employee participation cannot be coerced, and efforts
to involve non-Federal organizations must not violate other existing ethical rules. If you are
actively involved in the CFC campaign, you are encouraged to read USDA Office of Ethics
Issuance, 03-2, Combined Federal Campaign Activities, dated November 7, 2003:
http://www.usda-ethics.net/rules/fundraising.htm
If you have any questions regarding fundraising, please contact your Ethics Advisor at:
http://www.usda-ethics.net/science/agency.htm
Thank you.