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Keyworkers FAQs & Resources

Keyworkers FAQs

What if someone wants to donate to an organization that is not in the CFC Catalog of Caring?
To give through the CFC to a charity, an organization must be in the CFC catalog.

How can an organization be included in the CFC book?
Charities must apply in order to be included, so your favorite charity either has not applied or did not qualify. We suggest you encourage your favorite charity to apply next year. Check the OPM website for the national procedures (http://www.opm.gov/cfc) or the CFCNCA (http://www.cfcnca.org) for local procedures. The application period takes place locally from January through May.

Can contractors give through the CFC?
Yes, contractors may make a donation through the CFC by check or cash. (A contractor cannot give through payroll deduction.) Keyworkers should make CFC catalogs and pledge cards available to contractors. As with all of your contacts, make sure contractors understand it is an opportunity rather than a requirement.

Can contractors be keyworkers?
Yes, contractors may volunteer to be keyworkers.

Why are you spending money on giveaways when it could be donated to charity?
Part of the success of any campaign is building awareness. With the CFC, nonprofit organizations combine resources to conduct one efficient campaign that reaches all employees and contractors in the Federal government.

Can I pledge online?
Some federal agencies may be able to do this, but NIH is not set up to do that yet. You are encouraged to contact your Keyworker to pledge.

If someone pays by check now, in 2009, will they be able to use that donation on their 2009 tax deduction?
Yes, check gifts are made in the year that the check is written or dated (officially, when the donor hands the check over to the payee). Payroll deductions will all be 2010 donations. If your pledge is $250 or more, submit the blue form with the CFCNCA letter (letter will be mailed to you about 30 days after the pledge is made). If you pledge is $250 or less, you can just submit the blue form. If you still want a letter from the CFCNCA, please contact CFCNCA at
(202) 465-7230.

Can I just make a donation to CFC without specifying a charity? And if so, who will get it?
Yes, the CFC accepts undesignated contributions. The undesignated funds are pooled and in the end are distributed proportionally to the organizations which have received designated contributions.

Resources for keyworkers
A limited supply of CFC incentives are available. If you are interested in receiving them for your campaign, please e-mail your request to nihcfc2009@mail.nih.gov. Please visit keyworker downloads for additional resources.