Combined Federal Campaign kicks off

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. David Anderson
  • 354th Comptroller Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Combined Federal Campaign kicked off to a good start during the wing Sports Day at Eielson AFB.

The CFC provides the opportunity for all federal employees to give to their favorite charity. At Eielson AFB there are a total of 6,300 federal employees. In the state of Alaska there are 35,000 federal employees including Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Army and Air National Guard, and other federal agencies.

During the 2008 campaign, Alaska's federal employees donated a total of $1.5 million. Many federal employees have heard of the CFC, but not everyone knows exactly what this philanthropic organization is all about.

Prior to the 1950's, these employees would have donated their money to various charities in an unorganized manner. These donations were generally low and both donors and charities were not satisfied. However, in 1971 these various campaigns consolidated to a combined effort establishing the CFC.

Today the CFC is known to be the most inclusive workplace giving campaign in the world with an estimated 2,000 charities worldwide. Since its founding in 1971, federal employees have given a total of $5 billion dollars.

It is important to research before donating money because there are various charities including national and international, as well as, on-base and charities in the local community. When browsing through the 2009 Alaska CFC Charity Listings, it is important to look at the information about the charity you wish to donate to. Every listing has contact information including a website, phone number, and an administrative cost percentage.

The goal at Eielson AFB is to make 100 percent contact with all employees, military and civilian, to ensure every possible donator has received valuable information about how they can donate to a good cause. CFC group representatives are responsible for establishing contact with everyone in their section. If you are not contacted and you wish to donate, call Capt. Stacie Rembold at 377-7391. Or seek out any unit CFC representative who can also answer questions about the campaign.