Second View
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Benefits Us All — Thank You!
Written by: developer
by Space Foundation Director – Philanthropy Gina Taranto
Serving our Country, Supporting our Communities
The Space Foundation is honored to be a participating charity in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the official workplace giving campaign of the Federal government.
CFC is a wonderful program that has had significant impact on thousands of charities for more than 50 years. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
It is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with Federal civilian, postal and military donors throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. Their pledges made during the campaign season, which runs September to December every year, support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
Over the past 55 years, Federal employees contributed more than a whopping $8 billion for the charities and causes that are near and dear to them.
The Space Foundation has been part of the CFC for only a few years, but the donations we have received through it are having an impact. For every donation of $10 that we receive, another student is inspired to reach for the stars by receiving our high-impact, hands-on STEM education services. This past year, we received donations from Federal employees in Alaska, Chesapeake Bay, Desert Southwest, Gulf Coast, Heart of the Midlands, National Capital area, NorCal, North Puget, Rocky Mountain region, SOCAL, Tennessee Valley and also overseas!
We are so grateful to these donors for their vote of confidence in us. As a nonprofit organization, philanthropy propels forward our focus on STEM education to inspire and build the next generation of a significant STEM-related workforce, explorers and innovators. Every dollar entrusted to us is spent with great thought and care to foster the largest impact.
Whether it is $10 or $1,000, monthly payroll deductions or a one-time contribution, the Federal employees who make contributions do so because they recognize that they are part of a community of people with needs, and those needs are supported by the many charities within the CFC. Being a part of a community brings the responsibility to help others within the community.
It is not always easy to contribute and to be generous. We have personal and family needs, and possible crises that could occur close to home. But, I believe that our generosity in helping others helps us to overcome the adversity in our own lives. When we are generous with others, we can be more generous with ourselves.
Through CFC contributions, Federal employees make a difference. It’s possible that their thoughtfulness could be used towards funds for cancer and Alzheimer’s research; provide earthquake relief; resupply food kitchens; open the doors to safe-houses for battered women and their children; or unlock the cages of animal shelters. Perhaps they will inspire the next Neil Armstrong or Dr. Sally Ride! They will benefit thousands of worthy organizations and causes — and all of them, including us here at the Space Foundation, are grateful for their generosity.
CFC demonstrates that the Federal family’s commitment to public service extends beyond the workplace. Last year, Federal employees participating in the CFC contributed more than $193 million to the causes they care about across the nation and around the world. And we are all better for it.
A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for serving our country, and for supporting our communities.
If you are not able to participate in CFC, you can still inspire the next generation of scientist, engineers and technology professionals! There are many ways to support us; for more information, please visit our Donate page here.
This article is part of Space Watch: October 2016 (Volume: 15, Issue: 10).