WASHINGTON — The Combined Federal Campaign will move forward after nonprofit organizations persuaded federal officials to lift a stop-work order that had placed the decades-old workplace giving program in jeopardy.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed in a Sept. 10, 2025, memorandum that this year’s campaign will run from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. The memo noted concerns about rising administrative costs and steadily declining participation but affirmed OPM’s commitment to seeing the 2025 solicitation period through. OPM is still evaluating whether to continue or modify the program in 2026.
“Leaders may show support for the campaign in accordance with the CFC rules. Employees must never be pressured to donate,” the memo stated. It also emphasized that “the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) believes strongly in charities and supports the generosity of federal employees in donating their time and money to charitable causes. OPM hopes that this year’s CFC campaign is successful.”
The decision followed intense pressure from the nonprofit sector. Nearly 400 charities — led by The Nonprofit Alliance, the National Council of Nonprofits, and United Way Worldwide — signed letters to OPM urging the campaign’s continuation. Advocates warned that eliminating the CFC would cut off millions of dollars in annual support to nonprofits and undermine decades of workplace giving tradition.
Since its inception in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, the CFC has raised nearly $8.7 billion for charities. The campaign generated more than $66 million in 2024, with the average pledge approaching $1,000, according to OPM data. While the number of participating charities has declined — from over 7,500 in 2017 to about 4,400 in 2023 — the CFC remains a critical funding stream for local and national organizations.
Nonprofit leaders credited the reversal as a major win. They emphasized the CFC’s role in fostering a culture of service among federal employees, retirees, and military personnel, who give through payroll deductions, one-time gifts, or volunteer hours.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, the CFC once again invites donors to pledge through payroll deductions, one-time gifts, or volunteer hours to support participating charities. Together, the federal workforce can continue building on this legacy of service and impact.
Learn more at GiveCFC.org.
Strengthening Nonprofits In Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland’s Nonprofit Institute serves as a resource for local organizations, offering training, tools, and collaboration opportunities. The Charles County Charitable Trust manages county grant funding and provides workshops to strengthen nonprofit capacity, helping groups sustain programs and better serve the community. Nonprofits are encouraged to connect with these local partners to access support and resources that can enhance their impact across Southern Maryland.
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