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QUESTIONS

1. Q.  How is a charitable agency selected to be listed in the CFC brochure?
   
2. Q.  How do I know that my contribution will go only to the agencies I have designated?
   
3. Q.  How do I ensure that my contribution will not support certain agencies listed in the brochure?
   
4. Q.  Why are there agencies listed in the brochure that have programs of opposing services to one another?
   
5. Q.  Who determines how undesignated funds will be distributed?
   
6. Q.  Who establishes the policies and procedures for the Fresno & Madera Counties' CFC?
   
7. Q.  Is my CFC contribution tax deductible?
   
8. Q.  Why was the CFC formed?
   
9. Q.  What is the minimum amount I may contribute by payroll deduction (PRD)?
   
10. Q.  Since United Way of Fresno County is the PCFO, do they administer the CFC in Fresno and Madera, does it control or influence the distribution of CFC funds?
    
11. Q.  Why should I not give directly to a charitable agency and save the administrative cost?
    
12. Q.  Why should I participate in CFC?
    

ANSWERS

1. A.  Annually, every agency must submit an application for inclusion in the campaign. A committee of federal employees reviews each agency's application for fiscal soundness, management expertise and ethical practices.
   
   [ Back to Question #1 ]
   
   
2. A.  Each CFC is audited annually by an independent CPA firm to ensure fiscal accuracy and compliance with regulations. Pledges are tracked from pledge card to agency to ensure that the money you designate is distributed as you requested.
   
   Checking the "PLEASE RELEASE" box in section 4 of the pledge card will release your name and address to the agencies you designated. Many agencies acknowledge their donors.
   
   For more information, see How to Contribute.
   
   [ Back to Question #2 ]
   
   
3. A.  Designating your contribution to specific agencies guarantees that your contribution will go only to that specific agency, no others.
   
   For more information, see How to Contribute.
   
   [ Back to Question #3 ]
   
   
4. A.  Eligibility of agency's for being listed is based on specific requirements. The screening process is objective rather than subjective. 
   
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5. A.  The donor. There are no discretionary funds in CFC. Undesignated funds are distributed among all listed agencies proportional to the amount that the agencies received in designations.
   
   For more information, see How to Contribute.
   
   [ Back to Question #5 ]
   
   
6. A.  OPM in Washington and the Fresno and Madera Counties Local Federal Coordinating Committee. The Chair of the committee is Susan Shyshka.
   
   [ Back to Question #6 ]
   
   
7. A.  Yes, if you itemize your taxes.
   
   [ Back to Question #7 ]
   
   
8. A.  In 1961 President Kennedy established the CFC as a once-a-year, on-the-job charitable giving drive because of the complaints of federal employees of year-round solicitations at their workplace.
   
   [ Back to Question #8 ]
   
   
9. A.  The Treasury Department stipulates that $1.00 per pay period is the minimum contribution allowed using PRD.
   
   [ Back to Question #9 ]
   
   
10. A.  No. All CFC funds are distributed according to the designations of the Federal donors.
    
    For more information, see How to Contribute.
    
    [ Back to Question #10 ]
    
    
11. A.  Giving directly to an agency is the most efficient way to make a charitable contribution. However, by using CFC, the following benefits are offered:
    
    * Ease of using payroll deduction.
    
    * Every agency is screened by a committee of Federal employees.
    
    * Since an agency spends $0.00 to be listed, giving through CFC actually lowers an agency's overhead.
    
    [ Back to Question #11 ]
    
    
12. A.  It comes down to  these three benefits:
    
    CHOICE - Close to 1700 charitable agencies throughout the world.
    CONVENIENCE - Once-a-year campaign, in-the-workplace and ease of using payroll deduction.
    CONFIDENCE - Every year, every agency screened by Federal employees. Annually audited by a CPA firm for accuracy and compliance. A designation campaign - donors say where their money goes.
    
    [ Back to Question #12 ]