Each year, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) raises hundreds of millions of donations for charitable organizations that provide health and human service benefits around the world. The Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) has joined this year's campaign, serving as the only representative of chiropractic.
"We are grateful to be included in this international campaign," said FCER President Dr. Charles R. Herring, DC. "Though the competition for dollars is tough, with hundreds of eligible organizations listed, FCER's inclusion represents a unique opportunity for federal employees who are chiropractic patients. For the first time, it also allows the DCs who treat military and federal employees an avenue of inclusion in this campaign. Hopefully, their patients will recognize the opportunity to express their gratitude through support of chiropractic research."
Established in 1961, the CFC is the only workplace charity campaign authorized to solicit contributions from federal employees, including civilian, postal and military personnel. Last year alone, the CFC collected $273 million in contributions. During its annual solicitation period, Sept. 1 through Dec. 15, federal employees are provided information regarding the charitable organizations that qualify for the campaign. FCER (assigned CFC Code 10062) is summarized in the promotional material as: "FCER's primary mission is the nurturing and dissemination of chiropractic science through research and education opportunities, for the health and well-being of chiropractic patients."
As the world's largest annual workplace charity campaign, thousands of nonprofit organizations apply each year. These organizations go through an extensive eligibility process including review of their financial and governance practices prior to acceptance. The application process includes strict eligibility requirements, including: 501(C)3 tax-exempt status, transparent accounting of funds, and only organizations which provide "services, benefits or assistance to, or conducts activities affecting, human health and welfare," among others.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is accountable for assuring federal employees that their designations will be honored and distributed to the charitable organization of their choice, and that all charitable organizations listed in the CFC have met strict eligibility requirements on an annual basis. For next year's campaign, the OPM will be accepting national and international applications beginning Dec. 1, 2008.
For more information on the Combined Federal Campaign, visit www.cfctoday.org. More information on the FCER is available at www.fcer.org.