Federal Employees Can Support Veterans Through Combined Federal Campaign
The desire to give back is an American virtue. It’s illustrated in the aftermath of tragedies like 9/11, during natural disasters, and in the support of those in need across the globe. Reports show Americans gave $499.3 billion to charities in 2022.
Nonprofits around the world depend on this generous spirit to change and improve lives. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) also depends on this generosity to provide life-changing programs and services to our nation’s heroes.
Federal government employees and retirees have a particularly simple and impactful method to give to charities of their choice.
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the official workplace-giving campaign for federal employees and retirees and is the largest workplace-giving campaign in the world. Since its inception in 1961, the campaign has raised nearly $8.7 billion for charities and people in need.
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.
This year, the campaign’s official solicitation period runs through Jan. 15, 2024.
Utilizing the Combined Federal Campaign to Support Veterans
Military and veterans service organizations are popular causes for those donating through the Combined Federal Campaign. Approximately 30% of federal employees and retirees are veterans, including some registered with WWP.
“The federal government certainly makes it a priority to hire veterans,” said Sheila O'Connor, WWP Corporate Partnerships specialist.
The CFC also highlights a “Cause of the Week” to promote charities that cater to a specific group or cause. The week of Nov. 6-13 spotlights military and veterans services.
“Military and Veterans Week, which is always the week of Veterans Day, is the most popular ‘Cause Week’ within the Combined Federal Campaign,” Sheila said.
Why Choose WWP?
There are more than 5,000 charities that federal employees and retirees can choose to donate to through the CFC. Deciding which one or how many to support can be difficult, and WWP is grateful for those whose donations will make a difference in the lives of wounded warriors.
“The work that we do saves lives,” Sheila said. “The programs and services we provide to our nation’s heroes are of critical importance.”
WWP provides lifesaving and life-changing programs and services in mental health, financial education, physical health and wellness, and family support. Programs like the CFC help WWP continue to serve the changing needs of the nation’s injured, ill, and wounded post-9/11 veterans and their families.
“Whenever I go to a CFC event, I'll always have at least one or two people come up to me when they see the logo and say, ‘Your organization saved my life,’” Sheila said.
Donors through the CFC can also feel secure that their donation is actually going where intended and benefitting those in need.
“Another benefit for the federal employees is knowing that every organization that is part of the CFC has been vetted and has to meet the criteria for participation,” Sheila said. “So, it gives them the confidence in knowing that if they choose any organization in the CFC, their money is going to that organization and it's an organization that's met the criteria.”
The CFC held its 2023 national kickoff event “Give Happy” on Sept. 26 to show the impact this workplace-giving initiative has and featured some of the charities that benefit from it. WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington was one of the featured speakers for the kickoff event video.
“For 20 years, Wounded Warrior Project has been positively impacting the lives of our nation’s bravest,” Mike said in the video. “And we know there’s more hard work we need to do to honor the lifelong pledge to be there for those who have given so much to our country.”
How to Support
For federal employees or retirees, the campaign makes it easy to give back to the charity of your choice. You can give just $5 a paycheck to one charity or set a certain amount to disperse to multiple charities. You can access the CFC application through your employer, the website, or the mobile app.
For 20 years, the generosity of donors has allowed WWP to serve, honor, and empower wounded warriors. Through CFC, federal employees have and can continue to help WWP fulfill its vision to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.
“Giving back is just so ingrained in the culture of working for the federal government, whether you're a member of the military or a civilian employee,” Sheila said. “These are regular working people who give what they can as generously as they can. Their careers are one of public service and they live it with the donations they make.”
Find out all the ways you can give back and support WWP.
Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.