Democrats Urge OPM to Continue ‘Vital’ Combined Federal Campaign

Why It Matters

The CFC channels billions of federal‑employee donations to nonprofits; its loss would destabilize thousands of charities and reduce a low‑cost source of public philanthropy. Continued operation influences the broader nonprofit funding landscape and federal budget allocations.

Key Takeaways

• Democrats demand OPM keep Combined Federal Campaign in 2026
• OPM decommissioned CFC online portal, signaling possible shutdown
• 2025 cycle raised $40 million, down from $70 million in 2024
• Administration cites $22 million admin cost, 33% donor money lost
• Charities fear budget gaps if CFC ends, could cut services

Pulse Analysis

The Combined Federal Campaign, established during the Kennedy era, has become the nation’s largest government‑wide charitable giving platform, allowing federal employees to donate via payroll deductions to more than 4,400 nonprofits. After a 60‑year run that has amassed roughly $9 billion, the program faces an uncertain future as the Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) moves to shut down its online portal and evaluate the campaign’s viability. Democrats in Congress, led by Maryland’s Raskin, Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, argue that dismantling the CFC would destabilize thousands of charities that rely on its annual contributions.

Financial scrutiny fuels the debate. OPM reports that administering the CFC cost about $22 million last year, and roughly one‑third of each donor’s dollar never reaches the intended charity after fees and overhead. Critics point to low participation rates and high administrative expenses, while supporters highlight the program’s leverage—collecting donations that would otherwise require direct federal appropriations. The 2025 cycle’s $40 million haul, a decline from $70 million in 2024, underscores both the program’s potential and its vulnerability to budgetary pressures.

Looking ahead, lawmakers are urging OPM to explore efficiency reforms rather than an outright shutdown. Potential adjustments include renegotiating contractor fees, streamlining reporting, and enhancing donor transparency. For the nonprofit sector, preserving the CFC could mean continued access to a reliable funding stream that supports essential services for disadvantaged communities. Conversely, a termination would force charities to seek alternative fundraising avenues, likely increasing operational costs and reducing program capacity across the nation.