Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions regarding the Combined Fund Drive. Click on a question and you will be directed to the corresponding answer. Please contact the Combined Fund Drive with any other questions not addressed here (cfd@dop.wa.gov).
- What is the Combined Fund Drive?
- How can I give?
- Can I give to any charity I want, even if the charity is not listed in the Guide?
- Where are funds distributed?
- When is my donation distributed?
- Are donations kept confidential?
- Can I continue to give through the CFD upon retirement?
- Can credit card, bequests, will gifts, endowments and beneficiaries of life insurance be included as donations?
- Can I make a donation in memory of a loved one?
- How can I contact the CFD office?
- Are my donations tax deductible?
1. What is the Combined Fund Drive?
The mission of the CFD is “Empowering Washington public employees and retirees to strengthen communities through the funding and support of charities.” The CFD is Washington State’s workplace giving program for active and retired public employees. This program allows employees to make donations via check and payroll deduction to their favorite charities. Since 1984, Washington State public employees and retirees have generously donated more than $84 million to charity through the CFD.
2. How can I give?
The CFD provides easy and convenient ways to give to your favorite charity or your community.
Monthly payroll deduction: Your contribution is deducted from each payroll or pension check during the calendar months of January through December.
One-time payroll deduction: This deduction will be taken from your first check in January.
Personal check: Checks must be made payable to the CFD.
Volunteer: Help with the CFD campaign and give time to any charity.
3. Can I give to any charity I want, even if the charity is not listed in the Guide?
Possibly. Inviting a charity that is not presently listed in the guide is acceptable. After the CFD receives the invitation the organization is screened to confirm that the organization meets the requirements to be a part of the campaign. If accepted the charity will be eligible to receive your donations.
4. Where are funds distributed?
Your donation goes where you have designated it. All non-specified contributions are distributed to CFD charities based on the charity’s pledge percentage of the campaign. (For example, if AA charity receives 10% of all contributions, AA would receive 10% of the non-specified contribution.)
5. When is my donation distributed?
Donations are disbursed to the charities on a quarterly basis. Interest earned at the State Treasury is added to the charity disbursements.
6. Are donations kept confidential?
Upon request, your information will be kept confidential. Otherwise the CFD will send your name to the charities you specified to allow them the opportunity to acknowledge you for your pledge.
7. Can I continue to give through the CFD upon retirement?
Yes! Retirees who receive retirement benefits through DRS can give to the CFD by deduction from their retirement check or by writing a check. All other retirees can donate to their favorite charity by writing a check. For more information please contact the CFD office at 888-353-9396 or 360 664-1995 or email us at cfd@dop.wa.gov.
8. Can credit card, bequests, will gifts, endowments and beneficiaries of life insurance be included
as donations through the CFD?
No. These options are being researched but are not presently available.
9. Can I make a donation in memory of a loved one?
Yes! This can easily be done while making your donation through our new online giving tool.
10. How can I contact the CFD office?
You can always phone the CFD office at (360) 664-1995 or email us at cfd@dop.wa.gov. Our web address is www.cfd.wa.gov and the mailing address is PO Box 47530, Olympia, WA 98504-7530. We will be glad to provide the information you need.
11. Are my donations tax deductible?
Yes. The CFD ensures that each charity that is a member of the Combined Fund Drive is recognized by the IRS as a not-for-profit organization. Just keep track of the proper paperwork and you can deduct your donations when you file your taxes. The CFD suggests that you make sure to consult your tax advisor if you have any questions regarding the deductibility of your donations.
