Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions regarding the CFD's charity application process. 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?
- Why should my organization complete an application for the CFD?
- My organization would like to apply to the Combined Fund Drive for the first time. Where do I start?
- Why do I need to register my organization with the Secretary of State's Charities Program?
- As a new applicant, how will my organization know it met the state’s campaign application requirements and be included in the 2008 campaign?
- Is there a fee to apply?
- When will our organization be able to make an application for the 2008 CFD campaign?
- What is the charity application deadline?
- How often does an organization need to make application?
- How do I get a login and password for my organization?
- What do I do when I’m unable to complete the online application?
- How does the CFD distribute donations to my organization?
- How do I calculate my administrative cost?
- How do I find out if our charity is part of a federation for 2008?
- My organization is part of a federation. What do I need to do?
- My organization was part of a federation last year, but is a single charity now. What do I need to do?
- My organization belongs to two United Ways in neighboring counties. How do I file my application?
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. Why should my organization complete an application for the CFD?
Filing a complete CFD application allows your organization to be considered for inclusion in the annual CFD campaign. Your charity name and information will be featured in our printed and online charity guides. Opening the door to over 120,000 potential donors.
3. My organization would like to apply to the Combined Fund Drive for the first time. Where do I start?
You can sign up for the the CFD through our secure online application process. To start your application today click here and click the "Become a CFD Member" button.
4. Why do I need to register my organization with the Secretary of State's Charities Program?
Any entity which, to support a charitable activity, solicits or collects contributions from the general public is required to register with the Secretary of State's Charities Program pursuant to the Charitable Solicitations Act, RCW 19.09, unless otherwise exempted. Registration under the Act is separate from, and in addition to, documents the entity may already be filing with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division or the Internal Revenue Service. register your organization
5. As a new applicant, how will my organization know if it met the CFD campaign application requirements and be included in the 2008 campaign?
The CFD will contact your organization if the application was accepted or denied. If denied, your organization will have a limited amount of time to resubmit the application. Failure to resubmitt a completed application, or meet application deadlines, will mean your charity will not be published in our printed or online guide of approved charities.
6. Is there a fee to apply?
No.
7. When will our organization be able to make an application for the 2008 CFD campaign?
Online and paper applications will be available January 14, 2008.
8. What is the charity application deadline?
In order to be included in the printed Charity Guide new applicants must submit an application no later than May 31, 2008. Current CFD member charities must make changes to their account by March 31, 2008 in order to be published in the 2008 Charity Guide.
9. How often does an organization need to make application?
The application process is currently being reviewed by the CFD Committee. We will provide an answer to this question in the near future.
10. How do I get a login and password for my organization?
For new applicants, your login and password will be emailed to you and or your organization when you start the application process. If you already have an account and forgot your password you may request a new password after clicking the "Member Charity Sign In" button on the charity page by clicking on the "Forgot Your Password?" link.
11. What do I do when I’m unable to complete the online application?
You may email the CFD office and request a paper application. Paper applications must be submitted to the CFD by March 31, 2008.
12. How does the CFD distribute donations to my organization?
The CFD will send donations designated for your organization once per quarter via check or electronic funds transfer. Additionally, the CFD will email you acknowledgment information for any donor providing us with this data.
13. How do I calculate my administrative cost?
To calculate your organizations administrative costs for the CFD Campaign simply add Line 14 to Line 15 and then divide this number by Line 17 on your most recently completed IRS Form 990. { (Line 14 + Line 15) ÷ Line 17 = Administrative Cost }
14. How do I find out if our charity is part of a federation for 2008?
Please contact your Executive Director or management to determine if your organization is part of a federation.
15. My organization is part of a federation. What do I need to do?
Check with your federation. The CFD sends an email to federations containing their member charity logins and passwords. It is up to each federation to decide if they will update your application or request you to review the information.
16. My organization was part of a federation last year, but is a single charity now. What do I need to do?
Your organization must make a new application this year.
17. My organization belongs to two United Ways in neighboring counties. How do I file my application?Your organization must make two applications with us. CFD considers your account with each federation separately to ensure accurate distribution of funds.
Please feel free to contact the Combined Fund Drive with any other questions not addressed here (cfd@dop.wa.gov).
