What's Happening?
The Trump administration has halted progress on the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the largest federal workers' charity drive in the United States. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a 'Stop Work Order' on August 26, 2025, affecting all activities related to the 2025 campaign, including the scheduled website launch on September 2, 2025. The CFC, established in the 1960s, has raised nearly $9 billion for charities, allowing federal workers to donate part of their paycheck to various causes. The pause has left many nonprofits, which have already paid application and listing fees, uncertain about the campaign's future. OPM spokeswoman McLaurine Pinover stated that no decision has been made regarding the continuation of the charity drive this year.
Why It's Important?
The suspension of the CFC is significant as it disrupts a major fundraising avenue for numerous charities, including prominent organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders. Last year, the campaign raised $66 million, with nearly half of the funds supporting charities in the mid-Atlantic region. The pause comes amid broader funding cuts by the Trump administration, affecting nonprofits such as Planned Parenthood. The decision to halt the campaign, which does not use taxpayer dollars, raises concerns about the administration's commitment to supporting charitable causes and the potential financial strain on organizations that rely on CFC contributions.
What's Next?
The future of the CFC remains uncertain as charities await further communication from OPM regarding the campaign's status. Nonprofits are concerned about the potential loss of funding and are seeking clarity on the government's intentions. The decision could prompt reactions from political leaders and advocacy groups, who may push for the resumption of the campaign. The outcome will likely influence the financial planning and operations of participating charities, which depend on CFC donations to support their initiatives.
