Q. What are the eligibility requirements for an organization to participate in the CFC? What are the eligibility requirements for an organization to participate in the CFC?

A. To be eligible to participate in the CFC each charitable organization must be designated as a tax-exempt non-profit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. An application to participate in the CFC must provide specific information about their auditing, governance and program functions, as specified in the CFC regulations at 5 CFR Part 950 [90KB]. Applicants must also provide a completed and signed copy of their IRS Form 990 for their most recent fiscal year. A charitable organization must be able to demonstrate that it has a "substantial" program presence within the campaign's (or an adjacent campaign's) geographical boundaries or within the state of the campaign. Charities may apply to participate in the CFC individually (as an "independent organization"), or they may be represented by a "federation." A federation is a coalition of individual charities with similar missions that align to minimize administrative costs and coordinate activities. If a federation to which a charitable organization belongs is approved for CFC participation the member charity need not submit an application directly to the local campaign. All CFC application and participation requirements that apply to individual charities also apply to federations. In addition, federations must demonstrate that they have at least 15 CFC-eligible members listed and that their fundraising, administrative and governance practices meet CFC standards.

Q. Where do charitable organizations apply?
A. Please submit your application. Click to Contact the Inland Northwest CFC

A. Contact us at 509-838-6581 to verify this year's deadline. For the last few years the deadline has been in early April.
A. Review and fillout the application accessible here.

Q. How many campaigns am I eligible to apply to?
A. It depends on the geographic areas your services cover and the number of adjacent campaigns to your local service area. Additional information can be found in the CFC regulations at 5 CFR 950.204 [90KB].

Q. Is there a limit on how much in contributions a charitable organization can receive?
A. Donors can designate any amount they wish to a charitable organization. There is no limit to the amount a charitable organization can receive.

Q. How does a charitable organization know the amount of pledges it received in a campaign year?
A. Each local campaign office is required to notify designated charitable organizations, in writing, of the amount of pledges it received by March 15 of the year following the campaign solicitation period. Charitable organizations that did not receive a designation in the campaign area will not receive a communication from the campaign.

Q. In what form will payments be received by my organization (i.e., electronic transfers, checks, etc.)?
A. Campaigns may choose to send payments via check or EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer). Participation in EFT disbursements is optional for participating charitable organizations.

Q. Are donor contributions received throughout the year?
A. Contributions are administered by a local non-profit fiscal agent known as the Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO). The PCFO may disburse funds either monthly or quarterly beginning by April of the year immediately following the campaign period. However, the PCFO may send one-time checks to charitable organizations that received very small amounts in contributions.

Q. Does inclusion in the listing of "Charitable Organizations" carry with it any description of the charity's purpose or goals?
A. Yes, all CFC Charity Lists include a 25-word statement that is crafted by the applicant and submitted with their application.

Q. Will participating charitable organizations receive the names of donors who have contributed to their organizations? How?
A. It is the responsibility of the local CFC office to forward the names and addresses of donors who wish to have their names released to the recipient charitable organization directly. If the charitable organization is a member of a federation, the federation will receive the donor name and relay it to the participating charitable organization. The PCFO may not make any other use of donors' names and addresses.

Q. Is it necessary for a charitable organization to submit an application annually?
A. Yes, all CFC applicants are required to submit a new application annually.

Q. Will we get an opportunity to participate in meetings, charity exhibits and other events hosted by Federal agencies?
A. Yes. Participating charitable organizations wishing to be involved in campaign events should contact their local CFC office in writing to inquire about opportunities to participate in CFC events and request a copy of their calendar of CFC events.

For Further INFORMATION please contact the Inland NW CFC, 509-838-6581, ext 111 or e-mail johng@unitedwayspokane.org