Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What percentage of contributions does CFC take to cover overhead
expenses?
A: The EscaRosa CFC administrative expense for 2007 was 15%.
Our goal is always 10% or less. Because the CFC Program is NOT a
federally funded program, there is a administrative cost which is
shared by all the charities listed in each years brochure and receiving
contributions. Therefore, this administrative cost is shared proportionately
to those charities.
Q:
Do federations list their sub-agencies in the CFC Brochure?
A: Only those federation members which also meet CFC Regulations.
Q:
What is a federation?
A: A federation is a nonprofit organization who's mission is
to join other organizations with similar missions as a unified campaigning
group. The federation is responsible for the promoting, campaigning,
and funds coordination of their federation members. A federation
agency MAY have a direct service mission of it's own, or may only
be a source of funding support for their members. If a donor contributes
to the federation, the monies will be shared by all their members
through processes identified by that federation organization. If
donor contribution contributes to a specific organization member
of a federation, that monies is given directly to that organization
through the federation. A federation may or may not change it's
members fees to conduct this process, donors are encouraged to check
with the organization or the federation agency for clarification.
Q:
Can the federation support an individual organization which the
giver may not support?
A: Yes, this is why it is very important that the donor review
a federations listing, if they do not agree with all the agencies
which the federation may list, then the donor should either identify
another federation which may support their needs or only the agency(ies)
within the federation.
Q:
Why are only Escambia and Santa Rosa County Charities and some of
Mobile, AL Charities listed in the brochure? I work in Pensacola,
but live in elsewhere.
A: Agencies from Escambia/Santa Rosa County and the surrounding
communities are listed but there are several factors to be considered;
- Did the agency(ies) from outside Escambia/Santa Rosa County apply
with our campaign?
- Where is the agency(ies) main office located? It may be in Pensacola,
therefore we MUST list them as a Pensacola area service.
- The agency(ies) may be listed as local independent section of
the brochure. Meaning, they are NOT part of a federation organization
and are listed by themselves in our brochure.
- Did the agencies federation qualify as a federation? (Fed Reg
requires a federation to have 15 or more approved agencies), if
NOT they agency "IF APPROVED" will be listed in the local
independent section of the brochure.
Many other factors come into play because of federal regulations.
If there is a specific agency of concern, it is best recommended
an e-mail is sent to the CFC Office or to the agency(Des) for explanation.
Q:
Does EscaRosa CFC apply to neighboring CFC programs?
A: No, CFC is not a nonprofit organization. Agencies and Federations
within our local brochure may (and most do) apply to neighboring
campaigns.
Q:
I hear United Way of Escambia County Receives all of the un-designated
dollars. Is this true?
A: No, federations and agencies receive un-designated funds equal
to their share of designated contributions. Another word, if an
agency was not designated by a donor in the EscaRosa campaign that
agency will NOT receive un-designated funds from our contributions.
Q:
Why can't Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs provide
gift/giveaway items for CFC?
A: MWR is a program which monies received are required to be
used for direct welfare services of the military personnel. Therefore,
there are restriction in using monies for nonprofit program, including
CFC.
Q:
A donor from previous campaign made a contribution of $1,000.00
cash/check. IRS did not accept their copy of the pledge card as
a receipt. Why and what should have been done.
A: This is covered in the brochure. Because IRS does require
a confirmation from the nonprofit organization (on the organization's
letterhead) for any cash contribution over $250.00, the donor should
contact their local CFC office for the letter. Once the local office
has confirmed the contribution, a letter will be issued. It MUST
be noted that the donor would had to place his/her name on the pledge
card. If submitted as anonymous, the donation can not be confirmed
as that donors gift. ALSO, remember if the donor pledge by payroll
deduction the contribution is not recognized for tax purposes until
the end of the year the contribution is received. (The end of the
year the payroll started).
