At the recent Florida Association of Nonprofits 20th Annual Conference, Bill Huddleston, principal at CFC Fundraising Consulting, presented the workshop “CFC Fundraising Secrets: The Insider’s Guide to the Combined Federal Campaign” to educate attendees about how the subsidized, low-risk and high-leverage program could help raise much needed funds for their organizations.

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)—which is held each year between September 1st and December 15th—is the largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign in the world, Huddleston said, offering federal civilian, postal, and military employees the opportunity to support eligible nonprofit organizations providing health and human services.

What’s so impressive, the consultant said, is that it is relatively simple for a nonprofit to register with the campaign, and that can be done with minimum start-up costs for what could be a potentially large return. An organization simply completes a 25-word description of its agency and mission that is added to the CFC catalog of eligible organizations.

“National, international, and local 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible,” Huddleston said, “and I don’t know of another way that you can get yourorganization’s information sent to as many potential donors all over the country—just think of the money saved in mailing materials alone."

Other reasons Huddleston said he encourages nonprofit organizations to join include:

• CFC funding is unrestricted, reliable and predictable.
• CFC funding comes attached to less red tape than grants.
• CFC funding is also easy for the donor, who fills out a simple card once choosing the charities he/she wants to support.

The consultant also shared “7 Keys to CFC Success,” with participants to assist the efforts of those interested in registering. Tips included working with your organization’s strengths, using 21st century tools to support your CFC efforts, and saying “Thank you” early and often.

“This is a simple way to get your organization’s name and mission out to thousands of people all over the country and throughout the world,” Huddleston said. “I don’t know why an organization would choose not to register.”

To learn all seven keys to success, or to contact Bill Huddleston with questions, email BillHuddleston@ verizon.net or phone (703) 560-1825.