2017 Keyworker Training GuideCombined Federal Campaign

www.GatewayCFC.org

1 Keyworker Training Guide

as a Keyworker

Welcome to the 2017 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)! Thank you for serving as a Keyworker. You will be joining thousands of Federal employees to help implement the campaign and raise millions of dollars for those in need. As a Keyworker, you represent the thousands of charitable organizations that depend upon the support they receive from the CFC every year. Additionally, this is a positive professional opportunity for you to increase your visibility, network within your agency, and hone your leadership skills. Your primary responsibility is to inspire your co-workers to Show Some Love to their favorite charitable organizations by making a contribution through the CFC.

Follow these steps to create a successful campaign:

1 Attend a training session. Learn about the great benefits of the CFC and how to confidently ask your co-workers to donate. They can even pledge volunteer hours this year! Keyworker training sessions might be scheduled in person or via webinar, teleconference, or video teleconference. Contact your Campaign Manager or the local CFC office for details. Training sessions will ensure that you are knowledgeable about the campaign and ready to answer your co-workers’ questions. Training will also provide you with the tools and experience you will need to ask co-workers to give.

2 Get your supplies. Work with your Campaign Manager to ensure you have enough donor cards, thank you cards, charity lists, pledge forms, etc.

3 Make the ask. Talk to your co-workers in person about the campaign, and ask them to Show Some Love to their favorite charitable causes through the CFC.

4 Follow up. After being invited to participate in the campaign, your co-workers might have questions or simply need a reminder to complete their pledge. We have tools (donor cards and email templates) to make this easy.

5 Submit completed paper pledge forms. Encourage donors to promptly deliver them to your Campaign Coordinator or designated drop-off location. If pledge forms are submitted to you directly, store all paperwork in a secure location until you are able to deliver them to your Campaign Manager.

6 Recognize those who give. Always thank your co-workers for their time. Distribute thank you cards and other special recognition items to contributors promptly.

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as a Keyworker

Campaign Promotional DaysOctober 2017 Promotional Day #1: Kickoff Event

Set a day to celebrate the start of the campaign at your agency.

Nov. 2, 2017 Promotional Day #2: Show Some Love Day Tell your CFC story by sharing your cause board and why the campaign is important to you.

Nov. 28, 2017 Promotional Day #3: Giving Tuesday Help make this the single largest online donation day of the campaign by making a gift on the website.

Dec. 5, 2017 Promotional Day #4: International Volunteer Day Donate your time by volunteering with a participating charity.

Why the CFC?One of the questions Keyworkers are asked is “why should I give through the CFC?” Here are a few reasons you can share with your co-workers:

• Without workplace giving campaigns like the CFC, people might not think about making charitablecontributions.

• Giving is easy and secure—choose from the list of charities, then donate online or with a paper pledge form.

• Payroll deduction makes it easy to make small regular contributions that quickly add up to a significant impact.

• The CFC has raised $8.2 billion during its 56-year history. Thousands of participating charities have cometo depend on this support. Charities love the CFC and rely on donations from the campaign because it is areliable source of unrestricted revenue all year long and an inexpensive way to attract new donors.

• With so many participating charities, it’s easy to find a meaningful cause to support. Donors can designatetheir contribution to charities from your local area, as well as national and international nonprofits.

• CFC charities have been vetted as legitimate nonprofits that provide real benefits and services to thecommunities they serve.

• The CFC provides donors with the option to give anonymously. Donors choose whether or not to release theirname and contact information to the charities they support.

New for 2017There are several exciting new additions and changes to the campaign this year.

ADDITIONS• Centralized giving platform. All contributors will

now be able to pledge via a single pledge portal togive online.

• Volunteerism. Federal employees will now beable to pledge volunteer hours in addition tomonetary donations.

• Retiree giving. Federal retirees are now invited tocontinue to support the charitable causes that areimportant to them through the CFC by making adonation through their Federal annuity.

CHANGES• No undesignated contributions. Contributors

will no longer be allowed to leave a donationundesignated. They must select one or more charitiesto receive their funds.

• Campaign events. New regulations prohibit cashfundraising events. However, events that train andmotivate campaign workers, educate contributorsabout the campaign or its participating charities, orcelebrate the success of the campaign (such as kickoff events, rallies, charity fairs, awards ceremonies, andfinale events) are still strongly encouraged.

• No cash contributions. Donating with cash is nolonger permitted.

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Tell Your Story and Ask Your Co-Workers to Show Some Love

Nothing is as effective as talking with people about the campaign in person and asking them to consider joining the tradition of hundreds of thousands of Federal employees who support their favorite charities through the CFC each year. Using a personalized, story-based approach can be powerful and very effective.

Develop your personal story by answering the following questions. Which charitable cause is most important to you?

Why is this cause important to you?

How can funding from the CFC impact this cause?

Ask your co-workers to give.

1 Tell your story. Put your responses together to use as your personal story. It might be something like this: “The charitable cause that is most important to me is cancer research. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma. If I had gotten that diagnosis 20-years ago, I might not be alive today to talk with you. I am so thankful for the tremendous amount of cancer research and medical advancements that have occurred over the past few decades. But there is still a lot of research that needs to be done, which is why I choose to give to cancer research charities.”

2 ExplainthebenefitsoftheCFC.Say something like: “The beauty of the Combined Federal Campaign is that we can each choose the cause that is most important to us. The CFC allows us to give via payroll deduction, which lets us give a little each month and makes it easy to give to multiple charities at once. I also love being able to give anonymously. My gift goes to the charities I choose, but not my name or contact information, unless I want it to. And all of our contributions added together really make a difference. Did you know the CFC raised $167 million last year? Did you know that this year, in addition to giving money, we can also pledge volunteer hours?”

3 Ask about their favorite cause. Ask your co-worker if they have a favorite charitable cause of their own and get them to explain why. Listen to their answer! They may end up convincing themselves to give.

4 Invite. Invite your co-workers to join you in making a pledge through the CFC. “I made my pledge yesterday using the new giving portal at opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC. It was really easy. I gave via payroll deduction, but you can also give using a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Will you consider making a pledge of your own this year? In addition to giving money, you can also pledge to volunteer with a participating charity. I am going to leave this card with you that has the web address and some other information, and I will follow up with you next week to see if you have any questions.”

5 Thank your co-workers for their time. “Thanks for giving me the time to talk to you about this. Again, let me know if you have any questions. And if you do make a pledge, be sure to let me know because I have a little thank you gift for you.”

Tips for making the ask:• Practice! Work with another Keyworker and practice telling your stories and asking each other to make a

contribution. You can also practice with family, friends, or even in front of a mirror.• Start out with success by asking people you think are highly likely to say yes.• Personalize the ask by talking about causes you know your co-worker is interested in.

Follow UpMany people say “yes” and then get busy or forget to actually visit the giving portal and make a pledge. Others say “maybe” because they need time to think it over or talk with their family. In either case, they typically welcome a friendly follow-up. Research has shown that donors often need four to six touchpoints before they give. We have some tools that will help you naturally and easily follow up with your co-workers. Use the donor cards developed for the mid-point and final days of the campaign to physically visit with your co-workers again. Use the opportunity to ask if they have any questions about the campaign or if they have had a chance to try the giving portal. While having an initial conversation in person is important, some follow up can be done virtually. Visit the website to download email templates you can customize and send to your co-workers throughout the campaign.

Remember the CFC is voluntary. No coercion is tolerated. So, if a co-worker says “no” – that is okay!

“Disaster relief is dear to my heart. CFC charities provide support and resources for communities impacted by disasters and other causes. They are awesome. I am compelled to give every year to help people in need and the many causes that need financial support.”

— Sophia Stampley U.S. Postal Service

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How to Pledge Online

Here are some general instructions for how to pledge online using the centralized giving platform. For a more detailed walkthrough including screenshots, ask your Campaign Manager, CFC staff member, or visit the website.

1 Visit opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC and follow the steps to create an account. Either personal or government email can be used.

2 From the Welcome Page, click “Pledge Now.”

3 Search for charities by entering various criteria to narrow your search. Then click “Search for Charities” to see your customized list.

4 Select the charities you want to support by clicking the “Add” button. When you are finished, click “Checkout.”

5 Select your payment method (payroll deduction, bank account, or credit/debit card). If you choose payroll allotment, you will be required to enter your Social Security number to connect to your payroll system.

6 Select your payroll frequency. If you elect to use a credit card or bank account, you can choose between a one-time or monthly recurring gift.

7 Designate a portion of your annual pledge to each of your selected charities. The amount designated must equal the amount pledged. If you selected charities with available volunteer hours, indicate the number of hours you pledge to each organization.

8 Share your personal information with your selected charities, if desired. If you are volunteering, your information will be automatically shared so the charities can contact you regarding volunteer opportunities.

9 Review your pledge checkout for accuracy. You can go back to make changes. When everything is correct, check the “I Agree” box and click “Submit Pledge” to confirm.

10 Print the confirmation for your records.

“The CFC gives hope, the CFC gives strength, and the CFC reminds us that compassion lifts the spirits of those less fortunate. There is no better feeling than knowing that someone earned a diploma or degree thanks to designated resources from the CFC.”

— Mirela Bruk Broadcasting Board of Governors

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Collecting Paper Pledges

Although giving online is easier than ever, some donors may still prefer to give using a paper pledge form. If so,

they can mail their completed pledge directly to the CFC Processing Center at P.O. Box 7820 Madison, WI 53707-

7820. Alternatively, forms can be submitted directly to your department or agency’s Campaign Manager. If

pledge forms are submitted to you directly, store all paperwork in a secure location until you are able to deliver

them to your Campaign Manager.

Common Pledge Form Errors• Illegible• Total gift and charity designation amounts are not the same• Funds are undesignated (all funds must be designated using a 5-digit code)• Reporting unit name/number is missing• Authorizations portion is NOT signed• Social Security number is missing for a payroll deduction pledge (Social Security numbers are only needed for

payroll deduction)

2017 CFC Sample Pledge Form

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Please fill in with red or black inkOnline pledges are accepted through 01/12/2018 by visiting opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC

All Paper Pledge Forms should be mailed to: CFC Processing Center, P.O. BOX 7820 Madison, WI 53707-7820 and must be post marked by 01/12/2018 FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ONLY

XX HOURS

XX HOURS

XX HOURS

XX HOURS

XX HOURS

Primary Email Address Secondary Email Address

First Name Last Name

Your Department Your Agency Your Office

Donor Type

Military Civilian Postal

Work Zip Code

I’m located in a foreign territory without a ZIP Code

Home Address City State Zip Code SSN Required if electing Payroll

- -

DESIGNATED PLEDGE: To designate to one or more Charities or Federated groups, fill in the Charity code(s) and dollar amounts below. If you would like to donate to more than 5 Charities, please visit opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC to complete an online donation or attach another copy of this form and label your forms 1 of X; 2 of X. The Total Annual Contribution amount should appear on copy 1 of X.

Allotment Source

Payroll

Per Deduction Amount

$

Interval

Monthly x12Semi-Monthly x24 Bi-Weekly x26

Check N/A One Time

AUTHORIZATION

If I chose payroll deduction as my payment source, I hereby authorize any agency of the Unites States Government by which I may be employed during 2018 to deduct the amount(s) shown above from my pay each pay period. My deductions will be in effect for one full year starting with the first pay period after January 15 and ending with the last pay period that includes January 15 of the following year. I authorize my payroll service provider to pay the amounts shown to the Combined Federal Campaign. I understand that this authorization may be revoked by me in writing at any time before it expires. I also acknowledge that I have the right to receive a notification if the amount(s) scheduled to be transferred differ(s) from the amount(s) displayed above. If I chose Check, I hereby authorize Give Back Foundation on behalf of the Combined Federal Campaign to process my paper check as an electronic funds transfer (EFT) for the payment amount elected.

Information Release: By checking this box I authorize the CFC to release my home address, secondary (non-government) e-mail address, and pledge amount to the Charity(ies) designated above.

Signature Date

CFC Charity Code Annual Amount Volunteer Time

$

$

$

$

$

TOTAL ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION: -----------------------------

VOLUNTEER HOURS: ----------------------------- HRS

Check Information: Make checks payable to: Combined Federal Campaign (Please attach checks to this Pledge Form)

Keep a Copy of this form before sending to the CFC. CFC organizations do not provide goods or services in whole or partial consideration for any contributions made to the organizations via this pledge. OPM Form 1654-A

$

Awards and Recognition

One of the campaign’s most important activities is taking the time to Show Some Love to donors, campaign workers, and participating agencies/units by saying “thank you.” Recognition and appreciation builds morale and a strong foundation for the following year’s campaign. Timely recognition can even improve participation in the current campaign.

Donor recognition: Celebrate each donor’s generosity, whether through monetary contributions or volunteerism, and recognize the positive impact made by their gifts in the local community, around the nation, and throughout the world. Keyworkers can personalize the thank you cards before presenting them to donors by writing a brief note or as a part of individual thank you emails. Not only will donors appreciate the sentiment and feel recognized, but they may also post the circular Show Some Love card in their workspace, increasing awareness of the campaign.

Campaign workers: The dedication and commitment of Campaign Managers, Coordinators, and Keyworkers are what make the CFC a success, and they should be recognized for their hard work. Certificates are an excellent and inexpensive way to accomplish this.

Agency/Unit Awards: Awards are provided for departments, agencies and reporting units for a variety of contributions and efforts.

For more details on our campaign zone’s specific recognition programs, please visit the website.

“My cause is cancer research because I am a cancer survivor myself. I am surviving simply because of the tremendous amount of cancer research and medical advancements that have happened, especially over the last few decades.”

— Rangam SubramanianU.S. Department of Commerce

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FAQs

Why is the CFC important?The Combined Federal Campaign is one of the largest workplace giving campaigns in the world. Over the past 56 years, Federal employees have contributed more than $8.2 billion through regional CFCs across America and overseas. Federal employees generously pledged more than $67 million to charities through the 2016 CFC.

How do charities become part of the CFC?Charities must apply to be part of the CFC. Each charity must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, submit an IRS Form 990, describe its human health and welfare benefits, and meet other requirements. Application information can be found at https://cfccharities.opm.gov.

HowmuchdoestheCFCactuallybenefitcharities?Charities truly love the CFC. It is a critical source of revenue and an inexpensive way to attract new donors. Charities require diverse streams of income, including foundations, corporations, direct mail, special events, and the CFC. CFC donations are especially treasured because they are unrestricted funds, allowing nonprofit organizations to effectively respond to community needs. Equally important, CFC donations provide charities with a source of funding throughout the year.

How do I choose a charity to support?The charity search function at opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC can help you find the right charity for you. Search for causes that interest you and get a list of charities that support that cause, then make your donation online or by filling out a paper pledge form.

What is the minimum contribution?Federal employees who choose payroll giving must pledge at least $1 per pay period. There is a $10 minimum gift for an online credit, debit, or bank transfer. The centralized giving platform accepts contributions up to $9,999.

How can I make my CFC pledge?Pledges can be recurring or one-time donations and are made online or by paper pledge form. When giving online, you can contribute through the CFC by payroll giving, credit card, debit card, or eCheck. When giving using a paper pledge form, you can contribute through the CFC by payroll deduction or check.

What if I do not want my co-workers to know how much I gave or which charities I chose?When you give online, your charities and donation amount will be confidential. If you prefer to make a paper pledge, give your pledge form to your Campaign Manager in a sealed envelope marked “confidential.” Your pledge will not be opened or processed until it reaches the CFC Processing Center.

If giving by check, to whom should the be made out?Combined Federal Campaign.

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Willmycontributionreallymakeadifference?Absolutely! Just look at these examples:

$34provides a meal for

100 homeless individuals.

$70buys 35 coffee plants for

farmers who suffered croplosses after a hurricane.

150$

screens 30 women for cervical cancer.

Can I make an undesignated contribution?Undesignated contributions are no longer permitted under new CFC regulations. Please designate your pledge to a specific CFC charity or charities of your choice.

How much money goes to administrative overhead instead of to the charities?All fundraising has some administrative overhead. However, new CFC regulations and procedures have been designed to reduce the already low administrative rate of the campaign. In 2016, the CFC had a national expense ratio of 15 percent. We are working hard to get that number even lower in the future. That’s a fraction of the 35 percent deemed acceptable by the Better Business Bureau.

How can I get help or more information?Talk to your Campaign Manager or visit the website for more ways to Show Some Love and for tools to be a successful Keyworker.

“My donation could assist with building a new research center or providing glass slides to analyze cancer cells. It could also help scientists get closer to finding a cure. The CFC is a trusted, user-friendly, platform that allows me to support my charities, so they can continue to help those in need. When I give through the CFC, I feel confident knowing my donation will reach my designated charity.”

— Debra Gale U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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Responding to Common Objections

You may be faced with objections from some of the people you solicit. It is important to know how to talk with your co-workers about their concerns. Here are some common objections and suggested responses:

I already give elsewhere.It’s wonderful that you’re already giving! (If possible, engage the person in a conversation about the causes they choose to support.) One thing many donors find convenient about the CFC is that they can support multiple charities with just one donation. It is also the only way to give a little bit each paycheck through payroll deduction, which adds up to a significant contribution. Additionally, at the end of the year, your final pay statement will show your total contribution, making your tax reporting easy. I also love giving through the CFC because I can support my charities anonymously. They receive my donation, but not my name and contact information unless I specifically release it.

I am really busy. I do not have time to talk about the CFC.I understand. (Ask if another time would work better, and arrange to come back. If not, continue with this short response.) Can you give me just 15 seconds? The CFC is a chance for Federal employees to give to causes they care about and Show Some Love to those most in need. Giving is easy, with options for payroll deduction, credit card, or eCheck. Many charities take part in the CFC, and I am sure some of your favorite causes are represented. I hope you will consider participating this year. Let me at least leave this card with you. I will stop back by later to see if you have any questions.

Ican’taffordtogivemuch.Oh, I know what that feels like. Sometimes it feels like there’s more month than money, right? That’s why I like payroll giving so much. Just a small contribution, as little as $1 per paycheck, really adds up over the course of a year. Our donations can do so much, like providing food for some of the thousands of residents in our area who are at risk of hunger. (Graciously accept “no” for an answer if the person declines again. Let them know about volunteer opportunities. Thank them for their time.)

I worry that the charity won’t actually get my donation.I can understand that concern. It just shows that you care! I looked into that myself and found that the CFC is audited every year by an independent CPA firm to verify that all designations and pledges are honored. It’s one of the main reasons I support charities through the CFC, because I know those charities have been vetted and that my selected charities will get my pledge. Also, the new CFC giving portal allows you to log in at any time of the year and monitor your payments to the charity you selected.

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Tips for Being anEffective Keyworker

Talk about the CFC in personSpeaking face-to-face is the most important way to inspire your co-workers to give.

Use storiesShare charity success stories and your personal passion to motivate co-workers to give to the causes they care most about.

Reach out to everyoneEnsure that all your co-workers know they have an opportunity to give through the CFC.

Keep the campaign visibleUse social media, emails, posters, brochures, and events to promote the campaign.

Understand all giving optionsEnsure you are familiar with the online donation method and paper pledge forms so that you can offer help as needed.

Encourage payroll deductionPayroll contributions yield higher levels of giving and have a greater impact on the charities people choose to support.

Stay connected to the campaignConnect and engage with your local campaign on social media by liking and sharing posts and participating in the campaign promotional days.

Maintain campaign integrityKeep pledges secure and give them to your Campaign Coordinator as quickly as possible.

Give thanksThank every co-worker for considering a donation through the CFC, and provide donor recognition items to those who self-identify.

Pictured on front cover (left to right): SK3 Immer Nieves, U.S. Coast Guard; Jeanne S.

Phillips, U.S. Postal Service; and Deborah Valentine, U.S. Postal Service