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As Federal employees, each of us
must make every effort to know and understand
the rules of ethical conduct. Consequently, understanding
and observing these ethics rules is essential
to placing loyalty to high ethical standards above
private gain.
Section 4 of Executive Order 12353, as amended,
authorizes Federal agencies to conduct fundraising
for charitable organizations by means of on-the
job solicitations. The Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC), which is governed by the Director of the
Office of Personnel Management (OPM), is the only
fundraising authorized for the Federal workplace.
The CFC's official campaign is conducted from
September 1 through December 15.
Consistent with the Executive Order, the regulations
state, "…no other fund-raising drive
may be conducted in the Federal workplace without
the express written permission of OPM'S Director."
Upon written request, the Director of OPM may
grant solicitations of Federal employees, outside
CFC, in support of victims in cases of emergencies
and disasters. Emergencies and disasters are defined
as any hurricane, tornado storm, flood, high water,
wind-driven water, tidal wave tsunami, earthquake,
volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm,
drought, fire explosion, or other catastrophe.
All employees' fundraising activities at the
Federal workplace must comply with CFC regulations,
as well as the Standards of Ethical Conduct for
Employees of the Executive Branch. Thus, Title
5, Section 2635.808(b) of the Standards, permits
an employee, when authorized, to use their official
title, position, and authority to conduct CFC
fundraising activities as part of their official
duties. Moreover, the rules at Title 5 C.F.R.
§ 950.102 (a) explicitly bar agencies from
conducting raffles, lotteries, bake sales, and
similar events as part of the CFC fundraising
effort. However, these regulations do not apply
to the collection of gifts-in-kind, such as food,
clothing, and toys.
True voluntary giving is fundamental to Federal
fundraising activities. Actions that do not allow
free choices or create the appearance that employees
do not have a free choice to give, or to publicize
their gifts or keep them confidential, are contrary
to the Federal fundraising policy.
Inquires regarding this memorandum should be
referred to your supervisor. Supervisors, should
refer inquiries to the National Finance Center's
Ethics Office, at Extension 5-5679.
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