Getting CFC, United way?

[LTC_Gadget]

Does anyone have any experience or comment regarding getting your local unit on CFC or United Way list?

I saw it done 'in the past,' and have seen scout councils on the list.  I've also "heard" that the paperwork process for getting on the list is somewhat labyrinthine.

Has anyone ever done it? Is it even an avenue available to us anymore? Are the potential returns worth the up-front time/effort investment?

Your input is appreciated.

V/R,

[RiverAux]

I looked at it about 5 years ago, but it seemed like the paperwork was pretty extreme.  Don't remember the details.

[Pylon]

I just filed a CFC packet for the non-profit I work for.  Though at first the paperwork seems daunting, it can be done.  You'll need copies of Civil Air Patrol Incorporated's latest IRS Form 990s, a copy of their 501(c)(3) determination letter, a signed letter from a corporate officer stating you're a subordinate unit in good standing, proof of your programs in the local area (newsletter? press releases?), and a short list of other attachments. 

One of the other problems with the CFC you might run into is that you're required to be "open" or performing your serviecs for at least 15 hours per week (and they ask for your "hours of operation").  Some squadrons can probably meet that, but for others that would be a far stretch of the truth.

They explain pretty clearly all of the documentation that must be attached several times in the CFC packet.  It takes time, but it can be worth it once you're in.

[DrDave]

Pylon, any results yet for your non-profit?  I.e. what kind of "gold" is at the end of the CFC "rainbow"?

I just submitted a United Way one-time only grant application for combating childhood obesity using our CPFT and Squadron Physical Fitness Training awards.

BTW, who do we contact at NHQ for copies of all the CAP corporate stuff mentioned above?

Thanks,
DrDave

[RogueLeader]

If your area has a racing Association, you could try for grants there.
It might help.

[Pamela]

Hello,  I know this is an old topic, but I am interested in applying to my local CFC and would greatly appreciate any advice from those of you who have done this already.

I have the forms and would like to know how others have completed this request, if anyonw would be willing to share!

Please contact me here or at:

pamela.c.morris@us.army.mil

thank you all........Pam

[RADIOMAN015]

Just remember that come to your unit, they are going to have an administrative fee attached to any donations obtained via the CFC, perhaps up to 15% .  If you want donations go direct.  I never was impressed with United Ways, CFC, primarily because of the administrative/management fee that get imposed even on directed donations.  Some non-profits have asked me to go direct to them versus United Way because of this.
RM   

[Gunner C]

Just remember that come to your unit, they are going to have an administrative fee attached to any donations obtained via the CFC, perhaps up to 15% .  If you want donations go direct.  I never was impressed with United Ways, CFC, primarily because of the administrative/management fee that get imposed even on directed donations.  Some non-profits have asked me to go direct to them versus United Way because of this.
RM   

I think you'll find that most RM types from the 1980s on back still have a bad taste from CFC - soldiers, airmen, etc were threatened if they didn't give to the CFC.  To this day, I refuse to give, not just because of the HIGH overhead that they skim off for themselves, but because they used military authority to squeeze more dollars from an already small paycheck hundreds of thousands of servicemembers.  IMO, they're still corrupt.

[Pylon]

As a follow-up reminder, just because you fill out all the paperwork, gather the documents, submit everything by the deadline, etc., you still don't get a dime.  That just gets you put on a list of CFC eligible agencies.  Then a federal employee has to decide (or be pressured) to give to the CFC, and then choose your squadron specifically to receive their donation.

From my above experience, my Foundation I work for has been on the CFC for several years and hasn't received much of anything -- even with campaigning.  And we have substantially bigger resources than a typical CAP squadron.  You're only likely to receive something if you are on or near a military installation or other federal fa

There are far better ways to spend your limited time that will result in bigger, quicker and better fundraising and relationship-building results for your squadron. 

[MikeD]

Our SQ is on an AFB, and we get some money from CFC, but I think it's all from current and former members... 

[PHall]

Well, with CFC you can do one of three things.

- Have all of your donation go to the general pool to be doled out equally.

- Have a portion of your donation go to the general pool and a portion go to specific organizations that have registered with CFC.

- Have all of your donation go to specific organization(s).

If your CAP unit is registered with CFC, find out what your CFC number is so that people who participate in CFC can donate directly to your unit.

[JC004]

As a follow-up reminder, just because you fill out all the paperwork, gather the documents, submit everything by the deadline, etc., you still don't get a dime.  That just gets you put on a list of CFC eligible agencies.  Then a federal employee has to decide (or be pressured) to give to the CFC, and then choose your squadron specifically to receive their donation.

From my above experience, my Foundation I work for has been on the CFC for several years and hasn't received much of anything -- even with campaigning.  And we have substantially bigger resources than a typical CAP squadron.  You're only likely to receive something if you are on or near a military installation or other federal fa

There are far better ways to spend your limited time that will result in bigger, quicker and better fundraising and relationship-building results for your squadron. 

Mike...I don't really know much about CFC...I'm looking at the web site.  They only take applications once per year, right?  I never finished looking into it before because of the reason you mention...us not being near a military base or anything.

Be careful giving out non-profit advice.  It will encourage me to make you write articles for my new web site.    

[gistek]

I'm totally UNimpressed with United Way, and if CFC is anything like them, they will not receive anything from me either.

I know there are CAP units that do receive United Way funds, but when I looked into it for a unit I was a member of, the person I spoke to told me that the Civil Air Patrol doesn't qualify under their rules.

It tool quite a while to extract an implied explanation, but apparently each county's United Way office sets up their own rules, requirements and restrictions associated with who can receive funds from them and how those funds will be distributed.

The calls left me with an extreme distrust of all fund raising organizations.

[swamprat86]

I ran into a similar issue with my local United Way.  My employer has a huge United Way drive every year and I usually don't participate because of my donations to CAP.  When I became a commander, I looked into this as a way to send money to the unit.  I asked our representative and they said that I could do it, our Wing was even listed already.  I added the specifics and waited.  Six months went by and nothing was seen from the unit but it was coming out of my check.

I contacted our rep about it and they directed me to the United Way office locally.  When I called them they said that it was an invalid organization because the local UW only deals with medical and health related groups.  I was a little ticked by that and I told them this and that I even asked before signing up with our rep who said it was good.  They couldn't even tell me who the funds went to, just a pool to be distributed.

That was about 4 years ago and to this date I have not participated in my company's UW drive.