LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Charitable Trust is providing guidance to area nonprofits on potential funding shortfalls following the federal government’s decision to suspend the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), a workplace giving program that has generated billions of dollars for charitable organizations since the 1960s.
In a Facebook announcement posted Sept. 4, Charitable Trust Executive Director Christie Burnett told community partners, “In a decision made by the Trump administration this week, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been suspended. The campaign was originally scheduled to launch Sept. 1.”
The Charitable Trust, which has participated in the CFC since 2023 to support its Microgrant Program, said it learned of the potential suspension not through official channels but from a report published in The Nonprofit Times over the holiday weekend. No formal notice has been sent directly to participating charities, and the CFC’s website and charity portal had not posted updates as of Sept. 4.
Executive Director Christie Burnett said, “The suspension of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is a significant loss for Charles County and communities across the nation. For more than 80 years, federal employees have proudly supported nonprofits through payroll giving — strengthening local initiatives, uplifting vulnerable populations, and driving meaningful community impact. Many larger recipient organizations also reinvest CFC funds into local programs, multiplying the benefit at the community level. Without this program, critical services for those who rely on nonprofits will decrease.
It is important for the public to understand that the CFC has operated successfully for decades at no cost to taxpayers. At a time when nonprofits are already struggling to meet growing needs with limited resources, the loss of this vital program feels like yet another devastating setback for organizations that deliver life-changing impact in our communities.
If the federal government cannot continue to commit to our nonprofits, I ask our local community to stand up and support our local nonprofits. Buy a ticket to a fundraiser, join a local monthly giving campaign, volunteer your time, or simply share their social media posts to show support.”
The Charitable Trust highlighted three areas of concern for Charles County nonprofits in its Sept. 4 post to the community:
- Funding Uncertainty – Many community programs depend on CFC donations to maintain services. Without that support, some organizations may face cutbacks.
- Registration Costs – Nonprofits already paid fees and marketing expenses to participate in the 2025 campaign. OPM has not indicated whether those costs will be reimbursed.
- Community Tradition – The suspension interrupts more than 80 years of partnership between federal employees and nonprofit organizations, threatening a philanthropic tradition that has been a steady source of support.
Burnett encouraged nonprofits to adapt by maintaining direct contact with past CFC donors, offering recurring giving options online, and sharing impact stories through social media and newsletters. “Consider sending a message to your past CFC donors, if you have their information, expressing appreciation for their past generosity and letting them know how they can continue supporting you directly,” she wrote.
National Nonprofits Appeal to OPM
In addition to local concerns, a national coalition of nonprofit organizations has appealed directly to the Office of Personnel Management to preserve the Combined Federal Campaign for 2025.
In a Sept. 4 letter to OPM Director Scott Kupor, The Nonprofit Alliance said it had joined 390 nonprofit organizations in urging protection of the Combined Federal Campaign. Representing a coalition of CFC participant charities, the group described the program as a decades-long effort that “facilitates charitable giving from federal civilian, military, and postal employees” and warned it could be at risk of ending in the coming weeks.
The letter emphasized the campaign’s historic significance, noting that “since 1964, the CFC has exemplified the highest ideals of public service and collective philanthropy,” and has “channeled more than $9 billion to nonprofit organizations since its inception.” The coalition highlighted that in 2024 alone, federal employees contributed “approximately $70 million to nearly 4,500 charities across 39 geographic zones.”
The potential elimination of the CFC, the letter argued, “would create devastating consequences extending far beyond the immediate loss of charitable funding.” Nonprofits have already invested “millions of dollars in preparation for the 2025 campaign, including application fees, compliance costs, marketing materials, and staff resources dedicated to CFC participation.”
The coalition concluded with a direct appeal: “We respectfully urge you to suspend any contemplated action to eliminate the Combined Federal Campaign based on its proven six-decade record of success, fiscal responsibility, and community impact.”
Readers can view their campaign to contact Congress: Contact Members of Congress: Save the Combined Federal Campaign.
Next Steps for Nonprofits
The Charitable Trust pledged to keep organizations updated as OPM considers whether the campaign will be canceled outright or resume later this year. In the meantime, nonprofits are being urged to strengthen other funding pathways and community connections.
Nonprofits are also encouraged to connect with the College of Southern Maryland’s Nonprofit Institute, which offers resources, training and collaboration opportunities for organizations navigating funding challenges.
For more information, please visit the CSM Nonprofit Institute.
About the Charles County Charitable Trust
Founded in 2016, the Charles County Charitable Trust manages the county’s grant application and award process for local nonprofits, with funding provided by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Trust oversees grant compliance and impact through monitoring and site visits, while also offering workshops and training on fundraising, communications and nonprofit sustainability.
In fiscal year 2025, the Trust awarded more than $1 million in grants to 47 organizations, plus an additional $62,830 in microgrants to 13 groups. The year prior, $879,500 was distributed to 54 nonprofits. In total, the Trust supports programs ranging from health care and education to community services, ensuring charitable dollars reach residents across Charles County.
Learn more at charlesnonprofits.org