In our weekly poll, OhMyGov! asked readers if they plan to donate to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Not surprisingly given the economy, only 23 percent stated they would contribute.
The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace giving campaign. More than 350 CFC campaigns throughout the United States and internationally help to raise millions of dollars each year. But this year, people appear to be skimping, saving and looking out for themselves.
Charities rely on the generosity of over five million federal employees and military members during the annual charity drive, which runs from September 1 through December 15. These pledges support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. In past three years, a total of $812 million was pledged to charities, the breakdown of which is shown below.
2007 - $273 million
2006 - $271 million
2005 - $268.5 million
However, the economic crisis is taking a toll on the generosity of CFC donors. Over 51 percent stated they will not contribute this year, while 21 percent felt that they are charity cases themselves.
The chart below shows the full breakdown of the poll results.
History shows that charitable giving does not typically drop off significantly during recession periods, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case for CFC giving this year. Federal workers who haven't decided to pledge a donation yet still have time; the campaign ends on December 15.
For more information, visit the CFC web page.
Thanks to all who responded to the survey. If you have ideas about future poll topics, contact our editors and keep the comments, stories, and poll submissions coming!
Other OhMyGov! Polls:
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