Replacing Missed CFC Funds: Strategies for Nonprofits to Recover
Why Understanding Donor Motivation Matters
For decades, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been a dependable source of support for nonprofits, especially those with strong ties to federal employees. But in 2025, many organizations are facing an unexpected shortfall. Federal workforce cuts and layoffs have reduced pledge pools, the freezing of the program this year has disrupted predictable giving cycles, and even among active employees, digital fatigue and shifting donor behavior have lowered participation. The result is a funding gap that can strain programs, staffing, and services.
The good news? People still want to do good and help their communities thrive. With the right strategy, nonprofits can replace missed CFC dollars by diversifying fundraising, deepening donor engagement, and capitalizing on year-end generosity—emerging with more diversified, resilient pipelines for the future.
The Challenge: Missed CFC Funds
For decades, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been a reliable stream of support for nonprofits. But in 2025, many organizations are facing an unexpected shortfall.
Several factors have contributed:
Federal workforce cuts and layoffs: With fewer federal employees, pledge pools have shrunk.
Freezing of the program this year: The pause has disrupted predictable giving cycles, leaving nonprofits scrambling to fill the gap.
Shifting donor behavior: Even among active employees, digital fatigue and competing demands are affecting participation.
The result is a funding gap that can strain programs, staffing, and services. But with the right strategy, nonprofits can replace missed CFC dollars and emerge with more diversified, resilient fundraising pipelines.
Diversify Workplace Giving Beyond CFC
Federal campaigns are only one piece of the workplace giving landscape. Nonprofits can tap into:
Corporate employee giving programs (via Benevity, YourCause, or CyberGrants)
Matching gift programs offered by private employers
Payroll deduction campaigns through state or municipal governments
Tip: Partner with HR or CSR teams at local companies to bring your cause into private-sector giving campaigns—an essential shift as federal opportunities shrink.
Launch a Targeted Year-End Giving Campaign
When CFC pledges or program freezes reduce expected revenue, year-end campaigns can fill the gap:
Segment appeals for donors who’ve previously supported through CFC.
Highlight urgency: “With CFC funds frozen this year, we need your help to continue this work.”
Leverage matching gifts to motivate action and create momentum.
Tip: Be transparent—donors respond positively when they understand the challenge and how their gift directly addresses it.
Engage Former CFC Donors Directly
Many federal employees who once gave through payroll deductions are still willing to give independently.
Send thank-you messages to former CFC donors and present alternative giving options.
Promote monthly recurring gifts to replicate the predictability of payroll contributions.
Offer special updates or webinars to help donors see the ongoing impact of their support.
Explore Grant and Foundation Support
Shortfalls from CFC can be offset with proactive grant-seeking:
Community foundations with year-end discretionary funding
Corporate foundations offering quick-turn support for nonprofits facing shortfalls
Emergency or transition grants designed for organizations navigating funding disruptions
Double Down on Stewardship and Retention
Replacing CFC dollars is easier when current donors stay engaged:
Share real-time impact updates showing how dollars are put to work.
Recognize loyal supporters through public acknowledgment, video thank-yous, or donor spotlights.
Invite donors to monthly giving programs to stabilize funding over time.
The Rubia Group Perspective
At Rubia Group, we are a professional fundraising counsel agency that helps nonprofits navigate disruptions like the freezing of the CFC program. We help organizations:
Identify new workplace giving channels beyond federal employees
Build donor retention strategies to stabilize recurring revenue
Design year-end campaigns to replace missed dollars quickly
Develop transparent messaging that strengthens donor trust during uncertain times
Final Thought: CFC Is One Path, Not the Only Path
With federal employee numbers shrinking and the CFC program frozen this year, nonprofits can no longer rely solely on this once-stable channel. But this challenge is also an opportunity: to diversify revenue streams, strengthen donor relationships, and build more resilient fundraising strategies.
Need to replace missed CFC dollars fast?
Rubia Group partners with nonprofits to design recovery strategies that capture new donations and strengthen long-term fundraising. Book a call with us today and let’s fill the gap together.
Want expert insights on nonprofit sponsorships, corporate giving, and strategic partnerships? Subscribe to Rubia Group’s newsletter, Next Level Edge, for industry-leading fundraising strategies, delivered to your inbox every Friday!
