Every Dollar Counts
Annual CFC Effort Launches
NIH employees work hard every day to advance medical research. “Your work affects the lives of so many,” said NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli during the 2024 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) virtual kickoff on Oct. 9. “Your generous support of the CFC is another way you can help make the world a better place.”
The CFC is the annual workplace fundraising drive among federal employees that serves more than 4,500 charities, said Ila Flannigan, the Clinical Center’s (CC) acting executive officer and 2024 CFC campaign manager.
‘Give Happy’ is this year’s theme. “The theme echoes what happens when we give generously to those in need to enrich the quality of life for all,” said Flannigan.
While the CC is taking the lead this year, it takes an even bigger team to run a successful CFC campaign. She thanked other institutes, centers and CFC coordinators for their efforts in making the campaign the most successful workplace fundraising program in the world.
Cecelia “Cece” Henry, scientific diversity advisor at the CC and award-winning vocalist and songwriter, opened the program by singing the National Anthem.
CC CEO Dr. James Gilman said he is excited to be co-chairing the 2024 campaign with Bertagnolli because of NIH’s strong CFC tradition. Over the past 19 years, NIH employees have contributed more than $2 million during every campaign year.
“While NIH traditionally meets and exceeds our dollar goal, we have another goal this year. That’s to increase the number of NIH federal employees who participate in the CFC,” Gilman said. “With over 18,000 employees, we encourage each of you to dig deep and consider making a pledge to your favorite charity.”
Two CFC charities sent representatives to the kickoff to talk about the campaign’s impact on their organizations.
RAINN, a non-profit that carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, is one charity that benefits from the CFC, said Zach Larkin, a development associate there. Since its founding 30 years ago, the organization has helped nearly 5 million people.
Over the past three years, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline has reduced its average wait time to 3.1 minutes. Through June, the non-profit has helped 54% more people through its victim service program compared to last year.
“We urgently need your support to help RAINN keep up with the increase in sexual assault survivors that are in crisis and needing help,” said Larkin.
A representative from the 22 Project also spoke at the kickoff. Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 2 million military personnel have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Roughly 10 percent of those who returned have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, said Ashley Williams, executive director at the 22 Project. These injuries are linked to post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation.
Named after the average of 22 veterans who commit suicide each day, the 22 Project supports veterans in need after receiving the diagnosis of a TBI from a combat tour. Veterans from across the country travel to south Florida, where they receive single-photon emission computed tomography and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
“We take care of travel and accommodations,” Williams said. “We try to eliminate any potential barriers to veterans being able to receive these treatments.”
Concluding the kickoff, Flannigan said, “Your participation today and throughout the campaign will help make a crucial difference in many, many lives.” The CFC officially started on Sept. 1 and will end on Jan. 15, 2025. For more information about the campaign, visit https://cfc.nih.gov/.