Combined Fund Drive turns 40 this year 

Zach Davis-Price

When I turned 40, I had a few accomplishments to look back on. When an organization like the Washington State Combined Fund Drive (CFD) turns 40, it has a lot to brag about. I’m certain some of you remember its inception in 1984, and many of you have been part of its four decades of making the world a better place, one donation at a time.  

The CFD, a charitable giving program run by the Office of the Secretary of State, helps state employees and retirees spread joy through their generous contributions. It is like the ultimate giving club for Washington's public employees. The program allows donations to come directly from an employee's paycheck to go to their favorite charities. Beyond that, the CFD connects people to volunteer opportunities and offers fun agency fundraising events.  

In the past year alone, more than 14,000 active and retired state employees used the CFD to support nearly 3,100 charities. There are a lot of charities in Washington doing amazing work. To help everyone find their perfect cause, the CFD recently released a 2024 Charity Guide. This isn’t just any guide; it’s a 40-page treasure map of local and global charities. Whether you want to support a cause in your hometown or help out across the globe, this guide has got you covered. With a list like that, I suppose I will have something to write about for some time.  

Last year the CFD raised more than $4.2 million for all those charities. Among the beneficiaries was the Thurston County Food Bank, which received $124,800. That’s a lot of food for people in need! Since its inception in 1984, $169 million has been pledged to local and nationwide charities.  It speaks to the generosity of our state employees.  

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs doted on the CFD’s success. “I am so appreciative of the support CFD has had in recent years, including the Legislature’s critical funding for donor management technology during the 2024 session,” Hobbs said. “This funding is crucial to ensuring our legacy of giving continues.” Translation: Thanks to some tech upgrades, CFD can keep doing its superhero-level charitable work. 

CFD Manager Robert Lane is also celebrating. “For 40 years the CFD has become one of the premier public employee giving programs in the United States,” Lane said. “We couldn’t do this without the continued support of our public employees and volunteers. Thank you so much for all you do.”  

As the CFD celebrates this incredible milestone, it’s clear that their impact over the past 40 years is nothing short of amazing. From supporting local food banks to funding global initiatives, the generosity of Washington’s public employees shines through. So, here’s to 40 years of giving, and many more to come! 

If you’re an active or retired Washington State employee inspired by all this goodness and want to learn more about how you can get involved, head to the CFD’s website. Your chance to be a hero, whether by giving a little or a lot, is just a click away. Happy giving, Washington! 

Zach Davis-Price is a man of many interests, especially the workings and activities of local nonprofit organizations and volunteer programs.  He lives in Tumwater. Send him a note at zach@theJOLTnews.com.