New Curbs on Federal Workers’ Charity Drive Bar Many Groups

WASHINGTON —  The government Friday clamped new restrictions on its annual $130-million charity drive among its employees that critics say will deny benefits to thousands of groups.

In regulations published by the Office of Personnel Management, the government said proceeds from the annual Combined Federal Campaign may go only to traditional charities that serve health and welfare needs and “help lessen the burdens on government.”

Barred from participating will be groups that spend more than 15% of their budget on lobbying or lawsuits, a criterion that will affect public advocacy groups and legal defense funds. However, groups may seek exceptions based on special circumstances.

Must Choose From List

Federal employees, both civilian and military, will continue to designate what group receives their contribution, the government said. But they must choose from a list of approved charities that meet the new standards; write-in charities, allowed in the past, now are barred.

The personnel management office said the regulations will make the program more efficient. But critics said the changes will deny many worthy groups the right to participate, either because they engage in political activities or because they do not meet the narrowed criteria to be considered health and welfare charities.

The changes will affect advocacy groups of all political stripes.