Review of Combined Federal Campaign Charities

MAAF has is part of the Combined Federal Campaign, number 80918

The list below is the result of a review conducted by MAAF to identify charities that align closely with MAAF objectives. MAAF has conducted this review bi-annually since 2003. Since the first review, MAAF has found a tiny number of organizations closely aligned with MAAF objectives, and a large number of organizations on the CFC list that are primarily related to Christian evangelism, often through exploitation of children, the poor, and refugees overseas. The government and the military in particular have Constitutional and operational interest in avoiding sectarian conversions through the Campaign.

The 2011 review shows seven organizations supporting MAAF objectives and religious tolerance (listed below). MAAF recommends those organizations to its members. Nine organizations are intent specifically on encouraging military personnel to preach and convert others in the military. This is damaging to morale and should have no government support. 131 organizations are dedicated to converting others, often through such methods as taking orphans to Christian homes and orphanages for indoctrination or selling Christianity in return for basic food and housing in poor or war-torn areas. The CFC should not accept such organizations into the Campaign.

48 organizations were “religious support” organizations, which is to say that they were organizations supporting their own religion — Christians helping Christians, Catholics helping Catholics, Jews helping Jews (e.g., Military Archidiocese, Lutheran Braille Workers). 39 organizations were “faith based,” drawing their purpose from their religion, having charitable but not specifically religious purposes (e.g., Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity). These organizations are not primarily engaged in conversion activities and are appropriately listed. MAAF has no problem with religiously-inspired charities, only the co-opting of government resources in conversion attempts. MAAF also has no problem with Christianity specifically, but all proselytizing organizations happened to be Christian.

Current charity Lists are found at opm.gov/cfc In 2009, OPM started listing regional, but not national charities. MAAF acquired the most recent list through the Freedom of Information Act to better inform its members. Visitors are encouraged to submit questions or corrections to MAAF, including additions from regional listings.

View Press Release on 2011 Study

 

Special Caution Against the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society has rejected a generous donation from the Stiefel Freethought Foundation, presumably due to atheist discrimination within the ACS organization. This is disturbing for an organization that should be neutral and equal opportunity. MAAF hopes that donors and staff at ACS can resolve this issue soon. Until then, MAAF discourages its members from further donations.

10570 – American Cancer Society

MAAF recommends those wanting to cure cancer instead direct donations to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They have accepted the donations that ACS rejected. Also consider your own fundraising walk thorugh their Light The Night program.

11239 – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The following organizations seem to align directly with MAAF objectives for supporting atheists and humanists and increasing interfaith and secular collaboration:

  • 80918 – Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers – donote directly to MAAF to save time, monthly options available through paypal.
  • 12504 – Society for Humanistic Judaism – Human-centered celebration of Jewish culture and identity, promoting humanism, dignity, equality and ethical behavior. Building humanistic Jewish congregations today, creating continuity for our children tomorrow.
  • 19492 – American Humanist Association – We advocate for the rights of humanist, atheist, and secular Americans, defend the separation of church and state, advance science and reason, promote humanist values.
  • 32519 – Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. – Join our effective national association of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), founded in 1978, in promoting freethought and defending the constitutional principle of state/church separation.
  • 11053 – Abraham Fund Initiatives – Helping Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel build a shared future based on mutual understanding, equality and respect; promoting democracy and peace in the Middle-East.
  • 12437 – Middle East Peace Dialogue Network, Inc. – Supports dialogue activities throughout the Middle East between its many and varied nationalities, cultures, religion and political philosophies. Dialogue is the key to future peace.
  • 12438 – Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh – Promotes mutual understanding among Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and economic development throughout all of Ireland. Job training, economic development and educational organization.
  • 12440 – International Center for Religion and Diplomacy – ICRD resolves conflict where religion is a factor. Help us bridge political differences between adversaries in areas of potential or actual conflict.
  • 30916 – Unity Productions Foundation – UPF produces films and educational campaigns aimed to increase understanding and foster dialogue among the world’s cultural traditions with a focus on Muslim-U.S. relations.

The following organizations seem to be primarily interested in proselytism in the military and should be removed from the CFC listing:

  • 10074 – Missions to Military, Inc. – Christian missionary organization ministering to Armed Forces personnel. Homelike facilities and services are provided without charge. Recreation, meals, bunkroom, transportation, Bible studies etc.
  • 10531 – Officers’ Christian Fellowship – Supports military leaders who serve their country. Provides retreats, fellowship, counseling, and other resources to help members and their families grow together and serve others.
  • 11087 – Navigators, The – Strengthening the personal and spiritual lives of military men and women, and their families, through discipleship, Bible studies, leader development, conferences, counseling, and group activities.
  • 10536 – Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries – Relational ministry to military teens worldwide. Partners with Young Life, Youth for Christ, Life Teen and the local chapel. Where friends, fun and faith connect.
  • 10538 – Christian Military Fellowship – Supports America’s military and their families by helping them to grow in their Christian faith by providing prayer, Bible studies, linkups, conferences, training and resources
  • 12040 – Campus Crusade for Christ’s Great Commission Foundation – Military ministry provides “Faith in the Foxhole and Hope on the Home Front.” Christian embassy encourages and equips our country’s leaders and decision-makers.
  • 12038 – Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching & Service (ACCTS) – Improves and changes military families’ lives world wide through means of Biblically based teaching, coaching, mentoring and coordinating disaster reliefs efforts. Changed lives change nations.
  • 11472 – Youth for Christ USA, Inc. – Establishing life-changing connections with youth in schools, institutions, communities and military bases through practical assistance, healing relationships, special events, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • 10011 – Olive Branch International – Providing humanitarian service in the international military community – warriors and their families – with counseling, education and training, including moral, mental and material support.