Give

About the CMC

CITY EMPLOYEES COMMIT TO CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Since 1991, employees have donated over $20 million through the CMC to local and national nonprofits

The Combined Municipal Campaign, or CMC, is the city’s workplace giving program. It is traditionally celebrated in October, but department fundraisers can be any time of year. Employees can sign up on the CMC donation platform, Bright Funds, to donate to nonprofits, public schools or funds via payroll, bank account, credit card, or PayPal. Donations can be one time or recurring. In addition, Bright Funds allows employees to log volunteer hours, search for volunteer opportunities and create group volunteer events.

Supported by AP 2-16, management of the CMC is the responsibility of the Human Resources department. 

CMC MILESTONES

1991 > Mayor Kathy Whitmire creates the CMC with AP 2-16

Prior to AP 2-16, the workplace giving drive was a United Way campaign. Modeled after the Combined Federal Campaign, the CMC gave employees access to more non-profits and federations. Departments rotate as the lead for the campaign.

1995 > HR takes over

The CMC finds a permanent home in HR.

1996 > Yearly slogans

1996 is the start of a tradition of changing the slogan out each year. The slogan for 1996 was Working Together, Giving Together: A Team Effort!

2006 > Calendar year alignment

The start of the deduction cycle moves from April to January to align with the calendar year.

2007 > Online form introduced

No more scantrons! The CMC pledge form moves online.

2015 > ESS Implementation

The online form finds a new home in the new Employee Self Service.

2022 > New donation & volunteer platform

Introduced Bright Funds for donations and volunteering.

2023 > Bright Funds payroll implementation

In January 2023, the CMC launched Bright Funds for employees to donate via payroll.

2024 > Two years with Bright Funds

The CMC will complete two full calendar year cycles with Bright Funds for payroll deductions.

COMPONENTS OF THE CMC

The CMC consists of several components:

PLANNING

The Human Resources Department coordinates the annual campaign and unveils a new slogan and theme each year. HR sets key dates and assists department coordinators and provides guidance, tools and training to run a successful department campaign.

DONATIONS

Employees can donate via payroll, bank account, debit/credit card or PayPal. They can choose to give recurring or one-time donations. Recurring bank account, credit/debit card and PayPal donations will be monthly. Recurring payroll deductions will be biweekly for 24 weeks.

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are a great way to raise money. Not only do they help meet a department’s goal, they can also be a fun way to help our community. Departments can have fundraisers year-round, but the main CMC campaign is in October and departments are encouraged to hold fundraisers throughout the month.

VOLUNTEERISM

Employees can log volunteer hours, search for volunteer opportunities and organize a volunteer event in Bright Funds. Group volunteering is an excellent way to learn more about each other and build a sense of team. And volunteering counts toward your participation goal.

RECOGNITION

Recognizing CMC contributors is important. After the October campaign and year-end, HR will host the 2025 Recognition Reception in January 2026. The reception recognizes department coordinators, department leadership, and the consistent supporters and employees who volunteer and contribute at extraodinary levels. We call them Above & Beyond members. The reception includes a catered breakfast, awards for outstanding results, and gifts for Above & Beyond members.

PAST FUNDRAISERS

  • Interdepartmental sports tournaments
  • Pie in the Face
  • Dunk the Director
  • Game shows
  • Line dancing
  • Cook-offs
  • Breakfast and lunch sales
  • Snack sales
  • Dessert and candy sales
  • Golf tournaments
  • Fun runs
  • Talent shows
  • Halloween carnivals

DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES

In an effort to make the fundraiser process more dynamic and engaging, we have set forth department challenges. A little friendly competition can drive higher fundraising totals, as well as foster teamwork within your department. 

  • Department in each level with the largest increase in donations for 2025
  • Department in each level with the largest increase in participation for 2025
  • Department in each level with the greatest increase in Above & Beyond members for 2025
  • Department in each level with the largest increase in donations for October
  • Department in each level with the largest increase in participation for October
  • Department in each level with the largest increase High 5 challenge participation for October.
  • Participation goal award for departments that meet their participation goal.
  • Contribution goal award for departments that meet their contribution goal
  • Most Creative Fundraiser

CMC Big Impact Award

The CMC Big Impact Award will go to the department with the largest increase in employees who donate via Bright Funds. Our goal this year is to introduce more employees to the Bright Funds platform and to encourage small but consistent giving. This award will be a traveling trophy that will be awarded yearly to a department that makes a big impact through its CMC campaign.