Two Health Federations Combine Forces

Two fund-raising health federations that collect money primarily through on-the-job campaigns have merged. The National Voluntary Health Agencies and the Combined Health Appeal of America have joined to form Community Health Charities.

The new organization represents 62 non-profit organizations devoted to health and health care, including the American Cancer Society and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

The National Voluntary Health Agencies raised money for health charities primarily through the Combined Federal Campaign, which solicits government workers, while Combined Health Charities of America focused on employee-giving programs at private companies.

But in recent years, the federations had begun to compete, each venturing into the other’s fund-raising territory, said Daniel Snare, former chief executive of the National Voluntary Health Agencies. Charities that belonged to both federations complained, saying that the competition was confusing to donors, and urged the two groups to combine forces.

Community Health Charities is expected to raise nearly $50-million this year through on-the-job drives, Mr. Snare said. Last year, National Voluntary Health Agencies raised $28-million and Combined Health Appeal of America took in $21-million.