Fundraising and Private Organizations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Paul Martin
  • 17th Training Wing Legal Office NCOIC
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  One of the common questions and issues the base legal office deals with involves fundraising.

While normally requested for a noble cause, fundraising on or off-base must be done in accordance with AFI 34-223, Private Organizations. Before submitting a fundraising request, private organizations (P.O.s) must ask, "Are we a properly organized private organization?" If you have not submitted your organization's constitution and by-laws through Barbara Jackson, 17th Force Support Squadron, then you are not an authorized P.O. If your organization has signed and approved constitution and by-laws, the next step is to ensure you're following AFI regulated fundraising guidelines.
 
The following are several issues we have seen lately that could delay, or lead to the disapproval of fundraising requests:
  • Are you selling food? If so, you cannot compete with any NAF or AAFES activities (such as food court) which normally means permission is required from AAFES to sell food and beverages. Additionally, public health must approve the requests to ensure proper food handling techniques are employed. Coordination on these items is mandatory prior to approval from the base legal office. You must get approval before dropping off your package at the legal office.
  • Is it considered high-risk? If it is considered high risk, we will recommend that you purchase liability insurance for the event. While insurance is not mandatory to purchase, if someone is injured at your event and seeks monetary compensation the membership of the P.O. can be held financially liable if the P.O. is unable to meet its financial responsibility.
  • When holding fundraising events you should be aware of the Combined Federal Campaign and Air Force Assistance Campaigns seasons. Any fundraising activity taken during these time frames will require a signature from the wing commander for approval.
  • When preparing for your fundraiser you should route your package well in advance of the date you want to conduct it so any problems can be corrected without a delay in your package and remember that P.O.s are limited to two fundraisers per quarter on base or off-base.
  • When fundraising, remember P.O.s are not an entity of the Air Force or DoD so if you are seeking donations from any agency you are unable to solicit as such. P.O.s are also not authorized to use any Department of Defense component logos on letterheads or merchandise (e.g. Air Force Symbol, e.t.c.).
  • When requesting donations you must be in civilian clothes to avoid the appearance of DoD sponsorship and you must use the standard form letter provided by FSS.
  • Don't forget that as a P.O., you must receive the appropriate level of approval for the use of government resources as limited by AFI 34-223, Private Organizations. The use of government computers (or other resources) to solicit for event participation or notify P.O. members should be kept to an absolute minimum. The regulation is very specific on this point and any violations will be reported. Violations include sending out mass "17 TRW/ALL" or "17 TRG/ALL" type of emails. 
For any questions regarding the establishment of P.O.s or specific on or off-base fundraising approval requirements and procedures, call (325) 654-4899.