Fundraise using the proper regulations Published Aug. 6, 2014 17th Training Wing Legal Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- One of the more 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 Air Force Instruction 34-223, Private Organizations, and AFI 36-3101, Fundraising within the Air Force. Before submitting a fundraising request, private organizations must ask: "Are we a properly organized private organization?" If individuals have not submitted the organization's constitution and by-laws through Barbara Jackson or Lori Keller in the 17th Force Support Squadron, then the PO is not authorized. If, however, the organization has signed and approved constitution and by-laws, the next step is to ensure you are following AFI mandated fundraising guidelines. The following are issues that may delay or may lead to the disapproval of fundraising requests: FOOD If individuals plan to sell food, they cannot compete with any Non-Appropriated Funds or Army and Air Force Exchange Service activities, such as the food court, which normally means permission is required from AAFES to sell food and beverages. Additionally, 17th Medical Operations Squadron Public Health must approve any requests to sell food to ensure proper food handling techniques are employed. Coordination with AAFES and Public Health is mandatory prior to approval from the base legal office. HIGH-RISK Is it considered high risk? If it is considered high risk, we recommend purchasing liability insurance for the event. If someone is injured at the event and seeks monetary compensation, the membership of the PO can be held personally financially liable if the PO is unable to meet its financial responsibility. CFC or AFAF Be aware of the Combined Federal Campaign and Air Force Assistance Fund seasons when deciding the date for the fundraising event. Any fundraising activity undertaken during these time frames require a signature from the 17th Training Wing Commander for approval. Booster clubs or POs will not be able to raise funds in an Air Force workplace during CFC or AFAF. However, they may do so away from the workplace with the installation commander's approval. Non-work areas include the lobby, break room or outside entry area. Also, fundraisers intended to benefit Air Force members may be permitted, but those intended for "outside programs," such as a local or national charity are not authorized. AIR FORCE OR DEFENSE DEPARTMENT ENDORSEMENT If seeking donations from any agency, remember POs are not an entity of the Air Force or Department of Defense, so donations may not be solicited. POs are also not authorized to use any DOD component logos on letterhead or merchandise. Generally, military personnel may participate in fundraisers in a personal capacity during off-duty time, but may not wear their uniform. Civilian employees may participate in fundraisers only when off-duty. Military and civilian personnel may not use their official title, position or organization name in connection with the fundraiser. This is to avoid the appearance of DOD or Air Force endorsement. E-MAIL Lastly, POs must receive the appropriate level of approval for the use of government resources as limited by AFI 34-223. The use of government computers or other resources to solicit event participation or to notify PO members should be kept to an absolute minimum. Violations include sending out mass "17 TRW/ALL" or "17 TRG/ALL" type emails. When preparing for a fundraiser, individuals should route the package prior to the date it is conducted so any problems can be corrected without delay. Also remember that POs are limited to two fundraisers per quarter on base or off-base. For any questions regarding the establishment of POs or specific on or off-base fundraising approval requirements and procedures, please contact 17th FSS at 325-654-4899 or 325-654-4822.
