Private organizations are limited in fundraising during AFAF, CFC

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Logan Fleming
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  This year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is well underway and it's time to start thinking about which organization you want to donate to. This year's campaign at Vance Air Force Base runs through April 11.

It is also the time of the year that private organizations and unit booster clubs may be planning fundraisers. Before taking place, these fundraisers must navigate complex rules dealing with the AFAF and the Combined Federal Campaign.

The AFAF and CFC are the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaigns and the only campaigns authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace.

Air Force Instruction 36-3101, "Fundraising Within the Air Force," provides an overview of these rules. For those of you who didn't go to law school or publish AFIs for a living, I have translated the legal lingo for you.

A private organization or booster club will not be able to raise funds in an Air Force workplace during CFC or AFAF. However, organizations may be able to solicit for funds from Department of Defense workers away from the workplace with the installation commander's approval.

For example, Booster Club X, an organization supporting social/charitable needs of their squadron members and families, may want to hold a bake-sale fundraiser in non-work areas of a building. These non-work areas include the lobby, break room and heritage room. This sale is intended to directly benefit Air Force members. This fundraising bake sale could be allowed.

In another example, Booster Club Y wants to host a golf tournament benefiting the local humane society. This fundraising activity is not authorized during AFAF or CFC because it is not intended to benefit Air Force members or their families directly.

Clubs cannot solicit for "outside programs" during the AFAF or CFC. For example, a private organization cannot hold a fundraiser for the Red Cross or the American Cancer Society, even though many people would agree that these are important and respectable causes.

Generally, military personnel may participate in fundraisers in their personal capacity during off-duty time, but may not wear their uniform while participating in a fundraiser. Civilian personnel may participate in fundraisers on base, but only when off duty.

Military and civilian personnel may not use their official title, position or organization name in connection with the fundraising event and the fundraising may not imply Department of Defense or Air Force endorsement.

It is the installation commander's responsibility to ensure that these activities do not detract from the AFAF or CFC campaign if it is in progress.

Remember to route all fundraiser requests to Jeff Patton, 71st Force Support Squadron, 213-6553, well in advance of the event.

Anyone interested in holding a fundraiser, or who has questions regarding the rules and regulations, contact Patton or the Vance Legal Office at 213-7404.