Fundraising Guidance During AFAF and CFC Seasons

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Robert Hume
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Staff Judge Advocate
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  It is that time of year again; time for the Air Force Assistance Fund. This year the AFAF at Columbus Air Force Base will run from March 28 to May 6. It is also the time of the year that private organizations, booster clubs, etc. may be planning fundraiser. As a result, some well-intending, compliant, Team BLAZE member usually asks: "What are the rules for holding a fundraiser during the AFAF?" This article describes the rules for having a fundraiser during the AFAF or 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.

The rules that govern fundraising during the CFC and AFAF can be found primarily in Air Force Instruction 36-3101, Fundraising within the Air Force, specifically. Table 1 of AFI 36-3101 provides an overview of these rules.

Basically, a Private Organization or Unofficial Activity that is composed primarily of Airmen will not be able to raise funds at the workplace during CFC or AFAF. However, this type of Private Organization or Unofficial Activity may be able to solicit for an internal program away from the workplace with the installation commander's approval. 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.

THE LAW:
- AFI 34-223, Private Organizations, para 10.9.1 refers us to AFI 36-3101, Fundraising within the Air Force, for fundraising authority during Combined Federal Campaign.

- AFI 36-3101, Table 1, "Requests for Fundraising Activities" page 14:

Rule 4 of AFI 36-3101's Table 1 states that "If the requester wants to solicit for a local internal program away from the workplace and conduct the event during CFC or AFAF:"

A. Get approval from the Installation Commander (or designee).

B. Ensure activities DO NOT detract from CFC or AFAF campaigns if in progress.

However, it is important to note that footnote 2 of the table states this must be an internal fundraiser, that is, directed exclusively at their own organization's members and further, that the funds must exclusively benefit Air Force members. For example, XYZ Booster Club, a Private Organization supporting social/charitable needs of XYZ Squadron members and families, made up of XYZ squadron members and families, wants to hold a bake sale fundraiser, in non-work areas of the unit such as the lobby, break room, heritage room, etc. and the sale is open only to members of that particular booster club/organization to directly benefit Air Force members. With Installation Commander approval, this fundraising bake sale could be allowed. In another example, the XYZ Booster Club wants to host a golf tournament benefiting the local Humane Society and the event is open to people outside of the XYZ Booster Club/organization. This fundraising activity is not authorized during AFAF or CFC because it is not internal (because it is open to non-members) nor is it intended to benefit Air Force members.


Remember to route staff packages through the legal office to the installation commander well in advance of the event. Another important footnote is that local organizations 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 most people would agree that these are important and respectable causes.

Some parting comments on fundraising in general: remember that 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 activity may not imply Department of Defense or Air Force endorsement. Anyone interested in holding a fundraiser, or who has questions regarding the rules and regulations, may contact the legal office at 434-7030.