Guidelines for fundraising during CFC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman LeRon Green and Capt. Konrad Osa
  • Electronic Systems Center Legal Office
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 2010 Combined Federal Campaign is nearing the halfway mark and there may be some questions about fundraising activities during this time. The Electronic Systems Center Legal Office offers advice and information on fundraising for CFC and private organizations.

Fundraising activities may occur during the CFC only if they do not detract from the campaign in progress. However, during CFC, two advantageous exceptions are made to the general fundraising rules: active duty military members and DoD civilian employees may be solicited at the workplace for CFC contributions and more fundraiser events than usually allowed may be approved if proceeds go to the CFC.

Private organizations and unofficial activities are self-sustaining special interest groups, set up by people acting exclusively outside the scope of any official capacity as officers, employees or agents of the federal government. They operate on Air Force installations with the written consent of the installation commander or the installation commander's delegee.

Private organizations and unofficial activities generally rely on fundraising to generate the money needed to support their activities. However, fundraising activities may only be conducted pursuant to written approval of the installation commander or the installation commander's delegee.

The first step in any fundraising request is to complete a staff summary sheet, or Air Force Form 1768, detailing the activities of the proposed fundraiser along with a letter requesting authorization to conduct the fundraiser. Samples of both are available from the 66th Force Support Squadron (66 FSS).

Next, submit the package to 66 FSS for review and coordination. The request will route through 66 FSS and the ESC Legal Office before returning to 66 FSS for approval. Due to many time consuming steps in the process, fundraising requests must be received by 66 FSS at least two weeks prior to the proposed fundraiser.

There are several Department of Defense directives and Air Force instructions on fundraising. Contact the legal office at 781-377-2361 with any questions.

Helpful suggestions for formulating a successful fundraising request:

· Generally, a private organization or unofficial activity may have a maximum of two fundraising activities within a calendar quarter

· Generally, fundraising can only be conducted in non-work areas, such as lobbies, concourses and break rooms or other areas as designated by the installation commander

· E-mail, letterhead publications and other official channels may not be used to promote the fundraising event or effort

· Private organizations and unofficial activities are prohibited from using Air Force resources, such as copy machines, paper or other materials and supplies, to advertise or host the fundraiser

· Fundraisers may not duplicate or compete with a base services or AAFES activity, nor may they sell alcoholic beverages

· 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, while civilian personnel may participate in fundraisers on base if 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