Q. Does my organization have to be a chartered PO (Private Organization) to conduct fundraising activities on base?
A. No. Approved UAs (Unofficial Activities) are also authorized to conduct fundraisers. However AFI 34-223 requires your group to be one or the other.

Q. What are Unoffical Activities?
A. UAs are small groups of individuals who are not required to be formally established as a PO because their current monthly assets do not exceed a monthly average of $1,000.00 over a 3-month period.

Q. How can my organization become an approved UA?
A. In order to become an unofficial activity, you simply complete the one page form available through your friendly 9th Services Squadron and that form will be routed to the Wing Commander for approval.

Q. How can my organization become a chartered PO?
A. The Services Squadron has an instructional package complete with samples.  They can help you complete this package and forward it to Legal for coordination.  The request is then forwarded through the chain up to the Wing Commander for approval.

Q. What is the real difference between a PO and a UA?
A. Like unofficial activities, POs are self-sustaining special interest groups set up by people acting outside the scope of any official position they may have with the government.  Unlike unofficial activities, their monthly assets (which include cash inventories, receivables, and investments) are at a threshold exceeding an average of $1,000.00 over a 3-month period.  That is the real difference.

Q. Once my organization becomes a UA or PO, how do I receive approval to conduct a fundraiser?
A. Submit a fundraising request form (available at your local friendly Services squadron) to the 9 SVS/SVF.  This form will remind you of some regulatory limitations that are important.  These limitations are as follows:

a. The fundraising event will not be conducted during the Combined Federal Campaign or the Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign (unless Wing Commander approves).
b. Contributions or sales will not be sought during duty hours in the work place. (lunch hours are permissible).
c. Government equipment or letterhead will not be utilized.
d. The event will not compete with the Base Exchange or Services Squadron activities.
e. The event will not include any games of chance, lotteries, raffles, or other gambling activity.
f. The requirements of DOD Directive 5500.7, Standards of Conduct, must be met.
g. Any sale of food will also be coordinated though Military Public Health.
h. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
i. Military personnel cannot participate while in uniform.

The bottom line is that in order to conduct a fund raiser on any AF installation, you must be either a Private Organization or an Unofficial Activity and submit a request to SVS that is reviewed and forwarded to the Installation Commander for approval.  Many of us are involved with important fund-raising organizations.  It’s a big part of developing the AF family and a sense of community.  We just need to be aware of the rules that govern these activities.