Navigating Air Force fundraising rules for private organizations Published Oct. 2, 2015 By Capt. Ross Brennan 460th Space Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With the holiday season fast approaching, we are entering into holiday party time of year. Unit holiday parties are often paid for with money private organizations have generated through fundraisers. Fundraising on an Air Force installation can seem like a tricky and pain-staking effort, but keeping a couple basic principles in mind can help streamline fundraisers and finance those holiday parties. Fundraisers are limited to two per calendar quarter. Private organizations may not fundraise in the workplace (this includes e-mail), while on duty, or in uniform. Private organizations are prohibited from selling or serving alcoholic beverages and must not engage in activities that duplicate or compete with any base morale, welfare and recreation activities or the activities of any non-appropriated fund instrumentality, including the Army and Air Force Exchange Services. Examples of fundraising activities that are commonly approved are bake sales, carnivals and dances. When deciding on a proposed fundraiser, keep in mind that liability insurance, or a waiver from the wing commander, is required to protect against personal injury or property damage claims that may arise from the private organization activity. Also, private organization members are personally liable for unsatisfied obligations such as any debts. This may include any civil suit that results in liability. Fundraising is limited during the Combined Federal Campaign which is currently scheduled to take place from Oct. 14 through Nov. 29, 2015. During those dates, the only fundraising that can take place on the installation would be an internal fundraiser directed exclusively at that organization's members. Funds raised must exclusively benefit Air Force members and their families. A bake sale held in a common area of the unit, open only to members of that unit to raise funds for the unit's holiday party, may be permitted. A fundraiser for an off base agency, such as the Red Cross, would not be permissible during the Combined Federal Campaign. Fundraising activities may not be conducted on a continuing basis, and each must be specifically approved in writing by the installation commander or designee. Plan ahead to get approval well in advance of the date you want to conduct the activity. Private organizations will submit a request by completing the electronic fundraiser request which can be found at the 460th Force Support Squadron website. If you have any questions, call the legal office at 720-847-6444 and request a copy of the Private Organization and Unofficial Activities Handbook.