Private Organizations

According to AFI 34-223, “POs are self-sustaining special interest groups, set up by individuals acting exclusively outside the scope of any official Air Force Duties. They operate on Air Force Installations with the written consent of the Installation Commander. POs are not Federal entities and are not to be treated as such.”

See the highlighted section on this AFI regarding the process of naming a PO and the process needed to use the installation name.

Naming a PO – AFI 34-223

These are coffee funds, water funds, and sunshine funds are not considered Private Organizations (POs) unless current assets, excluding inventory, exceed a monthly average of $1,000.00 over a three month period. Activities which exceed the asset limit ($1,000) must become a recognized Private Organization, discontinue operations, or reduce its current assets below the $1,000 threshold.

As a general rule, unofficial activities’ fundraising efforts are considered “for us, by us” fundraising, unless fundraising extends beyond unit personnel and family members. Unit commanders may approve unit unofficial activity fundraisers on the installation within the unit, and only for the unit’s personnel. Fundraising outside the unit requires Installation Commander or designee approval. Unofficial activities are still Federal entities and may not solicit gifts from outside sources or engage in off base fundraising.

With the approval of the Installation Commander or designee, Private Organizations and unofficial activities may conduct three (3) fundraisers per calendar quarter.

Private Organizations and unofficial activities must not engage in activities that duplicate or compete with activities of the AAFES or Force Support Squadron NAFI.

Direct solicitation of cash donations on HAFB is prohibited.

Raffles: Private Organizations may not conduct games of chance, lotteries, raffles or other gambling type activities except as provided in AFI 34-223 paragraph 10.20 and unofficial activities may not conduct any of the above under any circumstances.

In the State of Utah Raffles are not allowed at any time if entry requires a donation, exchange of product, cash, sales or time in exchange for a ticket.

All requests, advertising and any Private Organization correspondence requires the following disclaimer:

“THIS IS A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION. IT IS NOT PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.”

It is not authorized to use government e-mail to advertise Private Organization events or information.

Download and complete the applicable forms and add all necessary information, obtain facility or building manager approval before submitting your request. If the fundraiser involves food obtain training from Public Health.

Allow at least 20 business days for the approval process and do not begin advertising until you request has been approved.

POs must have liability insurance unless the installation commander waives the requirement. This waiver does not negate the PO’s liabilities. The waiver says the PO does not normally conduct functions for which there is a danger, damage to property or individuals. In the absence of insurance the PO and their members assume the liability. Liability insurance should be required unless the activities of the PO are such that the risk of liability is negligible. Forward all liability insurance waiver requests though 75th FSS/FSR for coordination and approval. Insurance waivers must be re-evaluated annually.

Submit a fundraising request form to the 75 FSS/FSR at 75FSS.Private.Orgs@us.af.mil