LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — The 56th Fighter Wing Legal Office has put together a quick, painless guide to help future fundraising events run more smoothly and ethically.

Private organizations and unofficial activities are allowed to host two fundraisers per quarter. POs and UAs must obtain approval prior to holding a fundraiser. To obtain approval for a fundraiser, a representative of the organization must contact the 56th Force Support Squadron with details of the event in hand.

Regarding the details, one of the essential parameters is that no fundraiser may bring prejudice or discredit to the Air Force. In doing so all print and electronic media mentioning the PO’s name must include the following disclaimer: “This is a private organization. It is not a part of the department of defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status.” POs and UAs are prohibited from actions that make it appear the installation is endorsing or giving special treatment to the donors or givers involved.

POs and UAs must not compete with Army Air Force Exchange Service. POs and UAs may not sell or serve alcoholic beverages. POs and UAs are not to endorse nor appear to endorse any commercial businesses. The only exception to this policy is when a PO conducts an approved fund-raising event through a third-party.

Raffles must comply with state law. In Arizona, gambling is permitted only in certain circumstances.

With these restrictions there remain a fair variety of options when fundraising, from car washes, to bachelor/bachelorette auctions, to receiving a portion of the funds from an event organized with a vendor, to sports tournaments and so on.

For more information about fundraising ethically, refer to AFIs 36-3101, 34-223, and the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulations. The legal office cannot advise POs or UAs on how to conduct fundraisers.