Private Organizations

General Information

Private Organizations (POs) are self-sustaining special interest groups set up by individuals acting exclusively outside the scope of any official Air Force duties. Air Force Instructions (AFI) 34-223, Private Organizations Program, 13 Dec 2018, and DAFI 36-3101, Fundraising, 26 Oct 2022, govern POs and fundraising activities in the Air Force.

Unofficial Activities (UAs) such as 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 (3) month period. For questions about whether or not your UA should become a registered PO, please contact 88 FSS (88fss.fsr@us.af.mil). Air Force Instructions (AFI) 34-223, Private Organizations Program, 13 Dec 2018, DAFI 36-3101, Fundraising, 26 Oct 2022, and the Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), DoD 5500.07-R, Section 3-210, govern UA fundraising activities in the Air Force.

New Private Organizations are required to submit the following to us for PO Approval.

More information on Private Organizations & Unofficial Activities can be found in the Private Org and Fundraising Training Slides.

Fundraising

The Air Force Instructions related to fundraising and private organizations have been substantially revised, and provide different guidelines for fundraisers on base depending on whether the fundraiser is for a registered private organization or an unofficial unit-affiliated activity. In addition, most fundraisers taking place on WPAFB must be approved in advance by the Installation Commander’s representative. For more information or questions, please consult AFI 34-223, Private Organizations Program, 13 Dec. 2018, DAFI 36-3101, Fundraising, 26 Oct 2022, or contact the 88 FSS Private Organizations Monitor at: 88fss.fsr@us.af.mil

For fundraising approval, read the information sheet that is specific to your organization affiliation, complete request form and submit to: 88fss.fsr@us.af.mil. The approval process can take up to 20 business days, please plan accordingly.

Fundraisers should not coincide with or detract from the Air Force Assistance (Fund AFAF) Campaign or Combined Federal Campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a private organization (PO)?

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.”

What are Unofficial Activities (UA)?

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.

What is "For Us By US" fundraising?

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.

What are the rules about Fundraisers?

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 WPAFB is prohibited.

Private Organizations may not conduct games of change, 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.

Is there anything else I need to know?

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.