Regulations govern funding of unit activities, events

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

Before organizing a golf tournament or similar function, Air Force legal officials urge units to ensure they follow proper protocol when funding these events. 

Most notably, legal officials are reminding all Air Force people it is illegal and outside the bounds of established regulations to ask for or receive donations from commercial entities to defray the costs associated with holding a unit activity. 

“It is paramount to remember that government employees may not solicit anyone for anything while on duty or acting in their official capacities,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Dunlap, Jr., Staff Judge Advocate for Air Combat Command. “The word ‘solicit’ should be treated as four-letter word – avoid it, and the concept, at all costs.” 

Only legitimate private organizations and unofficial activities may accept gifts or donations in conjunction with organized activities and recognize those who donate prizes, such as a sleeve of golf balls for a golf tournament. 

However, both the donations and recognitions must fall within the bounds of paragraphs one and 10.15 of Air Force Instruction 34-223, Private Organization Program. 

“Principle among these restrictions are the prohibition of any on-base requests for donations and the requirement that off-base solicitations clearly indicate they are for a PO or UA and not the base or any official part of the Air Force,” General Dunlap said. 

To be considered a PO or UA, the organization must be self-sustaining and set up and run by people acting exclusively outside the scope of any official capacity as officers, employees or agents of the federal government. 

Also, any donation requests must be performed off duty, out of uniform and outside the workplace. 

Any requests for commercial sponsorship are also unauthorized, according to paragraph 1.2 of AFI 34-407, Air Force Commercial Sponsorship Program. Only Services programs may use the Commercial Sponsorship Program and even its use of the program is limited. 

Still, legal officials state that the best course of action is to seek counsel before organizing any unit or organization activity. 

“I urge you to seek legal advice before you ‘tee’ off,” General Dunlap said. “If it is possible, legally, we want to help you do it right.” 

To contact the Travis legal office, call 424-3251.