A quick guide to fundraising

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida --  Fundraising is a way that members of team MacDill get funds to support morale committees, scholarships, end of the year social gatherings, families in need, and other causes. Fundraising also brings units closer together, increases moral, and enhances the military image. However, it's important to remember that there are guidelines to fundraising.

In 2013, private organizations at MacDill Air Force Base raised approximately $485,000 from fundraising alone.

Two fundraisers are allotted a quarter to each PO or unofficial group that is approved through the PO coordinator, Alexandria Jefferson, 6th Force Support Squadron. Jefferson is in charge of routing the fundraising request forms to the appropriate agencies for approval and verifying that the fundraiser is authorized.

Majority of fundraising requests are for a PO on base, but anyone can submit a fundraising request. However, if the organization or unofficial group plans to earn over $1,000 it must be a PO.

Additionally, alcoholic beverages are prohibited at any fundraiser. If a fundraiser is being hosted off base, it is against regulations to use military rank, position, or uniform to advertise or solicit people to participate.

While on base, POs can accept, but not solicit, funds, gifts, or donations; fundraisers cannot consist of frequent or continuous resale activities or compete with AAFES, 6th FSS services, or non-appropriated funds instrumentality. Lastly, government emails may not be used in the furtherance of any fundraisers.

When asked what are the most common mistakes made, Jefferson replied that military rank does not need to be included on the form for any reason and off base fundraisers do not require approval by the on base PO coordinator. Therefore, if military rank is present, the request will have to be resubmitted without it.

For more information on the rules and guidelines of fundraising and private orgs, please feel free to review Department of Defense 5500.7-R, Air Force instruction 34-223 and 36-3101. You can also contact Alexandria Jefferson at 813-828-6962.