Unofficial fund-raisers a no-no on government time, e-mail system Published Oct. 15, 2010 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Several recent instances where government e-mail systems and duty time were improperly used to support unofficial fund-raising activities have made it necessary to re-emphasize the rules in this area. In limited circumstances, the Air Force recognizes fundraising as part of it's mission. The rules governing official fundraisers are detailed in Air Force Instruction 36-3101. The only official fund-raising efforts in the Air Force are the Air Force Assistance Fund and the Combined Federal Campaign. All other fundraising efforts include those conducted by Air Force private organizations and unofficial activities, such as unit booster clubs and professional associations, are unofficial fundraisers. According to Air Force policy, Air Force personnel should not use official e-mail systems to inform others about unofficial fund-raising activities. A primary concern is that e-mail notifications tend to overburden the communications system with large broadcasts or group mailings. The same applies to actual participation in unofficial fund-raising activities. According to the Office of Government Ethics regulations C.F.R. 2635.705, unless a law or regulation specifically authorizes a member or employee to use time for other purposes, a member or employee shall use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties. Air Force personnel may not participate in unofficial fund-raising activities while on official duty time. Their participation must be in a leave or non-duty status. For more information, call the Administrative Law Section of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at 739-5811.