Rules for Military Members Promoting Charities

Commanders must be on the look out for unlawful approaches to fundraising.

The Department of Defense spells out in detail the rules that its members must follow when promoting charities. The military's Standards of Conduct Office defines fundraising as something that is done to request money for a charity. Generally, official endorsements are prohibited and supervisors must not abuse their rank or status, lest subordinates will feel they can curry favor for promotions or rewards. The regulations allow for personal involvement in fundraising, so long as there is no perceived or real conflict of interest.

No Favored Step-children

Supervisors must follow rules when working on a fundraiser. Managers, both civilian and military, must not personally ask or solicit those in their chain of command for donations. Consider the media's lead story on the nightly news when attending supposedly innocuous events like a golf fundraiser which defense contractors may attend. It is "[u]nlikely there is ever a situation in which one may play golf at a fundraiser in an official capacity," according to the Defense Department's General Counsel. And especially important, contractors in the federal workplace may not be solicited, though they may make a small contribution if they wish.

Special Lists of Participants Forbidden

While it's acceptable to ensure that everybody in the workplace has been contacted, supervisors may not identify those who prefer to refrain from donating. Managers may not keep a list of contributors v. non-contributors. Regulations also forbid such nefarious practices as using employees' participation in a fundraiser as a component in their performance review, according to Defense Department instruction dates January 2008.

Fundraisers

Organizations may put on bakes sales, car washes and other clever fundraisers, the proceeds of which must be given to the CFC. Even lotteries and raffles are acceptable, as long as they comply with regulations conforming to gambling rules. Groups on federal government property that promote a local, military-related cause, such as the Spouses Clubs or a school function, may generally use non-workplace areas for fundraising.

A helping hand in need

Occasionally, a squadron or local office may help an ill workplace member through either a monetary donation or flowers. According to regulations, these collections are for individuals, as opposed to a charity. Even gifts to charities on behalf of deceased co-workers or family members are acceptable. These collections benefit a charity, but are given in memory of somebody within the workplace and so they are acceptable.

Combined Federal Campaign

The annual Combined Federal Campaign attempts to stabilize the normal flow of work that fundraising activities normally entails in the office. One of the goals aims to let the fundraising process be "truly voluntary." The freedom to give demands that the employee's donation be confidential. Other branches of the military may have their own respective fundraiser, but the CFC aims to streamline the process.

References

• Fundraising is defined in the Standards of Ethical Conduct
• Using as a factor in a supervisor's performance appraisal

Resources

• Department of Defense Office of the General Counsel
• U.S. Department of Defense Standards of Conduct Office