Keesler seeks to reestablish private organization program Published April 7, 2011 81st Force Support Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Force Support Squadron's resource management team is working to rebuild the private organization program here at Keesler. Some aspects of the program can be confusing, so here are the answers to questions you may have: What is a private organization? A private organization operates on base with the consent of the installation commander and in accordance with Air Force Instruction 34-223, Private Organization Program. According to the AFI, if an organization's "assets... exceed a monthly average of $1,000 over a 3-month period, the activity/ organization must become a PO, discontinue on-base operations, or reduce its current assets below the $1,000 threshold." Assets can include cash, inventories, receivable and investments. Organizations holding less than $1,000 in assets can still become a private organization. What is the difference between a private organization and an unofficial organization? The resource management office is required to keep a file on all private organizations operating on base. Private organizations are responsible for providing the appropriate documents and updating their file annually. Small unofficial activities like coffee funds, flower funds, sunshine funds and other small operations are generally not considered POs unless they reach the $1,000 threshold. Unofficial organizations are regulated by the same AFI and are held to the same operating regulations. What are the benefits of becoming a private organization? The most immediate benefit of becoming a private organization comes in regards to events like the base's open House, where private organizations are given priority in working the concessions and selling. Additionally, the 81st FSS can offer fundraising opportunities to private organizations, such as golf tournaments, bowling tournaments and similar activities. What's the deal with fundraising? Any organization doing fundraising on base must request permission to do so. All fundraising requests begin in the 81st FSS resource management office. Requests are forwarded through the appropriate offices and the 81st FSS commander has final approval authority over routing fundraisers. Standard memo and staff summary sheet templates for fundraiser requests are available through the resource management office. Also, according to AFI 34-223, all organizations are held to a maximum of two undraisers a quarter. How do we become a private organization? A contact person from the executive board of your organization must contact the resource management office to set up a training session, about five to 10 minutes long. The office collects your constitution and bylaws and forwards them to the 81st Mission Support Group commander for approval. After the approval process is complete, the remaining documents are collected. To check the status of your organization or to set up a training meeting, call 376-8198.