U.S. Office of Government Ethics 1201 New York Ave., Nw Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 December 8, 2008 DO-08-039 MEMORANDUM TO: Designated Agency Ethics Officials FROM: Robert I. Cusick Director SUBJECT: A Reminder about Holiday Gifts & Fundraising During the holiday season, questions often arise about the solicitation and acceptance of gifts. As you know, even during the holidays, the Standards of Ethical Conduct apply to gifts from outside sources and gifts between Government employees. Therefore, please remind your agency’s employees of the rules regarding gifts between employees, gifts from outside sources (including contractor personnel), and acceptance of free attendance at holiday parties. The holiday season is also a time when employees remember those who are in need of assistance. Therefore, this would be an opportunity to remind employees about the rules related to fundraising in the Federal workplace for charitable organizations. Of course, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the Federal work-place on behalf of charitable organizations. Employees may engage in fundraising in an official capacity in the Government workplace only in accordance with CFC rules. See 5 CFR part 950. Beyond the CFC rules regarding official fundraising, an employee who wishes to engage in fundraising in a personal capacity in the Federal workplace must comply with Subparts G and H of the Standards of Ethical Conduct. Thus, an employee may not solicit funds or other support from a subordinate for a favorite charity. 5 CFR 2635.808(c)(1). Additionally, an employee may not use his title, position, or other authority associated with his public office to further any fundraising effort. 5 CFR 2635.808(c)(2). And, of course, an employee may not use Government resources such as e-mail and photocopier equipment, or Government time, in support of a private fundraising effort. 5 CFR 2635.704 and 2635.705. While some agencies may have de minimis use policies that permit certain personal uses of Government resources, it is unlikely that any of these policies would permit broad solicitations for charitable contributions. Moreover, any such use would still have to comply with the restrictions related to solicitation of subordinates and the misuse of Government title, position, and the authority associated with public office. Thank you for your assistance in these matters, and please accept my best wishes for a happy holiday season for you and your family.