Private organizations are self-sustaining special interest groups, set up by people acting outside the scope of any official capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Federal Government. They operate on Air Force installations with written consent of the installation commander, when he/she determines it will have a positive impact on base quality of life.

Private organizations are not Federal entities and are not treated as such, they are not non-appropriated instrumentalities as defined in AFI34-201, Use of Non-appropriated Funds, nor are they entitled to the sovereign immunities and privileges given to NAFIs or the Air Force. Small unofficial activities (like coffee funds, flower funds, sunshine funds, etc.) are generally not considered private organizations and are the responsibility of each unit commander.