AF Form 4356: CTOF Purchase Request Guide & Instructions – The AF Form 4356, officially titled Chapel Tithes and Offering Fund (CTOF) Purchase Request, is a key document in the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps. It enables authorized personnel to request purchases using nonappropriated funds donated by service members, families, and communities for religious, spiritual, and morale programs.
This form ensures transparent, accountable, and compliant use of CTOF resources to support chapel activities without relying on appropriated funds.
What Is the Chapel Tithes and Offering Fund (CTOF)?
The CTOF is a legally established nonappropriated fund (NAF) instrumentality managed under Department of the Air Force Manual (DAFMAN) 52-107, Chapel Tithes and Offerings Fund Management (20 January 2021).
Donations (tithes, offerings, and electronic contributions) fund supplemental religious programs, faith group activities, community events, and indirect mission support that appropriated funds cannot cover. It promotes spiritual readiness, resilience, and well-being across the Air Force and Space Force.
Authorized Uses (examples from DAFMAN 52-107):
- Religious education materials and supplies
- Chapel program events and activities
- Approved contracts for non-personal services (e.g., musicians, educators)
- Limited travel for volunteers or program participants (following Joint Travel Regulations)
- Tokens of appreciation for volunteers (with strict limits)
- Honoraria for speakers at CTOF-funded events (with approval thresholds)
Unauthorized Uses include:
- Food or gifts for Chaplain Corps employees/contractors
- Supplementing appropriated funds
- Recurring services without proper contracts
- Gifts cards treated as cash
- Personal or political purposes
All uses must withstand public scrutiny and align with ethical standards.
Who Uses AF Form 4356?
- Requesters/Program Leaders: Chaplains, Religious Affairs Airmen, or designated personnel planning programs.
- Account Managers: Oversee fund availability and certification.
- Approving Officials: Ensure compliance before purchases.
- Project Officers: May assist with execution.
The form requires routing through program leaders, lead faith group chaplains/DRGL (Distinctive Religious Group Leader), and account managers.
How to Complete and Submit AF Form 4356? (Step-by-Step)
- Fill Out Completely — Provide detailed, itemized descriptions of items/services. Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous supplies” or “food and drink.”
- Include Key Details — Quantities, unit prices, total estimated cost, fund code, and justification tied to a program plan.
- Route for Approvals — Obtain signatures from program leader, chaplain/DRGL, and account manager (who certifies funds availability).
- Submit Timely — For CTOF accounting section processing, submit at least 5 duty days before funds are needed.
- Post-Approval — Use for purchases via Government Purchase Card (GPC), contract, or direct payment. Document everything for audits.
Related Forms:
- AF Form 4357: CTOF Contract Monthly Statement
- AF Form 4358: CTOF GPC Transaction Log
- AF Form 4362: Project Officer Report
Download the Official AF Form 4356 (PDF):
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_hc/form/af4356/af4356.pdf
Always use the latest version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 4356 Matters
- Stewardship: Ensures donor contributions support intended spiritual and community purposes.
- Compliance: Aligns with DAFMAN 52-107, federal law, and DoD ethics rules.
- Audit Readiness: Complete records (including legal reviews for contracts) protect the program.
- Mission Impact: Funds enhance worship, counseling, resilience training, and inclusive faith activities for Airmen, Guardians, and families.
Account managers maintain files, monitor budgets, and submit reports. Violations can lead to corrective actions or loss of funding privileges.
Tips for Air Force Chaplain Teams
- Develop annual program plans with budgets early.
- Coordinate with the Resource Management Working Group.
- Use electronic donation platforms where available for easier contributions.
- Train project officers and cardholders annually on responsibilities.
- For contracts over certain thresholds, involve Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) for legal review.
For the most current guidance, consult DAFMAN 52-107 on the Air Force e-Publishing website or your installation Chaplain Corps leadership.
Need Help with AF Form 4356?
Contact your base chapel account manager or Religious Affairs team. They provide training and ensure smooth processing for chapel needs.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force sources as of 2026. Always verify with current DAFMAN 52-107 and local policies, as procedures may update.
Keywords: AF Form 4356, CTOF Purchase Request, Chapel Tithes and Offering Fund, Air Force chaplain forms, DAFMAN 52-107, military chapel funding.