DAF Form 2561: Download Air Force Assistance Fund Form – The DAF Form 2561, officially titled Air Force Assistance Fund, serves as the primary document for making cash, check, or payroll deduction contributions to the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) campaign. This form helps document donations that directly support Airmen, Guardians, their families, retirees, and surviving spouses during times of financial hardship.
Active-duty members, Space Force personnel, Reservists, Air National Guard members, retirees, and civilians associated with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) commonly use this form. It provides a convenient, official way to give to charitable organizations that provide emergency financial assistance, community support, and education programs.
What Is the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF)?
The Air Force Assistance Fund represents an annual fundraising campaign known as “Commitment to Caring.” It raises money for key Department of the Air Force-affiliated charities, including:
- Air & Space Forces Aid Society (AFAS) — Provides interest-free loans and grants for emergencies, financial counseling, education assistance, and family support.
- Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) — Offers housing and support for widows of enlisted Airmen and Guardians.
- Air Force Village Charitable Foundation (AFVCF) — Supports officer widows and related programs.
- General Curtis E. LeMay Foundation — Aids specific charitable efforts.
Contributions from the AFAF campaign help “Airmen taking care of Airmen” and extend support from the beginning of active service through retirement and beyond, including to surviving family members.
The campaign typically runs in the spring (often March to May or June), with base-level key workers and project officers coordinating efforts. Donations can also occur year-round in some cases.
Who Should Use DAF Form 2561?
Use DAF Form 2561 for:
- Cash or check donations made during the annual campaign.
- Payroll deduction authorizations (allotments from active-duty or retiree pay).
- Documenting contributions at the unit or installation level.
Note: The form is not used for e-Giving/online credit card, debit card, or e-Check donations, which occur through the official AFAF website.
Eligible donors include:
- Active-duty Air Force and U.S. Space Force members.
- Air National Guard and Reserve members (regardless of duty status).
- Retirees (payroll deduction available from retired pay).
- Certain civilians.
Important: Payroll deduction for retirees has specific start dates (e.g., July for the following year’s cycle) and is not available to annuitant surviving spouses.
Purpose of DAF Form 2561
According to official guidance, the form’s authority stems from 5 U.S.C. 301, 37 U.S.C., and E.O. 9397 (SSN). Its primary purpose is “to document and account for military pay and allowance disbursements and collections” related to AFAF contributions. It also serves as an official receipt for cash/check donations.
Commanders and project officers often sign the form to kick off campaigns, highlighting leadership commitment.
How to Fill Out and Submit DAF Form 2561?
- Download the Official Form: Obtain the current version directly from the U.S. Air Force e-Publishing site: DAF Form 2561 PDF. Older versions (e.g., AF Form 2561) may still circulate, but use the latest DAF version when possible.
- Key Sections (based on form structure):
- Donor information (name, rank/grade, SSN, unit, contact details).
- Contribution type: Cash/Check or Payroll Deduction.
- Allocation breakdown (e.g., amounts to AFAS, AFEV, AFVCF, LeMay Foundation, or total gift).
- Signature blocks for the donor and authorized recipient/key worker.
- Receipt portion (detachable or copy for the donor’s records).
- Submission Options:
- During campaign: Give to your squadron/unit key worker or Installation Project Officer.
- For retirees: Mail or email the signed form (with full SSN) to the designated AFPC address (e.g., AIR FORCE ASSISTANCE FUND, AFPC/DPPPMB or DP3SA, 550 C Street West, JBSA-Randolph, TX 78150). Check current mailing/email instructions on afassistancefund.org.
- Cash/check: Deliver with the completed form; do not mail cash.
- Receipt: Donors receive a signed receipt portion of DAF Form 2561 for cash/check contributions. For larger direct mail donations ($250+), a separate letter receipt may be issued by January 31 for tax purposes.
Always follow the latest campaign instructions from your base or the official AFAF site, as procedures can vary slightly by year.
Other Ways to Donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund?
- Online e-Giving: Visit https://www.afassistancefund.org and use the “DONATE NOW” option for credit/debit card or e-Check (no DAF Form 2561 required).
- Text to Give: Options like texting AFAF to 50155 may be available during campaigns.
- Payroll Allotment: Set up via the form for convenient ongoing support.
Designate support for a specific base or the general fund when donating.
Why Donate? Impact on the Air & Space Force Family?
Your contributions provide a “lifeline when it’s needed most,” funding emergency assistance, no-interest loans that can convert to grants, education grants, car seat programs, GED support for spouses, and housing for surviving spouses.
The AFAF operates under DAFI 36-3101 (Fundraising) and supports the broader mission of AFAS and related organizations. Every gift helps maintain the strong “Air Force family” culture.
Where to Get Help or More Information?
- Official AFAF Website: afassistancefund.org – Forms, campaign updates, brochures, and donation portal.
- AFAS (Aid Society): afas.org – For those seeking assistance (separate from donations).
- Base Campaign Contacts: Reach out to your unit key worker, Military Personnel Flight, or email [email protected].
- DFAS Retiree Resources: Check DFAS newsletters for retiree-specific payroll deduction details.
Pro Tip: Verify you are using the most current form and instructions, as campaigns evolve (e.g., 2026 campaign details emphasize online options and updated allotments).
Supporting the Air Force Assistance Fund through DAF Form 2561 or online giving is a direct way for service members, veterans, and civilians to give back to those who serve. Whether you’re on active duty, retired, or part of the extended Air & Space Force community, your contribution makes a real difference.
Download DAF Form 2561 here: Official PDF
For the latest campaign details and to donate securely, visit the official site today. Questions about eligibility or assistance should go directly to AFAS or your local support channels.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force and Department of the Air Force sources as of 2026. Always confirm current procedures with official channels.