City Officials can now Raise Money for Non-Profits

Senior city government leaders and elected officials may now fund-raise for non-profits on city time and with city resources under certain conditions.

The Conflicts of Interest Board has released new rules on the question. Under the guidelines, a city leader may raise funds for groups that promote the interests of New York City, and whose work supports the specific duties of that official.

But officials are restricted from directly soliciting anyone with matters pending before their office. The ruling immediately paves the way for several city officials to begin fund-raising on behalf of non-profits that have lost city funding in the economic downturn.