Question:  A local charity has asked the bank to contribute a gift basket to its annual fundraiser/raffle.  Would this violate the federal banking rules prohibiting banks from participating in lotteries?
 
Answer:  No....according to OCC Interpretive Letter No. 923.  That letter noted that it is okay for a national bank to donate an item for a civic fundraising raffle and be identified in advertisements as the donor of the item, as long as the bank took no action to publicize the lottery.