On this page you will find resources for units and families that may need assistance funding their Scouting adventure. The Northeast Illinois Council strives to make sure that any child in our council can become a Scout regardless of economic circumstances. If you have questions about funding your unit or family assistance, please call us at 847-433-1813.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Membership & Uniform Assistance
The Northeast Illinois Council offers assistance to cover national membership fees and council fees, we can also usually offer lightly used uniforms. To apply for assistance, complete the application below and send it to Rob.Sinda@scouting.org. Please note that the Northeast Illinois Council cannot subsidize or cover unit dues--we encourage all units to establish funds for families in need or allow them to pay their way through the Popcorn Sale or other fundraisers.
Apply for the Scouting America Registration Scholarship
Camperships & Activity Scholarships
We offer partial and full scholarships for most council programs, including our camps ("camperships") and other activities. For more information and to apply, click here.
All scholarship and funding requests are confidential between the Council field representative, family, and unit leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor).
UNIT FUNDING
How do we know how much money we need?
You need a budget: a plan for receiving and spending money. Your budget will show in dollars what your unit has planned for the year to come. In developing the budget, you need to estimate expenses for the year and create a plan for paying those expenses. Look at your unit’s program for the upcoming year; where are you going to go and what are you going to do? And how do you plan to pay for it? If you have receipts from the previous year, great – you have a guide.
If you’re a new unit, you can use this Budget planning guide to give you a list of items you might include in your budget.
Here’s a look at some basic expenses every Scout unit has:
- Registration fees (this is the amount the national office charges each youth and adult to join the organization)
- Council insurance fee (a required fee included with your annual Scouting America Charter application)
- Advancement and recognition items
- Activities/Trips/Camps
- Program materials (everything from camping equipment to craft supplies)
- Contingency/scholarship fund
FUNDING FAQS
How are we going to pay for everything?
We strongly encourage all units to participate in the NEIC Popcorn Sale. Popcorn is the lowest risk fundraiser available in Scouting. To learn more, visit our Popcorn Sale page. If your unit chooses to raise money in a way other than selling popcorn, you must submit a Unit Money Earning Application to your district staff. Your fundraiser must comply with the Scouting America's Guidelines for Unit Money Earning Projects.
Should we have a checking account?
Yes. You will need to use either your chartered organization's EIN with their permission or obtain your own. You can find detailed instructions on opening a unit checking account from our friends at Sam Houston Area Council here.
Can our Scout unit be covered under the Scouting America’s group exemption?
No. The IRS only allows local councils (and council trust funds) to be included under the Scouting America group exemption. Packs, troops, and other Scout units cannot be included under the Scouting America group exemption because they belong to their chartered organization. (Note: tax issues for Girl Scout troops are handled differently by the IRS because of how their cookie sales are structured).
Is it all right if our unit solicits companies, foundations, or individuals?
No. There is no provision in the Scouting America’s Unit Money Earning Guidelines for this kind of solicitation.
Should our chartering organization consider insuring unit equipment?
It is suggested (though not required) that your chartering organization ensures unit equipment. Remember, the chartered organization owns the unit, and all funds used by the unit remain the responsibility of the chartered organization as long as the charter issued by the Scouting America remains in place. It is recommended that an inventory be given annually to the chartered partner of the unit’s equipment.
What happens to unit funds and equipment should the unit dissolve?
In the event of the dissolution of a unit, or the revocation or lapse of its charter, the unit committee shall apply unit funds and property to the payment of unit obligations and shall turn over the surplus, if any, to the local council. In the case of a chartered organization, any funds or equipment which may have been secured as property of the unit shall be held in trust by the chartering organization or the council, as may be agreed upon, pending reorganization of the unit or for the promotion of the program of Scouting America.
How long does our unit need to retain financial records?
Most transactions are online these days so retaining a hard copy of records is not absolutely necessary. However, a good rule of thumb to go by for the person in charge of finances is to keep hard copy records for the time they are in that position – handing over the hard copy to the next person handling the records. Where possible, it is best to retain 2-3 years’ worth of hard copy records. You definitely will want to keep important documents involving any change in account signers or any other big or unusual activity. Financial institutions keep records for seven years. Should units need anything that far back, you can usually find the information at its financial institution.