Help Support Troop 309!
Scouting provides youth with an opportunity to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, and reinforce ethical standards. These opportunities not only help them when they are young but also carry forward into their adult lives, improving their relationships, their work lives, their family lives, and the values by which they live. The best way to financially support Boy Scout Troop 309 is by contributing directly to the Troop 309 Funding Organization, an IRS 501(c)(3) organization. Contributing to the T309 Funding Organization will give you a year-end tax deduction while directly benefiting the local Boy Scout Troop 309. Your financial support helps the Troop continue their mission to improve the lives of young Scouts. Contributions to the Troop 309 Funding Organization are used to help Troop 309 purchase new equipment, grants and community based projects.
What is the Troop 309 Funding Organization?
Troop 309 Funding Organization (the Corporation) is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including but not limited to assisting Boy Scout activities in the Lake Zurich, Illinois area and the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3).
The Specific purposes for which the Corporation is organized are: to accept, hold, administer, invest and disburse such funds of real or personal property as may from time to time be contributed to the Corporation to assist the educational activities for Boy Scout Troop 309 located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, by facilitating education and training of such Boy Scouts within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) and Section 170(c)(2)(B).
Can I review the T309FO filing with the IRS and other regulatory bodies?
Yes, you can make a request for the entire filing in writing or by e-mail. Our official mailing address is:
T309FO
765 Ela Road, Suite 312
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
If the request is for a copy of the filing in paper form a $25.00 fee will be required. All electronic requests carry no charges.
Is my contribution tax deductible? Is T309 Eligible for Corporate Matching?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. In addition, we have filed as a Public Charity making the organization available for most corporate matching programs.
Can I use the T309FO to pay for my sons personal troop expenses?
No. In order to keep our 501(c)(3) status, we cannot allow you to pay for expenses such as summer camp, annual dues or other fees where your son directly receives benefit from the donation.
Can contributions be directed to a particular purpose or program?
Even though directives are allowed we encourage general donations giving the T309FO, Troop Committee and Scoutmasters the important flexibility to allocate funds that best meet the needs of Troop 309 Scouts. We recognize that directives such as Eagle Projects, high adventure, equipment or education can also be worthy causes. We will be careful to scrutinize directives that would be for the personal benefit of a particular scout. For example, a donation to offset the cost of your son’s high adventure camp may not be honored and could put our 501(c)(3) status in jeopardy. A donation to a High Adventure program for the benefit of all attending could be acceptable.
How will the board determine distributions?
As a philosophy, the Board will seek to distribute funds that reflect the ideals of scouting. The Scout Law and Scout Oath are at the core. Equipment, scholarships, grants and community based projects would reflect the broad funding categories. Currently, the Troop Committee, Scoutmasters or an individual Scout may request funds by application. While the Troop Committee may look to the T309FO to help with equipment, Scoutmasters could request a Grant for specific programs. Scouts could use the T309FO to allow their Eagle Project funds to be tax deductible.
How do I donate?
Remember, before we can distribute funds, we need your help. Donations can be made to:
Troop 309 Funding Organization (Payable to “T309FO”)
765 Ela Road, Suite 312
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Receipts will always be sent upon request or when the amount donated is greater than $250.00.
Please make sure to check your employers Matching Program. Most require
additional paperwork which we can usually complete for your benefit.
Please contact Brian Sass with any questions.
Notice: Amazon has discontinued the Smile program effective February 20, 2023. Thanks to everyone who has participated in this program. Although Amazon has stated that the “program has not grown to create the impact they had hoped”, it has made a difference to Troop 309 and the many thousands of smaller charities where every penny can be put to good use.