The latest official versions of Council forms are available for download. You will need Adobe® Reader to view and print these forms. This free software may be downloaded from Adobe.
The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board has instituted the following requirements in an effort to maintain a thorough and accurate Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background screening process.
Verify each applicant’s identity by viewing a government ageny issued photo ID such as a drivers license or passport. A photocopy of the ID must then be attached to the CORI Request Form. This will help ensure an accurate background check is done by eliminating guesswork about people with similar names, addresses, and birth dates.
To facilitate this process we are asking you to do the following:
All new leaders must complete the CORI Request Form which is then reviewed by the unit Committee Chair and forwarded to the Council Registrar, along with a photocopy of the photo ID and the completed BSA Volunteer Leader application (if not submitted online).
It would be a good idea to check with your sign up night locations to see if a photocopier could be made available for this purpose.
Your cooperation will help to keep Scouting a safe program for our children.
Downloads:
CORI Acknowledge Form
View national council forms here.
Disabilities-related forms and resources.
The IRS recognizes the Scouting America National Council as tax exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Through an IRS-granted group exemption, this status is extended to local councils and council trust funds. The tax exempt status of Scouting America does not extend to, nor include, any Scout packs, troops, crews or other units, and no Scout units may be included within the group exemption for the National Council. They are not subordinate organizations, and this is an IRS restriction.
Units must obtain their own Employer Identification Number (EIN) or use the EIN of the chartering organization. Under no circumstances can a unit use either the EIN of the council or the Scouting America’s group exemption number for purposes of gifts, federal taxes, or other related purposes. If a unit’s chartering organization is tax exempt, and it allows the unit to use its EIN (or includes the unit under their group exemption), the unit could then be considered tax exempt as a subordinate of that organization. Gifts to the unit would be tax deductible as gifts to the chartering organization.
Also, units should not apply for their own independent tax exempt status. Article XI or the Scouting America Charter and Bylaws states that “Contributions shall be solicited in the name of the Scouting America only through or by the authority of the Corporation and shall be limited to the National Council or chartered local councils….” Also, the Scouting America Rules and Regulations vests in each council power to “control the raising and expenditure of all funds for local Scouting work in their jurisdiction.”
IRS Form SS-4 (pdf) is used to request an employer ID number from the IRS. This is needed to open a bank account for a Scouting unit unless the unit is allowed to use the EIN of the chartering organization (see above).
IRS instructions for Form SS-4 (pdf).
Additional instructions for units (pdf).