• CFC gifts must be designated to a recipient organization.  Our CFC #98482.
• Donor designations received by the United Way of Greater Chattanooga are distributed to Scouting as additional funds, above the current allocation.  This means more funds to continue and increase Scouting programs and services.  United Way of Greater Chattanooga Designation #955. 
• October 31 is the annual deadline for United Way of Greater Chattanooga designation forms to be submitted and qualify.  Please have your forms completed and submitted to the United Way office prior to October 31 for Scouting to receive your gift.  Designations received after Oct. 31 are included in the allocation and not as additional funds.
• Designations for Bradley and Rhea Counties are included with the allocation amount and are not distributed in excess of the allocation.  Designations are still welcome as they help make United Way volunteers aware of the donor's interest in continuing their support of Scouting programs and services.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About United Way & Boy Scouts

Q. I heard that the United Way has stopped funding the Boy Scouts.  Is this true?
A. No. Unfortunately, headlines in the media blare out “United Way cuts funding to Boy Scouts!” but then later in the story find out that it’s just one United Way chapter in another state or city.  Out of the approximately 1,400 United Way chapters in the U.S., only a small percentage have discontinued or restricted their funding to their local Boy Scout council.  The Cherokee Area Council has enjoyed strong, positive relationships with the United Ways of Greater Chattanooga, Bradley County and Rhea County and expects these relationships to continue into the future.

Q. Has my local United Way cut funding to the Boy Scouts?
A. The answer is mixed.  No local United Way boards have voted to reduce or discontinue funding of local Scouting programs.  Chattanooga’s allocation has decreased from past amounts due to the increasing trend of designating gifts and as funds are used for additional United Way initiatives.  Allocations from Bradley Co. have increased over the past few years.  Allocations from Rhea Co. have decreased by about half over the past few years.

Q. Is my United Way going to continue its support of local Boy Scouts of America programs?
A. Our local Cherokee Area Council, serving 11 counties in Southeast TN and Northwest GA, is a member agency of 3 United Ways.  The boards of all 3 United Way partners have stated that they plan to continue funding our local Scouting programs.

Q. Does United Way support 100% of the funds needed for our local Boy Scout programs, camps and services?
A. No.  Allocations from our 3 United Way partners and designations through United Way and CFC jointly provide approximately 28% of the needed funds for local Scout operations.  Other income sources include the annual Friends of Scouting community & family campaigns, Camp & Activity fees (paid by Scout or family), Sporting Clays special event, Program Promotion Unit Fundraiser (popcorn sale), Scout Shop, Foundations, and a small amount of interest from the Scout Trust (Endowment) Fund.

Q. I designate my United Way gift to the Boy Scouts.  How does this money help?
A. Each United Way is independently operated and led by local volunteers, thus, the manner in which they deal with designated gifts differs.  Chattanooga distributes designated gifts in addition to their allocation if paperwork is received before Oct. 31st.  Bradley Co. and Rhea Co. include any designated gifts in with their allocations up to the allocated amount.  Designations do tend to indicate donor preferences for continuing United Way support to the intended agency.

Q. Does the Council encourage United Way donors to designate their gifts to the Boy Scouts?
A. We do not solicit donors to designate.  This is a choice best left to the individual.   

Q. How can I be helpful in ensuring the success of my United Way and its campaign?
A. Participate in your local campaign and encourage your co-workers and friends to do the same.  You could also volunteer to participate in the allocation process or Day of Caring.  A letter to your local United Way stating your appreciation for their continuing support of Boy Scout programs means a lot – negative feedback tends to far outweigh positive feedback.