Get Support
NCAC has always provided financial support when needed so all youth can participate in the program. Support is granted based solely on financial need for the NCAC Participation Fee and up to 50% of camping fees (see details below.) All awards are granted based on the availability of funds.
Registration Fee Support
Youth meeting eligibility requirements will not be turned away for an inability to pay the Council Participation Fee.
NCAC Ongoing (Traditional) Financial Support
Our Council offers continued support to eligible families to help make Scouting accessible.
- Who Qualifies: Families whose total household income (before taxes), based on household size, falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible to apply.
- Commitment to Access: Eligible youth will not be turned away due to an inability to pay the Council Participation Fee.
- What’s Covered: Up to $80 may be awarded toward the Council Participation Fee. Families are responsible for any remaining balance.
- How: Click on the button below.
NCAC Family Assistance for Multiple Scouts (4+ Youth)
To support families with multiple participants, additional assistance is available for larger Scouting households.
- Who Qualifies: Families with four or more youth actively registered in Scouting America National Capital Area Council programs at the same time.
- What’s Covered: The Council Participation Fee ($80) is fully covered for the fourth and each additional Scout within the immediate family. Families are responsible for any remaining fees.
- How: Email adventures@NCACscouting.org
NCAC First-Year Full Financial Support Program
Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is committed to ensuring that every youth has the opportunity to begin their Scouting journey. For qualifying families, up to 100% of registration fees may be covered to welcome brand-new participants into Scouting. This assistance is specifically intended for youth who are joining for the very first time and have never been registered in any Scouting program anywhere in the world.
- Who Qualifies: Families whose total household income (before taxes), based on household size, falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible to apply.
- Commitment to Access: No eligible youth will be denied participation due to an inability to pay the Council Participation Fee or National Registration Fee.
- What’s Covered: Up to 100% of both the National Registration Fee and Council Participation Fee ($165) for the first program year.
- How: Click on the button below.
- If your family is approved, a paper application must be submitted in order to join Scouting with the fees waived.
Scouting America’s Military Family Fee Waiver (a national initiative)
Scouting America proudly supports military families through a national registration fee waiver. NCAC’s Participation fee still applies.
- Who Qualifies: Youth from families with a parent or guardian currently serving in the military (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard.)
- What’s Covered: The $85 annual National Registration Fee is waived through a verification and online registration code process.
- How: Scouts must apply through the national online application and complete the verification.
Other assistance sources may include the Scout’s unit, a unit money-earning program, or the chartered organization.
Many units also charge reasonable dues and this form should not be used to request support for unit dues.
Camperships
Campership applications are due by February 1, 2026. After this date, if funds are still available, additional applications will be accepted for review.
Please submit your application before registering the Scout for camp online and before paying the Scout’s camp fees.
All requests will be considered in a confidential manner. Families will be notified if a campership has been awarded after a committee meets. Each recipient is encouraged to write a letter to the committee about their experience at camp.
In order for Scouts to learn to earn their way, we offer our popcorn and camp card programs.
Please note: If you have already paid your Scout’s registration or camping fee(s) before receiving approval, refunds are not available.
- Please complete this application, indicating your financial situation and why you feel financial support is necessary. Assistance is normally granted for NCAC’s Participation Fee and up to 50% of the cost to attend one camp, per calendar year per Scout. All awards are granted based on the availability of funds.
- To be eligible for financial support, family income must be below the following Federal Poverty Guidelines (based on the total before tax income of the family and the number of people in the household). See chart below.
- Extenuating circumstances are taken into account when determining eligibility (i.e. If a family has extraordinary circumstances that reduce their disposable income to at or below the range listed). Please list these on this form.
Household Size | 150% Poverty Annual Income Before Tax* | 150% of Poverty Monthly Income Before Tax |
1 | $23,475 | $1,956 |
2 | $31,725 | $2,643 |
3 | $39,975 | $3,331 |
4 | $48,225 | $4,018 |
5 | $56,475 | $4,706 |
6 | $64,725 | $5,393 |
7 | $72,975 | $6,081 |
8 | $81,225 | $6,768 |
For each additional person add: | $5,500 |
*Source: U.S. Department of Education 2025 Federal TRIO Programs
Financial Support Request Form
Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
Earning Your Way
Our Council provides two ways for Scouts to earn their way:
Uniform and Gear
Uniforms and Gear volunteer-led program
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NCAC Financial Support
1. What is financial support in Scouting America National Capital Area Council?
Financial support is assistance designed to help families cover the cost of participating in Scouting programs in circumstances where the fees would prevent a family from being able to join. These are local dollars administered through your local Council.
2. Who is eligible for financial support?
Eligibility is based on financial need. Families whose household income falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (based on total income before taxes and household size) may qualify.
3. Is financial support confidential?
Yes. All applications and related information are handled with care and confidentiality by authorized staff and volunteers.
4. What information is required on the application?
Applicants will be asked to provide:
• Contact information
• A brief description of financial need
• Number of dependents in the household
• Household income range
• Parent or guardian signature
5. If the application is for the First Year Scout program, how do we apply to join Scouting?
If your family is approved, a paper application must be submitted in order to join Scouting with the fees waived.
6. Do I need to reapply each year?
Yes. Financial circumstances may change, so all families must submit a new application each year. Please note the First Year Financial Support is only for a one-year introduction to Scouting.
7. What are the current poverty guidelines?
The Federal Poverty Guidelines and income eligibility can found on the NCAC website: https://ncacscouting.org/resources/financial-support/
8. How long does it take to receive a decision?
Most applications are reviewed within approximately 1–2 weeks.
9. Is this the process for requesting a Military Family Fee Waiver?
No, the Military Fee Waiver is provided by Scouting America when a Scout applies online.
