INFORMATION PAPER
AFZC-JA-AL
29 September 2003
SUBJECT: Operations and Fundraising for Family Readiness Groups
1. PURPOSE: To provide legal guidance to Family Readiness Groups
2. Command sponsored Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) play an integral role in building the A
rmy Family. The Army recognizes that FRGs increase confidence, commitment and create a sen
se of well-being for both soldiers and family members. Fort Carson has many thriving FRGs.
General guidance for FRGs is found in DA Pamphlet 608-47, A Guide to Establishing Family
Support Groups and Fort Carson & 7th ID Reg. 608-47, Family Readiness Groups on Fort
Carson. The following paragraphs address common legal concerns and questions about the role
and functions of an FRG.
3. Structure. The FRG structure should depend on the needs of the organization.
DA Pam 608-47, paragraph 2-1b, describes how organizations can tailor their structure to the
needs of the unit, mission, and family members. Any FRG that generates or manages funds must
register their fund with the Directorate of Community Activities (DCA) (FC Reg 608-47,
paragraph 4-l c(7) and Appendix D). A copy of the registration must be provided to the
commander. The registration must name the person responsible for maintaining the fund. If an
FRG fund has a net worth exceeding $1000, then it must apply for Private Organization status
(DA PAM 608-47, paragraph 3-7a). There are occasions, however, when FRGs may maintain an
amount greater than $1000 for a short period of time without applying for Private Organization
status. For example, if an FRG is sponsoring a Holiday Ball or similar event, fund raising may
increase the amount in the fund above $1000 but expenses will later reduce the amount under the
$1000 threshold. Additionally, Fort Carson FRGs may not earn more than $2000 per year (FC
Reg 608-47, paragraph 4-1c(5)).
4. Support. FRGs are unique organizations in the Army community. DA Pam 608-47
paragraph 1-7 defines unit FRGs as "command sponsored vehicle[s] for people within the unit to
help each other." FRGs perform both official and non-official functions. When the FRG serves
an official purpose, it may receive official support. Official purposes are those that promote unit
cohesion, are educational in nature, and are related to family and unit readiness. Commanders
can give official support in the following four areas:
a. Official mail. An FRG can use official mail for an official, mission related purpose if
approved by the commander. However, official mail is not authorized for fundraising,
commercial ventures, or to support private organization activities.
b. FRG newsletters. Official information can be printed with a unit's appropriated funds.
Official information is defined in DA Pam 608-47, paragraph 3-6a(2). Information related to
mission and family readiness is official. Personal, social, fundraising, and commercial venture
information is non-official and does not qualify for appropriated fund support.
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