Title 2 › Chapter CHAPTER 19— - CONGRESSIONAL AWARD PROGRAM › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - CONGRESSIONAL AWARD PROGRAM › § 806
Run the Congressional Award Program and spend money for it, mainly using money from nonfederal sources and any federal grant funds only if the grant’s own rules allow. The Board must keep the program’s tax-exempt status under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3). It can take donations and other help, but not anonymous gifts and not gifts that limit use except when the limit is for the program, a region or local program, or scholarships. The Board may accept unpaid volunteers, lease or buy needed property, make contracts, and raise funds, but it cannot promise to spend more than the money it actually has in that fiscal year. The Board may not borrow long-term, sell stock, pay dividends, or let its leaders keep program income except for normal pay or expense reimbursement. Set up how the program will work and help local and Statewide Congressional Award Councils. The Board must communicate with local councils and give technical help on medals, applications, ceremonies, and record handling. It must do outreach to create new local councils, especially in inner-city and rural areas, and encourage statewide councils. Other duties include fundraising, holding an annual Gold Medal ceremony in Washington, considering scholarship ideas, and running the national office and staff. For statewide councils, the Board makes rules for forming them and asks Senators and Representatives to work together. Statewide councils are meant to grow public involvement and connect the State’s congressional delegation. Their duties include promoting the program, reviewing participant records, recommending candidates to the national board, planning bronze and silver ceremonies, helping gold recipients travel to the national ceremony, and naming a statewide coordinator. Statewide councils may receive contributions but must keep proper financial records and follow the national charter rules. The Board must form a nonprofit called the Congressional Award Foundation to help run the program. The Foundation’s board will include the Board members plus up to 24 extra voting members appointed by the Board, and the Director as a nonvoting member. The Foundation has the same authority as the Board, and no person may be paid by both the Board and the Foundation.
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2 U.S.C. § 806
Title 2 — The Congress
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73