Funding
Squadron Contact:
Commander: Lt Col Joel Walker
Email: Gallatin037@MTWG.CAP.gov
Non-Profit Volunteers
Civil Air Patrol is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Funding for our organizations comes from many sources, and these funds are usually earmarked for one specific area of our program. As CAP members are all volunteers, even up to our National Commander/CEO, funds, whether government-sourced or locally fundraised, go directly to making our program better and never paying CAP members. CAP commands at wing and above do have paid employees to handle the administrative needs of the program; however, these are not considered 'members of CAP' and do not wear CAP or USAF uniforms. Additionally, locally raised funds are kept assigned to the unit(s) that the donor specifies and are never moved without the specific permission of the unit that controls those funds.
Federal Funding
The US Air Force funds CAP operations to support missions critical to Air Force goals. Our major equipment, including Aircraft, Radios, and Vehicles, are procured using these funds. Emergency Services (ES) operations, specifically Search and Rescue, are funded by the US Air Force, while some ES operations are funded by clients such as FEMA or State jurisdictions.
Local Funding
Squadrons (local level) and wings (state level) are generally locally funded; some through State funds, but primarily through donations. Squadrons use these funds for facilities, recruiting materials, supporting the cadet program, scholarships, advertising, cadet uniform items, and minor equipment, all of which make our operations possible, including search and rescue gear and fuel for operations not specifically funded for ES missions.
How can you help your local unit?
The best way you can help your local unit is to join the program and donate your time to making our operations possible; however, units also require money to support our operations and make our efforts more successful. Donations can range from equipment and fuel cards to cash donations and anything else in between.
Donations can be made directly to your local unit. Contact them to set up when/where to meet. This allows you to dictate what part of CAP you wish to support. We can promise to specify using donations in one of our three main funding categories: Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, or Aerospace Education.