[CatoRenasci]

When the Boy Scouts of America start talking about 'franchises' you know something's wrong. It's becoming just a big business. Our local council here in Greenwich, CT, broke away from the larger area council because they were trying to take control of a large property owned by the Greenwich Council and used for camping and outdoor activities - they wanted to sell it (land in Greenwich is at a premium) and use the money elsewhere. Ernest Thompson Seton set up his original organization here and there is still a strong local presence.

[Coleus]

'franchises'....that's what they are...including the YMCA, Boys' Club, Red Cross, etc. You are buying the name and the program.

[Coleus]

Most non-profit organizations are " 'franchises' ", that's the way the system works. You are basically buying the name and what the name offers whether it's: Boy Scouts, YMCA, Boys' Club, etc. Each organization furnishes a charter, in order to get a charter one must meet certain criteria: pay the registration fees/percentage support, file on time, have a certain amt. of members, voluntary board, etc.