DuPage County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Inc.

This is a great question, which we get asked often.

Back in 2013, DuPage County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Inc. (DCARES, Inc.) was formed as a Non-Profit Organization. As with any non-profit, a board of directors was established and articles of incorporation were submitted to the State of Illinois.

The purpose of DCARES, Inc. is to purchase and maintain equipment used by volunteers for DuPage County Amateur Radio Emergency Service operations. DCARES, Inc. owns all the equipment, including the W9AUX repeaters, which are currently in Lisle, Illinois. 

As with any non-profit, any equipment or monetary donations received are tax-deductible, though everyone should consult with their personal tax advisor.

Over time, DCARES, Inc. has received both equipment and monetary donations from some very generous donors. Currently, we have approximately 10 radio go kits, antennas, masts, repeaters, and, of course, the Auxcomm Trailer.

As stated above, DCARES, Inc. can accept donations. Monetary donations go towards maintaining and purchasing equipment, insurance, website fees, and so forth.  Equipment donations whether new or used is inventoried and either put to use or sold.  If equipment is sold, those monies are put in the General Fund to help pay expenses.

What are the $20.00 membership dues for?

Once you pay a $20.00 yearly membership fee, you become part of DCARES, Inc. with voting rights to elect Board Members and the opportunity to serve on the board. Our current board makeup is President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 2 Directors. 

Whenever there is an election, the board reaches out to the membership so they can cast their vote. 

The $20.00 membership fee is a yearly fee that members must pay in order to have voting rights.