A congressional charter is a law passed by the United States Congress that states the mission, authority, and activities of a group. Congress has issued corporate charters since 1791 and the laws that issue them are codified in Title 36 of the United States Code. The first charter issued by Congress was for the First Bank of the United States.
Organization advertising its congressional charter
Georgetown University, founded in 1789, became the first federally-chartered institution of higher education in the United States when President James Madison signed the university's charter into law in 1815.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes members from all backgrounds. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code and its purposes defined by Title 36.
On the Team, Civil Air Patrol poster (1955) featuring an Air Force airman and a CAP cadet, with a CAP L-16 and an Air Force F-94 flying overhead. This poster features the signature of then-Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Gen. Nathan F. Twining.
Two Oregon Wing members walk towards their aircraft during a training exercise.
A CAP search and rescue (SAR) pilot
Cadets listen to instructions during a field exercise.
