I stand corrected. New England Scrip does not require 501c3, Great Lakes Scrip does. They seem to be the two largest traditional, regional scrip brokers. Also, Krogers does require 501c3 if you are an independent group with your own (not the school's) tax id number. Don't know about other grocery store programs, we only use Kroger at this time. Guess that's an important question to ask if you are investigating different scrip programs.
Not sure if this is true at all scrip centers. It wasn't when I was involved on the "sell" side of that business (admittedly 7+ years ago).
Frankly, the demand that groups be 501(c)(3) -- when it exists -- is a bit of an illusion. The retailers offer the discounts for sales reasons. It's not a charitable endeavor (doesn't make it a bad thing); the retailers aren't allowed to write off the discounts or anything (based on charity or 501c3).
If it is true now -- for whatever reason -- we certainly know how to help you get your 501c3 -- www.ptotoday.com/npn.
Tim, one more detail I didn't see in your article. An organization must be a 501(c)(3) to particpate in scrip. As I understand it, that's one of the key reasons the retailers are offering this discount...it's a charitable contribution in the eyes of the IRS. Did I get that right?
Here's an article I wrote a couple years back. The basics remain the same, although some of th eplayers have changed (example: National Scrip Center went out of business).
A script is what is used in a play to learn one's lines...HA! Just kidding, I know what you mean. Several people have posted about buying script, and I don't know what they mean, either. Can anyone answer?
Just kidding, I know what you mean. Several people have posted about buying script, and I don't know what they mean, either. Can anyone answer? 
