People often ask: why is it so important for our Council to have an endowment fund? Simply put, our endowment provides a dedicated, perpetual source of support that helps our Council pursue our mission: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Growing the endowment fund enables our Council to weather the ups and downs of the stock market, unemployment rates, and other unpredictable events. This makes it possible for Scouting programs to serve the young people of our nation’s capital in perpetuity.
Central Florida Council is one of the largest local Scout Councils in the Country. We currently serve approximately 20,000 youth in 7 Counties in Central Florida. Over the past two decades we have demonstrated continuous financial responsibility by operating within a balanced budget and continually sought ways to make our operations more efficient; however, the cost of providing our program continues to rise every year, straining resources received from traditional sources and making the reliable support of our endowment more important than ever.
Because of You…
…millions of youth every year are experiencing the character building attributes of Scouting. Your investment is growing the future leaders of our nation. Now more than ever, our youth need the leadership and career-building skills of Scouting.
James E. West Fellowship
Orphaned at age six and afflicted with tuberculosis, James E. West never had much of a childhood. West had to fight for permission to attend school outside of his orphanage—and only if he did his extensive orphanage chores before and after school. Nonetheless, he finished high school in two years, graduating with honors in 1895. By 1901, he’d worked his way through law school and was practicing law in Washington, D.C.
Given those circumstances, it was not surprising West gravitated toward children’s issues. When a young boy stole his car, he declined to press charges, offering instead to represent the boy in court (he got him off on a technicality). This incident led West to lobby successfully for the creation of a juvenile court. He also worked for the Washington Playground Association and the YMCA and prompted President Theodore Roosevelt to convene a White House Conference on Dependent Children in 1909. Given his background, West became a natural choice to serve as the first Chief Scout Executive. He agreed to take the job for up to six months and stayed on for 32 years.
To Become a James E. West Fellow
A gift to the Central Florida Council, designated by the donor to the council endowment fund, qualifies for membership as a James E. West fellow. The gift must be in addition to— and not replace or diminish—the donor’s annual Friends of Scouting support. A minimum gift of $1000 in cash or marketable securities qualifies for the Bronze level membership. Donors may make cumulative gifts to reach Silver, Gold, and Diamond member levels. For example, 5 years of giving at the Bronze level would qualify for Silver level membership. Many individuals and corporations make these gifts either on behalf of someone else—such as in honor of an Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver recipient, a retirement, a special accomplishment, or anniversary—or in memory of a special individual.
Second Century Society
The Second Century Society, SCS, is the Boy Scouts of America’s national social organization of individuals, families, foundations, and corporations stewarded by key volunteers and implemented by the Boy Scouts of America National Foundation. Established in 2011, SCS, replaces the 1910 Society and Founders Circle as the way to recognize Scouting’s major donors at both the local and national levels. Qualifying gifts to be recognized as a Second Century Society member have a broader definition than Scouting’s major gift recognition in the past. These gifts include an outright gift of $25,000 or more payable over five years, or a deferred gift of $100,000 or more to a local council, the Boy Scouts of America Foundation, high-adventure base or any Scouting entity for operating, capital, or endowment.
Any donor who is recognized as a Second Century Society member is awarded a certificate and can wear the lapel pin indicating their level of support.
Have you made a gift to Scouting of at least $25,000, outright or payable over 5 years?
The Gift
Qualifying gifts to be recognized as a Second Century Society member at this level include an outright gift of $25,000 or more payable over five years, or a deferred gift of $100,000 or more to a local council, the Boy Scouts of America Foundation, high-adventure base or any Scouting entity for operating, capital, or endowment.
The Process
Donors and or local council staff can download and fill out the SCS application and return it to their local council. Your local council will request your recognition pin and certificate through BSA Supply. Your local council will then recognize you as a new member of the Second Century Society.
As a Member…
Be sure to sign up for the Second Century Society enewsletter (twice a year) to hear news about fellow SCS members and upcoming events.
Have you made a gift to Scouting of at least $100,000?
Second Century Society | $100,000 and up
The Gift
Qualifying gifts to be recognized as a Second Century Society member at these levels include an outright or deferred gift of $100,000 or more payable over five years, to a local council, the Boy Scouts of America Foundation, high-adventure base or any Scouting entity for operating, capital, or endowment. Donors at this level are recognized at the national level.
The Process
Donors and/or local council staff can fill out the online “SCS application.” It will automatically be sent to the BSA Foundation. Donors at these levels are recognized nationally by the BSA Foundation on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America. Fill out the “Recognition Item” order form to receive your certificate from the Foundation. If you would like the pin and additional recognition items, these can also be ordered by filling out the online “Recognition Item” form for additional cost. The form directs automatically to the BSA Foundation. Contact diane.smith@scouting.org with questions.
As a member…
You will automatically be signed up for the Second Century Society enewsletter (twice a year) to hear news about fellow SCS members and upcoming regional and national events and trips.
Contact Information
Eric Magendantz, Scout Executive
Eric.Magendantz@CFLScouting.org
Randy Steil, Director of Development
Randy.Steil@CFLScouting.org