Financial Support

The Boy Scouts of America, in general, and the Scenic Trails Council, in particular, depend entirely upon the financial support of the public. There are many ways to financially support the Scouting program. Information about the various methods of support is provided below.

Friends of Scouting

Each year the Scenic Trails Council conducts a Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign to raise unrestricted operating dollars to cover, in part, the annual expenses involved in the operations of our council. We have known for years that there are individuals, businesses, corporations, and trusts that desire to create and maintain a connection with the council through the giving of financial resources to Scouting. The unrestricted financial gifts are given with the understanding that the council will use these dollars as needed to ensure the continuation of a quality Scouting program for the youth of our area. The dollars raised through this Campaign allow us to keep activity costs to a minimum, operate a Service Center to support our youth and leaders, and provide a trained professional field staff who work directly with our Scout and District leaders. If you would like to learn more about this program or wish to have a Friends of Scouting Pledge Card mailed to you, contact the Scenic Trails Council Office. You may also download a Friends of Scouting Brochure & Donation Card (1.71 MB PDF file).

Who Pays for Scouting?

The James E. West Award

This award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1000 or more in cash or securities to their local council endowment trust fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor's annual gift to the Council's Friends of Scouting Campaign. Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone such as an Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, adult leader or in memory of a loved one.

The James E. West Award is an attractive 8 by 10 inch encased certificate, personalized with the donor's name, date of gift, and council name. In addition, there will be a distinctive lapel pin/chain and an embroidered square knot for uniform wear. While it is a national recognition, the James E. West Award is authorized and presented by the local council. Appropriate national recognition will be given at a special reception held in conjunction with the National Council Annual Meeting.

Gifts-in-Kind

An important part of the our financial program is the donation of needed goods or services to the Council. These donations benefit the Council by replacing cash payments for required expenditures, thus the benefit is a 1:1 ratio for the Council. For the donor, there may be additional tax benefits in that it may be possible for the donor to deduct the retail value of the donation while incurring only the wholesale cost. Anyone wishing to consider a gift-in-kind should discuss that interest with the Scenic Trails Council office.

Cash Donations

The Scenic Trails Council also accepts cash donations to help support the general operations fund. Donations can also be made through Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.