Endowments
Gifts to our endowment fund help ensure that we can continue to offer outstanding programs and services in perpetuity. With your help Scouting in Northern New Jersey will remain strong and vibrant, and meet the needs of the youth and communities we serve today.
In its gratitude for such support, the Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America offers four distinct endowment recognition awards. These awards are presented at local events that the Northern New Jersey Council conducts.
James E West Fellow
The James E. West Fellowship award is available for gifts of $1,000 and up in cash or marketable securities to our Council endowment fund.
The gift must be in addition to and not replace or diminish the donor’s annual Friends of Scouting support. Many individuals and corporation 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. A James E. West Fellowship Award can be cumulative to reach Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels.
Major Gifts and Scouting
Annual gifts, product sales, and special events are important, but they only sustain a council’s current needs. For major growth, Scouting needs major gifts. They are critical to Scouting’s future, whether current or deferred, general or specific; for local, national, or international use; and for operating, capital, or endowment.
Major Gifts are needed for innovative growth, and are critical to Scouting’s future, whether current or deferred, general or specific; for local, national, or international use; and for operating, capital, or endowment.
We believe that major gifts, those of $25,000 and more, are worthy of recognition at a national level. Besides monetary gifts, we also recognize gifts such as:
- Stocks, bonds, real estate, other non-cash assets, charitable income trusts and gift annuities
- Bequests, pledges, IRAs and insurance designations
- Donor-advised funds to benefit Scouting and even some organizations outside of Scouting such as universities, schools, medical charities and more
- New scholarships, camperships, or designated funds for specific councils, projects or geographical areas
- Gifts to support specific Scouting projects, funds, and initiatives such as innovation, STEM or conservation/ sustainability
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 given a lapel pin indicating their level of support.
Presidents Leadership Council
The Presidents Leadership Council provides an opportunity for Scouting’s most generous donors to provide input, ideas and suggestions for the BSA’s fundraising priorities. We are grateful to our donors and work to build lasting relationships with them through fellowship trips, personal stewardship, customized recognition and opportunities for access.
- Qualifying gifts may be paid to or through the BSA Foundation over a five-year period.
- Gifts may be designated to any and all BSA entities and initiatives, local or national, as selected by the donor.
A gift of $1,000,000 or more qualifies for inclusion in the Boy Scouts of America’s Presidents Leadership Council (PLC), Scouting’s premiere donor society. PLC members are an esteemed group of visionary philanthropists who have demonstrated exemplary service to America’s youth. As a PLC member, you can receive invitations to exclusive domestic and international donor events hosted by the BSA National Foundation.
If you would like to find out more about solutions for your particular estate planning needs, our gift recognition program or about our Council Endowment Fund, contact e-mail is Jennifer.Tanis@Scouting.org or call 201-677-1000.
Other ways to donate
Donate a Car
Donate a vehicle to your local BSA council, and the proceeds from its sale will support Councils in your area (note: due to IRS rules, donating to a specific Scout unit is not an option).
Dollars for Doers
Dollars for Doers is a gift made on your behalf for time contributed to an organization that qualifies. Most companies contribute up to twice a year anywhere from $250.00-$1000.00. Please see your HR department for specific requirements.
Double the Donation
Some companies will make contributions to nonprofits where their employees make personal donations. Each company’s program varies but some will double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Please see your HR department for specific requirements, or click on the link below.
