Endowment provides annual funding to assist financially deserving Scouts, to assist with operations, and to provide maintenance and repair for our facilities. Gifts to the Endowment Fund help secure a long-term future of the Great Rivers Council, BSA. Endowed funds have a common objective: to provide support for not just one year or even one generation, but in perpetuity.
By contributing to Scouting, you will have a profound impact on America. More youth will experience the program that will further instill values and character in their moral fiber. Your gift truly will have a direct impact on our world. Imagine if all of our leaders today lived their lives according to the Scout Oath and Law. Investing in the Boy Scouts of America creates opportunities for youth to gain memorable experiences and be instilled with values, principles and skills that will help them develop into the future leaders of our nation
An investment in Scouting is an investment in America’s future. Your support of Scouting will provide character development, citizenship training and leadership skills to the youth in your community.
Please see all of the ways below that you can support our Endowment fund, including our James E. West Fellowship award!
For more information please contact Adam Crumbliss for assistance in making your Endowment or Planned Gift.
James E. West Fellowships
The James E. West Fellowship is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to our Council’s endowment fund. This contribution should be in addition to your annual Friends of Scouting gift, as annual operations is always the priority. Organization or individuals may also contribute in honor of someone.
Levels of recognition in the James E. West Fellowship include:
Bronze – $1,00 to $4,999
Silver – $5,000 to $9,999
Gold – $10,000 to $14,999
Diamond – $15,000 and above.
The Good Turn Society
The Good Turn Society was established in 2023 to recognize donors who make a new cumulative contribution, pledge, or planned gift of $25,000 or more to Scouting. Good Turn Society members exemplify all that is most admirable about Scouting, including a commitment to service above self, a drive to go above and beyond to achieve an important goal, a willingness to be a model for others, and the courage to demonstrate leadership through their investment in Scouting. They are truly Scouting’s heroes.
Great Rivers Council inaugurated its first class of Good Turn Society members in 2026, with 43 patrons whose support has been instrumental in the development and growth of our local Council.
Members whose gifts are made through a last will, bequest, or other planned giving instrument are recognized with the Visionary Leader Distinction. These Good Turn Society members make a lasting impact on Scouting that will last for generations of future leaders.
Membership recognition in the Good Turn Society is determined based upon a donor’s lifetime giving. Levels of recognition include:
Trailhead Member – $25,000 to $99,999
Scout Oath Member – $100,000 to $499,999
Scout Law Member – $500,000 to $999,999
Good Turn Member – $1 million to $4.99 million
Additional levels of recognition exist for lifetime giving beyond the Good Turn Member level.
Memorial Tribute Fund
The Memorial Tribute Fund allows donors to honor someone on a birthday, special occasion, anniversary or in memory of someone. These gifts remain in perpetuity to ensure that Scouting is available for the youth of our future generations. Donations to the Memorial Tribute Fund become part of the endowment fund and are tax deductible.
Additional Resources
Sign up for BSA’s planned giving newsletter
Learn more
How to Give
Free Estate Planning Guide
Planned Giving Calculator
