Financing Scouting
The Buffalo Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Texas and meeting the guidelines of Federal 501(c)(3) Corporations.
Council funds for operations come primarily from the following sources:
Friends of Scouting
Each year, beginning in January, the Buffalo Trail Council begins its annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign. Friends of Scouting are individuals who include Scouting in their charitable giving on an annual basis. Friends of Scouting are the major source of income for the Buffalo Trail Council.
One of the ways you can help is supporting the Family Friends of Scouting campaign. Beginning in the first of the year, Packs, Troops, and Crews will be asked to participate in a Family FOS presentation. A representative of your district will come to one of your meetings to talk with parents about the Family FOS campaign. The best time is when you have a majority of your parents in attendance, like a Court of Honor, Blue & Gold Banquet, or a Pack meeting. Each parent should have the opportunity to learn about our operations, and why they should consider making a contribution to support Scouting.
For more information about Family FOS, or to schedule a Family FOS presentation in your unit, please contact your District Executive or Family FOS Chair.
To learn more about the “Gold Star” recognition program for units, please click here.
To make an ONLINE donation to the Friends of Scouting campaign, please click here.
Congratulations to the 2007 Gold Star Units
The following units have completed their Friends of Scouting family level campaign having successfully reached their “fair share” amount goal. (As of May 22, 2007)
Crew 1441 American Legion Post 79
Crew 231 LDS Midland First Ward
Crew 331 LDS Midland third Ward
Pack 121 LDS Andrews Branch
Pack 131 LDS Midland Second Ward
Pack 141 American Legion
Pack 180 St Josephs Catholic Church
Pack 187 LDS Big Spring Ward
Pack 198 LDS Odessa Second Ward
Pack 216 Midland Christian School
Pack 231 LDS Midland First Ward
Pack 269 Knights of Columbus
Pack 28 Stanton Evening Lions
Pack 30 Ft. Davis Parents Group
Pack 331 LDS Midland Third Ward
Pack 775 Odessa Downtown Lions
Team 231 LDS Midland First Ward
Team 331 LDS Midland Third Ward
Troop 121 LDS Andrews Branch
Troop 131 LDS Midland Second Ward
Troop 178 Occumed
Troop 18 First Presbyterian Church
Troop 187 LDS Big Spring Ward
Troop 198 LDS Odessa Second Ward
Troop 231 LDS Midland First Ward
Troop 30 Ft. Davis United Methodist Church
Troop 320 First Baptist Church
Troop 331 LDS Midland Third Ward
Troop 34 St. Lukes United Methodist Church
Troop 37 LDS Monahans Branch
Troop 372 Veterans of Foreign Wards
Troop 41 American Legion
Troop 410 First Baptist Church
Troop 42 AEP Texas
Troop 432 First United Methodist Church
Troop 51 Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Troop 775 Odessa Downtown Lions
Troop 98 LDS Odessa First Ward
United Ways
The Buffalo Trail Council receives allocations from the following United Ways (United Funds/United Appeals, etc.):
Activity and Camp Fees
Most activity and camp programs require a fee be paid by participants. These fees are kept as low as possible and are designed to defray the cost of the activity.
Popcorn
Each fall the council coordinates a unit fundraiser where the scouts sell popcorn to friends, family and neighbors. The unit and the scouts receive approximately 45% of sales in the form of profit, commission and prizes. The council retains approximately 25% of the gross sales AFTER paying for prizes, commissions and the actual product. Approximately 30% goes to the popcorn company for the product, supplies and support.
Popcorn Sales 2008 – It is never too early to start thinking about popcorn sales and all of the great opportunities that open up for a unit from a successful sale! Check out the Popcorn Page and learn about the 2008 sale, and also about the special prize that Scouts can earn from getting an online sale during the spring!
Special Events
The Council will conduct special events principally for the purpose of raising funds but also to create goodwill and generate public relations. Included in special events budget is the Council golf tournament, Sporting Clays Shoot and the Distinguished Citizen’s Award Dinner. To participate in one, or more, of the council’s special events, please call the Abell Scout Service Center.
- 33rd Annual Buffalo Trail Council, BSA Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Mark your calendars now for August 25, 2008! Slots for teams fill up very quickly, so be ready to sign up soon! Click here for a reminder note and here to download a registration booklet with details on sponsorship opportunities.
Endowment Fund
The council has approximately $2,400,000 in long-term investments in its trust fund. Proceeds from this account are used in the operation of the annual budget of the council. Ther are several ways to contribute to the council’s endowment fund:
James E. West Fellowships
A national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the endowment fund. Many donors choose to honor someone with this gift – an Eagle Scout, Scouting volunteer, or a departed loved one.
Heritage Society
A recognition program of the Buffalo Trail Council, this program recognizes gifts of cash, securities or other assets of $5,000 or more. To qualify for the heritage Society, an individual can make an immediate gift or a pledge to be fulfilled over a period of time.
1910 Society
A recognition program designated by the national Council of the Boy Scouts of America, this program recognizes gifts of $25,000 or more. These gifts can be cash or assets that can be easily converted to cash.
Memorials
A memorial gift to honor a special person.
Boy Scouts of America GiftLegacy
- Are you interested in updates on laws and regulations changing social security, Medicare, or health care?
- Are you interested in articles in finance, taxes and family issues?
- Are you interested in how planned gift options can affect what you leave to your family?
For information on these and other family financial issues, visit this website:
www.bsagiftplan.org
