Heritage Society

The Heritage Society has been established by the Bay-Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America, to recognize those who believe in preserving the tradition and values of Scouting, as well as perpetuating its future for generations to come. The Heritage Society is a program for individuals that include Scouting in their Estate Planning or make an outright gift to the Endowment Fund of the Bay-Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America.

A gift to a local 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.

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.

For more information on how you can participate in one of these endowment recognition programs, contact Colin Earl at the Bay-Lakes Council at (920) 734-5705.