Scouting America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, and provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. As a nonprofit organization, Scouting America relies on the generosity of charitable donations to support its ongoing operations and future capital expenses at the local and national level. Each gift, regardless of size, provides invaluable funding for Scouting America programs that benefit our Scouts in Mayflower Council.

Your generously donated funds finance the operation of the Mayflower Council Service Center in Milford, Camp Resolute, Camp Squanto, and Nobscot Scout Reservation.  In addition, funding provides general liability insurance, ability to maintain membership records, support youth activities sponsored by the council, offsets volunteer training costs, and supports professional and administrative salaries and benefits.

Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant information provided by

Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference. All good things start with those who care to give their time, talent, and treasures. Over a hundred years ago one man had a vision to help improve the lives of youth by getting them outdoors, teaching them skills that would last a lifetime while instilling in them the desire to give back and to lead. One man took his time, talent, and treasure and created what we know as Scouting America.

Scouting America in the Mayflower Council focuses on optimism and building capacity for growth along with community building. It is a sincere endeavor to perpetuate, and help Scouting thrive for generations to come. We paid it forward in 2024 by providing for our almost 7,000 youth members year-round program opportunities, from summer camps, Merit Badge classes, Pinewood Derby workshops, Spartan Races at Fenway and so much more…

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the financial support of our “Friends of Scouting”. In 2025 we hope more individuals will join those generous contributors and help Scouting make a difference for future generations.

Anyone who makes a $100 gift will receive a special Friends of Scouting patch, which highlights our communities of Easton and Hingham and so you can let people know about your optimism for the future of Scouting in the Mayflower Council!

Endowments gifts are invested in the council’s permanent endowment trust fund. The fund is managed by an outside investment firm that is overseen by the council’s endowment committee. Annual financial withdrawals from the endowment fund are based on five percent of a five year rolling average that enables the council to continually grow the endowment without touching the principle.  Each year, a portion of these funds are placed in the council’s operating budget with the remainder earmarked towards capital improvements at our camping facilities.

Those who who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the council’s permanent endowment fund are eligible to receive the James E. West Fellowship. This award, named for Scouting’s first Chief Scout Executive, is often used as a way of recognizing an Eagle Scout or a volunteer Scouter in your unit or district. An organization or individual may also contribute in their own name demonstrating their support of and commitment to Scouting’s ideals.

Each James E. West Fellowship receives a personalized certificate suitable for framing, a lapel pin, and the James E. West Fellowship square knot for his/her Scout uniform.

Honor a friend or relative with a lasting gift to the Mayflower Council.   Donations to the Memorial and Tribute Fund are a gratifying way for individuals, businesses, or groups to honor, recognize or remember special friends and relatives. Tributes are suitable for memorials or special occasions such as birthdays, birth of a child or grandchild, anniversaries, retirement, attaining the rank of Eagle, etc.  Memorial & Tribute Fund donations can be made in any amount and all donations are kept confidential.  Special acknowledgements are sent to the donor and the recipient or their family.

The Second Century Society, SCS, is the Scouting America’s national social organization of individuals, families, foundations, and corporations stewarded by key volunteers and implemented by Scouting 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, Scouting 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, with unique insignia for donations for the following domination values: $25,000 – $99,999, $100,000 – $499,000, $500,000 – $1,000,000 and $1,000,000+. Donors are also recognized with collectable recognitions items commensurate with the amount of their gift.