Friends of Scouting Annual Giving Campaign
Investing in the Future of Scouting
The Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign is an investment beyond national membership fees and basic registration, which cover only a fraction of Scouting’s costs. Without your support, our council’s infrastructure, programs, and volunteer training are at risk, potentially leading to camp closures and fewer opportunities for Scouts.
Your contribution helps to:
- Keep camp fees affordable for all families
- Strengthen council infrastructure to support local units
- Maintain and improve camp properties for outdoor adventures
- Enhance volunteer training to ensure a high-quality program
- Fund camperships and Scoutreach, providing opportunities for all youth
Your generosity ensures Scouting remains strong and accessible in our community.
Friends of Scouting Campaign Timeline
January – December | Friends of Scouting Annual Campaign Runs
January – March | Friends of Scouting District Leadership Identified and Materials Prepared
April – May | District Roundtable & District Committee Meeting Presentations
April – November| Unit Presentations & Family Giving Appeals
October – December | Council 2026 FOS Planning
December 2 | Giving Tuesday Campaign
December 31| Last day for 2025 Tax-deductible contributions
Unit presentations are an important opportunity to showcase how FOS directly supports Scouts. To schedule a unit presentation, contact your Unit Coordinator or development@greaterlascouting.org. Unit resources are available including letters and email drafts.
The Cost of Scouting: Why Your Support Matters
Scouting is more than just an activity—it’s an investment in the future of our youth. While membership fees help cover some costs, most are directed to national, or pay for insurance coverage, and they only account for a fraction of what it takes to provide a high-quality program for our more than 11,000 youth members, 4,000 volunteers, and four camp properties across our council.
In 2025, our council will operate with an annual expense budget of over $7M, with our largest costs dedicated to ensuring Scouts have access to exceptional outdoor experiences, leadership training, and program support.
Where You Support Goes
- Camps & Outdoor Programs – $4,276,515
- Our four camps – Cabrillo Beach Youth Center, Firestone Scout Reservation, Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation and Trask Scout Reservation are at the heart of the Scouting experience, serving nearly all Scouts in our Council for resident, overnight, weekend, day camp, and camporee activities.
- Last year, over 2,000 Scouts attended our summer resident camp at HESR, while thousands more participated in year-round camping, outdoor adventures, and leadership-building activities.
- Field Services & Program Support – $2,498,349
- Provides training, resources, and direct support to our over 4,000+ volunteers and units, ensuring Scouts receive high-quality programming.
- Funds Scoutreach and financial assistance, helping 952 youth access Greater Los Angeles who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.
- Scout Shops – $276,140
- Our Scout Shops provide essential uniforms, supplies, awards, and medals to ensure Scouts and leaders have what they need to fully participate in the Scouting.
Your Friends of Scouting contribution directly supports these efforts, helping to keep camp fees affordable, maintain our properties, and provide financial assistance to Scouts in need.
Without continued support, Scouting’s most valuable programs—including our camp operations and leadership development efforts—would be at risk.
Why Give?
Where Our Funding Comes From
- For the 2025 budget, we’ve projected $7,774,857 in total revenue. Here’s how we fund our programs and ensure Scouting remains accessible:
Revenue Breakdown
- Camping Revenue – $3,383,111 (43.5%)
- Our camps are a core part of Scouting but operate at a deficit as we keep camp fees low to ensure families can participate.
- Council Annual Membership Fees – $930,000 (12%)
- Membership fees cover some of our operating costs but don’t cover the full cost of programs or camp operations.
- Investment Income – $814,000 (10.5%)
- Earnings from council investments help sustain our long-term financial health.
- Merchandise & Product Sales – $468,805 (6.0%)
- Revenue from popcorn and camp card sales supports local units and the Council’s general operations.
Fundraising Revenue – $1,677,000 (21%)
- Friends of Scouting Campaign – $540,000 (7%)
- Foundations & Trusts + Special Events – $1,077,000 (14%)
- Includes support from foundations, trusts, and revenue from special events. These efforts help us maintain low fees and provide access to essential programs and services.
Why This Matters
The amount we ask members to pay in membership fees is minimal compared to the total cost of providing Scouting programs. Without Friends of Scouting and our other fundraising efforts, we would be forced to raise fees or limit access to our camps and programs. Your support helps keep Scouting affordable and accessible for all Scouts and families.
How to Give
Make an Impact Today
- Donate Online – Securely contribute online
- Recurring Giving – Set up monthly contributions to sustain Scouting year-round.
- Employer Matching Gifts – Double your donation with a company match.
- Legacy Giving – Learn about planned giving opportunities.
Designate your Friends of Scouting Donation to Support your District’s Goal
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue delivering life-changing Scouting experiences.
Resources
Thank You for Supporting Friends of Scouting!
Thank You for Supporting Friends of Scouting!
As a token of our appreciation for your generous support of the Friends of Scouting Giving Campaign, we are pleased to offer exclusive recognition items based on your giving level:
Sapphire Level ($25–$149): Receive our new Council Shoulder Strip
Gold Level ($150–$424): Receive a Gold Council Shoulder Strip
Diamond Level ($425+): Receive a Diamond Council Shoulder Strip
In addition to individual recognition, units that participate in the Friends of Scouting campaign will be awarded a White Ribbon for their unit flag.
Units that achieve 100% family participation will be honored with a Presidential Ribbon for their unit flag—a symbol of your collective commitment to the future of Scouting.
Thank you for your continued support in helping build character, citizenship, and leadership in our youth!
When you give to Greater LA Scouting 100% of your donation stays local and supports LA youth!
IF YOU PREFER TO DONATE OFFLINE, PLEASE MAIL DONATIONS TO:
Greater LA Scouting
2333 Scout Way, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tax ID 95-1643982
Your gift to Greater LA Scouting may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax adviser to determine the deductibility of your gift.
Questions?
Email: development@greaterlascouting.org | Phone: (213) 413-4400