Support Scouting

Why support Scouting?
Scouting is more relevant to today’s youth than ever before. In the changing climate of our world, we need young leaders now more than ever. Scouting gives youth tools for today to transform them into leaders for tomorrow. Supporting Scouting allows us to continue offering affordable programs, improving properties, and most importantly, ensuring that any child in our service area can become a Scout regardless of circumstances. 

How we are Funded
We deliver life-changing programs through your direct contributions in our annual Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders campaign, foundation grants, Popcorn Sale, special events, gifts in kind (donation of equipment/supplies), investment income, trust funds, bequests, and matching gifts. 

Ways to Give

Special Events

We host several special events each year to support our Scouting programs and to celebrate individuals who make great contributions to Scouting. Click below to learn more about our special events and see what events are coming up. 

Rebuild Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan

On July 19, 2019, Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation was hit by a derecho. 150 mile per hour winds cut a path of such ferocious devastation that the damage could be seen from space. Our camp staff acted as heroes, ensuring the safety of all participants. However, the camp was left in ruin. Since then, through generous donations and thousands of labor hours, MSR will be ready to open in 2021, but we still need your help to fund continued rebuilding efforts. To stay up to date on progress at Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, follow MSR on Facebook and Instagram, and join our MSR channel on IHUB

Endowment Funds

Contributing to Northeast Illinois Council Endowment Funds is one of the best ways to ensure that we can continue offering outstanding programs while growing to meet the needs of the youth and communities we serve. Contributions to any of the NEIC’s Endowment Funds are invested with the other and permanently restricted. The annual earnings of the gifts will be used for the fund’s intended purpose while leaving the gifts intact to generate funds for the future.  If you have questions or wish to discuss planned giving, please contact Nick Roberts.

Matching Gifts & Grants

An easy way to double your contribution to Scouting is through employee giving programs. Many corporations match employee donations to the Northeast Illinois Council. If you are a Scouting volunteer, your employer may also provide us with a grant as a way to recognize your ongoing support. Click below to see if your employer offers these programs!

Memorials & Tributes

Memorials and tribute contributions are generally gifts to the Northeast Illinois Council Endowment Fund, although they can be designated  to scholarships, uniform assistance, and support for other passions in relation to their Scouting experience. Memorials are a gratifying way  to remember or honor departed friends and family members who had a connection to Scouting. Your gift will be acknowledged and handled with great care. Tributes are suitable for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. If you would like to make a memorial or tribute gift, please contact Nick Roberts.

Gifts in Kind

Gifts in kind are non-monetary donations of goods or services that help us deliver the Scouting program. We welcome most donations of camping supplies; however, we can only accept new or gently used items as our storage space is limited. To see what’s currently needed, click the button below, or you can purchase an item off of our Amazon Wish List (coming soon).