Donor Recognition

The Boy Scouts of America and the Northeast Illinois Council could not exist without the support of our donors. Several recognition programs are in place to honor those who make significant financial contributions to the council and beyond. If you have questions about donor recognition, please contact Nick Roberts

Silver Merit Society

The Northeast Illinois Council Silver Merit Society recognizes benefactors whose lifetime giving to the council exceeds $50,000 in gifts received in cash (or cash equivalents) to the council.  Membership in this Society offers special benefits including preferred access to council information, programs, and events. Members are also recognized on our Silver Merit Society donor wall at the Kasperson Center for Scouting at Morrison Park. Perhaps the most meaningful reward is strengthening the NEIC’s mission to develop today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.

James E. West Fellowship 

The James E. West, named in honor of the BSA’s first Chief Scout Executive, recognizes donors who give at least $1,000 to a council’s endowment fund. The gift must be in addition to and not diminish the donor’s annual Friends of Scouting support. Because giving recognition is a personal decision and some supporters wish to remain anonymous, donors must complete the paperwork required for the award and submit it to the council office. Completed forms can be emailed to Rebecca Minsley or mailed to her attention.

BSA Second Century Society

The Second Century Society or 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 recognizes 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.