Endowment gifts are long-term investments aimed at securing the success of the Boy Scouts of America for years to come. These gifts are retained and invested to produce sufficient income to support important Boy Scouts of America initiatives such as camping scholarships, faculty chairs, and scouting programs. The original gift made to an endowment fund is known as the principal, and the principal of an endowment cannot be spent. This allows the gift to make an impact in perpetuity as it continues to generate income.

Capital gifts are designated for a specific program, building, or other purpose. These gifts are used to fund camp renovations, current program materials, building projects, and the like.

Capital and endowment gifts can be made in many ways. Some of the most common ways to make these gifts are shown below.

Outright Gifts: Outright gifts include contributions of cash, securities, and written pledges (usually paid within five years). Checks should be made payable to the Boy Scouts of America. Any further designation of the purpose of the gift should be indicated on the lower left corner of the check or in a letter accompanying the gift. Gifts of securities are credited at market value on the date the Boy Scouts of America gains control of the assets.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities: Giving with appreciated securities is a tax-wise way to support the Boy Scouts of America. When making a gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, or stock options, the donor pays no tax on the capital gains. The donor can also earn a charitable tax deduction for the fair-market value of the contribution up to a 30 percent limit of his or her adjusted gross income. Any excess deduction can be carried over for up to five years. By contrast, if a donor sells appreciated stock to make a gift to the Boy Scouts of America (rather than giving the stock itself), the donor will have to pay tax on the capital gains. Please consult the Boy Scout's Planned Giving Advisors for more details.

Gifts of Real Estate: Real estate may be contributed as an outright gift or to finance a planned gift, such as a charitable trust. The Boy Scout's Planned Giving Advisors can explain the range of options available. For example, a retained life estate allows the donor to continue to use the property for a certain number of years or for the donor's lifetime. Other arrangements offer special tax advantages and lifetime income.

Gifts of Personal Property: The Boy Scouts of America welcomes gifts of personal property, such as works of art, boats, machinery, potable buildings, sporting equipment, farm equipment, and recreation furnishings. These gifts help to support scouting programs and can greatly enhance the quality of life at Wallwood Scout Reservation. An outside expert must appraise such gifts unless the item has an apparent value of less than $5,000.

The Boy Scouts of America can provide assistance for completing a gift of securities or other appreciated assets in a manner that suits the donor's particular financial circumstances. The office can be reached at (850) 576-4146.