2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide
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2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 1
2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer
Leader Guide
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 2
Dear Unit Leader,
Thank you for the important leadership you provide to the youth of the Northeast Illinois Council. Your
efforts have a positive impact on the youth of our community and your support is greatly appreciated.
What is Friends of Scouting (FOS)?
Friends of Scouting is an investment into the future of local young people. Friends of Scouting is an annual
giving campaign to support local Scouting. It is your opportunity to shape the lives of the Scouts in your
community through your generosity. By supporting Scouting, you are making a personal statement in
support of the development of over 7,000 local young people and their families. You are supporting a
moral foundation for America’s future in families today. On average it costs $384 to provide crucial local
support services for just one Scout for a one year of program.
How can you help?
Our goal is to have 100% participation from all of our units and families.
We are asking for your help by scheduling a presentation in this year’s Friends of Scouting Campaign and
appointing a unit FOS contact. We need this support to ensure Scouting continues in the Northeast
Illinois Council. We have established an attainable council wide Friends of Scouting goal of $555,500.
You may note that this goal is lower than our prior year goal. Local Scouting exists to give our youth the
opportunity to grow as leaders, citizens and themselves.
The presentation will be conducted by a volunteer member of your unit or your district’s Friends of
Scouting team. This presenter is a volunteer who has a relatable passion for Scouting. They will share
this passion, play a 4-minute video and ask those in attendance to consider an investment of $384 to
support the programs in which your Scouts participate in.
Your gift provides Scouting, but it supports for the following items and more!
Registration and Uniform Scholarships | Recruitment | Training | Pauly Scout Shop | Direct Unit Service
| Professional and Support Staff | Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation | Camp Sol R. Crown | Camp
Oakarro | Kasperson Center for Scouting at Morrison Park | Subsidized Insurance Coverage | Record
Keeping
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 3
How your Unit Can Support Friends of Scouting (FOS)
Unit Presentation
The unit FOS contact will be contacted by the district FOS volunteer to establish the goal for the unit.
During the campaign, the unit FOS contact or district FOS volunteer will explain the campaign and goals
at the unit presentation. Families and Unit Leaders will be asked to make a tax-deductible pledge to
support the Northeast Illinois Council.
We invite you to take an active role in this endeavor. The results of this support will benefit Scouts, their
families, our communities and provide a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.
Our professional staff is always accessible to assist your unit with the Friends of Scouting (FOS) plan. By
reviewing this guide, you will take the first step to help make the Scouting program sustainable for your
unit and the Northeast Illinois Council.
Unit Fundraising Pages – NEW
New for the 2021 campaign, the Northeast Illinois Council will provide every unit their own personalized
fundraising page to assist in achieving their unit Friends of Scouting goals. This page should be shared with
all current families, alumni, and other Scouting supporters. The giving page may accept payments and
pledges.
Text to Give – NEW
New for the 2021 campaign, every unit in connection with their giving page will have a text to give number.
Perfect for no-contact presentations during our current Covid19 sanitation efforts.
Online Presentations – NEW
New for the 2021 campaign, you unit has the option of including a Friends of Scouting ask in your online
meeting. An online presentation will include a locally produced video of 4 minutes in length and a link to
your unit’s online giving page.
Required Resources for a Presentation
Every drive requires tools. You’ll need four tools to complete this campaign for your unit.
• 2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide (This Guide)
• 2019 and 2020 donor history
• Your Unit Fundraising Page Link and Text to Give Information
• The FOS video found at www.neic.org/fos
Once again THANK YOU for your efforts and support of Friends of Scouting.
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 4
How Scouting is Funded
Northeast Illinois Council is Funded Through:
• Special Events – Golf Outing, Youth Leadership Week, Good Scout Dinner, Eagle Dinner & Eagle
Challenge, Egg Hunt
• Product Sales (Popcorn)
• Activity fees, Cubmobile, etc.
• Foundation grants
• Friends of Scouting Donations
• Investment income and endowments
• Summer camp fees*
*Camping and activity revenue do not cover cost to maintain our facilities.
Local Units are Funded Through:
• Monthly or annual dues paid by the Scouting families
• Unit product sales such as popcorn
• Chartered organization contributions
• Other money-earning projects approved by the chartered organization and council
Northeast Illinois Council Investments:
• Maintenance of 3 camp facilities
• Kasperson Center for Scouting at Morrison Park (Scout Office)
• Pauly Scout Shop that provides recognition, advancement, uniforms, literature, equipment, etc.
• Additional Insurance to protect Scouts and Volunteers
• Processing of registration, advancement, and Eagle Scouts
• Support for underserved families
• Training and recruitment materials
• Professional Staff
Local Unit Investments:
• Unit activities such as camping and outings
• Program supplies for unit activities
• Equipment such as tents, camp stoves, guidebooks and pinewood derby tracks
• Advancement and awards such as rank emblems and merit badges
• Scout Life magazine subscriptions
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 5
Building a Financially Sustainable Program
The Scouting program takes place across our council boundaries within Lake and Cook Counties from
Evanston to Winthrop Harbor and from Wauconda to Lake Forest. The Northeast Illinois Council offers
numerous adult training and youth activities within our boundaries and at our three council camps.
Eighty-Four percent of our operating budget is spent on program. We are fortunate to offer opportunities
that that set the national standard for youth experiences in Scouting. Sadly, 2020 was an extremely
difficult year for the Northeast Illinois Council resulting in a reduction in program related staffing levels.
We had to suspend camping operations for our second year at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan. We saw our popcorn
product sale only yield one third of a normal year’s income.
We are asking for your commitment to turn these trends around!
Three ways to make our program sustainable:
• Participate in our Council Summer Program. During a normal year, program and camping revenue
accounts for 36% of our operating budget: We have great facilities that keep getting better and
better! Sign up today and promote participation in our summer programing, at one of our great
facilities.
• Participate in the Council Popcorn Sale as your unit fundraiser. We offer a generous commission
structure to fund every aspect of your unit program. Participation also helps fund the Council so
we may continue to provide facilities, staff and materials necessary for an outstanding Scouting
program.
• Participation in Friends of Scouting! An annual operating budget of $2.85 million and
approximately $384 invested per Scout. During your presentation each family will be asked to
support one Scout at $384. 100% participation is the key to campaign success. Some families will
not be able to give at the one Scout level and others will be able to give much more.
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 6
Building a Financially Sustainable Program
Frequently Asked Questions
I pay registration fees for myself and my child. Isn’t that how you’re funded?
Your membership dues and local insurance fee are important. National dues are $66 for youth and $42
for adults. This fee goes directly to national. National in exchange provides some insurance coverage,
program development, national high adventure bases and online tools like Scoutbook. The $9 local
insurance fee does not capture the entire cost of the Northeast Illinois Council’s insurance expenditure.
Why don’t you just charge the full cost of Scouting instead of asking for money?
By supporting Scouting past your dues, you’re saying you want Scouting to be accessible to all regardless
of economic status. Keeping dues lower than what a family may pay for a season of a local park
department program makes Scouting able to be fit into the budget of many families. We want to have a
culture that allows all youth to benefit from the ethical leadership training in the Boy Scouts of America.
Our training is best encapsulated in the Scout Oath and Law that Scouts recite weekly.
I’ve heard about the national council’s bankruptcy; will my donation go to that?
No! Support given locally to the Northeast Illinois Council to support its programs and properties stay at
the Northeast Illinois Council and are used for those designated purposes.
How are Friends of Scouting funds used?
Direct giving represents approximately 30% of our annual operating budget. These funds are used to
provide year-round activities, programs support, camp facilities, training, registration support and
program materials. On average it costs $384 to provide these crucial local support services for just one
Scout for one year of program.
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 7
2021 Campaign Recognition and Goals
Donor Recognition
• Suggested Gift: $384 One Scout Level
• Gifts of $25 or more, donors will receive a 2021 “Mentally Awake and Morally Straight” patch
• Gifts of $192 or more, donors will receive a 2021 FOS Council Strip
• Gifts of $500 or more, donors will receive an invitation to a donor thank you event at Camp
Oakarro to celebrate and socialize with fellow Scouting supports
Unit Recognition
• By holding a presentation and rising at least $500, your unit starts to earn Scout Bucks!
• Scout Bucks are deposited to your unit account in Scout Shop and may be spent on activity fees
or Scout Shop purchases such as rank advancement
• If you reach your goal you will earn 5% of ever dollar donated in Scout Bucks as a thank you gift!
• We lowered the thresholds, so more units receive recognition!
Unit Goals
For the first time in Northeast Illinois Council history, unit goals are lower than in past years!
Unit goals have been calculated with the following formula:
The higher of formulas Formula A Formula B An amount negotiated
A or B or a negotiated 2019 Unit Total FOS 8/31/20 Youth by the FOS Team for
amount. All units have Payments * 0.85 Membership * $15 extreme circumstances
a minimum goal of Packs or $75
$500 to reflect unit Troops/Crews
recognition
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 8
Campaign Details for District FOS Teams
Sample Letters
Script
Position Descriptions
Campaign Calendar
Professional Staff
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 9
Family FOS Letter of Introduction – Example
Dear Scout Parent (or Personalized),
will have a presentation at _______________ regarding the Northeast
Illinois Council Friends of Scouting campaign. Friends of Scouting is our Council’s annual giving campaign.
Our goal for 2021 is and we are counting on YOU to help achieve 100% participation in the
campaign.
What you may not know is the cost of providing our quality program per Scout is $384, which provides
one year of program for each Scout beyond your BSA registration fees – which go directly to the
National BSA Office.
The annual Friends of Scouting campaign supports by providing:
Recruitment Materials, Training, Local Scout Shop, Professional and Support Staff, Volunteer
Coaching, Kasperson Center for Scouting at Morrison Park, Subsidized Insurance Coverage, Unit
Program Planning and our three camps including Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan.
At __________, we will be asking Scout parents and volunteers, such as yourself, to contribute what you
can to help us maintain and grow the quality program Scouting offers to the youth of our community.
Every gift is important to the success of our Scouting programs.
There are opportunities for everyone to support the Family Friends of Scouting at a level that can help
us along, propel us forward, or even leave a legacy.
There are many ways to give to the Family Friends of Scouting Campaign
through a cash or check donation, giving online giving via a credit/debit card or through a pledge.
Be sure to visit our giving page today:
And don’t forget that you can multiply your support through your company’s matching gifts program.
More information about Matching Gifts and Friends of Scouting can be found at https://neic.org/home-
page-1/give/match/
As part of Scouting, you see first-hand the benefits of Scouting and we hope you will consider making an
investment.
Yours in Scouting,
INSERT TITLE
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 10
Family FOS Follow Up Letter – Example
Dear Scout Parent (or Personalized),
Prior to our last meeting I sent you a message about contributing to
Northeast Illinois Council. At that meeting, we raised of our goal from those parents who
were present.
We feel good about our progress so far, but there is more to be done.
I wanted to tell you once again how important your support is.
For more than 110 years the Boy Scouts of America has been preparing for our youth’s future. I am
asking you to help Northeast Illinois Council to continue to deliver the values of Scouting to our youth
during these challenging times.
Please take a moment to visit our giving page at
If we have not heard from you within a week, we will reach out by phone to you. We are anxious to
reach our goal and finish our campaign.
Once again, thank you for your consideration of this request. If you have any questions, please call
me.
Together, we can help deliver the promise of the Scouting program.
Sincerely,
NAME
TITLE
PHONE NUMBER
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 11
How to Give an Online Presentation?
Unit Presentation Timeline
• Send Introduction Message 7 days prior to presentation
• Hold your FOS presentation
• Send follow up message 2 days after the presentation
• Follow Up with prior year donors and those yet to donate within 7 days after
• Communicate any unasked prior year donors or “Nos” to FOS Leadership within 8 days after the
presentation
Online Presentation
• Schedule about 10 minutes for the presentation during the unit meeting
• Share the unit fundraising page link on the screen and in the chat
• Master of Ceremonies (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, etc.) introduces FOS Presenter with strong
support for the campaign
• FOS Presenter announces the unit goal and individual recognition levels
• FOS Presenter states the importance of the funds and that you are personally giving (30 seconds
to 2 minutes)
Examples of what to say:
o Highlight a short personal passion for Scouting
o Share a short story about a youth member or family impacted by Scouting
o Share the importance of values in a nation where many have drifted away from the
words stated in the Scout Law
• IT Person or FOS Presenter plays the video
• FOS Presenter reiterates the giving link and instructions to donate
• FOS Presenter informs families that are unable to donate to private message or email you to
take them off your follow up list
• FOS Presenter thanks the Master of Ceremonies and the attendees for their donations and time
and passes the meeting back to the Master of Ceremonies
• At the end of the meeting, the Master of Ceremonies announces current gift level on the unit
fundraising page and reminds attendees to donate
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 12
How to Give an In-Person Presentation during Covid19?
Unit Presentation Timeline
• Send Introduction Message 7 days prior to presentation
• Hold your FOS presentation
• Send follow up message 2 days after the presentation
• Follow Up with prior year donors and those yet to donate within 7 days after
• Communicate any unasked prior year donors or “Nos” to FOS Leadership within 8 days after the
presentation
Presentation Script
Hello, my name is ________ and I’m a volunteer just like many of you (with two kids involved in Scouting,
volunteer for 10 years, etc.). I want to thank you for being part of the best youth development program
in the country.
I am here tonight to ask for your support for the Northeast Illinois Council.
As many of you know, Scouting brings many different types of people together around a common goal
and instills positive values and strong character like being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly courteous,
kind, obedient, thrifty, clean and reverent. We all know these are values young people will not find
scrolling though TikToc or Instagram. Instilling values takes a community of caring adults. As we can see
in our nation and communities, character development is more important than ever!
Scouting has had an impact in my life by… [After personalized story, lead back into and this is why…]
The Northeast Illinois Council supports Scouting in Lake County and Northern Cook County. The support
it provides starts with recruiting new members every year and recruiting and training leaders for our
programs. The council provides exciting activities like Boo Camp, Day Camp, Cub mobiles, and more! It
also keeps the advancement records for your Scouts and maintains a Scout Store where you and your
pack can buy the supplies your child needs. They maintain three camp properties that are available for
your Scouts to camp at. Friends of Scouting helps to keeps the cost of going to camp as low as possible.
There is a cost associated with all of the support that the council provides to you and your unit.
In fact, it costs the council $384 dollars per year to support one Scout for the year. The $66 yearly
registration fees that you pay go directly to the National BSA office and are not used to fund Scouting
locally. The council raises money through special events like golf outings and fundraising dinners, the
popcorn sale, and sales in the Scout Store. Those are all important, but Friends of Scouting is the largest
single fundraiser each year. This year our goal is to raise $555,500 through the Friends of Scouting
program.
Everyone please take out your smartphones and text ________ to 71777 to visit our unit’s giving page.
We are asking you to give or pledge online to increase security and safety during this pandemic. If you
have a checkbook and must give by check. We can accept a check.
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 13
How to Give an In-Person Presentation during Covid19?
At this time, I would like to ask that your family make a gift to the Northeast Illinois Council that covers
the cost of at least one Scout for the year, or $384.
Of course, every donation is needed and truly appreciated. Gifts can be split into one time, monthly or
quarterly payments.
If you choose to text‐to‐donate, you will receive a reply text with a link to your unit’s very own online
donation page where you can complete your payment. You will not be charged on your phone bill unless
your carrier charges for texting.
As you fill out your card, I would like to explain the incentives we have.
In order to raise the $555,500, we set up goals for every unit. Our unit has a goal of $________. Our unit
will also get 5% of what is raised back to our unit to spend on advancement badges or activities if we meet
our goal. Our unit will receive 3% on all donations once we surpass $500 raised.
We also have some personal recognitions for your gifts. At the $500 and up level you’ll be recognized at
a donor event this summer at Camp Oakarrro. At the $192 and up level you’ll receive a council FOS strip.
And, for every gift over $25 you’ll receive a Mentally Awake and Morally Straight Patch. These will be
mailed to your homes.
Once again thank you for being involved in Scouting and thank you for supporting the Northeast Illinois
Council!
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 14
Position Descriptions
District Family Friends of Scouting Chair
• Set the example and be the first to make a meaning full donation to the campaign
• Report to the Council Family Friends of Scouting Chair
• At district committee meetings and other district functions, explain, promote and update
volunteers about the FOS Campaign, January – May
• Attend a November or December Kick Off Training
• Work with your Scouting Professional to identify and recruit district coordinator and cultivator
teams
• Secure 100% of active unit presentation dates by January 29, 2021
• Conduct any needed trainings for your district coordination and cultivation teams
• Communicate weekly with your district Vice Chair of Finance or District Chair
• Ensure all presentations are completed by April 30, 2021
• Attend digital monthly report meetings and host as requested
• Attend the celebration event in May 2021 at Camp Oakarro (Covid Dependent)
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 15
Position Descriptions
District Family Friends of Scouting Position Descriptions
Coordination Team (Logistics)
▪ Secure unit presentation dates January 29, 2021
▪ Lead units though the Unit Presentation Process
▪ Coach units on how to give the digital presentation, units may identify a presenter.
▪ Offer to present if unit is unable to provide a presenter
▪ Support unit for in person presentations if requested
▪ Work with cultivation team to ensure every family is asked
Cultivation Team (Relationships)
▪ Reach out to all non-responsive prospects 7 days after a presentation though calls and texts
▪ Support The Cultivation Plan (see below)
▪ Attend Weekly April Call Nights
▪ Serve as leadership of our May cultivation event at Oakarro
Shared Items:
Report to the District Family FOS Chair or District VC of Finance
Attend Training on 11/17/2020
Attend monthly Full FOS Team Zoom Gatherings (January – April)
Track all steps in shared Google Sheet
Attend FOS Team/Major Donor celebration event at Camp Oakarro in May
Set the example, make a meaningful donation early in the campaign
Other duties as assigned by FOS Chair or District VC of Finance
The Cultivation Plan:
0 Day Gift Received
14 Days Letter with thank you sent
30 Days All donors ($100+) to receive a thank you call
May Major Donors ($500+) Celebration Event at Oakarro
July Major Donors (ALL) Thank you newsletter
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 16
FOS Committee Calendar
All district leaders and Friends of Scouting volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend these
online meetings!
District Kick Off Trainings: November 17, 2020, December 2, 2020, December 7, 2020
Thursday, January 28, 2021, 7:30pm – Campaign Kick Off Meeting, 10% Goal Attainment
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86846787497?pwd=bEpzZEVMR1dKczFlNFc3Qi9MU0ZyUT09
Meeting ID: 868 4678 7497 Passcode: 6dMMuw
+13126266799,,86846787497#,,,,*144567# US (Chicago)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 868 4678 7497 Passcode: 144567
Friday, January 29, 2021 – 100% Active Units Presentation Scheduled (No Meeting)
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 7:30pm – FOS Committee Touchbase, 25% Goal Attainment
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89560271346?pwd=QnkzWW5FVnY2ZGpuVm5NNXY2NUVKZz09
Meeting ID: 895 6027 1346 Passcode: 9UuagJ
+13126266799,,89560271346#,,,,*695533# US (Chicago)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 895 6027 1346 Passcode: 695533
Thursday, March 25, 2021, 7:30pm – FOS Committee Touchbase, 50% Goal Attainment
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83095636905?pwd=dEhYTVJIRWpFbkRGTHZaNy8vK0Nldz09
Meeting ID: 830 9563 6905 Passcode: 3ZKG3z
+13126266799,,83095636905#,,,,*542402# US (Chicago)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 830 9563 6905 Passcode: 542402
Thursday, April 29, 2021, 7:30pm – FOS Committee Touchbase, 75% Goal Attainment, 100% Active
Unit Presentations Held
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81858015427?pwd=M0xpN3pJbE1hNjgzN3FwZnNlZjgzQT09
Meeting ID: 818 5801 5427 Passcode: 4NPVmb
+13126266799,,81858015427#,,,,*476563# US (Chicago)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 818 5801 5427 Passcode: 476563
April 29 – May 15, 2021 – Follow Up Call Nights – To be scheduled at March Touchbase
TBD – May Celebration Event at Oakarro – 100% Goal Attainment
www.neic.org/fos2021 Family Friends of Scouting Volunteer Leader Guide 17
Professional Staff
Field Area Staff Member Phone/Text E-Mail
Potawatomi Jon Martin 847-527-9629 Jon.Martin@Scouting.org
Aptakisic Mark Bryant 847-527-9626 Mark.Bryant@Scouting.org
North Star Valerie Touchton 224-706-9521 Valerie.Touchton@Scouting.org
NEIC FOS Staff Jon Martin 847-527-9629 Jon.Martin@Scouting.org
Advisor
NEIC Director Cynthia Gentleman 224-727-2483 Cynthia.Gentleman@Scouting.org
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