Norman Rockwell's Can't Wait (1972)

“We never fail when we try to do our duty;
we always fail when we neglect to do it.”
Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell

Why is an Endowment Fund so important?

On June 21, 1911, a group of businessmen met at the Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave NW in Washington, DC, to create the structure for what is now the National Capital Area Council (NCAC). Their vision was “to organize the boys…into units and teach them, or cause them to be taught through duly  designated leaders, discipline, patriotism, courage, habits of preservation, self-control and the ability to care for themselves in all exigencies of life.”

More than a century later, NCAC is putting that vision into practice on a daily basis for 56,400 boys and girls through the dedication of more than 21,100 registered adult volunteers...and countless known and unknown supporters. Our resources are focused on ensuring every young person in this area has the opportunity to grow into positive, productive, contributing members of society by learning leadership skills and developing strong character and healthy living habits.

 “Be Prepared” has always been and remains BSA’s  motto.  But as Scouting enters into its second century of service to America, we have added a new theme - “Prepared. For Life.” - that brings into sharp focus the challenge of addressing and supporting the changing needs of today’s young people. NCAC has always garnered praised for its fiscal stewardship of funds received, but it has struggled to make a priority of building its Endowment Fund, a critical resource in providing long-term financial security. Until now. In 2011, NCAC’s Executive Board approved a five-year strategic plan that outlines a very specific goal: Increase the Endowment Fund, valued at just under $4 million dollars, to $12 million by the end of 2015. 

Growing our Endowment enables this Council to operate without worrying about the impact of unexpected capital expenditures on daily program support. It will also help NCAC weather the ups and downs of the stock market, the job market and the market of supply-and-demand for its services.

A strong Endowment Fund exemplifies an organization’s vision for the future and its foresight to lay the foundation for success.

• Click here to download NCAC's Endowment Brochure.
• Click here to download NCAC's Endowment Pledge Form for James E. West Fellowship, Second Century Society and Presidents Leadership Council.

  Questions? Please contact Michele Bisceglie, Director-Strategic Initiatives, at 301-214-9151 or SupportScouting@Scouting.org.