As Scouting continues to navigate through times of growth and transformation, the National Order of the Arrow Committee is launching the 1915 Society Endowment Program to continue its mission of promoting leadership, service, and brotherhood among Scouts for years to come.
Launch of the 1915 Society OA Endowment Program
The national Order of the Arrow committee is proud to announce the launch of the 1915 Society OA Endowment program. Created in 2024, the 1915 Society builds upon the strong foundation set forth by the OA Endowment, allowing all Arrowmen to support its aims through sustained, regular monthly contributions. As Scouting continues to grow and evolve, this initiative ensures the Order of the Arrow’s enduring mission of promoting leadership, service, and brotherhood among Scouts for generations to come.
About the 1915 Society
The 1915 Society honors the founding year of the Order of the Arrow and invites donors to contribute $19.15 monthly, $57.45 quarterly, or $229.80 annually. All funds enter the Order of the Arrow Endowed Fund, managed within the National Foundation of the Boy Scouts of America, a separate 501(c)(3) organization. These contributions are donor-directed and permanently restricted to ensure they remain in perpetuity within the OA Endowment. The OA Endowment’s spending policy ensures that the growth of these funds supports key leadership development initiatives within the Order of the Arrow.
Important: The National OA Committee emphasizes that membership in the 1915 Society should not diminish your annual giving commitment to your council. Supporting your local council remains of utmost importance.
Membership Benefits
By joining the 1915 Society, donors help ensure the sustained growth of the Order of the Arrow and are recognized with exclusive benefits, including:
- Newsletter Access: Regular updates on the impact of your contributions through the OA Endowment newsletter.
- Exclusive Recognition: Members receive a unique red 1915 Society sash after six months of monthly contributions, two quarters of giving, or an initial annual contribution. The sash may be worn at induction ceremonies, banquets, and regional or national endowment events. However, it is not permitted for use during elections.
Methods of Giving
Giving to the 1915 Society is limited to credit card or ACH transactions. Contributions to the 1915 Society do not count toward cumulative giving for the Legacy Fellowship program or any other current or future giving programs.
Join the Movement
This initiative is more than a donation request; it is an opportunity to invest in the future of Scouting. With a contribution equivalent to the cost of a streaming subscription, you can leave a lasting legacy.
Your support not only sustains the Order of the Arrow but also ensures that future generations benefit from the transformative opportunities it provides. We invite you to deepen your impact through the 1915 Society and help secure the future of Scouting’s next generation of leaders.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting contribution to the Order of the Arrow. Together, we can perpetuate its legacy of leadership, service, and brotherhood for years to come.
Introduction of New Endowment Agreements
Overhauled in 2023 and renamed as the National Order of the Arrow Endowment Funds, the OA Endowment Funds now reside within the BSA Foundation and are protected and secured by two specific agreements between the Order of the Arrow and the National Boy Scouts of America Foundation. The BSA Foundation is a not-for-profit charity exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The introduction of the new Endowment Agreements is a strategic move to ensure the longevity and prosperity of the OA’s essential programs. These agreements are designed to benefit both the organization and its benefactors, providing a framework for sustained support and acknowledging the generosity of our donors through various recognition opportunities. These agreements offer flexibility and various options to suit different levels of giving, ensuring that every donor can participate in a meaningful way.
Funds are safeguarded and protected and can only be disbursed after an approved request from the national Order of the Arrow chair and the agreement of a group of national OA committee members who form the Endowment Oversight Committee and the national OA director.
Purposeful Allocation of Endowment Funds
The funds generated through 1915 Society are allocated to various critical areas to ensure maximum positive impact:
- Leadership Development: Investment in advanced training programs and leadership seminars to prepare our members for significant responsibilities within and outside of Scouting.
- Service Projects: Support for substantial service initiatives at local and national levels, focusing on conservation efforts and community enhancements.
- Scholarships: Providing financial support to promising Scouts who might otherwise face challenges in participating in the OA’s regional and national activities.
- Program Innovation: Funding the development of new programs to meet the evolving needs of our members and the communities they serve.