Created in 2024, the 1915 Society builds upon the strong foundation set forth by the OA Endowment to allow all Arrowmen to support the Endowment and its aims through sustained, regular contributions. In reference to the founding year of the Order of the Arrow, 1915, donors contribute $19.15 monthly, $57.45 quarterly, or $229.80 annually. All funds enter the Order of the Arrow Endowed Fund held within the National Foundation of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA Foundation is a separate 501C(3) organization, and all funds are considered donor-directed. Once contributed, the funds will stay in perpetuity within the OA Endowment, whose spending policy allows for the growth of the funds to provide support to key leadership development initiatives within the OA.
Members of the 1915 Society, after six months of monthly contributions, two quarters of contributions, or an initial annual contribution, will receive a special sash to commemorate joining. The sash consists of a red backing with a white arrow and bars with “1915” and “Society” superimposed onto the bars. In reference to the first ceremony and the regalia worn, the tortoise, which has been used as a general symbol of the OA, marks the center of the sash. In an effort to promote continued giving, sashes will be marked annual with a "member since" tag below the button on the front of the sash. The year on the sash will correspond to the year of the first month of continuous giving. Any member, regardless of honor, can wear the 1915 Society sash.
The National Order of the Arrow Committee has permitted the sash to be worn at induction ceremonies, banquets, and region and national endowment events. The sash is not permitted to be worn during elections.
Methods of giving to the 1915 Society are limited to credit card or ACH. Giving through the 1915 Society does not qualify for cumulative giving toward the Legacy Fellowship program or any other giving programs that exist or may be established in the future.
Donors who want their gifts to be matched by their employer should first check with their employer about what they match, how they match employee donations, and other details about their matching program policies. Often, matching program information is available through your company's HR Department but could be part of another department designated by your employer. Many employers use third-party matching gift processors so there may be additional information that you may be asked to provide. If the charity needs to provide information, it is typically requested after the donor has completed whatever process is required by their employer and/or third-party matching gift processor.
IMPORTANT: It is the expectation of the National Order of the Arrow Committee that being a member of the 1915 Society does not diminish your annual giving commitment to your council. Support of your council is most important.