Annual Giving

Friends of Scouting

Friends of Scouting is an opportunity for families, friends, alumni, businesses and community organizations to support Scouting. The registration fee goes directly to the national office. If a Scout unit collects dues, that money stays with the unit to help pay for supplies, advancements and other activities. None of that money helps the Sam Houston Area Council. In order to keep Scouting affordable for all youth, the council runs an annual Friends of Scouting fundraising campaign.

Friends of Scouting helps:

  • Recruit and train youth and leaders
  • Provide assistance to those in need
  • Keep camps and activities affordable
  • Enhance programming and facilities
  • Provide communication tools for volunteer leaders

 

Friends of Scouting contributions provide approximately 24 percent of the support the council receives each year. The success of Scouting depends on those who support it. Please help Scouting provide the resources necessary to make sure every youth can benefit from Scouting’s fun, exciting, adventure-filled activities that foster character, honesty, respect and life-long values.


Consider all of the benefits that Scouting has brought to our community.

Your financial investment, plus your time and talent, is among the greatest gifts you can give. Take a moment to make an investment in our community’s future and help ensure the continued legacy of Sam Houston Area Council.

      Donate 

Because of Your Gift...

♦ $1 million annual investment supporting 6,000 Scouts in at-risk communities.

♦ Nearly 1,000 Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout annually.

♦ Approximately 28,000 youth and 10,000 volunteers in 16 counties are provided guidance and support by our local council infrastructure.

Your Gift Makes a Difference!

The commitment of the Sam Houston Area Council is that every youth, regardless of situation, can be a Scout. By making a meaningful gift, you enable our volunteers to recruit more youth and families to a world-class Scouting program right here in Southeast Texas.

The true cost of Scouting is much higher than what most people realize. Consider all of the costs incurred by the council in order to deliver the most impactful program.

Friends of Scouting is an opportunity for families, friends, alumni, business and community organizations to support Scouting.

Company Matching Gifts

Many corporations match employee contributions made to the Sam Houston Area Council. Some companies even make financial contributions for volunteering time to Scouting.

Companies with Volunteer Grants

Numerous local companies recognize volunteer time through the donation of cash grants to non-profits in which their employees volunteer. This means that for each hour of volunteer time, employers donate funds to support the Sam Houston Area Council. Volunteer time is money with volunteer grants.

     
Training Dates   RSVP
Thursday, November 13, 2025  |  7:45 PM Our Savior Lutheran Church 1001 Woodcreek Dr, College Station, TX 77845  
Tuesday, November 18, 2025  | 7:00 PM Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center, RM 203 8440 Greenhouse Rd, Cypress, TX 77433  
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM Church of the Good Shepherd E. Main St. Tomball, TX 77375  
Thursday, November 20, 2025 |  7:00 PM Parkway UMC 5801 New Territory Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 https://scoutingevent.com/576-FOSTraining
Thursday, November 20, 2025 |  7:00 PM Cockrell Scout Center 2225 N Loop W Fwy, Houston, TX, 77008  
Important Dates    
Friday, December 5, 2025 Friends of Scouting District Kick-Off   
Saturday, January 10, 2026 1st FOS Report Meeting | Key Leaders Conference  
Thursday, February 19, 2026 2nd FOS Report Meeting  
Thursday, March 19, 2026  3rd FOS Report Meeting   
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Unit Incentive Program Deadline  
Thursday, April 16, 2026 4th FOS Report Meeting  
Sunday, May 31, 2026 Friends of Scouting 2026 Campaign Ends  

2026 Friends of Scouting Guidebook 

The 2026 Friends of Scouting Campaign Handbook is a resource for a breakdown on the Friends of Scouting campaign. The guidebook includes information pertaining to the various roles in supporting the campaign. Digital resources and sample scripts can also be found in the guidebook.

View the 2026 Friends of Scouting Guidebook here

Friends of Scouting Podcast Episodes

Podcast episodes are available on Spotify and YouTube. These episodes will help presenters build a strong, consistent Friends of Scouting campaign presentation. 

Listen on Spotify | Listen on YouTube

Sample Friends of Scouting Presentation

Download the sample script to have a better look at the ideal Friends of Scouting presentation. You will need to prep your script and FOS manual if needed and the goal for the unit.


OneCause Donation Tracking 


Matching Gifts 

Use the Matching Gifts website to check if your employer matches donation gifts.


2026 Incentive Program - Friends of Scouting 

The unit incentive deadline date is March 31st, 2026. Units that complete 100% of their Friends of Scouting goal will receive:

  • 50% off registration fees for a 2026 Full Throttle or District Day/Twilight Camp. 

  • $250 Gift Receives a Council Shoulder Patch

Patch 

 

Friends of Scouting - District Contacts

District

Friends of Scouting Chair 

Apollo

Jonathan Ishee
Arrowhead Mario Gonzales
Arrowmoon Shannon Goetz
Big Cypress Chad Senters
Coastal Plains Eric Toskey
David Crockett Vacant
Flaming Arrow Vacant
George Strake Mike Alford
Iron Horse Vacant
Lone Star Vacant
Mustang David Molano
Orion
James Wood
Phoenix Vacant
Raven Eleni Drier
 
Red Wolf Vacant
San Jacinto Vacant
Texas Skies Jacob Floyd
Thunder Wolf Judith Ibarra Tran
Twin Bayou Houston Lane

Staff Advisory Contacts

Imelda Duenas
Director of Development
(713) 756-3321
imelda.duenas@scouting.org


Rachel Webster
District Executive, 2026 Friends of Scouting Staff Advisor
(936) 232-2064
rachel.webster@scouting.org


Houston Farris
District Director, 2026 Friends of Scouting Staff Advisor
(713) 659-8111
robert.farris@scouting.org