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Your Values. Their Future.
Somewhere in Western Massachusetts tonight, a Scout is packing for a first campout. Another is standing before a board of review, earning the rank of Eagle. A den of Cub Scouts is building a pinewood car with a parent at the kitchen table. Each of these moments was made possible by someone who believed that young people deserve the chance to learn, lead, and serve.
For more than a century, Scouting has helped young people here build character, confidence, and a love of the outdoors. A planned gift ensures that the values you care about, service, honesty, leadership, and stewardship of the land continue to shape young lives long after today.
Planned gifts don't require you to give up anything you need now. They let you make a meaningful difference through your will, your retirement accounts, or other assets, often with real tax benefits for you and your family.
“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.”
— Robert Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting, in his final message to Scouts
A Gift in Your Will or Trust
The simplest and most popular way to leave a legacy. Name the Western Massachusetts Council in your will or living trust for a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after you have provided for your loved ones. Your gift costs nothing today, and you can change it at any time.
Retirement Plan Assets
IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s left to family can be heavily taxed. If you leave them to the Council, they pass tax-free and go to work for Scouts. Simply name the Council as a full or partial beneficiary on the form your plan administrator provides; you don't need to change your will.
Life Insurance
A policy you no longer need can make a meaningful gift. Name the Council as a primary or contingent beneficiary, or transfer ownership of a paid-up policy and you may receive an income tax deduction today.
IRA Charitable Rollover (Age 70½+)
If you are 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to the Council through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. The gift counts toward your required minimum distribution and is excluded from your taxable income, a smart way to give now and see the impact in your lifetime.
Appreciated Stock & Securities
Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds you have held for more than a year can be given directly to the Council. You may avoid capital gains tax and receive a deduction for the full market value — often a better deal than giving cash.
Real Estate & Land
A home, vacation property, or acreage can become a lasting gift to Scouting. Land holds a special place in our story, generations of Scouts have learned to love the outdoors at Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation. Real estate gifts are reviewed case by case, so please contact us early in your planning.
Join the Leave It Better Legacy Society
The Leave It Better Legacy Society honors those who have included the Western Massachusetts Council in their estate plans. Membership requires no minimum amount, only that you let us know of your intentions. As a member, you'll receive:
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A Legacy Society certificate and lapel pin
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Recognition in the Council's annual report and at our annual recognition dinner (unless you prefer to remain anonymous)
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An invitation to a yearly Legacy Society gathering at Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation
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Updates on the Scouts, programs, and places your gift will support
Let's Talk About Your Legacy
Every conversation is confidential and comes with no obligation. We would be glad to answer your questions, share how gifts are put to work, or work alongside your advisors.
Craig Sims, Scout Executive/CEO · (413) 594-9196 ext. 7002
The Western Massachusetts Council, Scouting America, does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. The information on this page is for general educational purposes. Please consult your attorney, tax professional, or financial advisor about your individual situation. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.