Fiscal Sustainability
Innovative Fundraising
When orchestrating new events, it has been my belief to develop concepts that are unique and popular to the community that we are trying to target. In 2022, I formed a partnership with several community members including the chair of the Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce to create a “comedy roast” that honors a member of the community. In its inaugural year, the Gulf Coast Council succeeded by netting $33,000 of which $23,000 are new donors to the organization. We expect the 2023 net revenue to double due to the interest and 2023 honoree.
Product Sales
Have had much success with the annual popcorn sale in four Council with most recently the Gulf Coast Council. In 2022, we launched a new popcorn sale with a different approach to help have new units participate for the first time. As a result, we grew the sale about 30% and was the top Class 500 Council popcorn sale in the entire organization. In 2023, Gulf Coast Council has set a goal to grow the popcorn sale from $300,000 to $500,000.
Additionally, the Gulf Coast Council launched a new Camp Card that is expected to grow 62.5%.
New Partnerships
One of my first goals I had when arriving to the Gulf Coast Council was to become part of the community. Through networking in the community, I was able to build a new partnership with “Be the Magic Foundation,” and over the next several years, the foundation will help create impact to Scouting by providing financial support along with new and innovative marketing.
Please click the video above to watch the partnership announcement and check presentation.
Capital Projects
Provided leadership for various Capital projects for three camps with Spanish Trail Scout Reservation in Defuniak Springs, FL being the most recent. Please click to view photos of completed projects as well as projects in progress.
Fundraising with “Net”
Fundraisers are only as good as the event nets. Through sponsorships, vendor negotiations, and overall expectations set with volunteers, Gulf Coast Council special events performed with a net of 93% in 2022.
Multi-Year Giving
Trained in the Benevon Fundraising Model. This allows for alumni and Scouting supporters to become engaged in helping with time, talent, treasure and investors. This model can be used for current Friends of Scouting donors, future donors, capital projects and endowment growth resulting in multi-year commitments.
Simplifying Operations
In 2022, the Gulf Coast Council migrated to Black Pug Software to help with online registration, online store, and point of sale system. As a result, everything is “cloud” based and easily communicates with all operations systems including PeopleSoft. This has improved accuracy and has improved revenue collection for all activities.
I highly recommend Black Pug as Councils look at streamlining operations.
Friends of Scouting
Leveraged new relationships within communities and Scouting units to increase Friends of Scouting participation and revenue. Utilized strong volunteer committees to help sustain the mission of Scouting.