​​​​Jason Pigg​

Treasure Valley, one of two camping facilities of the Heart of New England Council, needed significant improvements to its dining hall. A capital campaign was undertaken to improve the facility and bring it up to modern standards with a new dining pavilion and kitchen renovation. A $500,000 Challenge Gift led the way for a succesful $2.25M campaign.  

Scouting alumni, corporate leaders, and donors often lose touch with the mission and outcomes of the organizations they support.  Intentional stewardship and cultivation are fundamental to the long-term fundraising strategy for a council.  Relationship based fundraising can lead to steady growth in donor support.  This could mean adding them to newsletters and other council communications, but also means meaningful experiences like tours of camps and individual visits.  

Heart of New England Council was one of the first councils to partner with the Scouting America Foundation on a planned giving intitiative, utilizing services from Stelter, a nationally recognized provider. Through monthly communications and educational materials on our website, the council conducts a campaign to promote giving from Donor Advised Funds, through gifts of appreciated stock, and other methods to encourage leaving a legacy gift to Scouting and the council.  

Council assets can generate revenue to support program and operations through many methods.  Heart of New England Council generates approximately 10% of its annual operating revenue through leases for solar and other green energy initiatives.  During my tenure the council negotiated an option that could generate more than $8M for the sale of 20 acres of unused land. 

Council's should have a diversified portfolio of revenue sources, one of which is often special events.  I have served in many capacities throughout my career is support of council special events.  As CEO in Heart of New England Council, I engage with all levels of our events including strategic alignment, committee stewardship, donor prospecting and solicitation and relationship management.  Heart of New England Council utilizes special events for revenue generation and also community awareness. 

Grants and Foundations are an important part of a balanced development strategy.  Over two years Heart of New England Council increased giving from grants and foundations by 48% by dedicating staff time to research and cultivation of relationships with trustees.  Grants helped fund capital improvements and operational enhancements.