Boy Scouts of America
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported a significant diversion of its assets during the year.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
- Income
- $13.9 million
- Spending
- $14.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 81%
- Reserves
- 13 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 43%
- Employees
- 312
- Volunteers
- 10,778
- Highest pay
- $393,207, ceo/scout executive & secretary
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 13.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 8% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1581% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 19 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2551 of 51 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $11.0 million spent. The Council operates under a charter granted by the Boy Scouts of America (the National Council) in the counties of Austin, Brazos, Burleson, portions of Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, portions of Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton. The Council is devoted to promoting the ability of boys and girls, as well as young men and women, to do things for themselves and others, training them in Scoutcraft and teaching them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and similar virtues, using the methods now in everyday use by the National Council. See Schedule O The Council's programs are as follows: Lion Scouts is a fun introduction to the Scouting program for kindergarten-age youth eager to get going. Lions have adventures with their adult partners and other Lions every month. This program introduces youth and their families to Scouting and the outdoors, building a foundation of character. A Lion den is part of the Cub Scout pack. Tiger Scouts is a one-year, family-oriented program for a group of teams, each consisting of a first-grade (or 7-year-old) boy or girl and an adult partner (usually a parent). A Tiger den is part of the Cub Scout pack. Cub Scouting is a Family- and community-centered approach to learning citizenship, compassion, and courage through service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Scouts BSA is a year-round program for youth aged 11 to 17 that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves. With the Scout Oath and Scout Law as guides, and the support of parents, religious, and neighborhood organizations, Scouts develop an awareness and appreciation of their role in the community and become well-rounded young men and women, ages 10 through 17, through the advancement of the program. Scouts progress in rank through achievements, gain additional knowledge and responsibilities, and earn merit badges that introduce a lifelong hobby or a rewarding career. Venturing provides experiences to help young men and women, ages 14 through 20, become mature, responsible, caring adults. Young people learn leadership skills and participate in challenging outdoor activities, including having access to Boy Scout camping properties, a recognition program, and Youth Protection training. Exploring is a program that enables young people to become responsible individuals by teaching positive character traits, career development, leadership, and life skills so that they can make ethical choices and achieve their full potential.
- $854,042 spent. ScoutReach is the Sam Houston Area Council's initiative to provide an opportunity for all young people to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background. ScoutReach places special emphasis on leadership development for economically disadvantaged youth through non-traditional methods. Through caring, well-trained, and paid leadership, and in partnership with schools, a Scouting program is delivered during the school day to all eligible students at no cost to the student or the school. ScoutReach delivers a Scouting program to our most needy youth in at-risk neighborhoods of Southeast Texas.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.
Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 1965.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.