Lilly Endowment awards $5 million

For Immediate Release- August 7, 2008

Contact: Shelly Grimes

(317) 925-1900 ofc.

(317) 946-6999 cell

Lilly Endowment awards $5 million to expand Scouting programs

Indianapolis, Ind., August 7, 2008—Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $5 million grant to the Boy Scouts of America, Crossroads of America Council to help expand Scouting programs in central Indiana, especially ScoutReach, a program that serves low income, at-risk and special needs youth.

The money will help provide uniform and program supply assistance, increase the number of ScoutReach youth who attend camp, provide more activities for ScoutReach youth, and increase the number of and better train program aides.

Additional money from the grant will also help increase resources to other Scouting programs including Venturing and Exploring as well as enhance technology to offer more training and education to volunteer leaders.

“Over generations, countless men have attested to the significant influence Scouting has had on forming their character,” said Lilly Endowment president, N. Clay Robbins. “The Endowment is pleased to help the Crossroads of America Council continue and expand this legacy to a new generation of boys and young men and especially to support the ScoutReach program for low-income, at-risk and special needs youth.”

More than 11,000 youth in central Indiana currently participate in the ScoutReach program through units in public-housing communities and after school programs. Crossroads of America Council’s ScoutReach program is among one of the best in the nation, being honored for the past eight years with the National Boy Scouts of America President’s Urban Emphasis Award recognizing outstanding programs, leadership, growth and fiscal responsibility.

“In a time when many youth are resorting to violence, Scouting teaches our young people that they can make a difference in their communities through instilling in them time-tested morals and values,” said Scott Clabaugh, Crossroads of America Council Scout Executive. “We are so grateful to Lilly Endowment for its contribution to the ScoutReach program, which will allow even more young men to benefit from the positive lessons Scouting teaches.”

Boy Scouts of America is a youth development organization that’s designed to prepare young people to make ethical and moral decisions throughout their lifetimes. The goals of Scouting consist of citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Throughout the Boy Scout program, young people are encouraged to advance through ranks by fulfilling requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. To get more information on Scouting, call (317) 925-1900 or 877-925-1900 (toll free) or visit www.crossroadsbsa.org.

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