James E. West Fellowship Award
 

Named in honor of the first Chief Scout Executive, this award is given to individuals donating $1,000 or more in cash or securities, beyond their regular contribution, to local council endowment trust funds.

The James West Fellowship Award is probably the one award that sparks the most misunderstanding when spotted on a uniform. Some folks immediately assume that the award was simply purchased, which is not accurate. This award is presented to individuals based on a contribution of $1000 or more to the local Council's West Fellowship Fund. Only registered Scouters or youth members receive and wear the square knot.

The money may be given by a group of Scouters or individual Scouter to honor a fellow Scouter, as a memorial on the death of a Scouter, or to recognize an achievement. For example, a group of Scouters could put the money together to recognize the outstanding efforts of an individual who spent years doing publicity work for a local Council through newsletters, press releases, web pages, etc., for which there is no official recognition. The award can also be given to an individual who makes a contribution on his/her own behalf. Regardless of the source of funding, the award is used by BSA to generate badly needed funds to support critical local Council and national programs which have suffered major losses due to diversion of funding for national-level resolutions of risk-management issues.

All contributors receive special invitations to local Council and National West Fellowship Dinners, special publications, and a certificate in addition to some local Council plaques and other items.