The Boy Scouts of America Receives $100,000 Centennial Grant From The UPS Foundation

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- To honor 100 years of service, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has received a $100,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used toward the Boy Scouts of America Natural Resources Conservation Local Council Grants.

Conservation programs are popular activities for Scouts of all ages, and the Boy Scouts of America adheres to its long-standing policy of teaching youth and adult members to conserve, protect, and respect the environment. The BSA has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts for 100 years. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. The goal of awarding the Natural Resources Conservation Local Council Grants is to educate youth on the positive impact they can have on our environment through our conservation initiatives. Councils will apply for $10,000 grants in support of project development and implementation of new conservation programs or initiatives.

"The importance of good stewardship of the land is taught to every young person in the program," said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America. "We appreciate the grant provided by The UPS Foundation, which will ensure that the newest generation of Scouts will learn more ways and better ways through the generous contribution."

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety, and environmental sustainability.

In 2009, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $43.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as the Boy Scouts of America Natural Resources Conservation Local Council Grants and provide support for building stronger communities.

"Every day, Boy Scouts across the country learn vital life skills, as well as to value and appreciate the world around them—so we are proud to support the Boy Scouts of America's 100–year effort to educate youth on the positive impact they can have on our environment," said Ed Martinez, director of philanthropy and corporate relations for The UPS Foundation.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers, and nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

About The UPS Foundation

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. UPS promotes community involvement through its ongoing volunteerism and grant programs, environmental sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In 2009, UPS's charitable contributions totaled nearly $100 million, and UPS employees and their families contributed more than 1.2 million hours of volunteer service. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

SOURCE Boy Scouts of America