Noah

Hi John, "It's arguable whether a profit focused "school" is a business. I can see how people would accept this project - I wouldn't. " How would you argue that a school organized as a C or S corporation or even owned directly by an individual is not a business? On what grounds would you deny the project? Because it is a business or because you feel that the installation of a flag pole does not allow ample opportunity to demonstrate leadership? -Noah

Hello, Just to clarify. The question on the project was not whether it could benefit a private or a public school - but whether it could benefit a school that is organized as a for-profit business. Everything, including Scout councils and units, is operated as a business. Most businesses are for the purpose of making money and are a commercial for-profit organization. Every private school I have run into, until this one, has been a non-profit corporation - that is a 501©(3) corporation registered with the IRS for public benefit. The goal of a non-profit is not to provide value to shareholders but rather to the public at large. -Noah

Hello, I was composing my last post while BW posted his reply. The Eagle Workbook does not have the word "any" before school in the requirement section. And the note about not supporting a business is in the Limitations section on the same page. The Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures book does use the word "any" but it refers to religious, school, and community not just school. Although it is an unforseen situation I think the requirements are clear and now is the best time to select another project. Thanks -Noah

Hello, I did reach the conclusion after writing my initial post that since it was a business it was out. My job as DAC is to make sure the Scout follows the guidelines not interpret them. However this morning after reading the reply about the assisted living situation I felt that there was already a precedent if push ever came to shove. I do think that the project is in the Spirit of Scouting and Eagle even if it doesn't follow the letter of the law. Although it is a special situation, it is no reason to make a special exception - especially since its not my job to make exceptions. It is best to stop the project before it gets started. Thanks -Noah(This message has been edited by Noah)

Hello, I am a District Advancement Chair and have received a project for approval with a situation I have not encountered before. I'm going to list various details about the project in increasing level of detail. If someone could respond to them individually or as a whole I would appreciate it. 1. The project benefits an elementary school in a small town of 10k. It is a small school - one class per grade level. 2. The school is not a non-profit, nor is it government owned. It is a private school operated for profit. 3. The project involves installing a flag pole. Excluding #3, should the project be denied because it benefits a business or approved because it is a school? Having a for-profit school is a rare occurance. It is a school open to all. #3 raises additional questions. In and of itself a flag pole is not terribly difficult to do and would not require a whole lot of leadership. Even expanding it slightly to include landscaping doesn't give that much opportunity to demonstrate leadership. In addition when I contacted the school to inquire as to their organizational structure I found out that the school was donating half of the money for the flag pole. So it sounds like if the Scout doesn't do it the school would construct it anyway. Any suggestions? Thanks -Noah