1. Finding a Beneficiary·2. Project Proposal·3. Final Plan·4. Fundraising·5. Execution·6. Final Report·7. Eagle Application·8. Your Council & District
1. Finding a Beneficiary
Identify a religious institution, school, or community organization that needs help and will serve as your project beneficiary.
Checklist
- Browse the catalogue filtered by your zip code or city.
- Shortlist 2–3 organizations whose missions interest you.
- Review the official Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project sheet before contacting anyone.
- Email or call the beneficiary representative with a parent copied or present.
- Ask whether the need is still open and Eagle-scale (planning, development, leadership).
- Schedule a meeting to discuss scope and expectations.
Tips
- Start with your chartered organization, school, or local parks - they often have unmet needs.
- Use a professional tone in email: who you are, troop number, what an Eagle project is, and why you want to help them.
- Bring the beneficiary information sheet from the workbook to your first meeting.
- If a listing shows Pending, pick a different project - someone else may already be working on it.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a project that only benefits Scouting (council camp improvements do not qualify).
- Starting work before the beneficiary signs your proposal.
- Assuming a volunteer shift from JustServe automatically counts as an Eagle project.
Links
Email template
Subject: Eagle Scout service project inquiry - [Your Name], Troop [Number] Dear [Beneficiary Name], My name is [Your Name] and I am a Life Scout with Troop [Number] working toward Eagle Scout rank. Eagle Scout requires me to plan, develop, and lead a service project that benefits a school, religious institution, or community organization. I am interested in supporting [Organization Name] through a project such as [brief idea]. I have attached the BSA "Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project" information sheet. Would you have time to discuss whether this need is still open? [Your Name] [Phone] | [Email]