The Boy Scouts of America Trust Fund (EIN: 57-6118457) is a nonprofit entity established to administer the compensation and support process for survivors of sexual abuse associated with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Originating from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of the BSA in 2023, the Trust Fund was created to fairly, consistently, and efficiently evaluate and resolve claims of sexual abuse brought by former participants in the scouting program.

Background

The Boy Scouts of America, founded in 1910, has been a prominent youth character development organization serving boys and girls with programs designed for ages 5 to 21. Over the years, numerous allegations surfaced relating to sexual abuse by troop leaders and other members within the organization. These allegations led to a large volume of claims seeking redress for harm suffered, prompting the BSA to file for bankruptcy protection in order to reorganize and address the claims comprehensively.

Establishment and Purpose

On April 19, 2023, the Scouting Settlement Trust (also known as the Boy Scouts of America Trust Fund) was formed as part of the bankruptcy resolution process. The Trust’s mandate is to manage a compensation fund composed of assets pooled from the BSA, its local councils, insurers, and other contributors. This fund, valued at approximately $2.46 billion, aims to provide financial relief and justice to survivors of abuse while facilitating reforms within the BSA to prevent future harm.

Claims Process

The Trust administers a claims evaluation system guided by a “Claims Matrix” that categorizes claims into six tiers based on the nature and severity of abuse, assigning a corresponding potential compensation range to each tier. Claims may be filed as “Expedited Claims,” which offer a flat compensation amount, or as “Direct Abuse Claims” that undergo individualized assessment according to the matrix criteria and specific circumstances of the survivor’s case.

By early 2025, the Trust had reviewed and assigned value to nearly 21,547 claims, with over 82,500 individual survivor claims and 58,000 matrix claims filed in total. Payments have been disbursed to many survivors, with others still awaiting the processing of their claims.

Impact and Legacy

The Boy Scouts of America Trust Fund represents a significant effort to address historical abuse within the organization, providing survivors with financial compensation and endorsing accountability. The establishment of the Trust also underscores the BSA’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at protecting children and ensuring a safer environment in scouting programs going forward.

This nonprofit Trust Fund operates under the broader Boy Scouts of America entity and remains an essential element of the ongoing legal and organizational response to past abuses within American scouting.

Note: The Trust Fund's website is bsa.scouting.org.