Foundations & Funds

The Bradley Schwartz Campership Fund provides overnight camp summer scholarships to campers that are in financial need from the Midwest. This fund was established by family members and friends of Bradley Schwartz to honor his memory and passion for SCOPE. Bradley was the son of Allen and Helen Schwartz and brother of Stacy Schwartz Kotelov who started and own Banner Day Camp. Bradley Schwartz, known to most of us as Brad, sadly passed away in 2011 from cancer. He was co-founder of SCOPE Midwest which establishes campership funds to provide camp scholarships for children who attend overnight camps through SCOPE Midwest. In keeping with Brad’s dedication to SCOPE and passion about ensuring that all children had access to summer camp, the fund has been in place since his passing in 2011 and over $60,000 has been raised. We continue to honor and remember Brad through numerous individuals’ generous and heartfelt support and donations. Thank you to those who have donated past, present and future.

Since 1991, SCOPE has provided 28,300 deserving children with the benefits of summer camp – positive identity and confidence; better social, physical and cognitive skills; and increased independence and leadership.  Based on the belief that summer camp is a partner in the education of children, SCOPE is dedicated to affording outstanding camp opportunities to children from low income families, as we have for over 30 years. To strengthen the importance of the formal education of the children we serve, we ask SCOPE campers to stay in school and encourage them to do well and complete their education.

Our long term commitment to SCOPE campers is further enhanced through the Sanford Lavitt Education Fund, which will provide college or vocational school scholarships to children who remain in the SCOPE program and graduate from high school.  It is through our focus on the year-round education of the total child that we can truly fulfill our mission: to help children from underserved communities succeed in life through the summer camp experience.

• The Lavitt Education Fund will provide college or approved vocational school scholarships for SCOPE campers
• Campers entering third, fourth or fifth grade each summer are eligible, beginning in 2013
• Children must stay in school, return to camp each summer, and graduate high school
• “Gap year” campership will be available for campers to return in leadership capacity as they age out of camper program

As an alternative to a cash donation, please consider donating any appreciated securities to SCOPE rather than selling them to generate the cash for your contribution. By donating your appreciated securities, you can avoid the long-term capital gains tax. The net result increases your donation to SCOPE at a lower after-tax cost than if you sold securities and donated the sales proceeds. The difference can be dramatic. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information.

To take the next step in donating appreciated securities, click here.