About Us
The Key Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth-serving organizations that foster leadership, service, and character. While we have a strong history with Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), we also support other nonprofits that share our mission of ensuring today’s youth have access to the same transformative experiences we had growing up. Through grants, scholarships, and program support, we help sustain and enhance opportunities that build future leaders.
Empowering Youth Leadership & Development
We support youth-serving organizations that foster leadership, service, and character. We help young people develop the skills and experiences needed to become future leaders through partnerships, grants, and scholarships.
Preserving and Enhancing Outdoor & Educational Programs
We work to ensure that the impactful programs we grew up with—such as outdoor adventure, camping, and leadership experiences—continue to be available for today’s youth. We sustain and expand these transformative opportunities by funding initiatives and collaborating with organizations that share our mission.
Strengthening Community & Alumni Engagement
We maintain a strong network of alumni and supporters dedicated to giving back. By connecting past participants with current programs, we create mentorship opportunities, encourage lifelong service, and ensure the legacy of youth development organizations continues for generations to come.
Our History
The Key Foundation was incorporated in December of 1987 by a group of former Lodge Officers of Wannalancit Lodge #451, led by Thomas F. Marham III. The idea for the Foundation was gained from the 1986 National Order of the Arrow Conference. Dr. Carl M. Marchetti spoke of several new initiatives implemented to grow and expand the Order of the Arrow at that Conference in Mt Pleasant, Michigan. One of the concepts he presented was the development of a National Alumni Organization that would support the Order.
Upon returning from NOAC, Lodge Adviser Brian Lobao discussed the concept with Tom Markham. Tom gathered about a dozen members, and the Key Foundation was born. He was the first Executive Director. The first meeting of the Key Foundation was held in March 1988.
At that meeting, the mission was explained, "by voice and financial support," the Key Foundation would provide active support to Wannalancit Lodge Order of the Arrow. One of the first programs to be started was the Patrick Doyle National Order of the Arrow Conference Scholarship, which helped youth Arrowmen attend this conference. The belief was, and still is, that NOAC is a program with the most significant impact on the Lodge and the individual Arrowman.
The Foundation supported the Lodge with capital projects, often purchasing computers and other equipment for the Lodge Graphic Arts and Media. In 1991, Andrew Curry Green became Executive Director and expanded the foundation by supporting the Lodge program and the Council and Community. Andrew was succeeded by George D. Kouloheras, who served until 2001. On December 31, 1999, the Greater Lowell Council merged into the Yankee Clipper Council BSA. The role and need for the Key Foundation was passionately debated. In 2001, a group of Key Foundation members developed a "post-merger" Key Foundation Program. They created a program that greatly expanded the Foundation. Brian Lobao became the Key Foundations President and CEO in February of 2002.