Foundation ICS-Sevin
Developing spirituality
and a spirit of friendship between religions
The purpose of the Sevin Foundation is to give Scouts and Guides throughout the world the ability to achieve true spiritual growth
Its inspiration
It takes its inspiration from Venerable Jacques Sevin, the father of Catholic Scouting, who exemplified Christian spirituality in Baden-Powell’s Scout method. Fr Sevin brought the Catholic Church into Scouting and Scouting into the Catholic Church.
In his talks with Baden-Powell, Fr Sevin appreciated the trust placed in everyone and the respect given to all religions. He encouraged Catholics to involve themselves fully in Scouting, asking Catholic Scouts to place their entire faith in their promise. He invested Scouting with the treasure of Catholicism.
Founders
The members of the International Conference of Catholic Scouting (70 member countries), the International Conference of Catholic Scouting itself, the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem and members of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement wishing to take part.
The “IFCS-Sevin Projects” Fund
What does it fund?
The fund finances projects that foster the spiritual development of scouts and guides in the spirit of interfaith friendship, in line with the areas of action outlined above.
Funding Conditions
The project must be approved at the national level of the relevant scouting or guiding association.
Corporate structure
An ethical investment fund (SRI – Socially Responsible Investment), the Ararat Fund, has been established. It aims to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while adhering to the principles of the encyclicals Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti. A portion of the management fees and profits from this fund is allocated to the ICS-Sevin Foundation, created from the merger of the FICS and the Sevin Foundation in 2024.
Objectives
- Offer scouts and spiritual resource persons an experience of coexistence and friendship among the religions represented in scouting (interfaith dimension).
- Enable each young person to meaningfully engage their own religion within the scouting movement in their country, whether it is a majority or minority religion.
- Promote the contribution of each religion in scouting to help young people develop their spiritual dimension, embracing the diversity of beliefs and cultures.
Areas of Action
- Spiritual activities for scouts and guides in the spirit of interfaith friendship.
- Training of chaplains and spiritual leaders from all religious backgrounds.
- Integration of the spiritual dimension in major scouting and guiding events.
- Peace initiatives between religions and cultures.
How does an Open-Call work ?
How to Submit a Project?
An application form is available here:
The application takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. It must include a budget presentation and relevant annexes.
Selection Criteria
A selection committee composed of qualified individuals from the scouting movement and interfaith dialogue evaluates projects based on the following criteria:
- Relevance to the defined areas of action and expected objectives.
- Long-term impact and sustainability of the project.
- Spiritual and religious approach in the spirit of interfaith friendship.
- Quality of the budget presentation (income, expenses, financing methods).
- Approval of the project at the national level of the relevant scouting or guiding association.
Application Deadline
- Submission deadline: April 17, 2025.
- Application form link: https://forms.gle/FijMtuxJogUTTJSx7
For any questions, please contact your usual representatives or the Foundation team at: proj@sevin-fdn.org.
Supported projects
A Joyful Commitment: Three Sisters Profess Their Final Vows
On this blessed day, the Community of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem rejoiced as Sister Carmel MASINA, Sister Marie Thi Trinh HO, and Sister Marie Thi Vi NGUYEN made their final vows, sealing their lifelong commitment to God and to the service of the Church. Through this...
A look back in pictures at December 7, 2024: a day of interreligious dialogue in Hong Kong
December 7, 2024, will remain a memorable date for the 28 scout leaders gathered for a unique interreligious dialogue experience in Hong Kong. Organized by the Catholic Girl Guides and Scout Guild, this immersive day allowed both Catholic and non-Catholic youth to...
Sevin Projects, supported by the ICS-Sevin Foundation
The Sevin Projects, supported by the ICS-Sevin Foundation, strengthen the means of the Scout Movement to foster peace in the world. A specific fund, the Sevin Fund, was created within the FISC (International Foundation for Catholic Scouting) to help Scout associations...
Hong Kong – Inter-religious Dialogue and Exchange: Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim Prayers and Liturgies
On December 7, 2024, the Hong Kong Catholic Girl Guides and Scout Guild hosted an inspiring Inter-religious Dialogue and Exchange featuring prayers and liturgies from Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim. The day began at the Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic...
‘Intercultural and interreligious dialogue project for young people in Burkina Faso (pdiij-bf)
Le dialogue interreligieux au Burkina Faso se révèle être une dynamique de coopération multisectorielle, caractérisée par des relations pacifiques et fraternelles entre le christianisme, l'islam et les religions traditionnelles. Ce dialogue met en avant la nation («...
I was asked to explain what I had in mind when I founded Scouting and Guiding. When asked “where religion came into Scouting and Guiding”, I replied, It does not come in at all. It is already there. It is a fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding.”
Baden-Powell
« Religion in the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Movement »
Chief Scout’s address at the High Leigh joint Scout and Guide conference
2 July 1926