Build the Foxhole Scout (Phase One)

Scout Build Restricted Fund

The Scout Build is a restricted-fund project of The Foxhole Project to develop a safe, reliable, and capable lead and support vehicle for veteran retreats, community events, outdoor programming, field support, and veteran engagement.

The 1964 International Harvester Scout 80 is personally owned by Founder and Executive Director Craig Rauwolf and is made available to The Foxhole Project under a Board-approved Vehicle Use Agreement. Ownership of the vehicle does not transfer to the nonprofit.

Donations designated for the Scout Build are administered by The Foxhole Project and may be used only for approved mission-related expenses associated with the vehicle. Nonprofit funds will not support personal, family, farm, or unrelated business use.

Campaign Goal: $50,000

The $50,000 campaign goal reflects the projected cost of completing the Scout to the required safety, reliability, recovery, and expedition-readiness standards while allowing for shipping, taxes, fabrication, price changes, and unexpected repair needs.

Major purchases will only be made after required inspections, measurements, compatibility reviews, and engineering decisions are completed. Donated parts, materials, services, and vendor support may reduce the amount of cash ultimately required.

Phase 1: Baseline, Safety & Documentation — $5,000

Funds documentation, inspection, measurement, shop and fire safety, structural assessment, body and frame evaluation, and occupant-safety planning.

The goal is to establish a verified baseline before major parts are purchased or modifications begin.

Phase 2: Roadworthy & Reliable — $11,000

Funds steering, brakes, electrical reliability, charging and battery systems, lighting, fuel-system safety, cooling, and other essential roadworthiness work.

The goal is to establish the Scout’s core safety and reliability systems before trail or expedition use.

Phase 3: Chassis, Trail Support & Recovery — $13,000

Funds axle work where justified, suspension, wheels and tires, gearing, recovery points, winch support, jacking and tire-service equipment, and necessary underbody protection.

The goal is dependable backcountry support and recovery capability while preserving safe, predictable highway behavior.

Phase 4: Drivetrain & Expedition Performance — $16,000

Funds the engine, transmission, transfer case, controls, mounts, driveshafts, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust, electrical integration, and related fabrication.

Final components will be selected only after vehicle weight, packaging, gearing, cooling, range, serviceability, and system compatibility are verified.

Phase 5: Mission Readiness & Validation — $5,000

Funds heating and defrost, wipers and mirrors, occupant and cargo systems, communications, navigation, medical and fire-equipment mounting, tools and spares, alignment, weighing, inspection, and final road, mountain, trail, and recovery testing.

A completed vehicle is not automatically mission ready. The Scout must be documented, tested, and validated before use in official programming.

Why This Build Matters

The Scout is being built as a practical support vehicle for safe outdoor programming, veteran engagement, and expedition activities.

Every modification must support safety, reliability, serviceability, recovery capability, or mission readiness. Appearance and unnecessary upgrades remain secondary.

Protection of Donor Intent

If the Vehicle Use Agreement ends or the Scout is no longer available for The Foxhole Project’s mission, any remaining restricted funds will be redirected only to Board-approved vehicle, transportation, safety, expedition, or outdoor-program support consistent with the original charitable purpose and donor intent.