The Mission Continues
This is not a cosmetic restoration project. The Scout Build is about preparing a practical field-support vehicle that can help The Foxhole Project show up safely and visibly for veterans across the San Luis Valley and beyond.
When complete, the Scout will support mission-related needs such as retreat logistics, outreach events, equipment transport, trail support, recovery readiness, first-aid supplies, communications, and community engagement.
Every dollar given to the Scout Build restricted fund is tied to approved mission use, with safety and reliability prioritized before comfort, appearance, or optional upgrades.
Build Progress
The Scout Build is organized into five phases so donors, supporters, and the Board can clearly see how funds are being used and why each step matters. Safety, documentation, and mission-readiness come first. Cosmetic work and optional upgrades come last, if they happen at all.
Phase 1: Safety First
Goal: $5,000
This phase funds the foundation of the build: documentation, inspection, shop safety, fire safety, structural assessment, and initial occupant-safety planning. Before major parts are purchased, we need to fully understand the vehicle’s condition, document the work, and make sure the project is being handled responsibly.
Focus areas include:
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Manuals, build records, and receipt tracking
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Inspection and assessment supplies
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Fire extinguishers and battery safety
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Shop safety equipment
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Initial frame, floor, seat, and belt planning
Status: In progress
Phase 4: Powertrain and Field Capability
Goal: $10,000
This phase supports the planned diesel drivetrain and field-serviceable systems needed for longer-distance mountain and trail use. The build plan prioritizes durability, fuel economy, mechanical simplicity, and serviceability.
Focus areas include:
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ALH mTDI diesel engine path
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NV4500 manual transmission
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Dana 300 transfer case
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Mounts, adapters, cooling, and exhaust
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Driveshaft and drivetrain placement
Status: Pending donor package and Board-approved major purchases
Phase 2: Roadworthy and Reliable
Goal: $10,000
This phase focuses on the core systems that make the Scout safe and dependable for mission use. Steering, brakes, electrical reliability, lighting, battery safety, and fuel system preparation are the priority before any trail or expedition use.
Focus areas include:
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Steering inspection and repair
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Brake system repair and upgrades
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Electrical system reliability
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Lighting and battery safety
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Diesel fuel system preparation
Status: Pending Phase 1 progress
Phase 5: Mission Ready
Goal: $5,000
This final phase turns the Scout from a completed build into a mission-ready program vehicle. Before use in official programming, the vehicle must be tested, inspected, documented, and equipped for safe field support.
Focus areas include:
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Heat, defrost, wipers, and mirrors
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Communications and navigation
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First aid and fire extinguisher mounts
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Trail spares and field repair supplies
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Alignment, shakedown, and validation
Status: Final phase, pending roadworthiness
Phase 3: Trail Support and Recovery
Goal: $10,000
This phase prepares the Scout for field-support use during retreats, outreach, and outdoor programming. The goal is not recreation or appearance. The goal is safe trail support, recovery readiness, and practical capability in rural and mountain environments.
Focus areas include:
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Axles and gearing
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Suspension correction
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Wheels and tires
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Recovery points and winch support
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Protective skid and recovery equipment
Status: Pending inspection and system layout
Total Campaign Goal: $40,000
The lean working build budget is $36,350. The public campaign goal is $40,000 to responsibly account for taxes, shipping, price changes, donor processing fees, and contingency needs. All Scout Build funds are restricted to approved mission-related safety, reliability, recovery, outfitting, documentation, and program-readiness expenses.
Sponsors and Donors
The Scout Build is made possible by people and businesses who believe in practical support, strong community, and getting veterans back around a shared mission.
Every contribution helps prepare a mission-use trail vehicle for veteran retreats, outreach, field support, and recovery-ready outdoor programming. Donations to the Scout Build restricted fund are used only for approved mission-related safety, reliability, recovery, outfitting, documentation, and program-readiness expenses.
Ways to Support
Support can come in several forms:
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Financial contributions to the Scout Build restricted fund
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Donated parts or equipment
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Discounted parts, materials, or services
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Shop supplies and safety gear
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Recovery gear, tools, communications equipment, or field-support equipment
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Professional services related to safety, inspection, fabrication, or mechanical work
All donated parts, services, discounts, and in-kind support are reviewed to make sure they fit the approved build plan and mission-use purpose.
Sponsor Recognition
Sponsors and donors may be recognized through The Foxhole Project website, social media, campaign updates, event materials, or other appropriate public acknowledgments.
When approved by The Foxhole Project and consistent with Board-approved sponsor recognition guidelines, certain sponsors or donors may also be recognized on the Scout Build vehicle itself.
Recognition may include:
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Name or business name listed on the Scout Build page
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Social media thank-you posts
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Campaign progress updates
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Event recognition
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Logo placement or sponsor mention when appropriate
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Donor or sponsor name placement on the Scout Build vehicle when approved
Sponsor recognition does not create ownership, control, endorsement, exclusive rights, advertising rights, or decision-making authority connected to the vehicle or The Foxhole Project. The Foxhole Project reserves the right to determine the size, placement, duration, format, and appropriateness of all sponsor recognition consistent with its mission, values, Board direction, and nonprofit responsibilities.
Donor Accountability
The Scout Build is managed as a restricted fund project. Contributions are tracked, documented, and used only for approved mission-related expenses.
The vehicle is personally owned by Founder and Executive Director Craig Rauwolf and made available to The Foxhole Project under a Board-approved Vehicle Use Agreement. Nonprofit funds do not support personal, family, farm, or unrelated business use of the vehicle.
Donated parts and in-kind support reduce the remaining project need. They do not automatically create room for cosmetic upgrades, unrelated purchases, or expanded scope.
Questions About Sponsorship
Businesses, organizations, or individuals interested in sponsoring the Scout Build, donating parts, or supporting a specific phase can contact The Foxhole Project to discuss current needs and approved opportunities.