In 1981, the national committee established a new award to memorialize founder Goodman and cofounder Edson, in response to frequent requests from lodges. The Vigil Honor, once a very rare award, was now given much more frequently. With the growth of the Order over the years, many youths chosen for the Vigil Honor continued service in the Order as adults, with adults being inducted as well. Even though the ration of Vigil members remained at two percent annually, lodges continued to look for additional ways to recognize exceptional service carried out over an extended period of time.

With the death of E. Urner Goodman, the national committee decided that the time was right to reinforce the values first established by the founders. They created the Founder’s Award. It was to be available for a maximum of one Arrowmen for every 500 in a lodge annually. This low number limits the award to those truly deserving.

Blue Heron is permitted to present up to two awards annually. (Each lodge is guaranteed at least two awards without regard to total membership.) If multiple awards are presented, at least one must be a youth and Blue Heron has usually presented the Founder’s Award to one youth and one adult each year.