Dear Membership,
I am a leader of a new troop and I am trying to get a handle on the rules for fund raising. I keep hearing about blackout dates and money earning applications but I have no idea what any of those are. Can you help shine a light on troop fund raising?-Needs Money for Patches
Dear Needs Money for Patches,
Helping girls earn and manage money is an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Your Girl Scout troop is responsible for planning and financing its own activities, with your guidance. This puts girls in charge, giving them opportunity (with your oversight) to cooperatively set goals, manage a budget, spend responsibly, maintain records, learn social skills, and develop good marketing, entrepreneurial, math, and financial skills. Troops need to fill out a Money-Earning Application (available on the website, www.gsofsi.org, and on the following page) and turn into their Service Unit Director or Membership Development Manager to obtain approval for money earning activities. Here are important items to remember:
- Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program is a prerequisite for approval of money-earning projects, financial assistance and/or camperships unless the troop was formed after it was over.
- Girl Scouts forbids use of games of chance, the direct solicitation of cash, and product-demonstrations parties.
- No money-earning events can take place during the United Way campaign during September and October.
- Troops and Service Units may not solicit business, community groups or individuals for financial support. Gifts-in-kind may be solicited from local businesses.
- The troop must have the previous year’s troop financial report on file.
- Participation in the Fall Nut, Candy and Magazine (NCM) Product Program is a great way to kickstart funds.
If you have questions, please contact your Membership Development Manager.-Membership
