How to Fund the Fun

Money-Earning Basics for Troops

Troops flex their financial muscles in two distinct ways:

• The Girl Scout Cookie Program and other product sales of Girl Scouts (authorized product sales such as calendars, magazines, or nuts and candy) organized by your council. All youth members are eligible to participate in two council-sponsored product program activities each year with volunteer supervision—the Girl Scout Cookie Program and one other council-authorized product program. Please remember, volunteers and Girl Scout council staff don’t sell cookies and other products—Girl Scouts do.
• Group money-earning activities organized by the troop (not by the council) that are planned and carried out by Girl Scouts (in partnership with volunteers) and that earn money for the group. 

Participation Guidance

Girl Scout participation in both council-sponsored product program activities and group money-earning projects is based on the following:

• Voluntary participation.
• Permission of each member’s parent or guardian.
• An understanding of (and ability to explain clearly to others) why the money is needed.
• An understanding that money earning should not exceed what the group needs to support its program activities.
• Observance of local ordinances related to involvement of children in money-earning activities as well as health and safety laws.
• Vigilance in protecting the personal safety of each member.
• Arrangements for safeguarding the money.

Additional Guidelines

Keep these specific guidelines—some of which are required by the Internal Revenue Service—in mind to ensure that sales are conducted with legal and financial integrity.

• All rewards earned by Girl Scouts through the product program activities must support Girl Scout program experiences (such as camp, travel, and program events, but not scholarships or financial credits toward outside organizations).
• Rewards are based on sales ranges set by councils and may not be based on a dollar-per-dollar calculation.
• Troops are encouraged to participate in council product programs as their primary money-earning activity; any group money earning shouldn’t compete with the Girl Scout Cookie Program or other council product programs.
• Obtain written approval from your council before a group money-earning event; most councils ask that you submit a request for approval. 
• Girl Scouts discourages the use of games of chance. Any activity which could be considered a game of chance (raffles, contests, bingo) must be approved by the local Girl Scout council and be conducted in compliance with all local and state laws. 
• Girl Scouts Blue Book of Basic Documents policy forbids Girl Scouts from the direct solicitation of cash. Girl Scouts can collect partial payment toward the purchase of a package of Girl Scout Cookies and other Girl Scout–authorized products through participation in council-approved product program donation programs.
• Girl Scouts forbids product demonstration parties where the use of the Girl Scout trademark increases revenue for another business, such as in-home product parties. Any business using the Girl Scout trademark or other Girl Scout intellectual property must seek authorization from GSUSA.
• Group money-earning activities need to be suited to the ages and abilities of the participants and be consistent with the principles of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
• Money earned is for Girl Scout activities and is not to be retained by individuals. Girl Scouts can, however, be awarded incentives and/or may earn credits from their Girl Scout product programs. Funds acquired through group money-earning projects must be reported and accounted for by the group according to council procedures. 
• Raising money in times of national or international emergency. Per Girl Scouts Blue Book of Basic Documents policy, the National CEO in consultation with the National Board Chair may give permission to raise money in times of a major national or international emergency with prior written notice to the National Board. Councils will be notified of this action in writing and troops should consult with their council for appropriate guidelines. Councils may designate an outside organization to receive donations. 

Source: Volunteer Essentials, Troop Finances, Money-Earning Basics for Troops 2024-26

Working with Sponsors and Other Organizations

Local sponsors can help councils power innovative programs for Girl Scouts. Community organizations, businesses, religious organizations, and individuals may be sponsors and may provide group meeting places, volunteer their time, offer in-kind donations, provide activity materials, or loan equipment. Encourage your girls to celebrate a sponsor’s contribution to the troop by sending thank-you cards, inviting the sponsor to a meeting or ceremony, or working together on a Take Action project.

For information on working with a sponsor, consult your council, which can give you guidance on the availability of sponsors, recruiting guidelines, and any council policies or practices that must be followed. Your council may already have relationships with certain organizations or may know of some reasons not to collaborate with certain organizations.

When collaborating with any other organization, keep these additional guidelines in mind:

Avoid fundraising for other organizations: Girl Scouts are not allowed to solicit money on behalf of another organization when identifying themselves as Girl Scouts (such as wearing a uniform, a sash or vest, official pins, and so on). This includes participating in a walkathon or telethon while in uniform. However, you and your group can support another organization through take-action projects. Girl Scouts as individuals can participate in whatever events they choose, as long as they’re not wearing anything that officially identifies them as “Girl Scouts.” 

Steer clear of political fundraisers: When in an official Girl Scout capacity or in any way identifying yourselves as Girl Scouts, your group may not participate (directly or indirectly) in any political campaign or work on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for public office. Letter-writing campaigns are not allowed, nor is participating in a political rally, circulating a petition, or carrying a political banner. 

Be respectful when collaborating with religious organizations: Girl Scout groups must respect the opinions and practices of religious partners, but no girl should be required to take part in any religious observance or practice of the sponsoring group. 

Avoid selling or endorsing commercial products: “Commercial products” are any product sold at a retail location. Since 1939, girls and volunteers have not been allowed to endorse, provide testimonials for, or sell such products.

Source: Volunteer Essentials, Troop Finances, Working with Sponsors and Other Organizations 2024-26