Money-Earning Guidelines
If troops need funds above and beyond what they earn from council-sponsored product programs and troop dues, they can apply to receive permission to organize additional money-earning activities.
To comply with regional and national Girl Scout money earning policies, all money-earning activities must be suited to the age and abilities of the girls (Juniors and above), and be consistent with the principles of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).
Please Note: Girl Scout members, in their role as Girl Scouts, may not raise funds or solicit money for other organizations (i.e., Salvation Army, Humane Society, etc.). This Girl Scouts USA policy also restricts members from using Girl Scouts to promote or advertise another organization. For example, a Girl Scout troop cannot be registered participants in activities that raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Additionally, that same troop cannot set up a Girl Scout-branded booth to promote the American Cancer Society and its funding needs. Girl Scouts are encouraged to support other organizations through service projects or by donating a portion of their troop funds to the organization of the girl’s choice.
During your activity planning phase, please check the following requirements for participation.
Girl Scout Daisy and Brownie Troops may be involved in council-sponsored product program activities only. They may not collect money in any other way except through troop dues and parental contributions.
Troops must participate in both council-sponsored product programs as a condition for approval of additional money earning. Exceptions will be made for troops formed after council-sponsored product programs.
Troop leaders must submit a completed Money-Earning Application at least three weeks prior to any money earning activity to customer care for approval. Remember, troops must get approval before beginning or advertising an activity.
Other Tips and Guidelines
Avoid fundraising for other organizations: Girl Scouts are not allowed to solicit money on behalf of another organization when identifying ourselves 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 are able to 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” is any product sold at a retail location. Since 1939, girls and volunteers have not been allowed to endorse, provide a testimonial for, or sell such products.
Do’s: Appropriate money-earning activities
- Girl Scout-made sales: girls make goods or items and sell them. Examples: bake sales, plant sales, craft sales
- Events: girls hold an event and charge an affordable ticket price. Examples: badge earning day, art show, performance, brat fry, cake auction, spaghetti dinner, pancake breakfast, lemonade stand, face painting, photo booth
- Collections/Drives: Collect items and redeem them for a profit. Examples: cell phones, ink cartridges, recycling or can drives, rummage sale • Service(s): girls provide a service and are paid via donations. Examples: lawn care, shoveling snow, house cleaning, car wash, babysitting/ pet sitting, tutoring
Don’ts: Inappropriate money-earning activities
- Raising or collecting funds for other organizations (i.e. ringing bells for Salvation Army)
- Sales of gift cards, coupon books, or candy bars for other organizations or businesses
- Product demonstration parties: Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, etc.
- Games of chance (raffles, drawings, lotteries)
- Direct solicitation of cash
- Sales or endorsement of commercial products
- Door-to-door sales other than Council-sponsored products
