How Your Troop Earns Money
Girls earn money in three (3) distinct ways:
- The Girl Scout Cookie Program and Magazine and Snack Program.
Both of these product sales programs are organized by your council and open to all Girl Scouts. All girl members who take part in any way of Girl Scouting (troop, camp, travel, etc.), including Daisies, are eligible to participate in council-sponsored product sale activities, with volunteer supervision. Please remember: volunteers and Girl Scout council staff don’t sell cookies and other products—girls do.
- Newly Formed Troop Loan
To get your troop up and running, GSNEO is offering your newly formed troop a $50 to $300 Start-up Loan. The loan request will be processed once your troop has submitted the account numbers of its newly opened bank account. The loan proceeds will be distributed to your troop bank account electronically. By applying for the loan, the troop agrees to participate in the next Fall Product or Cookie Sale, to have the loan balance automatically repaid from the product sale proceeds, and to only apply once for this loan.
>>Loan Request for Newly Formed Troop
- Money Earning Activities
Money Earning Activities refers to activities organized by the group (not by the council) that are planned and carried out by girls (in partnership with adults) and that earn money for the group.
Guidelines for Both:
Girls’ participation in both council-sponsored product sale activities and group money earning projects is based upon the following:
- Voluntary participation
- Written permission of each girl’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 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 girl
- Arrangements for safeguarding the money
Reminders:
- All rewards earned by girls 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.
- Groups 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.
>>Money Earning Application
- Girl Scouts forbids use of games of chance, the direct solicitation of cash, product-demonstration parties, and "give back" fundraisers.
- Group money earning activities need to be suited to the age and abilities of the girls and consistent with the principles of the GSLE.
- Money earned is for Girl Scout activities and is not to be retained by individuals. Girls 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, while following council procedures.
- A monetary gift or gift card of $250 to $1000 specifically earmarked for a troop/group or service unit requires notification to the GSNEO Fund Development department in writing for federal reporting purposes and so that a formal acknowledgement can be sent to the donor. The funds must benefit the entire troop/group or service unit, not a specific individual.
>>Troop/Group or Service Unit Designated Donation Notification Form
The best way to earn money for your group is to start with the Girl Scout Cookie Program and the Magazine and Snack Program. From there, your group may decide to earn additional funds on its own.
