Managing Finances

Managing Finances for Girl Scouts, Troops, and Service Units

With your guidance, your Girl Scouts will learn money skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Your Girl Scout troop will plan and finance its own activities, and you’ll coach your Girl Scouts as they earn and manage troop funds. Troop activities are powered by proceeds earned through council-sponsored product program activities (such as the Girl Scout Cookie Program), group money-earning activities, and any dues your troop may charge.

Remember that all funds collected, raised, earned, or otherwise received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting belong to the troop or service unit as a whole and must be used for the purposes of Girl Scouting. Funds are administered through the troop or service unit and do not belong to individuals.

Establishing a Girl Scout Bank Account toggle arrow

No matter how much your troop or service unit plans to save or spend, you’ll need a safe place to deposit dues, product program proceeds, and other funds. If you’ve stepped up to lead an existing troop or service unit, you may inherit a checking account, but with a new troop, you’ll want to open a new bank account.

Here are a few helpful tips you can take to the bank:

The requestor will need the name, address, and phone number of each signer who will be listed on the account.
The account must have three or more unrelated, registered adult signers who are not living in the same household, one of which must be an approved service unit volunteer.
All signers must have an eligible Criminal Background Check (CBC) report on file with GSCTX.
Once GSCTX processes the form, an authorization letter is returned to the original requestor and service unit leadership. Account signers should take the authorization paperwork to the bank to open the account. The account must be in the name of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Troop #####.
Be sure to find a bank that has free checking and low fees.
Designate a “troop treasurer,” that is, one person who is responsible for troop funds and for keeping a daily account of expenditures.
Ensure your account comes with a debit card that you can use during activities or trips. These transactions are easier to track at the end of the year.
Be prepared and ensure another troop volunteer has a debit card for the troop account in case the main card is lost.
Handle a lost troop debit card the same way you would a personal debit card: cancel it immediately.

Keep troop funds in the bank before an activity or trip and pay for as many items as possible in advance of your departure.

To open a Girl Scout troop or service unit bank account, submit a request through the Bank Account Request form. Girl Scouts of Central Texas must approve all bank accounts. This form may also be used to change an existing account or close the account.

Debit Card Guidelines

All funds must be deposited into the appropriate Girl Scout checking or savings account. When available, Girl Scout accounts may accept debit cards for troop expenses.

Debit Card Limits:
Troops/service units may have two debit cards per bank account. Those with cards issued in their name are responsible for all charges, including service fees and any charges for lost or stolen cards.

Debit Card Usage Guidelines:

Debit cards are authorized for official Girl Scout business only.
Monthly reconciliation of debit card records is necessary to ensure accurate year-end reporting.
Only authorized signers on the troop/service unit bank account may be issued a debit card.
Using the debit card for non-Girl Scout expenses is considered a misuse of funds and may violate Texas law.

Making Changes to a Girl Scout Bank Account toggle arrow

To change banks where the Girl Scout troop or service unit bank account is active, or to change who are signers on the bank account, submit changes through the Bank Account Request form.

Follow these guidelines when making changes to an account:

The requestor will need the name, address, and phone number of each signer who will be listed on the Girl Scout bank account.
Signers must not add or remove signers listed on the account without written Bank Account Request form approval from GSCTX.
Once the form is processed by GSCTX, an authorization letter is returned to the original requestor and service unit leadership. Account signers should take authorization paperwork to the bank to have changes updated on the account.

Disbanding Troops and Unused Troop Funds toggle arrow

When a troop disbands, any unused Girl Scout money left in the account becomes the property of the council. Troop funds are not the property of any individual member. Before disbanding, ask your troop how they want to pay it forward. They may decide to donate any unused funds to the GSCTX Girl Campaign, to their service unit, to another troop, or to pay for Girl Scout activities. Activities can also include purchasing materials to support another organization through Take Action projects.

When the entire troop decides not to continue in Girl Scouts or when the youth members in a troop have reached the maximum age for Girl Scout troop participation (grade 12) and are graduating from high school, the troop should vote on an appropriate Girl Scout activity to use any remaining funds in the troop account.

Any expenditures not explicitly allowed, as listed below in the Managing Girl Scout Funds section, are prohibited. For example, purchases that benefit an individual long-term, such as a camera, passport, souvenir, gift card, shopping trip, college preparation course, or college scholarship are not approved for the use of Girl Scout funds.

Troop funds cannot be donated to outside organizations. If a troop wishes to support an outside organization, please see the Working with Sponsors and Other Organizations section for more information on collaborating with other organizations.

Ideas for appropriate use of funds include:

final troop trip
donation to the GSCTX Girl Campaign
donation to the service unit
funding a community service project

Once troop funds have been used, the troop treasurer is responsible for completing the steps for closing the account.

The troop leader should also submit a Troop Update form to mark the troop as retired.

Troop Transfers

Members transferring to a new troop or continuing Girl Scouts as an Individually Registered Member will receive an equally split portion of the troop funds based on the number of registered youth members at the time of separation.

Girl Scout youth members must be registered members to receive a portion of troop funds.
Product program proceeds are always considered troop funds, regardless of whether older Girl Scouts are saving money for higher awards or Girl Scout travel.

Financial obligations:
- Owed to the troop: the amount owed to the troop the youth member is separating from may be deducted from the eligible portion of troop funds
- Owed to GSCTX: the amount owed to GSCTX will be deducted from the eligible portion of troop funds

What should the troop leader do with the separating Girl Scout funds once they have been portioned?

Funds must be requested via written documentation within 90 days of separation from previous troop.

Funds can be moved (via check) to the appropriate bank account (service unit account for Individual Registered Members or receiving troop bank account).
If the funds are not claimed via written documentation within 90 days after separation, funds will be retained by the troop for troop use.

Individual Separation from Girl Scouts

A youth member is considered separated from the troop if they stop attending meetings for two or more months without a verbal or written explanation to the troop leader or if they provide written or verbal communication to the troop leader that they are separating.

Troop leaders are responsible for initiating communication with the member’s caregiver regarding their absence at troop meetings to determine whether they wish to continue with the troop or not.

Troop funds do not belong to individuals and should not be distributed to individuals in any form.

Merging Troop Funds

When two troops decide to combine, the troops must decide which troop number will remain active. This will determine which bank account to leave open. Troop funds collected and earned by the Girl Scouts belong to the troop. The funds never belong to one individual.

All troops involved must write a check on the old bank accounts to empty those bank accounts and deposit those monies into the new bank account and then follow the procedure for closing the account for unused accounts.

Managing Girl Scout Funds toggle arrow

Using Troop Funds

All funds collected, raised, earned, or otherwise received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting belong to the troop as a whole and must be used for the purposes of Girl Scouting. Funds are administered through the troop and do not belong to individual members. Funds utilized should provide a one-time benefit to Girl Scout members for approved Girl Scout activities. Approved expenditures include:

Girl Scout membership dues, including lifetime memberships.
Troop meeting supplies, which may include snacks or meals and meeting room rental fees.
Girl Scout-sponsored programs, activities, or events, including those hosted by GSCTX, other Girl Scout councils, GSUSA, a service unit, or another troop.
Non-Girl Scout-sponsored programs, activities, or events that focus on at least one of the Girl Scout pillars: outdoors, STEM, entrepreneurship, and life skills.
Required or recommended volunteer training to enable the Girl Scout experience.
Troop travel.
Purchases at the Girl Scout Shop (example: uniform pieces, badges, patches, and pins).
Badges, patches, and pins not available through the Girl Scout Shop (example: National or State Park patch).
Financial donation to the GSCTX Girl Campaign or a service unit.
Purchasing goods for donation to an outside organization as part of a troop service, Take Action, or highest award project. Troop funds may not be used for cash donations to outside organizations.

Any expenditures not explicitly approved above are prohibited. For example, purchases that benefit an individual long-term, such as a camera, passport, souvenir, gift card, shopping trip, college preparation course, or college scholarship are not approved for the use of Girl Scout funds.

Travel

Girl Scouts love to travel—and they can use troop funds to do so! Examples of approved travel expenses include:

Transportation (airfare, train, bus, rental vehicle)
Hotel
Meals while traveling
Travel insurance
Covid testing directly related to travel

Girl Scout funds cannot be used for cameras, souvenirs and spending money or travel documentation (such as passports, visas, or state IDs).

When planning troop travel, participation should include at least 50 percent of the youth members registered into the troop along with at least the required number of safety-wise adults.

Managing IRM Funds

All rules regarding the management of troop funds apply to Girl Scouts who are individually registered youth members (IRMs).

IRMs can participate in the Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie Programs. Proceeds earned through Product Programs may offset some out-of-pocket expenses for approved Girl Scout activities. Proceeds earned will be managed by the Product Programs Department since individual members cannot profit directly from Product Programs.

To request IRM funds earned through Product Program participation, complete an Individually Registered Girl Scout Fund application. Once the application is approved, the council will pay for the activity or event. Girl Scouts cannot reimburse caregivers per IRS guidelines.

IRMs need to submit an Activity and Travel Application to obtain permission to use Girl Scout funds for travel. Girl Scout funds should only be used for the Girl Scout youth member and one caregiver accompanying the IRM. Girl Scout funds should not be used for individuals who are not registered or for more than one caregiver (including but not limited to non-Girl Scout siblings, a second caregiver, a non-Girl Scout friend, or additional family members).

Managing Service Unit Funds

All funds collected, raised, earned, or otherwise received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting must be used for the purposes of Girl Scouting. Funds should be used to support the goals of the Movement, including growing our membership, supporting the volunteers who make Girl Scouting possible, and enriching the Girl Scout experience for youth members.

Allowed expenditures include:

Girl Scout membership dues, including lifetime memberships.
Service unit meeting supplies, which may include snacks or meals, meeting room rental fees, or licensing costs for virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom.
Volunteer training.
Volunteer and/or youth member recognition.
New member recruitment.
New troop start-up funds.
Service unit events, which may include purchasing goods for donation to an outside organization as part of a service unit service or Take Action project. Service unit funds may not be used for cash donations to outside organizations.
Financial aid to Girl Scouts and troops, including service unit event subsidies and financial aid aligned with that offered by the council.
Purchases at the Girl Scout Shop (example: badges, patches, pins)
Girl Scouts product program support.
Financial donation to the GSCTX Girl Campaign.

Any expenditures not explicitly approved above are prohibited. For example, purchases that benefit an individual long-term, such as college scholarships, are not approved for the use of Girl Scout funds.

Mismanagement of Girl Scout Funds

If a caregiver or volunteer within the troop or service unit suspects that the funds are being mismanaged, please contact us to notify a Girl Scout staff member. Based on the information received, staff will initiate a preliminary inquiry, collect facts, gather proper documentation, and conduct an audit if necessary.

Please make every attempt to be proactive and establish good financial procedures by reconciling the Girl Scout bank account monthly. Provide a good example to the members of your troop.

Online Payment Options

Troops and service units may use online payment options (like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo) for Girl Scout-related events and activities if these accounts are linked to the troop or service unit bank account—not personal accounts. However, these online payment methods are not permitted for customer transactions, such as cookie booth sales, during Product Programs. Troops should use Square to process customer-based transactions.

Tax Exempt Status

Active service units and troop leaders in Texas can purchase specific items for troop activities tax-free. Request Girl Scouts of Central Texas's Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate by contacting customer care.

Proper Use of the Certificate:

Present it to retailers before making troop/service unit purchases, as some retailers may require additional forms.
Use the certificate responsibly and never for personal purchases. Always use the troop/service unit bank account for tax-exempt transactions.
Misusing the sales tax-exempt certificate for personal purchases is considered a Class C Misdemeanor.

Girl Scout Retail Shops

Sales tax exemptions apply only to core items (books, uniforms, insignia, earned awards, and patches) when purchased entirely with a troop bank account debit card or check—no split payments are allowed.

Closing a Girl Scout Bank Account toggle arrow

When closing a troop bank account, be sure all checks and other debits have cleared the account before you close it. Remember, you may have to close the account in person. Troop funds do not belong to individual Girl Scouts and should not be distributed to members in any form.

To close a Girl Scout troop or service unit bank account, submit a request through the Bank Account Request form.

When closing a bank account, follow these processing steps:

The requestor will need the name, address, and phone number of at least two signers listed on the Girl Scout bank account.

Once the form is processed by GSCTX, an authorization letter is returned to the original requestor, and service unit leadership. Account signers should take authorization paperwork to the bank to have changes updated on the account.
If closing the Girl Scout account and funds are still present, follow the guidelines for the division of funds listed within Managing Troop Funds. The final Annual Troop Finance Report must have a final bank statement attached showing a $0 ending balance.
The troop treasurer is responsible for gathering bank statements, receipts, and unused checks and completing a final Annual Troop Finance Report for submission to the service unit treasurer or service unit lead and Customer Care. Submit documentation by emailing customercare@gsctx.org within 30 days of account closure.

Money-Earning Basics toggle arrow

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) are 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—youth do.

Group money-earning activities are organized by the troop (not by the council) that are planned and carried out by Girl Scouts (in partnership with volunteers) and 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.

Number of Allowable Money-Earning Activities

The recommended number of allowable money-earning activities per Girl Scout year:

Daisy: No money-earning activities. All money transactions occur between the troop leader and the caregivers. Caregivers may be asked to contribute a certain sum to cover troop expenses, although program expenses at this level should be minimal. Money-earning outside council-approved Product Programs are not approved for Daisy Girl Scouts.
Brownie: One money-earning activity.
Junior: Two money-earning activities.
Cadette/Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts: Three money-earning activities.

If additional money-earning activities are required to meet troop/group budget requirements, service unit leadership will consult with the GSCTX membership staff on the need and number prior to approval. For multi-level troops, these guidelines are for each sub-level in the troop.

Additional Money-Earning Guidelines toggle arrow

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.
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.

Sample Money-Earning Activities toggle arrow

Collections/Drives

Cell phones for refurbishment
Used ink cartridges turned in for money
Christmas tree recycling

Food/Meal Events

Lunch box auction (prepared lunch or meal auctioned off)
Themed meals, like a high tea or a build-your-own-taco bar, related to activities Girl Scouts are planning; for instance, if they are earning money for travel, they could tie the meal to their destination

Concession Stands

While concession stands with vendors at venues that host major events, university games, major/minor sports leagues games, etc. are unallowable, concession stands at high school venues and other such local venues that do not involve the use of the GSCTX EIN for contracting purposes do not hold the same level of risk and are therefore allowable.

Service(s)

Service-a-thon (people sponsor a Girl Scout doing service and funds go to support a trip or other activity)
Babysitting for holiday (New Year’s Eve) or council events
Raking leaves, weeding, cutting grass, shoveling snow, walking pets
Cooking class or other specialty class

The Girl Scout Cookie Program and other council-sponsored product programs are designed to unleash the entrepreneurial potential in Girl Scouts. From there, your troop may decide to earn additional funds on its own.

Record Keeping and Financial Reports toggle arrow

Maintaining Accurate Records

Keep detailed records (receipts) of all income and expenses. Document every deposit and withdrawal in the Girl Scout account. At least two signers must oversee all financial transactions. Ensure that more than one adult understands the group’s finances; never borrow Girl Scout funds for personal use or mix personal and troop money.

Accurate record-keeping is crucial, as troop finances may be audited by service unit leadership or Girl Scout staff at any time. The troop treasurer or designated individual is responsible for sharing monthly banking activity with the troop's caregivers. Keep all bank records, canceled checks, bank statements, and deposit slips for five years.

Annual Troop Finance Reports

The Annual Troop Finance Report is due on May 1 each year. To complete it, you’ll need last year’s report to find the previous year’s ending balance, which will be listed as the Starting Balance for the current report.

Submit the report through the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) Finance Tab, along with a copy of the March-ending bank statement for your troop’s account. Review the 578 VTK Finance Tab Volunteer Training on gsLearn for guidance on completing the report.

This report summarizes your troop’s banking activity through the March bank statement. The total balance reported must match the ending balance on the March bank statement.

Submitting this report fulfills your obligation as a leader and the council’s legal requirement to account for public funds. Failure to report group income may result in taxing it as personal income.

The troop leader or treasurer must submit the Annual Troop Finance Report by May 1 for approval. Ensure the report is accurate and complete before submission. Once approved, your troop cookie bonus (if earned) will be deposited into the troop account. Missing the deadline may result in forfeiting the cookie bonus and affect eligibility for future Product Programs until the report is received and approved.

Any expenses incurred after the report is filed will be included in the next year’s report.

Annual Service Unit Finance Reports

The Annual Service Unit Finance Report is due on May 1 each year. To complete it, you’ll need last year’s report to find the previous year’s ending balance, which will be listed as the Starting Balance for the current report.

Submit the report through the Service Unit and Troop Financial Report form, along with a copy of the March-ending bank statement for your service unit’s account. Review the 578 VTK Finance Tab Volunteer Training on gsLearn for guidance on completing the report.

This report summarizes your service unit’s banking activity through the March bank statement. The total balance reported must match the ending balance on the March bank statement.

The service unit treasurer or service unit lead must submit the Service Unit Financial Report by May 1 for approval. Ensure the report is accurate and complete before submission. Once approved, your service unit cookie bonus (if earned) will be deposited into the service unit account. Missing the deadline may result in forfeiting the cookie bonus until the report is received and approved.

Account Balances

The service unit bank account should not exceed a year-end limit of $5,000, while the troop bank account should remain under $3,000. Approval from the council is required for any service unit or troop wishing to exceed these limits for specific activities. Troops with balances over $3,000 and service units over $5,000 must provide a detailed explanation of the intended use for those funds, including dates, destinations, and participant numbers.

Reach Your Girl Scout Financial Goals toggle arrow

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to facilitate girl-led financial planning, which may include the following steps for your troop:

Set goals for money-earning activities. What does the group hope to accomplish through this activity? In addition to earning money, what skills do they hope to build? What leadership opportunities present themselves?
Create a budget. Use a budget worksheet that includes both expenses (the cost of supplies, admission to events, travel, and so on) and available income (the group’s account balance, projected cookie proceeds, and so on).
Determine how much the group needs to earn. Subtract expenses from available income to determine how much money your group needs to earn.
Make a plan. The group can brainstorm and make decisions about its financial plans. Will cookie and other product programs—if approached proactively and energetically—earn enough money to meet the group’s goals? If not, which group money-earning activities might offset the difference? Will more than one group money-earning activity be necessary to achieve the group’s financial goals? In this planning stage, engage them through the Girl Scout processes (girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning) and consider the value of any potential activity. Have them weigh feasibility, implementation, and safety factors.
Write it out. Once the group has decided on its financial plan, describe it in writing. If the plan involves a group money-earning activity, fill out an application for approval from your council and submit it along with the budget worksheet your troop created.

Remember: It’s great for Girl Scouts to have opportunities like the Girl Scout Cookie Program to earn funds that help them fulfill their goals. As a volunteer, try to help them balance the money earning they do with opportunities to enjoy other activities that have less emphasis on earning and spending money. Take Action projects, for example, may not always require them to spend a lot of money!

Financial Management and Product Program Abilities by Grade Level toggle arrow

As with other Girl Scout activities, girls build their financial and sales savvy as they get older. Every girl will be different, but here you’ll find some examples of the abilities and opportunities for progression of girls at each grade level

Girl Scout Daisies

The group volunteer handles money, keeps financial records, and does all group budgeting.
Parents/caregivers may decide they will contribute to the cost of activities.
Daisies can participate in Girl Scout Cookie Program activities and other council-sponsored product programs.
Daisies are always paired with a volunteer when selling anything. They do the asking and deliver the product, but volunteers handle the money and keep them safe.
Daisies should be given the opportunity to practice identifying money and counting back change with an adult during each transaction.

Girl Scout Brownies

The group volunteer handles money, keeps financial records, and shares some of the group budgeting responsibilities.
Brownies discuss the cost of activities (supplies, fees, transportation, rentals, and so on) with guidance from their volunteer(s).
Brownies set goals for and participate in council-sponsored product programs.
Brownies may decide to pay dues to contribute to the cost of activities.

Girl Scout Juniors

The group volunteer retains overall responsibility for long-term budgeting and record keeping but shares or delegates all other financial responsibilities.
Juniors set goals for and participate in council-sponsored product programs.
Juniors decide on group dues, if any. Dues are collected by them and recorded by a group treasurer selected by the troop.
Juniors budget for the short-term needs of the group based on their plans and income from the group dues.
Juniors budget for more long-term activities, such as overnight trips, group camping, and special events.
Juniors budget for Take Action projects including the Girl Scout Bronze Award if they are pursuing it.

Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors

Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors estimate costs based on plans.
They determine the amount of group dues, if any, and the scope of money-earning projects.
Set goals for and participate in council-sponsored product programs.
Carry out budgeting, planning, and group money-earning programs.
Budget for extended travel, Take Action projects, and leadership projects including the Girl Scout Silver or Girl Scout Gold Awards, if they are pursuing them.
May be involved in seeking donations for Take Action projects with council approval.
Keep their own financial records and give reports to parents and group volunteers.

Working with Sponsors and Other Organizations toggle arrow

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 Girl Scouts to celebrate a sponsor’s contribution 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 by 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 are 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 one should be required to take part in any religious observance or practice of the sponsoring group.

Avoid selling or endorsing commercial products. A commercial product is any product sold at a retail location. Since 1939, Girl Scouts and volunteers have not been allowed to endorse, provide a testimonial for, or sell such products.

Accepting Donations for Girl Scouts toggle arrow

Girl Scout adults may accept monetary donations on behalf of their troop or service unit. All funds collected, raised, earned, or otherwise received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting must be used for the purposes of Girl Scouting.

Some employers offer matching gifts and volunteer service hours to their employees. Employers may match the employee’s donation or give monetary gifts in proportion to employee volunteer hours to 501c3 charitable organizations.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas will assess a six percent administrative fee to troop sponsorships resulting from workplace giving programs. The procedure to track, process, record, and disburse workplace giving funds involves multiple staff and departments within GSCTX, plus third-party costs for our council. Assessing an administrative fee covers staff and third-party costs related to these activities so troops may continue to benefit from direct donations allowed due to our 501c3 status.

The administrative fee will not be assessed on:

Fundraising that supports special award projects
Money-earning from girls that may pass through the council 
Donations from civic or corporate groups to support troop or service unit activities

If a donor requires a donor acknowledgment letter, submit a request to customer care, including the name and address of the organization requiring the letter, the donation amount, your troop number, and any pertinent information regarding what the funds are intended to cover.

Financial Assistance and Partnerships toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Central Texas is committed to ensuring that youth have the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Financial assistance is available for annual membership dues for youth members, and financial partnerships are available for council events, uniforms, handbooks, and camp fees. Girl Scout Destinations sponsored by Girl Scouts of the USA are not supported under financial partnerships.

Adults are not eligible for financial partnerships; this is strictly for Girl Scout youth members and their experiences in Girl Scouts. Any balance left after using the financial partnership award would need to be covered by the caregiver.

Processing and mailing can take up to two weeks. Any applications received less than two weeks before an event will not be processed, and financial partnerships will not be awarded.

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