MONEY-EARNING PROJECT APPLICATION

Complete this form to request approval prior to any fundraising event or request for monetary donation or in-kind services/merchandise. This form is not required for council-sponsored programs (Fall or Cookie Product Program). This form must be submitted to GSKH office four weeks prior to the project. Final preparations should not take place until approval is granted.

 

Money-earning guidelines are below. For full details, see Volunteer Essentials: Troop Finances.

• All funds earned through fundraising events must support Girl Scout program experiences (such as camp, travel, program events, or highest awards, but not scholarships or financial credits toward outside organizations). Requests for monetary donations or in-kind services/merchandise are only allowed for the purpose of highest awards.
• Troops are encouraged to participate in council product programs as their primary money-earning activity; group money earning shouldn’t compete with the Girl Scout Cookie Program or other council product programs.
• Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland does not allow the use of games of chance (such as raffles, contests, or bingo) due to the complexities of local and state laws related to these activities.
• Girl Scouts’ Blue Book policy forbids troops from the direct solicitation of cash.
• 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 youth and 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. Funds acquired through group money-earning projects must be reported and accounted for by the group according to council procedures. 
• Troop funds must benefit all members of the troop equally. Funds cannot be earmarked based on a member’s participation in product programs, money-earning activities, or other ways of dividing funds.

Pre-Requisites: (all three pre-requisites are required; troop must not have an outstanding financial obligation to the council)

Fundraising Event Details: If income from council-sponsored product program isn’t enough to fund a troop/group’s plans, services such as collections/drives, food/meal events, specialty classes, or other service-oriented activities may be provided for a fee. See Volunteer Essentials: Troop Finances for specific ideas and guidelines. Please attach copies of all marketing materials. If the event will be offered specifically to Girl Scout members (i.e. Badge Workshop), use the Event Application instead.

Donation or In-kind Services/Merchandise Request Details (only approved for Highest Awards projects): Community organizations, businesses, religious organizations, and individuals may donate to troop or individual Highest Awards projects. In order for a business or organization to receive a tax-deductible donation receipt, the donation must be submitted to Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Corporate Headquarters. The donation will be turned over to the troop/group who secured approval for the donation. Troops/groups that receive donations over $75 without prior approval may be subject to a processing fee of up to 10 percent of the donation amount.

Leader Acknowledgement of GSKH Policies for Money-Earning Projects: I have read all Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland policies and procedures in regard to supplementary money-earning projects (Volunteer Essentials: Troop Finances) and verify that all information on this request is accurate and in accordance with GSKH policy. Collected funds will be deposited into the troop/group treasury and used to benefit the Girl Scout troop/group. Funds will be reported on the troop/group’s yearly Finance Summary.