Receiving Unsolicited Donations – Troops & Service Units
We have updated our policies in regards to unsolicited donations received by troops and service units. The policy ensures that we are operating within state laws and uphold our charter and 501(c)(3) non-profit status. This policy is vital to keeping our organization running smoothly and maintaining the trust of our community and supporters.
These guidelines apply when a troop is expected to receive an unsolicited donation of $250 or more or a service unit is expecting to receive $1,000 or more from a business or organization. This does not include:
- Checks from the Badgerland Fall Fundraiser or Cookie Program.
- Money earned through troop money-earning activities.
- Donations from family members.
What to Do with Qualifying Donations
1. Report & Notify the Council
- If you will be receiving a qualifying check or cash donation, submit this required form as soon as you are notified of the donation. This helps process the tax-deductible gift properly under our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
- Notifying us prior to the donation being issued ensures quicker processing and return of your portion of the funds upon receipt of the check from the donor.
2. Checks Must Be Made Out and Mailed to Badgerland Council
- Instruct the donor to make the check out to Badgerland Council and mail it directly to us at 4801 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718
- DO NOT deposit checks over $250 (for troops) or $1,000 (for service units) into your troop or service unit account.
3. Receiving Your Portion
- The council will process the donation and mail your portion back to your troop or service unit, following our financial policies.
- Please allow at least 3-4 weeks after receipt for processing and mailing of payment to your troop or service unit.
4. Record the Donation
- All donations must be listed on your Troop or Service Unit Finance Report.
For more details on funding troop experiences and donation policies, visit our website: Ways to Fund Girl Scout and Troop Experiences