What to Know About Money-Earning Activities
The Girl Scout Cookie Program and the Fall Product Program are the primary opportunities for troops to raise money. From time to time troops may wish to raise money outside of these official Girl Scout Program activities for a specific activity. Outlined here are the policies in regards to what is permitted to earn additional funds. Please also reference our Volunteer Essentials.
Girls/Troops can earn money with fundraisers or group money-earning* activities such as: yard sales, themed breakfasts like Pancakes with Santa, snack bars at events, selling flowers or wreaths, etc. are all acceptable and effective money-earning activities. These activities shouldn’t compete with the Girl Scout Cookie Program or other council product programs. This activity is governed by GSUSA policy.
*Group money-earning 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. All of these policies are outlined in the Girl Scouts of the USA Blue Book of Basic Documents.
Girls’ participation in group money-earning activities is based upon the following:
- Voluntary participation and written permission of each girl’s parent or guardian.
- An understanding of (and ability to explain clearly to others) why the money is needed and activity 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 and arrangements for safeguarding the money.
- You must obtain written approval from your council before a group money-earning event by submitting a request for approval.
- Any use of the Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons logo or trefoil images on flyers, etc., needs to be approved by the marketing department. Please send to marcomm@gsdakotahorizons.org for approval.
GSUSA policy states girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money. (E.g. Go Fund Me, Kickstarter, YouCaring, etc. No crowdsourcing fundraisers for direct dollars is permitted.)
Girl Scouts discourages the use of games of chance. Any activity which could be considered a game of chance (raffles, contests) must be approved by the local Girl Scout council and be conducted in compliance with all local and state laws.
Girl Scouts forbids product demonstration parties where the use of the Girl Scout trademark increases revenue for another business (For example: In home product parties). Any business using the Girl Scout trademark must seek authorization from GSUSA.
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.