What is Financial Assistance?
GSMISTS is committed to helping all girls participate in Girl Scouting regardless of their family's income.
Who can receive Financial Assistance?
Girls in grades K-12 who qualify can receive financial assistance for their first membership year in Girl Scouts.
Second Year Financial Assistance
A Girl Scout may receive Financial Assistance for a second year if:
Her join date gave her the opportunity to participate in just one program (Fall Treats & Reads or Cookie) during her first year, and she still meets the financial need requirements.
Note: Eligibility is based on her opportunity to participate, not on whether she actually did.
Financial hardship means a situation where a person or family can't pay a cost without giving up basic needs like housing, food, utilities, medical care, or transportation, or without taking on unreasonable debt.
Change in circumstances (temporary hardship) - A recent event (within the past 12 months) that reduced income or added major expenses, even if the family was stable before:
• Job loss, reduced hours, or business failure
• Serious illness, injury, or large medical bills
• Death of a household earner
• Divorce or separation
• Natural disaster, fire, or eviction
• Military deployment