Additional Money Earning

 The Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs should be girls’ primary way to earn money for programs and activities. However, if the budget goal for a specific activity has not been met, girls may participate in additional money-earning projects. 

 
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Money-Earning vs. Adult Fundraising

What is the difference?

“Money-earning” refers to activities following a budget that are planned and carried out by girls in partnership with adults to earn money for the troop/group treasury. Money-earning activities have program value for girls with “earning” being the operative word. The girls provide products (i.e. gift cards, groceries, and other supplies) or services (i.e. car wash, baby- sitting, dog walking, etc.) in exchange for payment.

Adult fundraising refers to a relationship between a Girl Scout volunteer and a donor - one in which the donor lends sup- port to the troop/group in the form of money or products/services to benefit the troop/group’s budgeted activity and may receive a tax deduction, as allowable by law. Fundraising is the responsibility of the adult members of the council. Girls are not allowed to solicit funds.

So what does that mean?

Basically, the main difference is who will be planning and organizing the fundraising event. If it is adults organizing the event and asking for funds, then it is considered an adult fundraising event. If it is the girls who are planning and organizing the event and performing the service to earn the money, then it is considered a money-earning activity.

There are some additional differences between these two activities. Let’s look at them closer >

Basic Money Earning Guidelines

  • Approval is not required for money-earning projects that will earn less than $100.

  • A Troop Money-Earning Project Approval Form must be submitted 30 days prior to the project.

  • Girls must be involved in planning and implementing the project.

  • Money-earning projects are for troops only. Service units are welcome to help support and assist in the planning, but all proceeds must go back to individual troops.

  • Girl Scout Daisies cannot participate in money-earning activities (except the Cookie and Fall Product Program Activity).

  • Money-earning projects cannot take place during the Fall Product order taking or Cookie Program Activity.

  • Troops cannot take orders for, sell, or endorse a commercial product or business of any kind (this includes Mary Kay, Tupperware, Candle Lite, Culvers and coupon programs). However, they can sell wholesale, non-branded or homemade items.

  • Raffles, silent auctions, games of chance and direct solicitation of cash are not approved activities.

  • Troops may not ask large corporations or chains for donations; however, they may ask local businesses to donate in-kind materials (for example supplies or food for an activity).

  • Troops cannot raise money for another organization or charity. However, girls may choose to donate a portion of the proceeds they earn to a charity of their choice.

  • Troops cannot use paid advertising or the Internet to promote their project. They are encouraged to use signs, fliers and word of mouth.

  • Troop money-earning projects, except the Cookie Program Activity, must not be conducted on a door-to-door basis.

  • Projects involving food require troops to follow state food safety guidelines and possibly purchase a food license.

  • Girls must receive 100 percent of the proceeds from any money-earning activity, including concession stands and community dinners.

  • Girls doing babysitting projects must sign a council contract to follow guidelines surrounding child safety.

  • Funds raised by members of a troop belong to the troop as a whole and cannot be refunded or redeemed by an individual member.

More Information in Managing Group Finances 

Before implementing any money-earning project, please refer to Volunteer Essentials: Managing Group Finances for complete guidelines. And be sure to check out Volunteer Essentials: Safety-Wise when planning any money-earning activity. 

Money-Earning Project Ideas

  • Calendar sale 

  • Garage sale 

  • Childcare at special events (with an adult who is First Aid and CPR certified)

  • Recyclable drive (i.e., cans, paper or ink cartridges)

  • Themed car wash

  • Talent show

  • Troop cookbook

  • Craft sale (jewelry, art work, scarves, cards, bookmarks, candles or other homemade goods)

  • Sell handmade bird feeder or bird house

  • Wreath, flower, plant or tree sale (items must be wholesale/non-branded)

  • Sock hop or dance in the community (i.e., for the general public)

  • Raking lawns/shoveling sidewalks

  • Dog walking service

  • Holiday photos

  • Haunted house

  • Bagging groceries or gift wrapping for donations (cannot replace a paid employee’s regular position)

  • Tutoring

  • Refereeing sporting events

  • Offer clown activities or face painting at community or school events

  • Organize a fall or international festival (accept donations or charge a small fee)

  • Community dinner or breakfast

  • Concession stand

  • Facilitate badge/patch workshops

Troop Sponsorship 

Troops may earn money or services through sponsorship. A sponsorship is a mutually beneficial partnership between Girl Scout troops and businesses, schools, communities of faith, and other organizations. 

Use the Troop Sponsorship Agreement Form to document agreements between the council and businesses/organizations for the sponsorship of a troop.