Volunteer Essentials

Troop Money-Earning Guidelines The guidelines below—some required by the Internal Revenue Service—ensure money-earning activities are conducted with legal and financial integrity. • Each troop must participate in the annual Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Cookie Program • Troops may not solicit corporations during the United Way campaign, which runs from Labor Day to end of October • Already-established, ongoing projects may continue, but may not be expanded during these times. Ongoing projects must be low profile and must not include heavy public contact • Girl Scout troops shall not solicit businesses for prizes or awards to be given for any purpose • Troops participating in the Fall Product Program may conduct additional money-earning activities during the time of the Fall Product Program with the approval of the Neighborhood Treasurer • Troop money-earning activities should be conducted in the name of the troop, and monies earned are considered troop funds. Monies earned may not be allocated or refunded to individual troop members • There shall be no paid advertisement to publicize troop money-earning events • All proceeds earned by troops through Girl Scout Product Programs must support Girl Scout program experiences such as camp, travel and program events. They cannot be applied to scholarships or financial credits toward outside organizations (e.g., college application fees) • Money earned may not be retained by individuals. Girls can, however, earn official rewards related to the Product Programs • If the money-earning activity is repetitive (e.g., a troop provides babysitting services or gives children’s birthday parties), permission may be granted for one year • Funds acquired through troop money-earning activities must be reported and accounted for • Troop money-earning activities must be suited to the age and abilities of the girls and relate to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience • Adults may assist girls in their money-earning activity, but shall not raise funds alone in the name of Girl Scouts • Money-earning activities are program activities and should include program components designed to help girls learn and practice life skills. Money-earning activities should be planned and implemented by girls

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