The vast majority of events at the Service Unit or Borough Level are not fundraising events; they are program events that should be designed to run at cost. They should follow the Girl Scout guidelines for girl and adult participation.
In the event there is a profit on an event, the proceeds should go to the service unit or borough’s program committee in a separate account to be used for start-up funds for future events or other approved Service Unit Expenses. A Service Unit or Borough Program committee should not maintain a balance or greater than $100.00 at year-end.
Service Units/Boroughs who are interested in running a fundraising event need to:
First, consider whether a fundraising event is the best approach. Fundraising events require a great deal of time and resources; the vast majority of events yield a small return and some events lose money.
Understand the proceeds from Fundraising Events must come to the Girl Scout Council. The proceeds may be designated in one or more of the following ways:
- Family Partnership Appeal (link to family partnership page)
- Overall Council Programs
- With approval, they may be designated to one of the Council’s Program Priorities such as Camp or Older Girl Programs.
Manage the event at the volunteer level including promoting the event, recruiting volunteers, girls and attendees and managing the funds.
Submit a written proposal to your Borough Membership Manager on the event, including its budget, date and anticipated proceeds. Proposals must be submitted no less than two months prior to anticipated event date and allow at least 3 weeks for approval. The proposal must be approved by your Membership Manager and the Director, Major/Individual Giving & Special Events.
If approved:
- Ensure promotional materials clearly state the percentage of proceeds that will benefit the Girl Scout Council, so this amount is transparent to the participants. For example, “10% of the proceeds will support the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.”
- If applicable, confirm the tax-deductible portion and receipt process with the Council’s Individual Giving/Special Events team.
- Ensure you follow Girl Scout branding guidelines when using the Girl Scout name or logo.
When given at least 6 weeks notice, the Council may be able to include approved Service Unit/Borough Events as an additional opportunity in one of its regular e-letters. Note that products or brands cannot be promoted or endorsed in these communications.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact customer care.