A wide variety of organizations, causes, and fundraisers may appeal to Girl Scouts to serve as their labor force, especially during difficult times around natural disasters. Please keep in mind, that when representing Girl Scouts, members cannot raise money for other organizations, participate in money earning activities that represent partisan politics, or are not Girl Scout approved product sales and efforts. It is imperative that Girl Scouts do not partake in anything that can be construed as unrelated business income. This is essential to protect our organization’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
To support a better understanding of our guidelines, here are answers to these frequently asked questions:
Q: How can Girl Scouts help support disaster relief organizations during times of natural disasters?
A: Troops can do service projects to benefit a cause or organization they want to help. They can donate funds, earned within a Girl Scout product program or money-earning activity to an organization of their choice, if the organization is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status. It is recommended that the troops research each option and vote on where to donate funds to ensure all girls voices are engaged and heard in the decision-making process.
Q: Why are troops allowed to donate funds but not raise funds for other organizations?
A: Troops can donate a portion of their troop funds (earned through Girl Scout product program or money-earning activity) to a cause they care about. These donations are different than participating with or representing outside organizations at fundraising events because:
- As stated on page 20 of the Blue Book of Basic Documents, “Girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money..."
- Donating a troop’s (already) earned funds provides troop members with the opportunity to lead and earn safely, within the Girl Scout program, and still decide, girl led as a troop, to support the causes they care about.
For additional information please refer to these documents: