Additional Fundraisers and Money-Earning Projects

Troops that participate in both the Fall Product and the Cookie Programs may have extra Fundraisers. 

  • Money-earning projects cannot take place during the black out months of October, January, February and March. Those dates are reserved for Council Fundraisers. Approval is not required for money-earning projects that will earn less than $100.
  • For money-earning projects that will earn more than $100, the Troop Money-Earning Project Approval Form must be submitted 30 days prior.
  • Before implementing any money-earning project, please refer to the Managing Group Finances and Safety-wise section of Volunteer Essentials for complete guidelines. 
  • Girls must be involved in planning and implementing the project.
  • Girls must receive 100 percent of the proceeds from any money-earning activity; and funds raised must belong to the troop as a whole (they cannot be refunded or redeemed by an individual member).

Avoid fundraising for other organizations:

  • Troops cannot take orders for, sell, or endorse commercial products or businesses of any kind (this includes Mary Kay, Tupperware, Candle Lite, Culvers and coupon programs). However, troops can sell wholesale, non-branded or homemade items.
  • Girl Scouts are not allowed to solicit money on behalf of another organization. This includes participating in a walkathon while in uniform. Your troop can support other organizations through Take-Action projects (donate and hand out water instead!).
  • Troops cannot use paid advertising or the Internet to promote their project. They are encouraged to use signs, fliers and word of mouth. Please refer to “Using Online Resources and Social Media” for Product Programs section of Volunteer Essentials for complete guidelines.
  • Troops and/or Service Units cannot participate in cause marketing. This includes Culver’s, Panera Bread, Portillo’s, etc fundraising events.
  • Projects must NOT be conducted on a door-to-door basis (with the exception of the cookie program).
  • For projects involving food, Troops/Service Units must follow state food safety guidelines and, in some cases, purchase a food license: 
    • a. Illinois Department of Health – Follow these guidelines for food stand/community dinner projects in Illinois.
    • b. Indiana Department of Health – Follow these guidelines for food stand/community dinner projects in Indiana. Each county has their own guidelines.

Samples of additional Fundraisers/Money-Earning Projects:

  • Garage sales 
  • Baked goods/homemade candy sales
  • Arts and Crafts exhibits/sales
  • Serving banquets/special dinners/tea parties
  • Doll, pet, or hobby shows
  • Car Washes
  • Household/community services 
  • Recycling
  • Events/Outings that are run by the troop or an individual girl

Can Troops donate to a cause?

Yes, Troops do have the ability to decide if they want to donate funds they’ve earned to an organization they decide to support. They can let other troops know that they as a troop voted and decided to do something good with their funds. They can inform other troops about the other organization and how they are making their donation, and how their donation is helping to make the world a better place. They cannot themselves solicit donations for the other organization.

Is your troop planning on hosting an Event?
Visit Hosting an Event for more information.