Chapter 5: Additional Group Money-Earning

Money-earning activities are approved, girl-adult planned activities with program value that earn money beyond earnings from the product sales. Troops or groups should first prepare an informal budget based on girl planning and dues before determining what additional money-earning activities will be needed. Permission must be obtained prior to conducting a troop money-earning activity other than a council product sale. See the lists in this section for money-earning activities that can be approved.

Always check council before making a decision about potential activities.

Examples of Money-Earning Activities:

If the money-earning activity the troop wants to do is on the list below, submit the request to the membership specialist at least four weeks prior to the activity.

• Recycling
• Garage and yard sales
• Gift wrapping
• Cell phone and electronics collections
• Used ink cartridges turned in for money
• Christmas-tree recycling
• Car Wash
• Housecleaning services
• Chore services (raking leaves, weeding gardens, mowing lawns, pet walking, senior companion)
• Product proof-of-purchase redemption program for nonprofits (e.g., saving labels, bottle tops to redeem for cash)
• Producing hand-crafted items such as art work, jewelry or crafts, note cards
• Sponsoring a troop talent show, concert or art exhibit, sports activity or competition
• Coordinate a babysitting service for special occasions

Examples of Activities Not Approved:

• The preparation and distribution and sale of food are prohibited by council policy.
• Activites such as bake sales, selling pizza, or other food items at community fairs, businesses or sporting events are prohibited by council policy.
• Any activity that could endorse a particular product or business or political affiliation.

Cause-Related Marketing

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains may develop alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses for the purpose of advancing Girl Scouting and to provide benefits directly to members. The council ensures these alliances are compatible with the values of Girl Scouting and follows these guiding principles for such relationships:

• The Girl Scout image will be preserved and enhanced.
• Significant revenue and/or visibility will be generated.
• Program activities for members will be enriched.
• Membership outreach (recruitment & retention) efforts will be supported.
• The integrity and financial well-being of the council will be maintained or enriched.

Bronze, Silver and gold Award Projects and GSUSA destinations trips

Girls who are engaged in money-earning activities to supplement their Award projects and GSUSA destinations trips are required to follow the same procedures as troop/groups and service units. Since these programs require a close working relationship with council program staff, membership and volunteer committees, specific guidelines must be followed. IRS rules and regulations apply to cash and in-kind donations. Cash gifts exceeding one payment of $250 or more must be receipted by the council. In-kind donations of goods must be receipted separately and a special form used for substantiation should the donor want a receipt. The council recommends good planning practices for money-earning and or fundraising activities in support of awards projects. All tax substantiation is implemented through the council Development Department.