Unit Fundraising: Purpose and Principles
Scouting units may raise funds to support a safe, high-quality, youth-centered program, provided all fundraising activities are approved in advance, comply with Scouting America (BSA) rules and policies, and follow all local, state, and federal laws. All unit fundraisers must directly benefit the unit and must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Fundraising exists to help ensure that every youth has access to the full Scouting experience, regardless of financial circumstances. When used appropriately, unit fundraising can:
- Support program expenses such as camping, activities, advancement materials, and recognition
- Reduce the financial burden on individual families
- Help youth participate in special events or extended activities
- Enable year-long program planning through a balanced unit budget
Fundraising, however, is not an end in itself. Units should avoid money-earning projects simply because an opportunity exists or a product seems appealing. Youth members are expected to earn their way primarily through participation, responsibility, and dues, with fundraising used only when there is a clear program need beyond normal operating expenses.
When Fundraising May Not Be Necessary
A unit may not need to conduct additional fundraising when:
- Routine program costs are already covered by dues or council-coordinated sales (such as popcorn)
- The unit has sufficient funds on hand to support its planned annual program
- The activity would conflict with another unit, the chartered organization, the local council, or community partners
- The fundraiser would place unnecessary pressure on youth, families, or the public
Units are encouraged to review their annual program plan and budget before proposing a fundraiser to ensure money-earning activities are limited, intentional, and clearly tied to program delivery.
Before proposing a fundraiser, unit leaders should be able to answer “yes” to the following:
- Is there a real program need beyond normal expenses covered by dues or existing funds?
- Does the fundraiser reflect Scouting values and protect the good name of Scouting?
- Will the activity avoid soliciting donations and instead offer fair value for what is sold?
- Will the fundraiser avoid commercialism and not trade on the Scouting name or reputation?
- Will youth participation be appropriate, safe, and policy-compliant?
- Does the activity avoid conflict with local businesses, other units, the chartered organization, and the council?
- If contracts are required, are they signed by an individual and not on behalf of Scouting America, the council, or the chartered organization (unless authorized)?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” the fundraiser should be reconsidered or revised before submission.
Approval Is Required
Before conducting any unit fundraiser (other than council-coordinated sales such as popcorn), units must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application and receive written approval from the local council at least 14 days in advance.
This approval process helps ensure activities are appropriate, legal, and consistent with Scouting values, while protecting the unit, its leaders, the chartered organization, and Scouting’s reputation.
unit money-earning application