Unit Fundraising

A unit’s money-earning methods should reflect Scouting’s basic values. Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, this checklist can serve as your guide. If your answer is “Yes” to all the questions that follow, it is likely the project conforms to Scouting’s standards and will be approved.

1. Do you really need a fundraising project?

There should be a real need for raising money based on  your unit’s program. Units should not engage in money earning projects merely because someone has offered an  attractive plan. Remember that individual youth members  are expected to earn their own way. The need should be  beyond normal budget items covered by dues.

2. If any contracts are to be signed, will they be signed by an individual, without reference to the Boy Scouts of America and without binding the local council, the Boy Scouts of America, or the chartered organization?

Before any person in your unit signs a contract, he/she must make sure the venture is legitimate and worthy. If a contract is signed, he/she is personally responsible. He/she may not sign on behalf of the local council or the Boy Scouts of America, nor may he/she bind the chartered organization without its written authorization. If you are not sure, check with your district executive for help.

3. Will your fundraiser prevent promoters from trading on the name and goodwill of the Boy Scouts of America?

Because of Scouting’s good reputation, customers rarely  question the quality or price of a product. The nationwide  network of Scouting units must not become a beehive of commercial interest.

4. Will the fundraising activity uphold the good name of the BSA? Does it avoid games of chance, gambling, etc.?

Selling raffle tickets or other games of chance is a direct violation of the BSA Rules and Regulations, which forbid  gambling. The product must not detract from the ideals  and principles of the BSA.

5. If a commercial product is to be sold, will it be sold on its own merits and without reference to the needs of Scouting?

All commercial products must sell on their own merits, not the benefit received by the Boy Scouts. The principle  of value received is critical in choosing what to sell.

6. If a commercial product is to be sold, will the fundraising activity comply with BSA policy on wearing the uniform?

The official uniform is intended to be worn primarily for use in connection with Scouting activities. However, council executive boards may approve use of the uniform for any  fundraising activity. Typically, council popcorn sales or Scout show ticket sales are approved uniform fundraisers.

7. Will the fundraising project avoid soliciting money or gifts?

The BSA Rules and Regulations state, “Youth members  shall not be permitted to serve as solicitors of money for their chartered organizations, for the local council, or in support of other organizations. Adult and youth members shall not be permitted to serve as solicitors of money in support of personal or unit participation in local, national, or international events.”

For example: Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts and leaders should not identify themselves as Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts or as a troop/pack participate in The Salvation Army’s Christmas Bell Ringing program. This would be raising money for another organization. At no time are units permitted to solicit contributions for unit programs.

8. Does the fundraising activity avoid competition with other units, your chartered organization, your local council, and the United Way?

Check with your chartered organization representative and your district executive to make certain that your chartered organization and the council agree on the dates and type of fundraiser.

The local council is responsible for upholding the Charter and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations of the BSA. To ensure compliance, all unit fundraisers MUST OBTAIN WRITTEN APPROVAL from the local council NO LESS THAN 14 DAYS before committing to the fundraising activity!

The way in which a unit earns money to carry out its program is of great importance in the education of youth members in basic values.

Here are a few tips to remember in planning ways for your unit to earn money:

• Scouts should be taught to earn their own way. This can be accomplished through product sales. There must be a value received through a sale that stands on its own merit.
• Money-raising projects that include the sale of raffle tickets are in violation of BSA policy.
• No member of a unit is allowed to solicit funds from the community on behalf of their unit. Units are generally not equipped with a 501(c)(3) to provide tax statements to a donor.
• In accordance with federal law and local council policies, the council can not use its 501(c)(3) status for the sole benefit of a unit.
• It is against BSA policy to endorse a business establishment or entity by promoting it to receive a financial benefit.
• Units should complete a money earning application 2 weeks prior to any money earning project.
• Wearing the Scout uniform is only permissible during the Popcorn Sale campaign or other Council sponsored fundraisers.