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