Fundraising & Finances on ScoutmasterCG Archive

Scouting and Money

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A reader asks: I would really like to hear how various troops handle money.

While I am certain there is no “one” right way to handle Scouting and money, I feel we can learn from sharing each other’s methods. How is the money collected, who collects it and when is it collected? How much is an average weekend camping trip, how are these fees determined, and does fundraising cover these expenses? Do Scouters pay the same as Scouts for camping trips? What about annual dues? How much are they, when are they paid, and how are they used? How are fundraiser proceeds allocated; to the troop, or to individual Scouts? What kind of fundraisers do you do?

Group Air Travel - A Saga

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In August fifteen of our Scouts and leaders are off to visit Kandersteg International Scout Center in Switzerland. We started planning and raising money last spring. Lots of research has gone into constructing a budget, planning the trip and making reservations.

There is very little reliable information to be found about group air travel and the rules seem to change pretty regularly. In the hopes that I may be able to save anyone planning group air travel some time and trouble I’ll tell you the story of our quest to fly to Switzerland.

Scout Fundraising

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

During my early years as a Scoutmaster fund raising for the Troop was a miserable task. We tried selling stuff offered by fund raising companies with marginal success. What we finally hit on was a spaghetti dinner that has been a great money earner and event for the past decade or more.

There is no ‘right’ fund raiser for all Troops. Some will find success where others fail- here are a few guidelines that have served us well: Value for Money – Don’t sell something that has an artificially inflated price – for example don’t sell a fifty cent candy bar for two bucks. Lots of groups do this, I think it is a scam. Why not just walk around with a can and beg for the two bucks? If the product doesn’t sell itself because of its intrinsic value it is somewhat less than honest to ask for money.

An Approved Scout Fundraising Project

Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A Scout Fundraising Project will help our Scouts get to Kandersteg International Scout Center in Switzerland next summer. We discussed lots of different ideas, did a bit of research and settled on selling coffee. We contacted a local coffee roasting company and set up an arrangement where we could buy coffee at their wholesale price and sell it for their regular retail price.

Before we do anything, though, we will complete a Unit Money Earning Application to be sure that our efforts conform to B.S.A. policies. On the reverse of the application form there are eight points that describe the policies every money earning project must meet: 1. Do you really need a fund-raising project?

Capital Assests; Canoes, Trailers, Buses and the like

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Julus Pahl writes: Clarke I am wondering how to go about getting canoes for a troop? The troop I am working with only camps and the current SM is training me to take over. In the past the boys pretty much only camped and this has taken a toll on the older Scouts! They want something more…something different! My troop growing up tended to canoe and backpack so I am eager to introduce the boys to both.

Finances and Scouting

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Raising and spending money is, perhaps, more of a concern for a Troop Committee than a Scoutmaster but financial decisions and practices are an important part of the work.

Budget Every Troop should set a budget that sets monthly allocations for program, gear, awards and other costs based on projected revenue.

Sources for revenue are fund raising, dues and fees Fundraising Fund raising activities must be approved by the Troop’s chartered partner and Scout Council. Fund raising should always reflect value for money.

Looking Ahead - Financial Stability

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Fourth in a series of thoughts about looking ahead . How will we reach and or maintain financial stability?

Great Scouting is not dependent on a lavish budget; just ask your Council Executive.

Every Troop, Pack and Crew I know of raises money to support its program.

I am not concerned here with the specifics of how money is raised and the rules of fund raising so much as the broad concepts involved. The Unit Money Earning Application (PDF file) explains the official guidelines for unit fund raising.

Friends of Scouting - Scouting is Free

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What does Scouting cost?

Depends how you look at it; I think Scouting is free. I’ve volunteered in our local government for a dozen or more years. If I hear someone complaining about their water bill I point out the water is free, it’s the pipes that cost money.

Making water safe to drink, getting it to your house, and treating wastewater costs money – but the water itself is free. I’ve volunteered for Scouting for closing in on four decades. When I hear people complain if they are asked to donate to Scouting I tell them Scouting, like water, is free.