Tools > Troop Leader FAQ > Money Management Pointers

Girl Scout Troop/Group Money Management

The management of Girl Scout Troop/group money is a key ingredient in the girl/adult partnership, which is the cornerstone of Girl Scouting. As a Girl Scout Leader, you can help girls learn basic money management skills that will allow them to make intelligent financial decisions later in life.

Handling Girl Scout Troop/group money is a serious responsibility. Girls should share that responsibility on a level that they can understand. Although the overall responsibility for handling money and reporting Girl Scout Troop/group funds rests with the adult Girl Scout troop volunteer, the funds belong to the girls AS A GROUP.

Money Management Pointers

New Girl Scout Troops may request start-up funding from parents/guardians/families for activities and supplies until money-earning activities are in place.
With the Girl Scout Leader’s guidance, girls decide the amount of Girl Scout Troop dues and the frequency of collection. Dues should be the girls’ contribution whenever possible - from allowance, babysitting money, or special chores at home.
Be sensitive: Girl sources for obtaining money to pay Girl Scout Troop dues may not be equally available. Make certain the amount is fair.
Avoid assuming the financial obligations that belong to the Girl Scout Troop as a whole. Help girls develop responsibility for carrying out their plans and monitoring the finances. Girl Scout Leaders should neither add to Girl Scout Troop/group funds from personal funds, nor remove money without the knowledge and agreement of the girls.
To encourage active support and understanding, parents/guardians and the Girl Scout Troop committee should know the Girl Scout Troop plans, including the money management plans and Girl Scout Troop financing, and the protection and safeguarding of Girl Scout Troop funds.
Girl Scout Troop finances should be shared with the girls and their parents/guardians at least three (3) times a year.
Build on information in the Girl Scout handbook. Visit a bank; invite someone in the financial field to help girls learn about deposits, interest, withdrawal, and types of accounts.
Talk about good things in life that money can’t buy. Plan free activities: A nature walk, community events open to the public, window-shopping, a picnic, jump rope, etc.

Be sure to check the Managing GS Troop Finances mini-course available online for more details. Additional sources of information include:

GSNETX Volunteer Policies and Procedures
Volunteer Essentials - Chapter 5 Managing Group Finances

And Finally...What if?

A: Girl Scouts may not solicit funds for any purpose other than Girl Scouting.

A: A Girl Scout Troop money management budget may include summer activities, the next year’s GSUSA membership dues for the girls, a “back-to-school” celebration, anticipated fall activities, or may help set up a project fund for something “really big” in the future. These carry over monies would be reported on the next year’s Annual Financial Report.

The official newspaper of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

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