Fundraising do’s
- Do file a unit money-earning project application for approval by both the local council and the chartering organization. Submit this application to your council service center at least two weeks in advance of the proposed date of your project.
- Do check local laws regarding solicitation rules and permits.
- Do select money-earning projects that are suited to the ages and abilities of youth participants.
- Do select money-earning projects that teach youth members to earn their own way.
- Do follow safe practices listed in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Fundraising don’ts
- Don’t solicit funds in the name of Scouting; only local councils have the authority to solicit funds.
- Don’t conduct unit money-earning projects without adequate adult supervision.
- Don’t forget to use the buddy system, and don’t go into unsafe or unfamiliar areas.
- Don’t conduct unit money-earning projects after dark or in unsafe pedestrian areas.
- Don’t sell fireworks as a unit money-earning project. That’s an unauthorized activity.
Even more guidance
Pay attention to the second page the unit money-earning project application. There you’ll find a guide to unit money-earning projects with eight questions and answers about fundraisers. I’ve pasted it below for your convenience: 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.
More unit finance resources are available at NCBSA.org/FinanceResources