One of the goals of Scouting is to teach a Scout to become self-reliant and to earn his own way. A proper money-earning project provides leaders the opportunity to show Scouts how they, through their individual and combined efforts, can earn all the money it takes to operate their pack, troop, team or crew for the entire year. The only limiting factor is their level of participation.
We often hear of potential money-earning projects that rely heavily on the leaders or parents and very little on the Scouts. Other times we hear of projects that rely on the good name of Scouting to promote a commercial project or service.
If we're going to view the Money Earning Project as an opportunity to instill values in the young people we serve, "the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time" is a signal that it may not be the best fit for Scouting. Give careful thought as you consider what and how your unit will generate the necessary funds to operate.
Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, this checklist can serve as your guide. It will be helpful to you as you fill out the application. If your answer is yes to all the questions that follow, it is likely the project conforms with 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 withour binding the local council, the Boy Scouts of America, or the chatered organziation?
Before any person in your unit signs a contract, he must make sure the venture is legitimate and worthy. If a contract is signed, he is personally responsible. He may not sign on behalf of the local council or the Boy Scouts of America, nor may he bind the chartered organization without its written authorization. If you are not sure, check with your district executive for help.
3. Will your fund-raiser 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 fund-raising 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 fund-raising 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 fund-raising activity. Typically, council popcorn sales or Scout show ticket sales are approved uniform fund-raisers.
7. Will the fund-raising 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 fund-raising 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 fund-raiser.
For more information regarding the Unit Money Earning Application please contact John Fabsits at the Council Service Center.
