Frequently Asked Funding Questions

Thank you for supprting Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania! Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about funding we receive. If you still don't find an answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to call us at 1.800.692.7816

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General Questions and Answers

When I give, where does the money go? How is the money used? Do girls benefit directly?

All funds raised in support of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania stay within our local council and directly benefit the girls we serve. The money raised is used in a number of ways, such as providing financial assistance for girls who cannot afford scouting, developing programs and activities for girls and maintaining and improving our twelve resident camps.

I give my time as a volunteer, why should I give money?

The time and talent dedicated volunteers give to Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is truly appreciated. To sustain the work you do with girls, the council must raise money. That is when we explore various funding options such as in-kind donations, foundation and coroporation giving, staff and board support, as well as support from our families and volunteers.

If foundations and corporations support the council, why ask parents and volunteers?

In order for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania to continue providing quality services to all girls at a low cost, we must seek funding from a variety of sources. We ask corporations, foundations and individuals for support. When we can show a strong financial commitment from our internal family - parents, volunteers, staff and board members - we build an even stronger case for the support of external donors.

I pay $10 for my girl to join Girl Scouting. Where does that money go?

The $10 membership fee paid when you or your girl registered to join Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is a national membership fee and goes directly to Girl Scouts USA. That money helps to underwrite national program efforts, development of Girl Scout handbooks and materials, activity insurance, program enhancements and management support to councils.

I can't give a big cash gift right now, is there something else I can do to support the program?

Gifts of all sizes are appreciated. There are several other ways of making a financial gift. You can make a bequest in your will. Depending upon your circumstances, you may want to establish a charitable trust which may provide income during your life and offer considerable tax benefits. Gifts of appreciated stock, real estate and paid-up life insurance policies are other ways to make a gift. Call the Fund Development office at 1.800.692.7816 for more information.

I give to the United Way, do they support Girl Scouting?

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is grateful for the support of nearly 30 area United Ways. However, funding from corporations, foundations and the United Way is not guaranteed.

We purchase cookies through the council product sale, why should we make a donation?

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is very proud of our Cookie Sale Program and we appreciate all the support it generates. The sale provides a wonderful opporunity for girls to learn presentation skills, financial management, goal setting and budget planning. While the revenue generated from the Cookie Sale is important, it does not meet all of the council's needs.

Troops ask members to pay dues. Why should I give money to the Girl Scout council?

Each individual troop within Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania decides what that particular troop's dues will be. These funds pay only for the girls' troops activities, not other services the council provides such as financial assistance, volunteer and girl recruitment, volunteer training and support, and upkeep of council properties, including camps and field offices in each of the 30 counties we serve. Your gift to the council supports these other services.

My daughter paid $5 to participate in a council event, does that cover the cost of these services?

Your payment to attend a council-sponsored event helps offset some of the costs associated with sponsoring the event. There are many costs associated with all events - food, program activity supplies and site rental fees - which exceed those fees. Your gift also helps defer less obvious costs like staff time, clerical support, telephone costs, postage, printing and insurance.

Does Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania adhere to any policies or guidelines concerning fundraising? How can I learn more about the council's finances?

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania adheres to the Donor Bill of Rights, which was created by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It has been endorsed by numerous organizations. Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. You can contact the council for copies of all financial records and 990 forms for each of the four former councils are available at www.guidestar.org. Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania's 990 form will be posted on www.guidestar.org as soon as it is available.

Thank you for your interest in and support of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania! Please feel free to call the Fund Development department at 1.800.692.7816 with any addtional questions not covered here.