Unit Fundraising

BSA chartered units may participate in approved fundraising projects provided BSA Rules and Regulations and guidelines are followed. These help ensure the safety of all participants, the quality of the product or service and avoids the commercialization of BSA. Units conducting an activity must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application, Form No. 34427,  for approval by the chartered organization and their local BSA council prior to holding an activity.

BSA has issued a 15-page Fundraising Policies and Procedures Manual which describes the rules and regulations for conducting fundraising activities to accomplish the above objectives and ensure that fundraising is planned and coordinated using sound fundraising principles. It addresses the policies concerning contributions, fundraising, advertising, commercialism, use of the uniform, gambling, local council control, unit money-earning projects, pyramid sales, product sales, Scouting public display activities, and raising funds. Unit leaders are strongly encouraged to read the manual prior to running a money-earning activity.

The BSA Unit Money-Earning Application (Form No. 34427) serves as the means for obtaining project fundraising approval and complying with the BSA rules, regulations, and guidelines.  It consists of an application format that fully describes the proposed fundraising project and provides for approval by the unit leader, unit committee chair, the chartered organization representative, and the District or Council Finance Committee.

The reverse side of the form contains the eight guidelines for unit money-earning projects to assist in completing the application and to ensure compliance with BSA rules and regulations. All unit fundraisers must obtain written approval from the local council no less than 14 days before committing to the fundraising activity.

Before any person in your unit signs a contract, he or she must make sure the venture is legitimate and worthy.  If a contract is signed, he or she is personally responsible. A contract cannot be signed on behalf of the local council or the Boys Scouts of America, nor may an individual bind the chartered organization without its written authorization.

BSA units are strongly encouraged to participate in existing BSA and SAC fundraising activities such as Popcorn sales which already meet BSA rules and regulations and are designed to support both unit activities and individual Scout financial needs.