Girl Scout Fundraising Ideas
Aside from the staple fundraising campaign of marketing small boxes of cookies, there are a plethora of other Girl Scout fundraising ideas. Arts and crafts, selling popcorn and cookie dough, organizing garage sales, providing services, and collecting dues are fine ways of obtaining contributions from the public that support Girl Scout troops.
Because Girl Scout cookies are only sold once a year, it is important for Girl Scout troops to have additional fundraising methods. An easy solution to the lack of fundraising during the year is to utilize skills that Girl Scouts exhibit during their meetings. During group meetings, have Girls Scouts make special arts and crafts, such as key chains, picture frames, flower pots, etc. Hand-painted ceramics and Christmas ornaments are big hits and provide an opportunity for Girl Scouts to show their creative side. Talk to local arts and crafts store, and get their approval to set up a small booth outside their entrance doors. This tactic is especially helpful around the holidays; handmade gifts are the best, especially when they support a good cause.
Leave it to the Boy Scouts to come up with another profitable fundraising tactic. Selling individual boxes of popcorn with different flavors available is another way to guarantee fundraising success. Set up outside gourmet food stores or local grocery stores. If possible, post a sign outside of the locations where you will be selling advertising the dates and times the Girl Scouts will be selling the popcorn; people are more apt to bring cash and checks when they expect to spend it! Frozen cookie dough is also another profitable fundraiser. Don’t forget to ask teachers, coworkers and friends if they would like to help support the fundraising efforts.
Collecting toys, clothes, and other items that both adults and children have outgrown and hosting a garage sale is a time-tested way to make money—and have fun! Have moms and dads contribute to the success by donating big-ticket items they no longer use. Have the girls bake brownies, cookies, and cupcakes to sell at the garage sale. Post signs in advance and, if possible, host it in a populated parking lot of a church or thrift store so walk-in business is more likely.
One of the most rewarding and profitable fundraising ventures is having Girl Scouts provide services. Services such as providing babysitting at church or car washes make people feel like they are getting more for their money. Because these are services that people would ordinarily utilize, the patron base is wider and Girls Scouts are much more apt to see high profits all while having a good time.
Aside from the more time consuming fundraising ideas for girl scouts, make certain that Girl Scout dues are always collected at meetings. Though they are often minimal, they will add up for the group in the long run making camps, field trips, and other adventures possible! With a little bit of time and enthusiasm, there are many great fundraising ideas for Girl Scouts.