Unit Money Earning Application

Unit Money-Earning Application

10 Guides to Unit Money-Earning Projects

The way in which a unit earns money to carry out its program is of great importance in the education of youth members in basic values.

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. Have your unit committee and chartered organization approved your project, including the dates and the methods?

There should be a real need for raising money based on your unit's program. We should not engage in special money-earning projects merely because someone has offered us an attractive plan. It's important to remember that individual youth members are also expected to earn their own way. The need should be over and above normal budget items covered by dues.

2. Do your plan and corresponding dates avoid competition with money-raising efforts and policies of other units, your chartered organization, your local council, and United Way?

Check with your chartered organization representative to make certain that your chartered organization agrees on the dates and type of fund-raiser. The chartered organization representative can also clear the other dates by calling the council service center.

3. Does your plan comply with local ordinances; is it free from any association with gambling; and is it consistent with the ideals and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America?

Money-raising projects that include the sale of raffle tickets are in violation of this policy.

This question can be answered only in terms of specific proposals. If there is any question of its suitability, contact your local council service center for assistance.

4. If a commercial product is to be sold, will it be sold on its own merits and without reference to the needs of Scouting, either directly (during sales presentations) or indirectly?

Teaching youth members to become self-reliant and to earn their own way is an important part of training our youth members

The official uniform is inteded to be worn primarily for use in connection with Scouting activities.  However, the uniform may be worn in connection with council-sponsored product sales programs.

6. Even when sales are confined to parents and friends, will they get their money's worth from any product they purchase, function they attend, or services they receive from your unit?

Here again is the principle of value received--a sale standing on its own merit--so that the recipients are not in any way subsidizing either Scouting or the member. Youth members must learn to pay their own way and to honestly earn the money to do it. You cannot permit anyone to use the good name of Scouting to sell a product.

7. If a project is planned for a particular area, do you respect the right of other Scouting units in the same neighborhood?

It's a courtesy to check with neighboring units or the local council service center to coordinate the time of your project and to see that you aren't covering their territory. Your unit commissioner can help you with this.

8. Is it reasonably certain that people who need work or business will not lose it as a result of your unit's plan?

Your unit should neither sell nor offer services that will damage someone's livelihood. If possible, check with the people who may be affected.

9. Will your plan protect the name and goodwill of the Boy Scouts of America and prevent it from being capitalized on by promoters of shows, benefits, or sales campaigns?

Because of Scouting's good reputation, customers rarely question the quality or price of a product. Unchecked, the network of Scouting units could become a beehive of commercial interest to the neglect of character building and citizenship training.

10. If any contracts are to be signed by your unit, will they be signed by an individual without reference to the Boy Scouts of America, or the chartered organization to any agreement of financial responsibility?

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 cannot sign on behalf of the local council of the Boy Scouts of America, nor he bind the chartered organization without its written authorization. If you're not sure, check with your local council service center for help.

Unit Fund-raisers

Include these safety considerations when planning a unit fund-raiser:

1. Money-earning projects should be suited to the ages and abilities of youth participants.
2. Proper adult supervision should be provided.
3. Youth should engage in money-earning projects only in neighborhoods that are safe and familiar and should use the buddy system.
4. Leaders must train youth members to never enter the home of a stranger and to know whom to contact in case of an emergency.
5. Youth participants should be familiar with safe pedestrian practices and participate during daylight hours only.
6. Compliance requirements:
a. Check local statutes regarding solicitation rules and permits.
b. A Unit Fund-raising Permit must be obtained from the local council service center.

Fireworks

Local councils may not authorize any group or chartered unit activity for or on behalf of its members, units, or district to sell fireworks as a fund-raising or money-earning activity.