Volunteer Essentials Volunteer Essentials 2015-16 - Updated 5/31/17 | Page 83

Chapter 5 : Managing Group Finances

Helping girls decide what they want to do , and coaching them as they earn and manage money to pursue their goals , is an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience ( GSLE ). Your Girl Scout group plans and finances its own activities , with your guidance . At the same time , the girls learn many valuable skills that serve them throughout their lives .
Girl Scout groups are funded by a share of money earned through council-sponsored product sale activities ( such as Girl Scout cookie activities ), group money-earning activities ( council-approved , of course ), and any dues your group may charge . ( This is in addition to the annual membership dues that go to GSUSA .) This chapter gives you the ins and outs of establishing a group account and helping girls manage their group ’ s finances , practice successful product-sales techniques , review the safety requirements around product sales , and understand how to collaborate with sponsors and causes .

Establishing an Account

If your group is earning and spending money , the group needs to set up a bank account . If you ’ re taking over an existing group , you may inherit a checking account , but with a new group , you ’ ll want to open a new account . This usually happens when there is money to deposit , such as group dues or money from product sales or group money-earning activities . Consider these tips when working with a group account :
● Keep group funds in the bank before an activity or trip , paying for as many items as possible in advance of your departure .
● Use debit card during the activity or trip .
● Make one person responsible for group funds and for keeping a daily account of expenditures .
● Only one debit card will be permitted per troop . Only one person ’ s name will be on this debit card . This is the only person who may use the debit card .
Follow your council ’ s financial policies and procedures for setting up an account . Most councilsponsored product sale activities have specific banking and tracking procedures .
Unused Girl Scout money left in accounts when groups disband becomes the property of the service unit . Prior to disbanding , the group may decide to donate any unused funds to a worthwhile organization , to another group , or for girl activities . As when closing a Girl Scout account , be sure all checks and other debits have cleared the account before you close it , and realize that you may have to close the account in person . Turn remaining funds over to a council staff member .
Click the links for the following : � Bank Account Policy and Procedures � Bank Account Information and ACH Authorization Form
� Troop or Service Unit Bank Account Form � Disbanded Troop Form