New: How is Scouting Funded?

What's up with the Popcorn Sale?

  • Scout's can earn their way to camp for free

  • No up-front cost to the unit

  • Prize program or cash bonus commission

Selling Popcorn can provide the Ideal Year of Scouting

  •    Giving your unit more money to spend on PROGRAM.

  •    Reducing out-of-pocket expenses for adult partners.

  •    Eliminating the need for multiple fundraisers each year - allowing more time for the program.

  • Helps Scouts earn their way to camp.

Building a strong annual program is a great way to keep your Scouts active and interested in the Scouting program. Funding your program is equally important, as Scouts benefit from paying their own way.

The council's suggested money-earning project is the annual popcorn sale. With a little imagination, many units have raised sizable amounts of money for unit accounts.

Units need a secure and stable source of income that a strong popcorn sale can provide. Monies raised by units have been used to cover the cost of badges and advancement, special events, and camp fees.

The popcorn sale also benefits the council as a whole by helping us serve volunteer leaders and members by providing better programs and camping facilities.

When your Pack, Troop, or Crew is establishing its budget, make popcorn a part of that plan. Try establishing a unit and Scout goal to meet the budgeted needs for the entire year of Scouting for each youth member. Units that establish a goal raise twice as much as those that don't. Remember - financially sound units can spend more time and resources providing a fun, challenging, and affordable year-round program!

How Packs, Troops, Teams, Crews, and Ships Are Funded

Units can use a variety of fund-raising methods as long as they meet the guidelines set by the National Council and their local council and are approved by their unit committee and chartered organization. Most commonly, units are funded through:

  •     Weekly or monthly dues paid by the member

  •     Unit product sales such as popcorn

  •     Chartered organization contributions

  •     Other money-earning projects approved by the chartered organization

How Packs, Troops, and Crews Use Their Funding

Units can use the funds they raise for any activities that are within the national and local council guidelines and that their unit committee and chartered organization approve. Most commonly, units use their funds for:

  •     Unit activities such as camping and other activities

  •     Program supplies for unit activities

  •     Equipment such as tents, camp stoves, and Pinewood Derby® tracks

  •     Advancements and awards such as rank emblems and merit badges

  •     Scout's Life magazine subscriptions

Local Councils

How Local Councils Are Funded

Local councils are funded through:

How Local Councils Use Their Funding

Local councils provide support for units in their service area; therefore, funds are typically used to:

  •     Maintain camp properties and the council service center

  •     Provide insurance

  •     Maintain membership records

  •     Pay salaries and benefits to employees

  •     Purchase program supplies for youth activities sponsored by the council

  •     Provide volunteer training

National Council

How the National Council Is Funded

The National Council is funded by:

  •     Scout supply sales

  •     Membership fees

  •     Grants from foundations

  •     Legacies and bequests

  •     Corporate sponsorships

How the National Council Uses Its Funding

The National Council provides program materials and support for local councils. The National Council uses its funds for:

  •     Development of program materials and resources

  •     Infrastructure support for local councils such as maintaining membership database and reporting functions

  •     Development of professional and volunteer training materials

  •     Salaries and benefits for employees