Of course some cases are legit, some are not. Due to IRS regulations on non-profits (the BSA is a non-profit org), there are some strict rules on how your unit can contribute to your account. Your fundraiser should fulfill an additional need, such as a trip that will provide badge-earning opportunities, instead of simply raising funds to cover the cost of meetings. Units are allowed to offer a product or service, but there must be a flat fee charged for that product or service. The product must not detract from the ideals and principles of the BSA. 30 Fundraising Ideas for Scouts - SignUpGenius I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor. Information, Observation, and Inspiration for Scouters. If the proceeds are part of the units general fund and unit provides camperships or if the unit needs supplies to aid the Scout in any area of the program (advancement, camping supplies that may be lent to the Scout, etc. The BSA Rules and Regulations state, Youth members shall not be permitted to serve as solicitors of money for their chartered organizations, for the local council, or in support of other organizations. for goods and services, lowering the threshold to $600. . In my troop, our individual scout accounts typically received around 12%. (608) 784-4040 | GatewayAreaCouncilBSA@scouting.org, You are not logged in. That of course would be almost impossible. 5. The whole point of the scout program is to teach a boy life skills so he can contribute to his community, family and nation. Are you required to offer some sort of reward to backers? 5819-09X. II. They will assist you in answering the questions below. When using a Crowdfunding site to fund an Eagle Project, the project MUST be set up under the Tax ID# of the beneficiary with all funds going to the beneficiary. An example would be if a Scout is part of a unit, and the unit raises money to offset the costs of Scouting for the entire unit. Linked troops can have separate equipment if resources allow. In fact, the current Campership applications include this section with instructions for units to allocate a part of the Scouts sales to the individual for that purpose. Could someone also explain to me how this doesnt break the rules? That really ticked me off that this DE had the guts to say that and then say that was what he was instructed to check for. This means no taxes paid by the individual. The Unit would then help the boys manage the funds (they need to since they were given in trust for a specific purpose) through the use of scout accounts. This would be raising money for another organization. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The beneficiary of the service project is responsible to ensure all IRS guidelines related to contributions/donations are being met such as refunding donor money and contribution statements if applicable. However, below are a few things you must know. So, What are BSA Individual Scout Accounts? BSA Product Sales Guide Funding Your Scouting Program: A Training Video Guidance on Individual Scout Accounts Troop Budget Planning Links Planning Your Troop's Annual Program Budget Troop Operating Budget Worksheet Scouting's Vision, Mission, Aims, and Methods Putting Skills into Action (video 3:18) A Game with a Purpose (video 2:11) Even if a chartered organization isnt a 501(c)(3) charitable organization (there are several, such as hospitals or fire departments), BSAs wide-reaching blanket prohibition would seem to ban units that wouldnt otherwise be affected from individual fundraising. Form No. Scouting is normally a reasonably-priced activity compared to other youth clubs and teams, but activities like high adventure, Jamboree and NOAC can be a steep obstacle in terms of finance. The Eagle-required Personal Fitness merit badge will teach you the knowledge and habits Hey there, reader! The following article I found to really put the whole thing in perspective. Will you be able to keep donations even if you dont reach your stated monetary goal (required)? Uniforms can prove useful when scouts are speaking to members of the community about their fundraising efforts. Hoping National is going to provide some better guidance here. The unit leaders and parents will need to consider these questions: Are the websites terms of service in conflict with any BSA policies? The BSAs prohibition is on allocating proceeds from unit fundraisers in proportion to the amount the Scout sold or hours of work performed. But thats intentional. There youll find a guide to unit money-earning projects with eightquestions and answers about fundraisers. 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. The number of units that will be affected by this change is rather small. Fundraising is allowed to the extent required to cover the expected expense but projects whose sole purpose is to raise funds do not qualify as Eagle Leadership Service Projects. There youll find a guide to unit money-earning projects with eightquestions and answers about fundraisers. FOS, Click on the link to download a Unit Money Earning form (fundraiser approval form). Very interesting comments. While individual scout accounts might not be the best fit for every troop, there are definitely benefits to setting up methods that help Scouting families pay for expenses. I think this goes beyond the affect on the Local Units and the Scout who has financial struggles. This would account for typically 3/4 of all Scouts in the council. Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, this checklist can serve as your guide. If a business sells a product at a profit, that profit is taxable, but a nonprofit organization escapes paying tax because the profit is for the good of the community. Although I didn't realize it at the time, Scouting helped shape my life! I think Id apply the proceeds to the total summer camp cost and use that to reduce the per-person cost for everyone, in keeping with BSAs statement. Check with your chartered organization representative and your district executive to make certain that your chartered organization and the council agree on the dates and type of fundraiser. Scout builds home for hawk, plus other good news from this week, Postcards Home program will give youth the opportunity to share their Jamboree experience, 5-year-old earns BSA lifesaving award for saving his little brother from choking, Reflecting on the train derailment heroes one year later, plus other news from this week, The Jamboree Cultural Showcase needs you to help highlight Scoutings core ideals, Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Luckily, our Gourmet Popcorn is far from the same old. This isa bad idea. BSA. For purposes of this section: (1) Fundraising means the raising of funds for a nonprofit organization, other than a political organization as . So maybe Im jaded but it isnt like my concerns are unfounded. Can Scouters raise funds for themselves using individual accounts? This statement supersedes all other references. Since nearly all earn less than $6,100 a year it does not matter how one characterize the contributions since even if one characterizes it as income to the boys it is not enough to trigger the need for them to file a tax return. All rights reserved. I am all for abiding by the rules. To learn more about the Value and Real-world Benefits of Earning the Eagle Scout Rank, check out my complete article. If youd like my two cents, we need to follow A Scout is Obedient (He obeys the laws of his community and country. Our local council offered 2 free tickets to a local theme park or a council gift card for scouts who sold over $1500 in popcorn. Thanks for any advice. No matter your financial situation, Id strongly encourage you to use this tool if you can and make the most of your time in Scouting! This would be the majority of Scouts in the country. Scout builds home for hawk, plus other good news from this week, Postcards Home program will give youth the opportunity to share their Jamboree experience, 5-year-old earns BSA lifesaving award for saving his little brother from choking, Reflecting on the train derailment heroes one year later, plus other news from this week, The Jamboree Cultural Showcase needs you to help highlight Scoutings core ideals, Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Its OK to earn money from a paper route (if those still exist! The nonprofit status of the BSA and of the unit's chartered organization is at stake. Below are some expenses that troops typically cover/reimburse for using funds from individual scout accounts: This is only my own experience, so Id recommend checking with your troop first to be 100% sure that an expense can be covered by your individual scout account. However, council executive boards may approve use of the uniform for any fundraising activity. So, if a scout collects funds from popcorn sales, it must primarily be used for the whole troops benefit. The BSA wants you to be prepared by providing you with all availablefacts so you can enjoy Scouting without any problem with Uncle Sam coming to visit, McGowan says. PDF Unit Fundraising and the IRS - Meridian District, BSA Eagle Service Project Fundraising Guidelines - Mayflower Council | BSA However, I do believe that it will change the criteria used to establish how scholarships are awarded. The fundraiser documentation would need to make it clear that it is a gift for the boy with the intent that they use it toward their scouting and not a tax deductible donation to scouting to make those the giver would need to give the gift to the local Council or National Council. Look for projects where scouts can feel truly invested just make sure to clear any ideas with your council beforehand to get any approvals needed. McGowan shares the fictional example of a Scout raising money frompopcorn sales and having his portiongointo his individual Scout account. This site is made to support Scouts, Scoutmasters, and Scouting families. How could you just wipe the current funds out? A scout earns money on his own and puts it in his troop account; that includes participating in the unit opportunity to earn a percentage of specified amount base on his participation. Next Level Fundraising in 2022 eBook. These guidelines are intended to clearly define to the Scouting community and . To cite the old joke: If the opposite of pro is con, is the opposite of progress Congress? A scout account for the boy is just that; it is a troop controlled bank account designated for him and with restrictions on its use to actual scout costs, such as camping and such. However, troops can get permission from the councils executive board for wearing uniforms for fundraising activity. He has always worked harder than most of the boys in the Pack and the 2 troops hes been in. A large-scale service project is one of the final obstacles that you'll need to overcome to reach Scouting's highest rank: Eagle Scout. Similarly, Evergreen Industries understands how being prepared Each dollar earned must benefit scouting as described in the Rules and Regulations for the Boy Scouts of America. Adult and youth members shall not be permitted to serve as solicitors of money in support of personal or unit participation in local, national, or international events. For example: Scouts BSA/Cub Scouts and leaders should not identify themselves as Scouts BSA members/Cub Scouts or as a troop/pack participate in The Salvation Armys Christmas Bell Ringing program. However, Scouting units arent standalone entities but usually represent a small division of a larger chartered organization, and up until recently there hasnt been any clear unit-facing language prohibiting allocating proceeds earned by a participant back to his expenses. or Should we be radical and just wipe them out? And while a Scout might have a part-time job in order to earn money for his Scouting activities, many troops have long provided a means by which a Scout can earn money for his troop expenses through fundraising. Here are some resources to help and inspire you this fall recruiting season: Stay on top of Youth Protection Training. Do you really need a fundraising project? http://recreation-law.com/2014/05/22/new-irs-rulings-or-old-rules-are-not-problems-for-youth-groups/. And when I tell my scout, hell be ticked. Complete this form to kick off your group Christmas wreath fundraiser program step one of three in our fundraising process. In this article, Ill be covering everything you should know (along with the BSAs guidance) on using your own individual scout account! Selling raffle tickets or other games of chance is a direct violation of the BSA Rules and Regulations, which forbid gambling. 3. Unit Money Earing Form. Wikipedia provides a comparison of crowdfunding services. This means if you intend on venturing into a neighboring city, you need to check to ensure that another troop isnt already conducting fundraising activities in that area. Thats the part the IRS is objecting about. It can only be used for program in the troop, or with proper documentation, uniforming and reverts to the unit should the scout leave, other than direct deposits from the family which are specified on the deposit for whatever. 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. 6. Just a thought? This is not new news; in fact, the IRS advisory has been around since 2002 (and before) and the BSAs policy has been around even earlier that that (the Fiscal Policies and Procedures document has been around since before 1994 and the version that has been cited is the most recent revision). She was audited twice for tips; her income, with two kids, was less than $10,000 at the time. Watch Troop Talk Live every second Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. CT on Facebook Live for ideas to help your troop. However, most troop fundraisers are governed by the Boy Scouts of Americas rules on money-earning projects, which means they must fit within certain guidelines. But some Scout units like to earn additional funds for Scouting by supplementing thoseprojects with their own. The BSA Unit Money-Earning Application ( Form No. It was the first time in a long time the IRS has done that, he says. The fact remains that this policy statement represents a paradigm shift in the way we raise money in our troops and it will certainly require some adaptation on the unit level. The Eagle candidate may register and promote the site. However, if you request donations from friends and family, noting that itll specifically offset your costs of Scouting, those can be put into an individual scout account. The chartered organization owning both units, no problem. BSA units are strongly encouraged to participate in existing BSA and NCAC fundraising activities such as Popcorn sales and CampCards which already meet BSA rules and regulations and are designed to support both unit activities and individual Scout financial needs. Ill wait to hear this come down from my council. This would be raising money for another organization. Third party settlement organizations, such as PayPal and Venmo, will be required to provide customers with a 1099-K form if they receive $600 or more in goods and services transactions during the 2022 tax year. A list of District Eagle Advisors available to provide coaching can been made available to Scoutmasters and Unit Commissioners, please contact your District Advancement Chairman emails can be found athttps://www.mayflowerbsa.org/program/youth/advancement/, Crowdfunding for Eagle Scout Service Projects, For more information, see 9.0.2.10 Fundraising Issues at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/GuideToAdvancement/EagleScoutRank.aspx, 83 Cedar Street Milford, MA 01757 508-872-6551 voice 508-872-9092 fax, Camp Squanto 200 Cuttersfield Road Plymouth, MA 02360, Camp Resolute 75 Hudson Road Bolton, MA 01740, Nobscot Scout Reservation 1 Nobscot Road Sudbury, MA 01776. Surely, some will get a free ride (most likely for those who can afford Scouting on their own) but it can also be structured so as to convey a sense of responsibility to his patrol and to the troop and thus encourage participation by all. Many questions remain unanswered: The BSA appears to have made up its mind, even if the action was necessarily rolled out in a hasty manner. Will the fundraising project avoid soliciting money or gifts? Money raised in the name of Scouting that isnt used for Scouting is a definite no-no. Scouting does a lot of fundraising, especially through popcorn sales. You could also work in cooperation with the other troop to make sure your efforts dont conflict with each other. But our Council has never provided us with a rulebook. Forms : Resources : Cornhusker Council, BSA Fundraising is where things can get confusing. That said, the BSA knows low-price projects aren't always a realistic goal. 34427 BSA Unit Money Earning Application, BSA Fundraising Policies and Procedures Manual. ScoutSmarts.com is not sponsored or endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America. And those funds certainly wouldnt be available to be withdrawn as cash. He may not sign on behalf of the local council or the Boy Scouts of America, nor may he bind the chartered organization without its written authorization. Adults must Be Prepared for high adventure, too, Blast off safely with water-bottle rockets at your next unit event. One thing is for certain: Most of us will need to start talking about how to fund our units going forward. Units can still conduct fundraisers to fund unit operations, but cannot require a minimum fundraising amount per Scout or family and cannot allocate proceeds to individual members. Scouting units are owned by their chartered organizations, and their non-profit status is conferred upon them by the CO, most of which are 501(c)(3) organizations. Rules and Regulations Each Scouting unit is different. Even though its not as easy as participating in a troop fundraiser, Scouts can still earn money for their participation through outside jobs like shoveling snow, mowing lawns or working part-time. I would argue that most people feel they are making a gift overpaying for a product because they know the extra goes towards scouting usually, from my experience, intending the gift to help the scout that asked for the contribution. Your budget will show in dollars what your unit has planned for the year to come. 34427)serves as the means for obtaining project fundraising approval and complying with the BSA rules, regulations, and guidelines. And, units can still do fundraisers. Now how to maintain scout accounts so boys will be encouraged to pay their own way means we would need to change change the way one we think about and handle the funds. Congratulations! In the rulings it was mentioned that an insubstantial part was deemed acceptable. I wont bury the lede: Despite what you mightve heard, theBoy Scouts of Americas rules do allow for individual Scout accounts. Is this not a private benefit? Here are some fun and engaging Boy Scouts fundraiser ideas your troop can try. Memo. For example, certain providers require excess funds be used solely for the project, not just turned over to the project beneficiary. 1. The product must not detract from the ideals and principles of the BSA. While I do agree that this is going to be harder than it needs to be if we dont have some guidance, there is another side effect. Before any person in your unit signs a contract, they must make sure the venture is legitimate and worthy. The need should be beyond normal budget items covered by dues. Scout troop saves hikers life after terrifying fall, Cub Scout family dens: What they are, and how they could work for your pack. Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer. Aaron Derr is the senior editor of Aaron on Scouting and Scout Life magazine, and also a former Cubmaster and Scouts BSA volunteer. It addresses the policies concerning contributions, fundraising, advertising, commercialism, use of the uniform, gambling, local council control, unit money-earning projects, pyramid sales, products sales, Scouting public display activities and raising funds. Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting (now Aaron on Scouting). Besides, the form doesnt go to National it remains there at the Council level. PDF Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project - Boy Scouts of America The funds are contributions to the boys rather than to the unit (i.e. But to the extent we have people that are raising significant funds, and those funds are being used for costs that would normally be parental obligations in connection with Scouting, were getting into an area where the IRS has been and is paying more attention. Everyone's paperwork - health forms, merit badge lists - completed. So I understand now that we cant do that, but we can split up the proceeds equally to all the Scouts to reduce the cost of Summer Camp. All commercial products must sell on their own merits, not the benefit received by the Boy Scouts. CREATE AN ACCOUNT |. Most troop fundraising monies are not given exclusively to it members, only a portion of the monies raise go to the members the rest goes to the troop in whole. If the IRS is so desperate they need to worry about the pittance in most accounts, then they are even more screwed up than is obvious. The requirements for planning, developing, and giving leadership must be met through the project itself, not through the fundraising effort. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. How long does it take to get your funds after the donating window closes? Get in touch with your district unit-serving executive if you have any concerns. The official uniform is intended to be worn primarily for use in connection with Scouting activities. Additionally the Unit Money-Earning Application is just another example of the bureaucracy that has invaded National in the recent decade or so. many Districts are doing the Camp Cards fundraisers now. His project replacing a dilapidated, unsafe . Only councils are authorized to directly solicit funds, and indeed a business owner who isnt familiar with Scoutings organization could misconstrue a Cub Scout packs request for a donation as a request from the Boy Scouts in the larger sense, which may impact programs like Community Friends of Scouting. The BSA Rules and Regulations state, Youth members shall not be permitted to serve as solicitors of money for their chartered organizations, for the local council, or in support of other organizations. Lets teach the kids the importance of earning their way by participating. Remember, Im not giving legal advice, but I hope this article gets you started down the right path! Why do we need to nit pick this to death. Plan to attend monthly roundtables with the greater district area leaders. Typically, council popcorn sales or Scout show ticket sales are approved uniform fundraisers. These are gray areas, and common sense has to prevail.. Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook | Boy Scouts of America ONLINE: scoutingmagazine.org/contact The chartering organization owns all equipment and funds for every unit. If a commercial product is to be sold, will the fundraising activity comply with BSA policy on wearing the uniform? 7. Simply gather gifts like candy, or ask businesses to donate some prizes. Tax deductible donations are another story most donations to scout fundraising would likely not qualify and tax deductible receipts are generally not provided (if they were the actual value of the popcorn/product would be deducted from the price paid and only the remaining amount would show up on the receipt). Before soliciting donations of materials and monetary funds or conducting any fundraising efforts, Eagle Scout candidates must submit the Eagle Scout Project Fundraising Application located in the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook to the Scout Service Center two weeks in advance of your fundraising efforts. Its not all doom and gloom, cats and dogs are still bitter play partners. 4. A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. This wording, or a version of it, has been in the explanation of A Scout is Thrifty in the Scout Law for decades. Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life andScouting magazines. The typical arrangement where all or a portion of the profit from the sale of a product such as popcorn or holiday greens, or work done stadium cleanup, for instance is credited to a boys Scout account has been in almost universal use. Units can still conduct fundraisers to fund unit operations, but cannot require a minimum fundraising amount per Scout or family and cannot allocate proceeds to individual members.. Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting (now Aaron on Scouting). And now I am doing my research via Google because that seems to be the only way to learn anything. If the unit is part of the same chartered organization, I certainly see no problem with that, McGowan says. If the unit uses popcorn money to buy new tents, thats fine. We're a 501C3, or a non-profit organization so we're bound to do that or we could put our non-profit status in jeopardy. The gift card is issued in the scouts name. Maybe a lesson will be learned during that unearned summer camp that will change a kids outlook on how they should participate.
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