Unit Money-Earning

Unit money-earning projects play an important role in enabling the unit to obtain new equipment, go on camping trips, and participate in other activities and events. More important, the way a unit earns money is of great importance in the education of youth members. Usually, these projects fall into one of four groups:

• Service projects—car washes; forestry projects; the collection of paper, aluminum, scrap iron, and plastic
• Activities involving parents—bake sales, pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners
• Sales of tickets for council shows or other events
• Sale of commercial product—candy, Christmas trees, first-aid kits, popcorn, or light bulbs

Units are responsible for keeping policies concerning unit finance and for getting approval for the unit money-earning projects. The following BSA policies are designed to protect both the unit and the good reputation of Scouting:

1. No direct solicitation for funds by units is permitted.
2. The unit committee is the custodian of all funds.
3. All units must submit the Unit Money-Earning Application, No. 34427, to the council for approval. Such approval is contingent on prior approval of the unit committee and chartered organization.
4. General guidelines for unit money-earning projects include
   • Do not gamble or conflict with local ordinances.
   • Ensure your project provides a value worthy of the money spent on the project.
   • Respect the territorial rights of other units.
   • Do not conflict with goods or services offered by established merchants or workmen. Do not schedule a project that conflicts with established dates of money-earning in the chartered organization, council, or community.
   • Protect the name and goodwill of the Boy Scouts of America.
   • Do not enter a contract that may bind the BSA, either locally or nationally.
   • Consider money-earning projects that serve a dual purpose of conservation and money earning. Collection of aluminum, glass, paper, and scrap metal can be profitable when conducted near a recycling facility. Units should be sure of a market before any collection. A collection must be well planned with adequate adult supervision and safety precautions.