A good program needs a good budget.
Units that plan their Scouting year run stronger programs,and the budget is a big part of that plan. This page walks you through budgeting,fundraising,and the rules that keep your unit’s money safe.
Your unit’s money year in four steps
Work through these in order when you plan your year. Most units do this over the summer,before the fall program starts.
Build your budget
Start with a worksheet. List what your year costs (registration,advancement,camping,equipment) and what you’ll collect in dues. The gap is what you’ll need to fundraise.
Fund your program with council-approved sales
The council’s annual Popcorn Sale runs in the fall. Scouting Digital Sales can run any time of year. Both are already approved,so you can start without extra paperwork.
Get approval for any other fundraiser
Car wash,spaghetti dinner,wreath sale? Anything other than Popcorn or Scouting Digital Sales needs a Unit Money Earning Application.
Submit one application for each fundraiser,and get approval before the event.
Set up banking and understand your tax status
The Fiscal Policies and Procedures for Units answers the two questions leaders ask most:how to organize your unit’s bank account,and how your unit’s non-profit status works.
Do I need an application for this fundraiser?
The quickest way to stay in good standing with the council.
Popcorn Sale or Scouting Digital Sales
No application needed
These are council programs and already approved.
Quick reference
Every finance document in one place.
| Resource | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Pack budget worksheetExcel | Planning a Cub Scout pack’s annual budget |
| Troop budget worksheetExcel | Planning a Scouts BSA troop’s annual budget |
| Popcorn Sale | Signing up for or running the fall sale |
| Digital Sales PlatformPDF | Selling online at any time of year |
| Unit Money Earning guide &applicationPDF | Planning any fundraiser other than Popcorn or Digital Sales |
| Fiscal Policies &Procedures for Units | Opening a bank account or answering tax-status questions |
| Financial Assistance | A family needs help with registration fees or summer camp |
Common questions
Can our unit open its own bank account?
Yes,and how to set it up is covered in the Fiscal Policies and Procedures for Units. Read it before you visit the bank so you bring the right information.
Is our unit tax-exempt?
The Fiscal Policies and Procedures for Unitsexplains your unit’s non-profit status and what it means for fundraising.
We want to hold a car wash. What do we do?
Any fundraiser other than Popcorn or Scouting Digital Sales needs a Unit Money Earning Application. Submit one for each event and wait for approval before you hold it.
When can we run Digital Sales?
Any time of year. It’s a good option for units that want to fundraise outside the fall popcorn season.
We just took over as treasurer. Where do we start?
Go through the four steps above. Talk with previous leadership or your District Executive.
Every family should be able to join Scouting
If a family in your unit needs help paying for Scouting,the Narragansett Council offers assistance with membership registration fees and camperships for summer camp.