Donor FAQs

Who determines how Girl Scouts Louisiana East spends its money?

My daughter paid a $10 registration fee this year. Why do you need the Annual Family Giving Campaign in addition to membership dues?

What do I get for contributing to the Annual Family Giving Campaign?

What does my contribution do for my daughter?

Will it make a difference if I don't give anything?

My daughter is in a troop and I give her money for what she needs. Why do you need more?

Since Girl Scouts sell so many cookies, don't they already have a reliable funding source?

I already give my time as a troop leader. Why should I give to the Annual Family Giving Campaign?

As a leader, I already give a lot of money to my troop. Why should I give to the council too?

My company has a Matching Gift (or volunteer hours) program. Will that help?

What does Girl Scouting really stand for today?

May I designate my donation to a special program?

Who determines how Girl Scouts Louisiana East spends its money?
Our volunteer Board of Directors annually reviews and approves the Girl Scout Council budget. Before being submitted to the Board, the volunteer Finance Management Committee must first strenuously review the proposed budget and only on the recommendation of this committee can the budget be brought before the Board of Directors for approval.

My daughter paid a $10 registration fee this year. Why do you need the Annual Family Giving Campaign in addition to membership dues?
The $10 Girl Scout membership fee is sent directly to the Girl Scout national headquarters in New York to cover the cost of insurance, program development, and other services of the national organization. This money is not retained by our Council. No part of your registration helps pay for the direct service your daughter receives.

What does my contribution do for my daughter?
Adult financial support for Girl Scouting is very important. Your contribution, along with others, provides materials, programs, training, and support for your daughter and her troop leader. Your contribution shows you care. Contributions may be made in one of three ways: cash, check, credit card or Girl Scout billing. All amounts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What do I get for contributing to the Annual Family Giving Campaign?
You get a feeling of satisfaction in helping the Girl Scout program remain a vital force within our Council area, so that girls - all girls- may take advantage of the benefits and opportunities offered by Girl Scouting.

Will it make a difference if I don't give anything?
Yes and No -- No, your daughter will still be a Girl Scout and have the same opportunities as someone whose family has supported the Family Campaign, --Yes, it will mean that, in order to maintain the high quality of the program that Girl Scout offers to its members, funding will have to be found elsewhere.

My daughter is in a troop and I give her money for what she needs. Why do you need more?
The money you give your daughter supports her specific troop activities. Troop money is not used for Council services. Last year it cost our combined Council approximately $299 per girl per year to provide services such as training and supporting troop leaders, providing camping opportunities and offering Council-wide events for all age levels. Other youth-serving organizations charge a sizable membership fee.

Since Girl Scouts sell so many cookies, don't they already have a reliable funding source?
Although the Girl Scout cookie sale is one successful part of funding, we cannot rely on cookies alone to ensure that Girl Scouting continues to meet the needs of girls in southeast Louisiana. Our goal is to produce the support Girl Scouting needs through adult-generated means. By creating diverse ways of supporting the program, we ensure that girls today and tomorrow are guaranteed the best Girl Scouting has to offer.

I already give my time as a troop leader. Why should I give to the Family Campaign?
Your gift of volunteer time as a leader is Girl Scouting's most valuable asset. Your additional support through the Annual Family Giving Campaign will ensure that the program is financially secure and will continue to be there for every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout.

As a leader, I already give a lot of money to my troop. Why should I give to the Council too?
A well-planned troop budget will prevent the leader from being overly-burdened with the troop's financial needs by utilizing product sales income, other approved money earning projects and troop dues to cover expenses.

My company has a Matching Gift (or volunteer hours) program. Will that help?
Matching Gift and Volunteer Hours programs are excellent ways to increase your contribution to the Annual Family Giving Campaign. You should contact your company's personnel department (or the appropriate employee benefits person) to determine whether such programs are offered and if so, your company's procedures for your participation on behalf of Girl Scouts Louisiana East.

What does Girl Scouting really stand for today?
The mission of Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. More than cookies and camping, Girl Scouting provides the world’s best personal growth and leadership development experience for girls.  Girl Scouting provides new educational opportunities for girls to help them explore science, technology, sports, a variety of cultures and travel. And you'll find Girl Scouts in southeast Louisiana's 23 parishes wherever you find girls.

May I designate my donation to a special program?
Yes. We have many special projects that serve specific Girl Scout Program needs. Please contact our Fund Development department to find out which opportunities are currently available.