Why is Boy Scout fundraising important?
Being a non-profit organization, Scout fundraising is a key method the larger Scouting organization uses to raise funds. The Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America) helps pay for a variety of member projects such as Scouting trips, community Scouting programs, field trips, summer camps, meetings, conservation initiatives, and much more. All these projects need funding, thus the efforts by Scouts BSA troops and local councils to raise funds.
However, fundraising is about much more than just contributing to the larger organization. Character development is the foundation of being a Boy Scout. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to “Prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
Fundraising is one of the most effective ways they build life skills in their members. By taking part in fundraising efforts, a Boy Scout learns values such as honesty, loyalty, courtesy, obedience, and self-confidence. And these ideas aren’t just for Boy Scouts, some ideas are also suitable for Cub Scouts, especially with parental supervision.
Create your fundraiser
First things first, it’s time to set up your online fundraiser on GoFundMe. With online fundraising, you can reach beyond your immediate network of family members, scout leaders, and loved ones.
Setting up a successful fundraiser takes time and effort, so follow these tried-and-tested tips to create a fundraiser that stands out:
- Create an engaging fundraiser title to catch the attention of potential donors.
- Write a compelling fundraiser story to introduce your troop and why you’re fundraising.
- Use high-quality photos and video. Be sure to get permission from other group members before posting.
- Update your supporters and followers regularly to build connections and inspire additional donations.
- Post your fundraiser and any related fundraising events on social media.
- Use GoFundMe’s ‘teams’ feature, where you can work together with other group members, leaders, and parents to manage your fundraiser. While assigning teammates is not essential, it’s a great way to share fundraising responsibility.
Boy Scout fundraising ideas
Whether you’re looking for something quick and simple or a larger community event, here are some fun, effective Boy Scout fundraising ideas to get you started:
1. Scavenger hunt
This is a great fundraising event idea for holidays like Halloween and Easter. Simply gather gifts like candy bars or ask local businesses to donate some prizes. Hide these in strategic places within a given radius. Create a map with clues and sell the map to the parents in your neighborhood. Their children will be entertained with the scavenger hunt, and they will find great gifts along the way. It helps to create a scouting experience for potential future members, too.
2. Shoe drive fundraiser
Lots of families have gently used pairs of shoes lying around that no longer fit. Promote a shoe drive through emails, social media, and posters. Collect unused shoes from the local community. Send these to an organization like Funds2Org and raise money for your cause.
3. Dance marathon
Challenge your fellow Scouts to a virtual dance marathon to see who can go the longest. Collect pledges from friends and family, as well as an attendance fee.
4. Virtual walkathon
How far can you go? This is one of the most engaging fundraising ideas for Boy Scout troop unity, as you get to challenge yourselves to cover as many miles as possible. Collect pledges and donations for the challenge through your GoFundMe.
5. Online Scout show
Show your community just how fun being a Scout can be by live-streaming a fundraising Scout show for them. It’s a great way to improve your Scouting skills as well as collect pledges and donations.
6. Gift a rose
Partner with a local florist to get a rose-gifting service. Community members get to send a rose to an address of their choice, and your troop members deliver it. You can even have troop members read out a special message to the people receiving the flowers.
7. Lawn service
Get your troops together to work on neighbors’ lawns for a fee. From mowing lawns to trimming hedges, yard maintenance never ends. As such, community members will not only appreciate the help but will likely be happy to contribute to a good cause.
8. Dog-walking services
This is one of the best Boy Scouts fundraisers for bringing in constant contributions. Set up a dog walking service in your neighborhood and establish your troop as the place to go.
9. Yard sale
Ask the community to send in all the things they have been looking to get rid of, and sell them to raise money for your cause. You can even list items online through platforms like Craigslist.
10. T-shirts sales
Promote the scouting foundation by selling the organization’s apparel. Or, you could search for an online t-shirt fundraising service that makes custom t-shirts, and sell these to your classmates, neighbors, and more.
11. Recyclables collection
Ask houses and businesses in your neighborhood to leave bottles and other recyclable materials on their front porch for pick-up. Sort them into relevant categories and get them ready for refunding.
12. Car wash services
Offer to wash people’s cars for a small fee. You can set up in a local parking lot or at your Scout group. Spread the word about your car wash to parents and scout leaders. Offer different services for different donation amounts.
13. Popcorn fundraiser
Selling popcorn is an effective fundraising strategy because it’s popular, easy to make, and easy to sell at a profit. It’s relatively cheap to buy in the first place, meaning you don’t have to have much money to get started, and you can customize it with flavourings to make it unique. Profit from popcorn sales can go towards your total fundraising amount. Pair it with a movie night to maximize sales.
14. Cookie sale
Girl Scouts have been very successful at this, so why not give it a go? You could also try other items, such as cookie dough or ice cream.
Create opportunities to earn Merit Badges
If helping the troop wasn’t reason enough, fundraising ideas can contribute to earning Merit Badges. Check out the Scouting America website for a full list of available Merit Badges and what is required for each.
Encourage your troop members to consider pairing their fundraising efforts and themes with Merit Badges they are hoping to work towards. Speak to your Merit Badge counselor to see what might be possible.
Start raising money today
Whichever Boy Scout fundraising idea you come up with, GoFundMe is here to take it a mile further.
GoFundMe is a safe, trusted, and effective fundraising platform that has raised more than $30 billion, with a charitable giving community of more than 150 million donors.
Set up your crowdfunding fundraiser today and get started.
