Unit Finance

 

Unit finance requires a bit more than keeping track of dues.  We are hopeful that this collection of unit financial resources might prove helpful.  If you need additional assistance please contact Lauren Taylor at 337-235-8551.
 

Funding Your Unit    |   Unit Money-Earning Application     |    Checking Accounts    
 Eagle Scout Projects    |    Tax ID Numbers     |     Unit Accounts 
Resources     |     Frequently Asked Questions     |    Contact


Business-like finance management not only assures that your unit will remain solvent and have what it needs when it needs it, it also provides a fine example for your youth members.

A good unit should neither run on the brink of insolvency nor accumulate surpluses. It should neither spend more than it earns nor earn more that it spends. As much harm can be done with one extreme as with the other.  Therefore, unit finances must be budgeted.
 
A budget is a plan for receiving and spending money. A unit budget is made up a year at a time, usually for the year covered by the unit charter -- though it may be based on a calendar or program year.
 
In developing the budget, expenses for the year must be estimated and a plan devised for meeting those expenses.  To determine what the unit expenses will be for the year, the unit annual program must be analyzed. Past expenses will serve as a guide for judging amounts needed for each budget category -- one-time expenses -- tents, etc.
 
In keeping with the principles of Scouting, the program of the unit is paid for by the members with money they earn and save themselves. A unit that operates through the generosity of others and finances itself by the efforts of adults fails in its responsibility to teach its members self-reliance.

Building and supervising the unit budget plan is a major responsibility within every Scouting unit. Although packs, troops, crews, and posts use a different means to determine their own budget needs, each Scouting unit falls within the official BSA fiscal policies and procedures for BSA units.

We have found that many units express concern or violate policy simply because of lack of understanding as to intent. We must recognize (A) the value of the good name and good will of the Boy Scouts of America, (B) the philosophy of value given for value received, and (C) the fact that Scouting exists to provide a wholesome program to the youth of our community and not to develop a cadre of young salesman. Money-earning projects should be designed as a means to supplement, not replace, the budget plan or dues system. BSA Product Sales and Policy Issues Manual

Additional information concerning unit budgets, the treasurer’s job, camper savings plans, forms, and records can be found in:
  • Unit Budget Plan, Boys, Basics, and Budgets
  • Pack Record Book
  • Cub Scout Leader Book
  • Troop & Team Record Book
  • Scoutmaster Handbook
  • Troop Committee Guide Book
  • Varsity Scout Leader Guide Book
  • Venturing Leader Handbook
  • Explorer Leader Handbook

 Funding Your Unit

Camp Cards and Popcorn Sales provide great opportunities for money earning projects.  These projects provide no risk opportunities for your unit and are all pre-approved by the council (no unit money earning application is required).  You will want to be sure you participate in:

If you need additional funds, a unit must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application.

   

Unit Money-Earning Applications 

A unit must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application at least two weeks prior to committing to any fundraiser.  Applications are not required for Evangeline Area Council popcorn or camp card sales. Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, refer to the BSA's "Guide to Unit Money Earning Projects."  Understanding money earning guidelines will help you in the selection of your project. Money earning projects help boys learn to pay their way. All projects (except Evangeline Area Council popcorn and camp card sales) must be approved.

   
Checking Account Instructions

Information on how your unit can open up a checking account is available here.

   
Tax ID Number

Banks require an EIN number to open a checking account.  Use an IRS SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number to get an EIN.  Note: The EIN can only be used for checking account identification purposes).  See Checking Account Instructions above for FAST filing instructions.

    

Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application

The Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application (page 17 of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook) must be used by Scouts to obtain approval for Eagle Scout project fundraising or securing donations of materials for their Eagle projects. This is necessary in all circumstances except when all contributions are from the candidate, his parents or relatives, unit or chartering organization, parents or other members of his unit, or the beneficiary of the project. Scouts should submit the fillable form to the Council for consideration. The Scout should also print a copy and include it with his project plan. Within two business days, the Scout will receive an email response either seeking additional information or providing project funding approval. When approved, a copy of the approval email is to be included with the fundraising application as a part of the Scout's project plan.

  • Submit fundraising applications via email melanie.leblanc@scouting.org
  • Project must be approved in advance: Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Form
  • Project must be done in the name of the beneficiary (not the troop).
  • Beneficiary organization retains leftover funds.
  • If the troop is holding project funds, these funds must be turned over to the project beneficiary immediately after expenses have been paid.
  • Gift documentation must come from the project beneficiary
  • Realize that approaches to big box stores will be met with a request for a tax letter, which you may or may not be able to secure from your project beneficiary.
  • Parents should let their Scout provide leadership and resist the temptation of raising funds or using their influence.
  • A Scout is courteous – and should follow up with a note of thanks
  • Guide to Advancement 2019 (www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf)

    

Unit Accounts for Scout Shops and council office

Unit accounts allow convenient checkless transactions at area Scout Shops and the council office.  Unit account funds can be applied to recharters, membership, activity, event and camping fees, advancement, uniforms, literature and other supplies.

Accounts may be set up using signature fprms at the registration counter.   Signature forms authorize up to three people and the committee chairman to use the account.  Scout Shops and the Council’s registration counter both have signature forms available.  Funds can be sent through the mail by a check sent to the Council Office or by phone using a credit card.  Please phone (337) 235-8551 for additional information.

    

Resources

Healthy unit finances go a long way to help make for a healthy program.  These resources should prove helpful:

    

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a recommended process for budget building?

 

Yes, make a list of expenses and assign a cost to each item. Use last year’s expenses (e.g,. awards, advancement, recognition, trips, entry fees, registration fees, Boys’ Life magazine, insurance, handbooks, neckerchiefs, unit numerals, financial assistance, training fees for youth and adults, program materials, equipment replacement) itemize all costs and add the total. It is often helpful to view expenses in terms of cost per youth member.

With a good idea of expenses facing you, begin to strategize on how your unit will meet costs through dues and money earning opportunities. The Evangeline Area Council offers 2 excellent projects annually with popcorn sales in the fall and camp cardscoupon sales in the spring.

Additional Considerations:  Maintain dues at a level so each youth member can learn to pay their way without dues posing a hardship.  Adding registration fees to the budget helps make the rechartering process much easier. Keep a reserve fund of 15-30% of your annual budget for emergencies. 

Can a unit (pack or troop) solicit funds?

Soliciting funds from within the unit is acceptable, but no other solicitation is allowed.

What projects does the Evangeline Area Council offer for unit money earning?

1. Camp Card Sales kickoff in February.

  • Participating units earn up to 50% sales commissions
  • Scouts earn prizes and recognition
  • No need to file a Unit Money-Earning Application
  • Uniforms can be worn by participants
  • Quality product, excellent value and repeat sales
  • No unit risk – order what you sell
  • No Sales Tax consequences

2. Popcorn Sales kickoff in September.

  • Units earn up to 35% sales commissions
  • Scouts earn prizes and recognition
  • No need to file a Unit Money-Earning Application
  • Uniforms can be worn by participants
  • Quality products, excellent value and repeat sales
  • No unit risk – order what you sell
  • No Sales Tax consequences

Can a unit elect to earn money in ways other than Camp Cards and Popcorn?

Yes.  Units can apply to raise funds using a Unit Money-Earning Application form. 

How quickly will the online Unit Money-Earning applications be approved?

Usually within a few hours.

Why is this Unit Money-Earning Application important?

• Call referral of potential customers
• Problem solving
• Health & Safety
• Guide units in making good decisions
• Save units from possible heartache
• Ensure that units are not binding the Boy Scouts of America or the Sam Houston Area Council in contractual agreements

Which units must complete a Unit Money-Earning Application form?

Any unit engaging in non-council money earning efforts with the sale of goods or services must file.

Does our unit have to pay state sales tax on purchases made solely for the use of our unit?

Yes

Does our unit have to collect and pay sales tax related to product sales?

 

No.  You will pay tax on the items puchased to make the product(s) but do not charge tax on the finished product you sell. 

 

In the case of Camp Cards and Popcorn, the council absorbs the cost of the taxes associated with the purchase of the products from the manufacturers.

Is our unit a charitable organization?

No. Chartered partners are often charitable, but units are not automatically subordinated to share the same status.

What is the IRS Form 990-N, and does our unit need to file annually with the IRS the electronic postcard 990-N?

In 2008, the IRS introduced a new, abbreviated filing for small tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipt of less than $25,000: Form 990-N. The BSA national office consulted with the IRS and outside counsel, as to whether this new filing requirement applies to Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venturing crews, and other units. In their opinion, most Scout units do not have to file the new Form 990-N. For most units, no filing is required. The only exception is for the very small number of units that have filed for separate, federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Those units must file either Form 990-N (if their annual gross receipts were less than $25,000) or the more detailed Form 990 or 990EZ (if annual gross receipts were $25,000 or more).

Can our pack or troop be covered under the BSA's group exemption?

No. The IRS only allows local councils (and council trust funds) to be included under the BSA group exemption. Packs, troops, and other Scout units cannot be included under the BSA group exemption because they belong to their chartered organization. (Note: tax issues for Girl Scout troops are handled differently by the IRS because of how their cookie sales are structured).

Is it all right if our unit solicits companies, foundations or individuals?

No. Read through Unit Money Earning Guidelines. There is no provision for this kind of solicitation.

How long does our unit need to retain financial records?

Most transactions are online these days so retaining a hard copy of records is not absolutely necessary. However, a good rule of thumb to go by for the person in charge of finances, is to keep hard copy records for the time they are in that position - handing over the hard copy to the next person handling the records. Where possible, it is best to retain 2-3 years’ worth of hard copy records. You definitely will want to keep important documents involving any change in account signers or any other big or unusual activity. Banks keep the records for seven years. Should units need anything that far back, you can usually find the information at the bank.

How can Eagle Scouts raise money to fund their project?

Eagle Scout projects cannot be a fundraiser, but Eagle Scout candidates may earn money in order to secure materials to be used for a project. Eagle Scout candidates should work with the organization for which they are rendering service and ask what funds are available for the project. If candidates opt to solicit they will need to use the tax id number from the organization they perform service for.  Eagle Scout Projects fundraising applications should be completed in the PDF form.

Should our unit consider insuring unit equipment?

Yes, it is suggested your unit insure its equipment. Remember, the chartered organization owns the unit, and all funds used by the unit remain the responsibility of the chartered organization as long as the charter issued by the BSA remains in place. It is recommended that an inventory be given annually to the chartered partner of the unit's equipment.

What happens to unit funds and equipment should the unit dissolve?

In the event of the dissolution of a unit, or the revocation or lapse of its charter, the unit committee shall apply unit funds and property to the payment of unit obligations and shall turn over the surplus, if any, to the local council. In the case of a chartered organization, any funds or equipment which may have been secured as property of the unit shall be held in trust by the chartering organization or the council, as may be agreed upon, pending reorganization of the unit or for the promotion of the program of the Boy Scouts of America.

How do I open a unit checking account?

Every unit will eventually need to have a checking account. Sometimes this gets confusing for units because banks demand a federal tax number (EIN). Banks also will often ask for other things like articles of incorporation, tax letter, bylaws, etc. This does not apply to you, but bank employees may not be aware. Use the contact information below to secure necessary validation (unit roster, charter, minutes from the last committee meeting, etc.) to open the account.

Note: Do not use your social security number for checking account identification because all financial transactions are attributed to the individual providing his or her Social Security number. This could pose problems!

If you require assistance call (337) 235-8551

Can we use our EIN for purposes other than checking account identification?

No

Can our unit assign a portion of sales (popcorn for example) for exclusive use by a youth member?  These are often referred to as Unit Scout accounts

Many units give Scouts a percentage of the profit of unit fundraisers. Normally the unit holds those funds in their checking account reserved for each Scout. The IRS has ruled that Scouts receiving a percentage of any fundraiser is a commission and as such is taxable income.

For over a year, the Boy Scouts of America, National Council has been studying the issue of private benefit. In essence, when a non-profit organization raises funds, either through contributions, or the sale of a product or service, the assumption is that the proceeds go to further the public good.

The issue comes into play when incentive programs happen at the unit level for individual Scouts. If a unit establishes an account for a member based solely on the quantity of items sold, that reward might be seen as a private benefit to the individual. If this benefit is of sufficient size, it may require reporting of this benefit as income to the individual, as well as to call into question the non-profit status of the Council and the Boy Scouts of America. These funds are clearly not for the public good, but directly benefit an individual. Therefore, we recommend the following: 

  • Make sure that any sale of materials, instructions, and support information do not make reference to individual Scouts earning money for their individual participation in Scouting activities. Fundraising for group participation is, however, acceptable. 
  • Units who wish to continue to offer “boy account” type plans need to develop fund distribution plans that include criteria other than the sale of items. These might include:
    • Participation
    • Leadership
    • Scout spirit 
    • Advancement

A portion of the unit proceeds from any sale or activity should be set aside for general unit expenses, and could include funds used for assistance to members with financial needs.

Below is an FAQ from the National Office further explaning this topic

INDIVIDUAL SCOUT ACCOUNTS AND FUNDRAISING BY BSA UNITS

Frequently Asked Questions

Are individual Scout accounts permitted? Yes. These accounts are permitted when funded by the youth member through savings, a portion of a weekly allowance, and chores around the home and neighborhood. The youth member’s family may contribute, but no charitable deduction is allowed.

What is private benefit, and why is it not allowed? Private benefit is when funds raised in the name of Scouting or another charity are directly allocated to the youth member or family doing the fundraising. Funds raised in the name of Scouting should benefit the entire unit. The tax laws do not permit private benefit, with the exception of an “insubstantial” benefit.

How is an “insubstantial” benefit defined? The IRS has classified 30 percent of the money raised as “substantial,” and less than 2 percent as “insubstantial.” The burden of proof that the benefit is “insubstantial” is on the organization.

Are incentives allowed for participation in fundraising or sales? The IRS has not ruled on this matter, but the “insubstantial” benefit restriction would apply.

Can Scouting units use funds to assist youth members who have a financial need? The unit can allocate funds based on financial need, and may consider factors such as participation in the unit, advancement, and Scout spirit.

Are there penalties for private benefit or other tax issues? Private benefit may result in the loss of tax-exempt status for the chartering organization, or the local council. Allocating funds raised in the name of Scouting directly to a youth member could result in self-employment tax liability

For more information, please contact Lauren Taylor at (337) 235-8551.