Texas Southwest Council > Resources > Annual Program Planning > Unit Finance

Unit Finance

Business-like management of unit funds not only assures good fiscal responsibility and meeting the youth program needs, but it also provides a fine example for your youth members. 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.

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.

Budgets

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.

Additional information concerning unit budgets, the treasurer’s job, camper savings plans, forms, and records can be found in:

Funding a Unit

 Popcorn sales provide great opportunities for money-earning projects. These projects provide no-risk opportunities for the unit and are pre-approved by the council (a Unit Money-Earning Application application is not required). Units should participate in popcorn sales.

Product Sales

If additional funds are needed after participating in popcorn sales, a unit must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application before conducting any fundraiser.

Product Sales

If additional funds are needed after participating in popcorn sales, a unit must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application before conducting any fundraiser.   

BSA Fundraising Policy and Procedures Manual

Unit Money-Earning Applications 

Money-earning projects should be designed as a means to supplement, not replace, the budget plan or dues system. A unit must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application at least two weeks prior to committing to any fundraiser.  Whenever the unit is planning a money-earning project, refer to the BSA’s “Guide to Unit Money Earning Projects.”  Understanding money earning guidelines will help in the selection of projects. Money earning projects help Scouts learn to pay their way. All fundraising projects (except popcorn sales) must be approved by submitting one of the following applications: