Volunteer Cookie Finances

Manage the troop cookie finances with ease!

Learn how the cookie "crumbles" so you can manage both girl and troop finances, the end of the cookie program and ensure girls receive the recognitions they deserve.

At $6 per package, Girl Scout Cookies are still a great value and a terrific way for customers to support Girl Scouts. Research shows that 9 out of 10 people will buy Girl Scout Cookies when asked. Every package of cookies sold bring your Girl Scout and her troop one step closer towards a financially independent future.

Check out How the Cookie Crumbles in more detail.

Financial Details

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Girl Scouts may accept cash, credit/debit card, and/or checks made payable to "Girl Scouts" only.
Girl Scouts should accept only preprinted checks with the issuer's address.
Girl Scouts are cautioned against accepting checks over $75 or out-of-state checks from unknown customers.
Adults should safeguard the cookie money.
Cookie money should be submitted for deposit to the Troop Cookie Manager, in it's original form (cash and checks from customers) promptly and frequently. Caregivers should not deposit cookie money into their personal bank accounts.
To receive more cookies each week, Girl Scouts should turn in all money collected or at least 50 percent of the money due for cookies previously received.
Take time to count the money received with the caregiver to verify the amount before writing a receipt. Do not have Girl Scouts bring money to school or drop off money if you are not home.
Troop Cookie Manager's must write a receipt for every cookie transaction:
- Cookie product in and out
- Money received
- Recognitions received
Record the financial transactions in Smart Cookies.

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Troop Cookie Managers are responsible for depositing all Cookie Program funds into their troop checking account. Deposits should be made promptly and frequently.

How Does the Troop Pay for the Cookies?
Girl Scouts will be collecting money as they sell cookies. The amount of cash troops will be receiving throughout the sale will be substantial. Council proceeds will be collected from troops via ACH (Automatic Clearing House) debit. An ACH debit is an electronic funds transfer. Troops are responsible for making sure there are sufficient funds to cover the ACH debits. The council has scheduled two ACH debit times and will repeat a debit that fails for any reason.

When do ACH Debits happen?

Midway through the sale, the first ACH debit for 50 percent of the “TOTAL AMOUNT DUE COUNCIL” listed in the online system on a specific date.
The “FINAL BALANCE/PAYMENT DUE” to council will begin the first day of the End-of-Program Audit process.

See Troop Action Calendar for dates.

Important Note: Troops should set up a regular weekly payment schedule to ensure the proper amount of funds are in the troop checking account when debits occur.

What happens if my troop is unable to make the first ACH debit or my ACH debit bounces?
Troops that are unable to meet the deadline for their first ACH debit or their troop ACH debit is returned for any reason will not be able to pickup additional cookies from the cupboard, only exchanges.

What do troops do when a check deposited into the troop's checking account bounces?
This is what the bank may refer to as a chargeback or returned check due to insufficient funds, stop payment, closed account, etc. During the Product Program season, watch your troop bank statements. The council will reimburse the troop for the amount of the check if the troop follows instructions on the Bad Check Recovery Procedures Form. Do not accept any payments to cover a returned check from the check writer after receiving the chargeback notice from the bank. Please contact the Finance Department with questions at (888) 686-6468.

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Troops who are Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador are eligible to Opt-Out of girl recognitions in order to receive more proceeds. This is a great option if your troop has a trip or travel planned.

Troops participating in the Opt-Out option earn an additional .05 cents more per package in troop proceeds. Girl Scouts who qualify will receive patches only and an invitation to the Elite Entrepreneur Experiences.

Troop Cookie Managers should talk about this option during their Parent/Family Meeting to ensure that all Girl Scouts are in agreement and that caregivers understand exactly what opting-out means. No paperwork is needed and council will not be aware of your troop choice. Troop Cookie Manager's must set this option in Smart Cookies in your Troop Information if your troop plans to Opt-Out.

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View the End-of-Program Audit Instructions.

File your Cookie End-of-Program Audit.

Unpaid Balance Girl Shortage
Fill out and submit this form with the required supporting documents to ensure that all unpaid balances are reported during your End-of-Program Audit process. An adjustment to the troop's Balance Due will be made based on the information provided.