Finance Basics for Scout Units

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Guidance for Troop/Pack/Crew/Ship Treasurers and their Assistants:


Fundraisers

Annual Budget

Must be ready for the start of the new fiscal year and approved by the Scout Unit Committee. The budget sets the guidelines for 1) funds needed to be raised and 2) cost parameters for all activities for the year.

Operation Reserve

Capital Reserve

Bank Accounts

Bank Reconcilition

Unit Membership Dues

Generally you would collect member dues in full at the beginning of the program year. This way all families stay committed to the program for the full year. NOTE: All unit fees and credits should be specifically approved by the Unit Committee at the start of each fiscal year. The treasurer should be ready to recommend the appropriate amounts.

It is best to keep the billing statement for all families as simple as possible. The following worksheets are recommended>

  • 2020 Scout Unit Billing Worksheet - Download and Use this worksheet to track what each family in your unit owes, credits given and payment history. With grand totals. Please note the two major sections on this worksheet: 1) Total amount billed and 2) Total amount collected.
  • 2020 Supplemental Billing Worksheet - Same Worksheet! But it can also substitute for when the scout unit decides to collect extra funds from participants to do an extra event.

Special billing considerations:

  • Credits for to encourage adults to accept positions in the unit as a committee member, etc.
  • Credits to offset the fiscal hardship on families with 2 or more youth participating in the unit ("Siblings discount"),
  • Credits for families experiencing fiscal hardship.
  • Installment payment plan for families experiencing fiscal hardship.

Fiscal Year Layout

There are several ways to set the fiscal year for your scout year.

  1. Calendar Year [Jan-Dec] - traditional format
  2. School Year (Troop) [Aug-Jul] - Preferred format for troops and crews with the following benefits:
    • Membership dues and fundraisers are collected at the beginning of the year with eye towards preparing major events of the year
    • Year ends with major expenditure event - (summer camp and/or hi-adventure or jamboree)
  1. School Year (Pack) [Jul-Jun] - Preferred format for packs - all the same reasons as above.

Partial year adjustment: You can declare an odd year - one with either fewer months or extra months for if you want to move your unit from a Calendar Year to a School year fiscal program (or vice-versa).

Expense Vouchers

Resources:

  • 2020 Scout Unit Billing Worksheet - Download and Use this worksheet to track what each family in your unit owes, credits given and payment history. With grand totals.