Inflation has reached the Girl Scouts!
After eight years, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) raised its annual membership fees over the next two years. The increase will raise the current $25 fee to $45 in 2026 and then to $65 by 2027. The National Council Session approved the 106% raise to decrease the organization’s debt and ensure its sustainability.
As of now, GSUSA is facing a possible $5 million net operating loss for this fiscal year, which could be one of the causes for the membership fee raise. In fact, according to the organization, this effort will help GSUSA avoid discontinuing or reducing its services and programs. By making this change, GSUSA hopes to improve its finances to ensure girls’ empowerment across the country continues.
“Girl Scouting must invest today to better serve our current members and to reach girls who are currently missing out on the Girl Scout experience,” a document shared on the organization’s website read.
Despite the significant increase, GSUSA is committed to ensuring that they can provide financial assistance to all volunteers and girls so they can participate in the organization. To maintain the affordability of the programs, GSUSA will only raise its adult membership fee from $25 to $30 next year.
“This investment provides GSUSA with the opportunity to implement initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our Girl Scout councils, volunteers, and the girls and families we serve,” a spokesperson for the organization said.
Nonetheless, if you’re unaware, the bulk of the Girl Scouts’ revenue is from their iconic cookies, which typically bring in an estimated $800 million annually and funds local councils. Each troop decides how its earnings are spent, often going towards funding troop activities, community service projects, and supplies. On the other hand, the membership fees support the national-level programs and administrative operations.
