Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I give to Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area?
Girl Scouting is a charitable organization that needs donations to continue to serve nearly 50,000 girl and adult members yearly.
Known for its innovation and strategic outreach to girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to become Girl Scouts…our council requires an investment from donors like you!
We are steadfast in our commitment to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Your tax-deductible donation to support the Bay Area Girl Scouts and their volunteer leaders will result in a state of the art program empowering our girls.
Our goal is to raise $1.1 Million in contributed revenue annually.
Why is my purchase of Girl Scout Cookies not considered a gift to Girl Scouts?
Girl Scout Cookies and Girl Scout Fall Sale Products are programs designed to teach Girl Scouts a variety of skills including goal-setting and public speaking. Girl Scout Cookies and Girl Scout Fall Sale products are considered an exchange of goods and the fair market value of these items is not tax deductible.
How much of my donation goes directly to girls?
82% of the council’s income benefits Girl Scout Program for all girls in the Bay Area. 18% of the council’s income goes toward management and general operating support of Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area.
(Annual Report 2004)
Do charitable foundations support the Girl Scout organization?
Yes. Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area receives grants and contributions from various foundations throughout the nation. For specific grant making opportunities please contact our Fund Development Department at (510) 562-8470.
Does the Girl Scout organization receive funding from United Way?
Yes. Donors can designate a charity by identifying an agency name on their form. United Way discontinued their catalogue of agency numbers, but continues to update their agency list internally. Please designate your gift to “Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area.”
How can my company give to Girl Scouts? What are my options?
- Sponsor a table at our annual Power Lunch and invite friends to this unique event benefiting Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area.
- Make an annual gift or pledge.
- Conduct an employee campaign and list Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area as a beneficiary.
- Make a donation and ask your company to match your gift.
- Ask if your volunteer hours for Girl Scouts can be matched with a donation.
- Donate a gift-in-kind (products or services as opposed to a monetary donation).
What if I want to donate an item or service, (a gift-in-kind)?
We accept items that can be used for Girl Scout programs or for our annual silent auction. Please contact our Fund Development Department at (510) 562-8470 to find out how your gift-in-kind can be put to use!
What is FOGS?
The Friends of Girl Scouting (FOGS) Campaign is our annual fundraising campaign that provides the valuable unrestricted support which underwrites programs and projects throughout the Bay Area. Also known as our Family Campaign or Family Partnership, FOGS is supported by our Girl Scout families and friends.
What are my options for giving to FOGS?
- You can make a gift to FOGS when you register yourself or your daughter. Simply add your gift amount at the bottom of the page and pay for both in one easy step!
- Donate Online - It's Easy and Secure!
- Complete the FOGS Giving Form that is included in all Girl Scout Troop Registration Packets and mail it to our office.
What are FOGS incentive gifts?
We offer annual FOGS pins and patches to members who give to the FOGS campaign.
For a gift of $10 or more, you are eligible to receive a FOGS patch.
For a gift of $25 or more, you are eligible to receive a FOGS pin and a patch.
If you do not wish to receive a FOGS incentive, you can decline by contacting our office at (510) 562-8470, ext. 115 or 146.
When do I receive my FOGS incentive gift?
FOGS patches and pins are mailed twice a year to coincide with our membership year.
- If you registered through Spring Registration, you will receive your incentive gift in November / December.
- If you registered through Fall Registration, you will receive your incentive gift in February / March.
- If you sent your donation directly to the office, your gift will be acknowledged as soon as it is received, but your incentive will be batched with membership registration donors at the time of your gift.
May I designate my donation to a special program?
Yes. We have many special projects that serve specific Girl Scout Program needs. Please contact our Fund Development Department to find out which opportunities are currently available.
For more information on our campaigns, visit our Ways To Give page
Thank you for considering a gift to support Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area – Where Girls Grow Strong!
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