Financial Aid & Fundraising
Our Troop can offer some assistance to Scout families in need, for certain Troop costs. Families may also “self help” through their own private fundraising efforts. Please note that Troop adults are not to directly or in-private fully sponsor a Scout in need. When seeking assistance, always ask the Committee Chairperson to advise you.
In general, private fundraising activities may not be advertised to the Troop-at-Large. However, Scouts who are fundraising for their Eagle Scout projects may advertise to the Troop per the rules below.
Click to expand each section to learn more.
Aid for Annual or Activity Fees
- In-Troop: Committee Chair can partially waive dues or certain Troop activity fees. As well, Troop 718 has equipment Scouts can borrow so they don’t need to make expensive purchases.
- Charter Org: Our Charter organization, the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge #1378, can provide assistance on a case-by-case basis, for Summer Camp or certain Troop activities.
- Summer Camp Aid: Boy Scout Camps offer “camperships” which can award between 25% to 40% of the basic camp cost. Each Camp Venue has its own process, timeline, and assistance plan.
Self Help - Private or Small Group Fundraising
- Families do not need to notify Troop Leadership of their private efforts.
- Boys may NOT wear Scout uniforms, reference Troop 718, or reference BSA publicly in any form. They may however generically refer to “summer camp” or “scout expenses”, if they wish.
Self Help - BSA Product Sales
Families must contact the Committee Chairperson to participate. Scouts must wear their uniforms and represent Scouting when selling product. BSA offers two programs:
- Boy Scout Popcorn. 25% to 40% of proceeds go to the Scout. Program runs August to October. Popcorn products can be sold three ways.
- Product is pre-ordered at no charge. Sold product is paid for; unsold product is returned.
- Product is pre-sold and ordered with payment.
- Product is sold via online service. Settlement occurs in November to a Troop account.
- Camp Cards. Cards offer discounts at local retailers and supermarkets. Cards are sold for $5.00; Scout keeps $2.50 per card sold. Cost of $2.50 per card and unsold cards must be returned to the Troop. Program runs February to June.
NOTE: Families must follow all program rules, provide accurate and auditable records, and follow Troop-defined processes. Where Troop accounting is needed (Popcorn Sales), proceeds may be applied only toward approved activities. Proceeds not applied by 90 days after end of program date will be transferred to the Troop’s general fund.
Eagle Scout Project Fundraising Advertising
Scouts must first obtain appropriate approvals on the Eagle Scout Service Plan Fundraising Application, before starting fundraising. Advertising to the Troop will be allowed only with the Committee Chair’s approval.
Activities in which the Scout may advertise to the Troop-at-Large:
- Collecting cans or bottles for redemption
- Collecting donated items for a garage sale, or hosting a garage sale
- Hosting a game party, haunted house, or other participation based event that has an entry fee
- Work services, such as washing cars, gardening, dog walking, etc.
- Limited sale of low priced handmade items
- Running a booth at a local fair
Activities in which the Scout may NOT advertise to the Troop-at-Large:
- Any event which raises funds through a raffle, auction, or gambling, or which serves alcohol
- Any event hosted at the beneficiary’s location (possible exception: the Scout organized the event and 100% of proceeds will be applied toward his Eagle project)
- Restaurant fundraisers
- BSA Popcorn or Camp Cards sales
- Retail product sales, catalog sales, or in-home product “parties”
- Crowdfunding or requests for cash donations
